Named "The Best Professional Theater in Florida" by Florida Monthly Magazine in 2010 and 2011, The Waterfront Playhouse is a not-for-profit, professional theater located on historic Mallory Square in Old Town Key West. The theater attracts locals and tourists alike with a wide range of comedies, dramas, musicals, concerts, and world premieres. The Playhouse utilizes Key West's rich talent pool of actors, directors and designers, as well as attracting internationally known luminaries.
If you're a fan of the delicate winged creatures, then this is definitely the place for you. The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which treats visitors to amazing sights and smells of mother earth, has a climate controlled enclosure for about 60 species of butterflies. The colors, size, shape, history and lifespan can be studied at the Learning Center - a great experience for children and adults alike. The gallery and gift shop have lots more in store.
Aqua Nightclub is one of the most popular nightlife haunts in the city. Known for its live music events, karaoke and other entertaining events; the club has amassed a large fan following. The place with its fun vibe, is known to be among the best for singles as well as LGBT, making it a convivial place to visit. If you are one of those people who love to tap their feet to dance numbers, Aqua Nightclub is your place to be. So when you are in the city and want to ring in the night with fun, frolic and laughter, head to Aqua Nightclub.
For movie buffs, this cinema serves every purpose. Showcasing award-winning films and conducting courses in digital media and other areas, the Tropic Cinema has helped create awareness about cultures globally. It also hosts birthday parties, anniversaries and other occasions. Festive occasions call for a celebration and this is the place to be! See website for showtimes, ticketing info and more.
Delve deep into the marine blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and learn about out underwater counterparts, albeit virtually. This spectacular discovery center located at the edge of the land in Key West takes visitors on a fascinating journey where they can explore the mysterious ecosystem of the Everglades, marvel at the world's only underwater ocean laboratory, participate in exciting virtual dives that take them 1,600 feet (487.68 meters) under the sea, admire the Living Reef exhibit with actual corals and fish, and get questions answered by expert marine biologists. The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center also conducts group visits, and admission to the center is free.
The Hemingway Home & Museum was the residence of the renowned author Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was known both for his grander-than-life personality and his amazing writing, including the books The Sun Also Rises and Farewell to Arms. The rooms and the collections on display give you an insight into the life of this famous writer. Keep a look out for the museum's many polydactyl (six-toed) cats that are rumored to be descendants of Hemingway's pet cat Snow White.
If you are looking for a different kind of gallery, this is where you should be. Having established this gallery in January 1999, Alan S. Maltz has also created award-winning books like 'Key West Color' and 'Miami City of Dreams' in recent times. Beautiful sunsets, colourful flowers, gorgeous landscape, amazing wildlife... there is nothing that his camera has not caught. So, go ahead and have a look. Click!
Key Lime Bike Tours is a local tour operating agency that takes on a bicycle tour around Key West. Tours are usually conducted in groups, headed by a knowledgeable and friendly guide who feeds you with fun trivia and information about the city and each passing attraction. Bikes are allotted to you on rent along with a helmet and a half liter bottle to keep you hydrated during the journey.
Helen Harrison is the founder and owner of this gallery, that strives to promote local talent. Besides displaying creations in wood of her own, this renowned award-winning sculptor also runs this charming gallery. Here you can see mesmerizing art pieces by emerging as well as established artists. The gallery is a popular venue for art and craft exhibitions, showcasing some amazing work, that definitely impress! So stop by to appreciate some local creation!
With a name like that, diversity is on the menu. This gallery is one of the newest co-op. galleries that presents local artists. The gallery's permanent collections include works of David Scott, Pam Hobbs, Lynne Fischer, Jennifer Badry, Maggie Ruley and Michael Sanders. Displayed works include paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry, glass and clay art. What's more? One of the 7 artists is always present in the gallery, working on-site.
One of the only catholic churches on the island, The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea was built in the year 1905 in the American Victorian style of architecture. Romanesque and early Renaissance elements can also be found in the interiors of the church. The church also features a Lourdes grotto, a replica of a grotto in Lourdes, France, established in the early 1900s, which as legend goes is claimed to be the reason why Key West has never been direct witness to a hurricane since the early 20th century. If you decide to visit, know that 45 minute tours of the church are conducted on a frequent basis. Mass also takes place everyday in English, Spanish and even Polish. If you are in the mood to glimpse at a slice of history, see an example of American Victorian style of architecture or simply attend mass, then a visit to The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea won't let you down.
If you've ever wanted to spend quality time in the ocean on an authentic sailing ship, this is an experience for you. A 44-passenger topsail schooner, this beauty departs the Key West Seaport twice daily for two-hour daytime and sunset sightseeing tours. Day cruises offer sightseeing around the Keys. Sunset cruises offer the same plus champagne, wine, beer, sodas, and live music.