Key West Parks and Gardens

(Key West, Florida - FL, USA)

There are some beautiful parks and gardens scattered around the Old and New towns and around Key West's shores, which provide both respite and an opportunity to learn more about the area through guided tours and self touring.

Key West is known for its historical state parks, beautiful and well tended gardens and pristine marine parks loaded with colorful coral and exotic creatures from the deep.

Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

Address: 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 305 294 2116
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens is a well-preserved 19th century home and tropical gardens named after painter John James Audubon. The great painter and ornithologist visited this Key West house in 1832 and its main features include the lush tropical gardens, vintage photographs, antiques and some rare Audubon prints. A 30 minute self guided audio tour takes in everything.
Open hours: daily 09:30 - 17:00, last admission - 16:30
Admission: adults charge, discounts for children, students and AAA and AARP members

Bayview Park

Located in the New Town of Key West, Bayview Park is a memorial established through the efforts of a rich Cuban cigar maker to commemorate soldiers who fought in the Civil and Vietnam Wars, and more recently those in Operation Desert Storm.
Open hours: daily, year round
Admission: free

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 305 292 6713
The fort was built in the mid-19th century and was used in the Spanish-American War, with the grounds of Key West's Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park now encompassing a quiet beach and picnic area. The best time to visit is on the first weekend in March, during the Civil War Days celebration where there are costumed reenactments and demonstrations. Tours last for 30 minutes.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to sunset, tours 12:00 to 14:00, fort closes at 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for groups in vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

Higgs Beach-Astro Park

Address: Atlantic Boulevard, Key West, Florida FL, USA
Higgs Beach-Astro Park consists of a beach, Monroe County Park and the children's playground known as Astro Park. A grove of Australian pine trees and the West Martello Tower are features of the park and the beach is the gravesite of nearly 300 African slaves, who died after being rescued from three slave ships in 1860.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 23:00
Admission: free

Key West Marine Park

Address: Key West Atlantic shoreline (Duval Street to Higgs Beach), Key West, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 305 294 3100
The Key West Marine Park was created so that swimmers would have a long swimming lane without the need to worry too much about motorized vessels getting in their way. This popular swimming lane is marked by buoys where swimmers and snorkelers can explore the waters undisturbed.
Open hours: daily, year round
Admission: free

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

Address: 1 Free School Lane, Key West, Florida FL, 33040, USA
Tel: +1 305 294 0015
Located in the center of the Old Town in Key West, Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden has been a green oasis for more than three decades and seen off countless storms and hurricanes. A popular location for weddings in Key West, the gardens are loaded with palm trees, ferns, bromeliads, gingers, orchids and vines, as well as many other exotic delights. There is also an art gallery on the grounds, while one-hour private tours run throughout the day.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge