Play or Rest in Key West

Our cruise ship arrives in sunny Key West, Florida.  We are ready to do some walking and sight-seeing. 

One of the first buildings we see is a large red brick building – the Custom House.  It was built in 1891.  Over the years, it has been the location for the Custom’s Office, post office and a court house.  The building was abandoned in the 1930’s and fell into disrepair.  After a lengthy and expensive restoration project, it now serves as the Museum of Art & History preserving the culture of the Florida Keys.  It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Christmas) and there is an admission fee charged. 

The Custom House (Museum of Art & History)

We walk down Duval Street and do a little window shopping. This is a touristy thing to do and it can be crowded.  Some of the buildings have been re-purposed like this old movie theater that is being used as a drug store.  

Former Movie Theater - now a Drug Store

Duval Street Clock

In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Duval Street is a large white church - St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  There has been a St. Paul’s community since 1832.   The current building (the fourth church to be constructed on this site) was built between 1914 and 1919.  We enter through the open red doors (symbolizing the blood of Christ) and go inside of the church.  The soaring wood ceiling offers a sense of strength while the rows of beautiful stained glass windows (circa 1920) offer inspiration.  Each window represents a biblical story or a piece of Key West’s history.  

 St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Red Church Door

Guardian Angel Medallion

1.  Baptism of Jesus

2.  Blessing the Little Children

3.  Philip and the Ethiopian

The streets of Key West are lined with historical homes like the Hemingway House.   Across the street from the Hemingway House is the Key West Lighthouse (opened in 1848).  It was decommissioned in 1969 and is now a museum dedicated to Key West’s maritime history.  There is an admission fee but it includes the opportunity to walk up the spiral staircase (88 steps) to the top of the tower. 

Key West Lighthouse

This is what we did during our limited time here but there is so much to see and do in Key West.  To help you get started planning your visit, please click on the following links:

Key Wst Chamber of Commerce

Key West Visitor Center