10 Places Only Locals Know in Florida Keys

The Florida Keys have plenty of off-the-beaten-track locations that the locals love but many travelers don’t know about. There’s so much to do in the tropical island that it can be hard to keep up with all of it – so we’ve done all the research for you.

These hidden gems can allow you to have a great time and get back to the basics without having to deal with the crowds and hustle of the US archipelago. Fill up your trip with unique experiences and memories with our guide to places only locals know about in the Florida Keys.

1. Tropic Cinema

Catch the latest blockbusters at this retro-style theater

Good for: History, Nightlife

Tropic Cinema is a multiplex decked out in modern Art Deco designs. Located in Old Town, it’s an important arts and culture hub of the Key West area. You can relive the golden age of the silver screen while watching the latest blockbusters or indie and art films.

If you’re not looking to see a movie, Tropic Cinema hosts a wide range of lectures, live entertainment shows, and cultural events. It’s the place where locals often come to unwind and have a good time in the Florida Keys.

Location: 416 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Phone: +1 877-761-3456

2. Bahama Village

Browse handmade items at its outdoor market

Good for: Shoppers, History, Food

Bahama Village is a vibrant neighborhood spanning 16 blocks in Florida Key West. It’s the home of some of the most popular restaurants and cafes in the area, including Blue Heaven and Santiago’s Bodega.

A must-visit is the Bahama Village Marketa, a fully outdoor public market selling handcrafted goods, straw hats, trinkets, and seashells – all make excellent gifts or souvenirs of your travels. Bahama Village is just a short walk from Key West’s popular attractions such as the Hemingway House, Duval Street, and Mallory Square.

3. Islamorada

Great for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Keys

Good for: Families, Photo

Islamorada is a gorgeous village that’s well known for being surrounded by sprawling coral reefs. It covers several islands within the Florida Keys, namely Windley, Tea Table, Lower Matecumbe, Upper Matecumbe, Windley, and Plantation.

You can find plenty of fun and offbeat entertainment options, from inspiring museums and galleries to exciting snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities among the reefs. There are also many former quarries, tropical rainforests, and 19th-century ruins dating, so you can spend days exploring this large village in the Florida Keys.

4. Dry Tortugas

Experience history and nature in a single trip

Good for: Families, History, Photo

The Dry Tortugas are a group of 7 small islands located around 70 miles west of Key West Florida. These islands are easily reached by ferry or seaplane, allowing you to explore historic fort ruins and Civil War prisons, as well as a national park and pristine beaches.

You can join guided tours to learn about the rich history of Dry Tortugas in a leisurely way. Snorkeling is very popular, as vibrant coral reefs are just several feet from the shores. There’s a good chance of spotting sea anemones, lobsters, and even turtles while you’re in the water.

5. Bahia Honda

An uninhabited island in the lower Florida Keys

Good for: Families, Photo

Bahia Honda is an uninhabited island that’s part of the Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. It has an award-winning public beach for you to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in peaceful surroundings. You can also find a snack bar, gift shop, and kayak rentals if you want to get out on the water to explore.

Speaking of exploring, you’ll find daily tours that’ll take you to see coral reefs surrounding the island. Bahia Honda has just about everything you could want from a tropical getaway.

6. Molasses Reef

An outstanding dive spot in Key Largo

Good for: Adventure

Molasses Reef is a living coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, off the shores of Key Largo. It’s an outstanding diving location for both experienced and novice divers who are just learning the ropes. You can book guided diving tours to maximize your chances of seeing some of the brightly colored marine life that lives in and around the reef.

There are 2 deliberately scuttled ship skeletons from 1987, which provides the basis for another reef nearby. You can see up to 600 different species of creatures at the Molasses Reef, including snappers, nurse sharks, rays, and turtles

7. No Name Pub

Enjoy pizzas and chili in a laidback setting

Good for: Food, Nightlife

No Name Pub is an excellent place to enjoy offbeat pizzas and eats in Florida’s Big Pine Key. This funky tavern bills itself as “a nice place, if you can find it,” and it does deliver.

It’s nestled in an out-of-the-way rustic area that fits well with its charming atmosphere. The staff is friendly, while the pizzas and chili are outstanding. No Name Pub is a great place to kick back and relax with a few laughs in the evening, especially if in the company of friends and family.

Location: 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, USA

Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm

Phone: +1 305-872-9115

8. The Banyan Tree

An independent gift shop in Islamorada

Good for: Shoppers

The Banyan Tree is a small, independent shop that offers clothing, plants, gifts, and local artisan-crafted items like pottery. Located in Islamorada, the store has a tropical garden with exotic colored and well-maintained flowers centered around a large Banyan tree.

Creative events for art and music often take place, especially in the summer. The Banyan Tree also has an art studio where you can join art workshops.

Location: 81197 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)

Phone: +1 305-664-3433

9. Fort East Martello Museum

Learn about the Florida Keys’ history and culture

Good for: Families, History

The Fort East Martello Museum, also known as the Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum, hosts the story of the Florida Keys. It’s a celebration of the culture and history of the vibrant islands.

The museum occupies a historic building dating back to the mid-19th century – it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits include classic and modern art, as well as artifacts detailing the early inhabitants of the island.

Location: 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Phone: +1 305-295-6616

10. Captain Tony’s Saloon

A historic drinking spot frequented by famous artists, poets and authors

Good for: Nightlife

Captain Tony’s Saloon is a historic pub with a distinctly old-school vibe, occupying a building dating back to 1852. This Key West landmark has been patronized over the years by many famous artists, poets, and fiction writers, as well as celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Buffet, and even John F. Kennedy. You can sit on barstools painted with the names of these famous names.

Captain Tony’s Saloon is known by locals for its vibrant parties, all of which are focused around a theme of some sort. The place is supposedly haunted, having previously served as a morgue and the location where 16 pirates were executed by hanging.

Location: 428 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

Phone: +1 305-294-1838

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