West Martello Tower Key West - Tulum, México
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West Martello Tower Key West

4.8
·654 reviews·Key West, United States

A historic Civil War fort housing a vibrant, free tropical garden club with stunning ocean views. A peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter, more peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
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West Martello Tower Key West - Tulum, México

West Martello Tower Key West

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter, more peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Civil War fort housing a vibrant, free tropical garden club with stunning ocean views. A peaceful escape.

4.8
(654 reviews)

"A beautiful, peaceful, and free oasis with stunning ocean views and a historic charm."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission, Donate! :heart:

Entry is free, but donations are crucial for upkeep. Consider contributing to support the volunteers!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking on garden paths, so wear comfy shoes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Key West Garden Club

Key West Garden Club

West Martello Tower

A lush, tropical paradise with diverse flora, butterflies, and ocean views. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or photo ops.

Instagram+1
Historic Civil War Fort

Historic Civil War Fort

West Martello Tower

Explore one of Key West's remaining Civil War structures, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history.

Instagram
Oceanfront Views

Oceanfront Views

Along the garden paths

Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene backdrop to the vibrant gardens.

Instagram+1
Lizard Spotting

Lizard Spotting

Throughout the gardens

Keep an eye out for the numerous lizards that call this garden home, adding a unique element to your visit.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Oasis

Discover the West Martello Tower and its stunning Key West Garden Club, a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape. It's free to enter, but donations are highly encouraged to support the volunteers who maintain this beautiful spot. InstagramReddit+1

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While the gardens are beautiful year-round, visiting during the cooler months might offer a more comfortable experience as some plants can appear dry in warmer periods. Reddit Consider a weekday visit to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more serene atmosphere. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, more peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Cooler months (Nov-Mar)
Why
More comfortable temperatures
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The perfect Key West itinerary! Here is a quick overview you can do in a day! #keywest #keywestflorida #floridakeys #traveltiktok #itinerary #weekendgetaway #travelbucketlist
@followmeaway
42.2K likes • 1.6M views

🎯 Free Admission, Donate! :heart:

Entry is free, but donations are crucial for upkeep. Consider contributing to support the volunteers! InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking on garden paths, so wear comfy shoes. TikTok

just a few of my best tips for planning your trip to key west 🏝️ #keywest #floridakeys #floridaman #traveltiktok #USTravel #travellife #floridacheck
@theshayspence
36.2K likes • 906.1K views
Discover the hidden oasis that is the West Martello Tower in Key West. Tucked inside the historic tower builtin in 1962 lies a tropical garden perfect for a quiet respite for the weary traveler. #EscapetotheKeys
thefloridakeys
744 likes • 13.2K views

📸 Perfect Photo Spot :camera:

The gardens offer numerous beautiful backdrops for memorable photos, especially near the ocean. InstagramReddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Key West can get hot. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months. TikTok

Welcome to the hidden gem that is known as the Key West Garden Club @keywestgardenclub 🌺 Located at the West Martello Tower, this tropical paradise by the sea is open to the public and admission is ✨free✨ Explore lush grounds surrounded by flowers, butterflies, and more plants than you can imagine. This is the perfect place to explore with the family, have a picnic lunch, or even a wedding. ...
boydscampground
86 likes • 5.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission, Donate! :heart:

Entry is free, but donations are crucial for upkeep. Consider contributing to support the volunteers! InstagramReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking on garden paths, so wear comfy shoes. TikTok

📸 Perfect Photo Spot :camera:

The gardens offer numerous beautiful backdrops for memorable photos, especially near the ocean. InstagramReddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Key West can get hot. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months. TikTok

🦎 Lizard Watch!

The gardens are teeming with lizards! A fun sight for all ages. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Potential

A lovely spot for a picnic, though you'll need to pack your own food. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(654 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club as a beautiful, peaceful, and free oasis. The well-maintained gardens, historic fort, and ocean views are major highlights, with many appreciating the friendly volunteers. Some note that plants can appear dry in warmer months, and suggest visiting during cooler periods for optimal viewing.

"Such a beautiful place to stop in and tour. Clean and easy to walk through at your own pace. Lots of spots for photo opts. We really enjoyed our visit during vacation. Free to enter, they do accept donations. It's right next to White Street Pier (aka Edward B. Knight pier), so make sure you check that out too!"

Lisa Hnilica

"Beautiful place to visit and walk around. It’s quiet (we went on a Thursday) and the volunteer staff are very friendly. The garden club did a wonderful job here!"

Sarah Jane Parker

"A nice quick stop at see the gardens. Right by Higgs beach. would be a beautiful place for a picnic ( pack your own)"

Stacie Servidio

What People Like

Beautiful tropical gardens
Free admission & donations
Historic Civil War fort

What People Dislike

Plants dry in heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The West Martello Tower is located at 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, right next to Higgs Beach. Many visitors find it convenient to take an Uber or Lyft from their accommodation. TikTokInstagram If you're exploring Key West, walking or biking is also a great option as the island is quite small. TikTok+1

While specific parking details for the tower itself can be limited, there is often parking available near Higgs Beach or Smathers Beach, which are adjacent to the tower. Reddit

Yes, Key West is very walkable and bikeable. If you're staying in Old Town, it's a pleasant walk or bike ride to reach the tower. TikTok+1

Many travelers recommend not renting a car in Key West due to the island's size and ease of navigation by bike or golf cart. TikTok+1 Walking is also a popular and free way to explore. TikTok

Key West has limited public transportation options. However, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a convenient way to reach the tower. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower offers free admission. However, donations are greatly appreciated to support the volunteers who maintain the gardens. InstagramReddit+1

The garden club is generally open to the public during daylight hours. It's best to check with the Key West Garden Club directly for the most up-to-date hours, as they are run by volunteers. Instagram

No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can visit at your leisure during operating hours. Instagram+1

While formal guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, the volunteer staff at the garden club are often available to share insights about the plants and history. Reddit

Absolutely! The gardens are incredibly picturesque with diverse flora, ocean views, and historic architecture, making it a fantastic spot for photography. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the beautiful tropical gardens, admire the historic Civil War fort structure, enjoy ocean views, and spot local wildlife like lizards. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors spend between 15 minutes to an hour exploring the gardens, depending on their interest in plants and photography. Reddit

Yes, there are public restrooms available within the garden area. Reddit

Yes, children often enjoy exploring the gardens, spotting lizards, and learning about the historic fort. It's a safe and engaging environment. Instagram

The West Martello Tower is one of three Civil War structures still standing in Key West, built in the 19th century. It now houses the Key West Garden Club. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food vendors or restaurants directly within the West Martello Tower or the garden club. However, it's a great spot for a picnic if you bring your own food. Reddit

You'll find a wide variety of dining options in Key West, from casual eateries to fine dining, especially along Duval Street and near Mallory Square. TikTok

Key West is famous for its happy hours! Many bars and restaurants, particularly along Duval Street, offer great deals on drinks and appetizers. TikTok

Yes, the gardens are a beautiful setting for a picnic. Just remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean. Reddit

Key West cuisine often features fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and tropical flavors. Don't miss trying local specialties! TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The entire garden is a photographer's dream! Look for the archway entrance, the butterfly garden, succulent sections, and any spot with ocean views. InstagramReddit

Many find the beautiful gardens and ocean backdrop ideal for engagement and wedding photos. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Morning light is also lovely and less crowded. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in many public areas, especially near historic sites and parks. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Keep an eye out for unique plants, the braided tree mentioned by visitors, and the charming archway at the entrance. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club is a fantastic, free activity for families. Kids will love exploring the winding paths, discovering different plants, and spotting the many lizards that inhabit the gardens. InstagramReddit It's a safe and engaging environment where children can learn about nature and history in a relaxed setting. Remember to bring water and snacks, as there are no concessions on-site, but it's a perfect spot for a picnic. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club is an absolute gem. Admission is free, making it one of the best ways to experience Key West without spending a dime. Instagram+1 Combine this with walking or biking around the island TikTok+1 and enjoying happy hour deals TikTok for a truly affordable Key West adventure. Consider packing your own picnic to save on dining costs. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find endless inspiration at the West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club. The combination of historic architecture, lush tropical foliage, vibrant flowers, and stunning ocean views creates a picturesque setting. InstagramReddit The archway entrance, the butterfly garden, and the succulent displays are particularly popular subjects. Visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon or early morning can provide beautiful, soft lighting for your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Historical Bastion: The West Martello Tower

The West Martello Tower is a significant historical landmark in Key West, serving as one of the island's last remaining Civil War-era fortifications. Built in the late 19th century, its purpose was to defend the harbor. Today, this impressive structure provides a unique backdrop for the vibrant Key West Garden Club. Visitors can explore the remnants of the fort, imagining its past while enjoying the present beauty of the gardens. Instagram

Walking through the tower's grounds offers a tangible connection to history. The sturdy brickwork and strategic design speak to a bygone era. It's a fascinating contrast to the lush tropical flora that now thrives within and around its walls, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Instagram

The Enchanting Key West Garden Club

Nestled within the historic West Martello Tower, the Key West Garden Club is a true oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. Run by dedicated volunteers, this garden is a labor of love, showcasing a diverse collection of tropical plants, flowers, and succulents. Visitors rave about the well-maintained pathways, the vibrant colors, and the peaceful atmosphere. InstagramReddit+1

Highlights of the garden include a charming butterfly garden, an impressive collection of orchids, and various fascinating plant species. The garden's location right on the water provides stunning ocean views, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection. Many visitors also note the abundance of lizards, adding a touch of local wildlife to the experience. InstagramReddit

It's a place where you can easily spend anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you enjoy immersing yourself in nature. The volunteers are often happy to share their knowledge, enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

Navigating Key West: Beyond the Tower

While the West Martello Tower is a must-visit, understanding how to get around Key West enhances your overall trip. Many travelers, including those who live there, strongly advise against renting a car. The island is compact and easily navigable by foot, bicycle, or even golf cart. TikTok+1 This not only saves money but also allows you to truly soak in the island's unique atmosphere. TikTok

For longer distances or when you're tired of walking, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a convenient option. TikTok Key West's charm lies in its pedestrian-friendly streets and the ability to stumble upon hidden gems as you explore. Whether you're heading to Duval Street for nightlife or Smathers Beach for relaxation, getting around is part of the adventure. TikTok

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