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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful strolls
West Martello Tower Key West
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful strolls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Civil War fort housing a vibrant, free tropical garden club with stunning ocean views. A peaceful escape.
"A beautiful, peaceful, and free oasis with stunning ocean views and a historic charm."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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.

Oceanfront Views
Along the garden paths
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene backdrop to the vibrant gardens.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Oasis
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot :camera:
The gardens offer numerous beautiful backdrops for memorable photos, especially near the ocean.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Key West can get hot. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
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!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on garden paths, so wear comfy shoes.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot :camera:
The gardens offer numerous beautiful backdrops for memorable photos, especially near the ocean.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Key West can get hot. Bring water, especially if visiting during warmer months.
🦎 Lizard Watch!
The gardens are teeming with lizards! A fun sight for all ages.
🧺 Picnic Potential
A lovely spot for a picnic, though you'll need to pack your own food.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
If you're exploring Key West, walking or biking is also a great option as the island is quite small.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.
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.
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.
Walking is also a popular and free way to explore.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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can visit at your leisure during operating hours.
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.
Absolutely! The gardens are incredibly picturesque with diverse flora, ocean views, and historic architecture, making it a fantastic spot for photography.
🎫 🧭 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.
Most visitors spend between 15 minutes to an hour exploring the gardens, depending on their interest in plants and photography.
Yes, there are public restrooms available within the garden area.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the gardens, spotting lizards, and learning about the historic fort. It's a safe and engaging environment.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Key West is famous for its happy hours! Many bars and restaurants, particularly along Duval Street, offer great deals on drinks and appetizers.
Yes, the gardens are a beautiful setting for a picnic. Just remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the area clean.
Key West cuisine often features fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and tropical flavors. Don't miss trying local specialties!
📸 📸 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.
Many find the beautiful gardens and ocean backdrop ideal for engagement and wedding photos.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Morning light is also lovely and less crowded.
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.
Keep an eye out for unique plants, the braided tree mentioned by visitors, and the charming archway at the entrance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historical Bastion: The West Martello Tower
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.
The Enchanting Key West Garden Club
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.
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.
Navigating Key West: Beyond the Tower
For longer distances or when you're tired of walking, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a convenient option. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit