The Key West Aquarium: Vintage, Family Friendly Fun Downtown

One of the most vintage aquariums you might ever visit, the Key West Aquarium is an interesting attraction in the historic downtown of Key West. It’s not gigantic, but it’s pretty cool and is a great place to learn about the waters and wildlife of the Florida Keys. We’ve been quite a few times and enjoy visiting with our kids, even as they’ve gotten older. From the indoor tanks to the outdoor Florida Keys ecosystem exhibits, it’s a great thing to do for an hour+ on a hot Key West day.

I think most people stopping into the Key West Aquarium are looking for an up-close view to many of the fish you’ll see when you’re snorkeling in the Keys. It’s actually a wonderful idea to start your time in Key West by coming here and setting yourself up for snorkeling success later in your Keys vacation. If you have any questions about coming to the Key West Aquarium or need more tips for having fun around town, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help YOU plan a great Florida Keys vacation.

Highlights of the Key West Aquarium

Whenever we get to see animals we get excited, even when it’s in an aquarium (unless it’s a dolphin or orca). The Key West Aquarium is great for getting the up-close view of the wildlife surrounding the Keys. Even if you’re avid snorkelers like us, it can be difficult to actually get close enough to the fish on the reefs or in the sponge gardens to actually be able to see their eyes and colors. Having that opportunity can really have an impact on how kids view the wildlife they see, and it goes for adults too. Once I’ve seen something in an aquarium or the zoo and then I see it out in the wild, I always do have a greater appreciation of it because I have more understanding of it.

Tip: after you’ve been to the aquarium, be sure to plan a wildlife tour of some sort, such as snorkeling. It’s a great way to incorporate what you’ve seen with what it’s like in the real, natural world.

An element of the Key West Aquarium that I also really like is the sting ray tank. Located directly in the middle of the aquarium, throughout the day the staff opens the tank to gentle touch for guests. This is something I always think is special, just like the up-close observation. In the wild you cannot touch (or shouldn’t) sting rays or other creatures because you can injure them or damage their denticles. The sting ray touch tank allows you to feel the creatures and actually connect with them, again showing humans an up-close, tangible connection to the animals. I love it.

Tips for a Great Aquarium Trip

When you come to the Key West Aquarium, keep in mind that it’s a bit bigger than you may initially think. In addition to the indoor exhibits there are actually a few exhibits outside too. Here you can see some really large fish, like the mangrove snappers, and get to see how the animal interact with the recreated habitat. There are mangrove trees and other natural elements to simulate the wild, and it’s need to see the animal here, including the moray eel that darts in and out. Don’t miss it!

If you have a busy trip planned, save the Key West Aquarium for when you need to get everyone cooled off or just calmed down. The quiet atmosphere and cool setting is great for putting a break in the day. I know we’re so active when we’re here that the Key West Aquarium is usually our activity to transition from day to night and reset our tourist minds. I like visiting at the end of the day because there are fewer guests at the aquarium and when you’re done you can just enjoy the quiet of the historic district of Key West.

Being Prepared for the Key West Aquarium

There’s really no preparation or gear to consider for visiting the Key West Aquarium. Because it is an animal space, it’s not a place to bring snacks and drinks, so fill your tummy before you enter. NO FOOD OR DRINKS. The only other preparation is just being sure that your day is planned to be able spend around at hour at the Key West Aquarium. It closes at 6:00 pm, so you should have time at some point during your day in town to visit.

Parking for the Key West Aquarium

There is not dedicated parking for visiting the Key West Aquarium. It is located at the north end of Whitehead Street though, very near the Hemmingway Home and Audubon House, so there are several paid lots in the neighborhood and as you approach Mallory Square. We are usually on foot when we’re in the neighborhood, so that’s what I would recommend for you as well. It’s very easy to get an Uber or Lyft anywhere around Key West, and there are lots of taxis too. It’s a very walkable town and you’ll find that driving is more of a pain than a convenience, so plan your time to be both less stressful and more efficient.