Key West Garden Club
Key West Garden Club
4.5
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is a tropical garden paradise by the sea on the site of the remains of a civil war fort. It has garden rooms to delight you, the beach and sea to inspire you and history to intrigue you. This oceanside garden has free admission, free parking and is open to the public. West Martello Tower that houses the gardens has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. The garden is maintained by many dedicated volunteers.
Duration: < 1 hour
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401 within 5 kms
Attractions
173 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Melissa D1 contributionDon't miss this gem!What a hidden jewel in the heart of the beautiful Florida Keys! I arrived early afternoon on a Saturday and was greeted by the friendliest host! This is in a gorgeous old brick fort that has been lovingly preserved. Take the time to discover the beauty of this old building (peep the hidden portico just past the reception area- wow!) before you step out to the gardens. If you are at all interested in plants (orchids, natives) or just want to decompress in a stunningly well-maintained garden where you don't have to actually do any maintenance or weeding, this is the pitstop you didn't know you needed! Well done Key West Garden Club- well done!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 October 2023
- kbecker3700Zionsville, Indiana25 contributionsA lush garden oasisA beautiful oasis…loved the huge orchids, grafted into the trees. Garden areas are nestled into brick nooks in this former Civil War fort. Interesting architecture; & the host was very welcoming. There is some artwork & African-themed sculpture throughout. Butterflies flit among the flowering bushes. The ocean is adjacent; it’s a lovely juxtaposition of lush garden & blue waters. And it’s free! You can walk over to the restaurant Saluté afterwards; or Higg’s Beach.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 February 2024
- Erin G18 contributionsStunning attraction and free!My Dad and I visited the West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club last week. It was absolutely stunning! We enjoyed our time walking around the property, viewing the flowers and plant life, seeing the fort remains, and peaking at a few ocean views! We had eaten our lunch on the benches by the beach before visiting, but we learned that there are tables and eating areas inside the gardens. We'll opt for that next time as it's much more peaceful. The woman at the front desk told us that many locals bring their lunches to eat in the garden. The most impressive part is that it is completely free to visit and is maintained by volunteers!! Definitely recommend visiting - even if you're not usually into gardens.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 March 2024
- shark4raePawleys Island, South Carolina687 contributionsOne of those ‘don’t miss’ - seriously!A great treat in Key West! Everyone comes for various reasons, and a lot visit the botanical gardens in the old Fort Martello west - and you’ll never forget this one of a kind garden! Such a diverse collection in a peaceful setting with world class views! And the only attraction that does not charge admission! We’ll be back!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 April 2024
- Ray P132 contributionsOutstanding! Do Not Miss This!This place is a gem! Do not miss it! It’s a smallish place located right on the beach that is packed with beautiful and interesting plants…a butterfly garden, flowering cacti, flowering trees and shrubs, sculpture, and so much more. Bring your camera! The exhibits are all outdoors. There is no admission fee but this non profit accepts donations. After touring the gardens, trust me you’ll want to make a donation. You could spend 1/2 hour here or an hour or so. They also have a small, lovely gift shop.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
975 reviews
Excellent
679
Very good
248
Average
42
Poor
4
Terrible
2
faith840
Fairfax, VA163 contributions
Jan 2021
A friend of mine highly recommended this place, but to me it was just so-so. Nice place to take pictures, but otherwise I'd skip this unless you had lots of time to spare. Nothing here that you can't find in any other arboretum. Lady at front desk was not very friendly, made us wait a good ten minutes at the entrance and told us not to go any closer due to COVID (we were wearing masks and were at least 20 ft away from her) while she chatted leisurely with a couple on their way out. Free entrance and donations encouraged, but who would want to donate with such a nasty welcome!
Written 18 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is unusual for visitors to have such a bad experience starting with reception and for that we are sorry. We pride ourselves in having many 5 star ratings. We hope you will reconsider and visit us again.
Written 21 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Triprz
Wimauma, FL14 contributions
Dec 2022
The KW Garden Club is located in what remains of an Civil War era fort. In addition to the multiple gardens, there are African sculptures, fountains, really strange trees (see the Silk Floss tree), a beautiful ocean view, a labyrinth and more. And it's free!!! We happily made a donation tho. Please do so if YOU visit too.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin G
18 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
My Dad and I visited the West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club last week. It was absolutely stunning! We enjoyed our time walking around the property, viewing the flowers and plant life, seeing the fort remains, and peaking at a few ocean views! We had eaten our lunch on the benches by the beach before visiting, but we learned that there are tables and eating areas inside the gardens. We'll opt for that next time as it's much more peaceful. The woman at the front desk told us that many locals bring their lunches to eat in the garden. The most impressive part is that it is completely free to visit and is maintained by volunteers!! Definitely recommend visiting - even if you're not usually into gardens.
Written 24 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue G
Cincinnati, OH50 contributions
Nov 2021
This was a lovely spot to spend an hour or so. There is no fee, but it is worth making a donation. The site was absolutely beautiful and has the ruins of an old fort incorporated into the gardens. There is ample free parking if you arrive via car.
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan D
Wayne, NJ15 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Beautiful varieties of different flowers and trees. The garden is set inside a civil war-era fort and is peaceful and serene. Worth a visit to escape the crowds and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray P
CT132 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This place is a gem! Do not miss it! It’s a smallish place located right on the beach that is packed with beautiful and interesting plants…a butterfly garden, flowering cacti, flowering trees and shrubs, sculpture, and so much more. Bring your camera! The exhibits are all outdoors. There is no admission fee but this non profit accepts donations. After touring the gardens, trust me you’ll want to make a donation. You could spend 1/2 hour here or an hour or so. They also have a small, lovely gift shop.
Written 16 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,408 contributions
Jan 2020
I must admit I'm not a botanic gardens fan, and I really rarely visit them. But being here at the Higgs beach, we took a nice tour of them between swimming. Best of all, it's totally free.
The gardens are set in an ex civil war fortress, which made it so much more special and added a historical aspect at the same time, as we learnt some history on it when entering.
The gardens are set in an ex civil war fortress, which made it so much more special and added a historical aspect at the same time, as we learnt some history on it when entering.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa D
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
What a hidden jewel in the heart of the beautiful Florida Keys! I arrived early afternoon on a Saturday and was greeted by the friendliest host! This is in a gorgeous old brick fort that has been lovingly preserved. Take the time to discover the beauty of this old building (peep the hidden portico just past the reception area- wow!) before you step out to the gardens. If you are at all interested in plants (orchids, natives) or just want to decompress in a stunningly well-maintained garden where you don't have to actually do any maintenance or weeding, this is the pitstop you didn't know you needed! Well done Key West Garden Club- well done!
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaineM
5 contributions
Jun 2022
We went to the garden club and were impressed with how they mixed history and beauty into one cool place. Check out the statues, different types of flowers and support the cause. You will not be disappointed. Loved it.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ckvar
Cudjoe Key, FL115 contributions
May 2023
This historic garden is a gem not to be missed. Free entry (they accept donations). It is a Civil War era fort that is maintained by the Key West Garden Club. The historic aspects are very interesting, and the variety of plants and layout are exceptional. It is right nearby Higgs Beach, so you can do both at the same time. Bring your lunch and sit in the shade for a while. Takes about an hour, but you could certainly stay longer. We love to go.
Written 13 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is all the way across the Key/island from the cruise docks. But it is not a hilly walk so it is doable. It is north of Duval street by several blocks. There is a free bus that goes on the streets north and south of Duvall that you can take to the southern most point area and then you zigzag north along the coast. Be sure to have water.
Written 12 December 2019
I don't know and didn't see any there.
Written 8 July 2017
Snorkeling is nice and shallow from Higgs Beach. You can see tropical fish and possibly lobster. If you venture far from shore, make sure you have a "divers down" flag with you.There are also many snorkel guides available in Key West that will take you to coral reefs that are beautiful.
Written 27 April 2016
is it a swimable beach? concessions and/restrooms
Written 19 August 2015
Key West Garden Club is located next to Higgs Beach. It is a swimmable beach and has concessions, Salute Restaurant, and rest rooms.
Written 19 August 2015
Key West Garden Club has no admission cost. Parking is free. Donations are welcome, but it is your choice. Hope you enjoy the gardens.
Written 6 February 2015
Key West Garden Club has no admission cost. Parking is free. Donations are welcome, but it is your choice. Hope you enjoy the gardens.
Written 18 January 2015
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