Sure, it’s 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse—but think of it as leg day with a view. This historic tower once kept sailors off the rocks, and now it rewards tourists with one of the best panoramic shots you can snap in flip-flops. Operated by the island’s oldest cultural non-profit, it’s got serious queer history cred too. Climb it for the ‘Gram, stay for the breeze, and pretend you’re the main character in your own steamy sea captain romance novel.

All aboard the Conch Tour Train—no, it’s not that kind of train, but you’re welcome to pretend. This is a charming, kitschy 60-minute ride through Old Town Key West, complete with historical gossip and pastel real estate envy. It’s a fun, low-effort way to see the island, sweat less, and maybe even clock a few fellow queers along the route. Bonus: it starts and ends at Mallory Square, so you’re never far from your next mojito.

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a lush, tropical fantasy where you can flit among 50 species of butterflies, make friends with tropical birds, and maybe even lock eyes with Rhett and Scarlett, the resident flamingo couple serving pink drama. Founded by out-and-proud Key West legend George Fernandez, this magical greenhouse feels like stepping into a Lisa Frank dreamscape. Come for the butterflies, stay for the vibes—and the flamingos with better posture than you. And yes, darling, that’s a butterfly landing on your shoulder—and no, it’s not judging your outfit (probably).

The Key West AIDS Memorial is more than just stone and names—it’s a sacred space in paradise. As the world’s first municipal AIDS memorial, it honors over 1,200 lives lost in the Florida Keys and stands as a fierce reminder that queer joy has always existed alongside deep loss. Take a quiet moment here to cry, remember, or just feel—because grief and love both deserve a seat in the sun. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and absolutely necessary.

It’s just a street sign—but honey, it’s the street sign. The Mile 0 marker on U.S. Route 1 is a cult photo-op where road trippers, queers, and cruise ship escapees gather to say, “We made it to the end of the line!” Snap your pic, grab a tchotchke from the gift shop, and bask in the oddly emotional triumph of standing where 2,000 miles of pavement surrender to the sea. It’s camp, it’s kitsch, it’s kind of iconic.

The Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House is where high drama meets high seas. This gorgeous red-brick landmark houses everything from the island’s role in the Spanish-American War to the tender, tormented artwork of queer icon Tennessee Williams. Yes, the man who queered Broadway also painted moody portraits on his patio—and you can see them here. Come for the history, stay for the gossip, and leave with a renewed appreciation for Key West’s flair for the theatrical.

The Studios of Key West is where island charm meets high-key creative chaos—in the best way possible. Housed in a sexy Art Deco building just off Duval, this cultural hotspot serves up rotating queer-friendly exhibits, live music, theater, and rooftop cocktails with a killer sunset view. Tuesday night gay happy hour? Oh, it’s a thing—and yes, the art is as bold as the crowd. If you’re craving culture with a splash of sass, this is your go-to.

Tennessee Williams didn’t just write gay subtext—he invented it, then slapped it on a Broadway stage in a silk robe with a Southern accent. At the Tennessee Williams Museum, you’ll find first editions, personal photos, rare articles, and enough queer literary history to make your inner theater kid weep. Williams lived in Key West for over 30 years, writing some of his most iconic (and scandalous) work here. Come for the gay drama, stay for the legacy of the man who made desire poetic, tragic, and just a little bit sweaty.

Want to watch the sunset like the dramatic sea queen you are? Hop aboard Danger Charters’ Wind & Wine Sunset Sail, where handcrafted sailboats, endless vino, and Key West’s famous technicolor skies come together for one truly extra golden hour. These Skipjack-style beauties glide you past the crowds so you can sip, sail, and serve main-character energy as the sun dips into the sea. Shore views are cute—but let’s be honest, a sunset this iconic deserves a front-row seat and a full glass.

If you’re into watersports (and we know some of you are), Fury Water Adventures is the ultimate way to get wet in Key West. From parasailing and jet skiing to kayaking and snorkeling, their all-day “Ultimate Adventure” is basically gay summer camp with better tan lines. Bonus points: Fury is a true ally, proudly hosting Pride cruises and supporting LGBTQ+ causes year-round. So slap on that sunscreen, grab your swim trunks (or not), and prepare to make some waves—literally.