Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Key West (must see)

Located right by Mallory Square on the waterfront, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is an interactive museum about shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. It tells the story of “wrecking,” the 19th-century business of recovering cargo from vessels that struck the Florida Reef, and how salvage crews brought wealth into Key West. Actors, a short film, and hands-on displays keep the visit moving, so it feels more like a story you’re walking through than a quiet gallery.

The museum building is a recreation of a 19th-century wrecker’s warehouse associated with Asa Tift, a Key West businessman and influential figure during the wrecking era, known for his role in the island’s shipping and salvage trade. The design is meant to capture the look and feel of the waterfront warehouses that once stood here, rather than using the original 1850s structure. Inside, you’ll see period-style details, stacked “cargo” scenes, and clear explanations of how goods were claimed, brought ashore, and sold through the courts.

Exhibits include real artifacts spanning hundreds of years of maritime history in these waters, from coins and tools to ship hardware and recovered cargo. Many well-known pieces connect to the 1985 rediscovery of the schooner Isaac Allerton (which was wrecked in 1856), one of the richest shipwreck finds tied to Key West. Another crowd favorite is the chance to try lifting a 64-pound silver bar salvaged from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.

A final highlight is the 65-foot lookout tower, a replica that nods to the lookout points once used to watch the reef. The climb ends with wide views over the harbor and much of Old Town. Ticket options and combo packages can change, so it’s best to check current pricing and deals directly with the museum when planning your visit.