West Martello Tower and Gardens

West Martello is a tropical garden among the low brick remains of a 19th-century coastal fort on Key West's Atlantic side. The grounds make an easy, unhurried stop for orchids, tropical planting and old masonry. They're compact, so this fits best into a day around Key West rather than as a full garden outing on its own.

The paths pass through distinct spaces, including a Butterfly Garden, an inner-courtyard Perfume Garden, a hilltop area for native wildflowers and two orchid arbors. Look for the arched brick courtyards, benches and the garden's pond and waterfall as you wander. The small history display near reception helps make sense of the fort before you explore.

The hilltop wildflower garden looks toward the beach. For a photo that feels like this place, keep a few blooms or brickwork in the foreground with the water beyond; in the orchid arbors, the old masonry makes a better backdrop than a tight flower-only shot.

Parking is just outside the garden. There are restrooms, drinking fountains and benches on the grounds, and most of the garden is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though the full route isn't described as step-free. Visitors can bring lunch; a small gift shop sells water bottles. Only trained service animals are allowed.

West Martello was one of two Martello batteries planned to support Fort Zachary Taylor in a broader scheme to defend Key West's harbor. Work began in 1863 and stopped in 1873 before the battery was armed. Two small guns were added on the ocean-facing side in 1878. During the Spanish-American War the tower served as quarters, storage and a signal lookout; later it had radio and anti-aircraft roles.

After the Army released its Key West properties in 1947, West Martello was threatened with demolition. The Garden Club took an interest in 1949 and arranged to care for the old fort as a garden center. The tower is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the club's volunteer gardeners maintain the grounds.