The Conch Tour Train makes a lot of top 10 lists, and for good reason. While it may feel a little touristy, it's an easy way to get acquainted with the entire island and its history. The bright yellow train has been in operation since 1958. Their knowledgeable "engineers" will give you an overview of the historic district, covering 100 point of interest such as the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Southernmost Point, the conch-style architecture and more. They also provide an entertaining commentary on the legends of the city like Robert the haunted doll, who lives at Fort East Martello.
You'll spot the Key West Aquarium off Mallory Square by the distinctive great white shark bursting from the top of its façade. Built between 1932 and 1934, it's one of Florida's oldest aquariums. While on the small side, the facility offers children the opportunity to touch and hold living starfish, sea cucumbers, horseshoe crabs and conchs. The long building is lined with tanks that showcase the other critters that populate the Florida Keys like eels, lobster, seahorses and glowing jellyfish. You'll also spot alligators, stingrays and rescued sea turtles on view.
The stories of the 400 shipwrecks along the Florida Keys are told with all the bells and whistles at this part-museum, part theme-park attraction. Visitors are greeted with a 15-minute live story telling presentation before touring the museum. There are some actual artifacts from the 17th and 18th century (while others are just for show), as well as video presentations, audio recordings, and a 64-pound silver bar that families can lift up. Most people head to the 65-foot lookout tower for stunning views of the island and surrounding waters where ships met their final resting place. For those interested in seeing more real treasure from other shipwrecks, be sure to check out the Mel Fisher Museum.
Let out your inner treasure hunter at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. Fisher is famous for finding the 1622 wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1985 with an estimated $450 million cache of gold, silver, emeralds and more. Rather than a flashy show, this is a real-deal museum with a collection that holds over 100,000 pieces of jewelry, coins, glassware, tools, cannons, iron shackles, and anchors that were all found on sunken ships. All of these items translate into human stories of how they were lost and found. Take your time to peruse the exhibits and soak up the air conditioning (a big plus in the warmer months). The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that works to preserve archaeological artifacts and educates visitors on maritime history. A number of educational programs are also available including children's camps to study marine life and the environment, plus a night at the museum.
Let out your inner treasure hunter at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. Fisher is famous for finding the 1622 wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1985 with an estimated $450 million cache of gold, silver, emeralds and more. Rather than a flashy show, this is a real-deal museum with a collection that holds over 100,000 pieces of jewelry, coins, glassware, tools, cannons, iron shackles, and anchors that were all found on sunken ships. All of these items translate into human stories of how they were lost and found. Take your time to peruse the exhibits and soak up the air conditioning (a big plus in the warmer months). The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that works to preserve archaeological artifacts and educates visitors on maritime history. A number of educational programs are also available including children's camps to study marine life and the environment, plus a night at the museum.
Escape into these enchanting gardens filled with soothing music, birds, turtles, fountains and over 80 species of butterflies. The entrance to the conservatory offers a wealth of interesting information about the life cycle and behavior of these stunning insects. Take a breather on a butterfly-shaped bench and try to get a close-up photo of a camera-shy Blue Morpho. You'll wind up staying longer than planned. Cocoons are on display in the glass-enclosed pupae room toward the rear and are clearly labeled with the species name. At any time, 1200 to 2,000 butterflies reside in the conservatory, and if one chooses to land on you, it's a sign of good luck. Don't miss the two pink flamingos named Rhett and Scarlett hanging out in the Koi pond.
Grab a kiss at the top of Key West's iconic lighthouse. Built in 1847, it was originally powered by 15 oil lamps that helped guide sailors to the island. Although it no longer serves as a functioning lighthouse, visitors can climb the 88 winding steps to the top for 360-degree views of the city and the ocean. Admission includes entrance to the museum (the former keeper's quarters), where audio and visual recordings are available as well as glass display cases of the previous owner's possessions. Photographs and quotes from lighthouse keepers and their families show that the now obsolete way of life will never be forgotten. Note that it closes at 4:30 p.m., so don't try to wait for the sunset. While many lighthouses in the U.S. are not open to the public, Key West's tower invites visitors to explore and learn about the past.
When the museum admissions and snorkeling tours start to add up, free options are always the way to go--especially when the kids can learn a thing or two. The Eco-Discovery Center provides a look into the ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Just a step away from Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, exhibits include an interactive satellite map of the Keys, a replica of the Aquarius underwater ocean laboratory and an underwater video camera used for monitoring the health of a coral reef. The real star is the Living Reef exhibit, which includes a 2,500-gallon reef tank teeming with living corals and tropical fish.