Discover Key West a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway’s home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams.
Marvel at the accomplishment of Henry Flagler, an oil tycoon whose Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad train made its first journey to Key West on Jan. 12, 1912, literally connecting the previously isolated Florida Keys with the mainland for the first time, forever changing the face of the island chain.
Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow’s fine art treasures by Key West’s well-known and unknown artists
Here are some great things to do in Key West
1.) Pet a shark at the Key West Aquarium, which offers tours, shark and turtle feedings and a touch tank for hands-on experience with the islands’ marine life.
2.) Enter a colorful and constantly moving world of butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. The giant atrium is filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies landing on flowers, plants and even people.
3.) Come face to face with sea life aboard a glass bottom boat. The downstairs viewing area offers great vistas of the coral reef and its fascinating residents- all with getting wet.
4.) Climb on board the Conch Tour Train, where personable guides lead the train through Key West, telling tales of past and present.
5.) Puzzle through the strange truth in more than 500 exhibits at Ripleys Believe It or Not! Museum on Duval Street.
6.) Climb 88 steps to the top of the 1847 Key West Lighthouse and take in the towns best views.
7.) Head out to Dry Tortugas National Park, approximately 70 miles away. Tour this island from the Civil War era, and snorkel off its beach.
8.) Climb a top an authentic cannon, and imagine the smell of gunpowder at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The adjacent beach offers snorkeling, kayaking, concessions and picnic spots.
9.) See how Key West families lived in the 1830s without air conditioning, televisions or computers at the Key West Audubon House and Gardens where you will find huge trees, brilliant flowers and meandering walkways.
