Whether you’re looking to visit Key West for the first time or are an old-timer who hasn’t visited since you were a kid, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to see and do. From the famous Southernmost Point to the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, here are some of the best places to explore while in Florida’s oldest city.
Located on the historic Truman Waterfront in Key West, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center offers a wide array of informative exhibits. The center focuses on the marine environment of the Florida Keys and teaches children about conservation, biodiversity, and the benefits of reefs. The center has a 2,500 gallon coral reef tank and offers educational materials on reefs, mangroves, and ocean life.
The Florida Keys is a rich ecosystem with many species of wildlife and birds. In addition to the aquatic life, the islands offer a refuge for snow birds in the winter months. The Florida Keys is also home to the Eastern National Wildlife Refuge.
The Florida Keys is home to several endangered species. One of the most endangered is the Key Deer. It is the smallest deer in North America and is considered a subspecies of the white-tailed deer.
The Eco-Discovery Center features an interactive exhibit about the National Marine Sanctuary of the Florida Keys. The center’s interactive exhibits explain how the Sanctuary works to protect the natural resources of the Florida Keys. It is free to visit. The center is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Located on Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a calming and tranquil oasis. Here, visitors can see hundreds of butterflies in their natural habitat. This enchanting oasis has been voted as one of the top four places to see in Key West.
At the conservatory, you will get a good look at exotic tropical butterflies. These beautiful creatures are imported from Africa, Asia and Australia. They have short lives, with many dying within two weeks.
The conservatory is also home to dozens of birds and local wildlife. This makes it a perfect place to stop for a photo op.
The conservatory is located on the southern end of Duval Street. The conservatory is open from 9 am to 5 pm. It is wheelchair accessible.
The Conservatory is well worth a visit, especially for kids. They will love the butterflies and birds. They will also appreciate the learning center. The center has exhibits and a video about the butterfly life cycle.
Located at 322 Duval Street in Old Key West, the Oldest House in South Florida is the oldest surviving home in the state. Originally built in 1829, this house has survived hurricanes, fires, and several disasters. The house was built by Richard Cussans, a ship’s carpenter.
The house was originally constructed in the Classic Revival style. It incorporates influences from colonial architecture. The house features a large garden with mature tropical foliage and a gazebo. It is also home to several indigenous plants.
The house is open to the public for free. There are displays of artifacts and documents that provide a historical glimpse into the past of the island. Visitors can also take a tour of the house. A staff member is available to answer questions.
This house was the home of Captain Francis Watlington and his wife Emeline. They had seven children. The family lived in the house until 1972. When they sold the home, the deed was given to the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. In 1975, the foundation hired the Old Island Restoration Foundation to manage the restoration project.
Whether you are traveling to Key West, Florida or just passing through, you’ll want to see the Southernmost Point monument. It’s a great photo opportunity and a historical marker for the city. You’ll also find a variety of restaurants and shops with “southernmost” in their name. You can also find snorkeling and diving at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
It’s a popular tourist spot for locals and visitors alike. The concrete buoy is located on the corner of Whitehead and South streets. It stands about 12 feet tall and seven feet wide. It’s painted in red, black and yellow. It also has a plaque next to it that tells the history of the black community on the island.
The buoy is free to visit at all times. People from around the world stop here to take pictures. You can also check it out through a webcam. This way you can see the traffic in real time. You can also catch a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean.