This strip of sand is one of the best-known beaches in Key West. Named after a former governor, it is just west of the airport and, at two miles long, it is the island's longest strip of sand. This beach is an excellent choice if you have children. With plenty of parking, restrooms, concession stands, chair rentals, picnic tables, watersport rentals and more, everything you need to have a great day in the sun is right at hand. The beach was hit hard by a hurricane in 1998, but it has recovered well and is flourishing once again.
Locally owned and operated since 1975, this art deco hotel offers relaxing amenities and first-rate services in the center of Old Town Key West, within walking distance of Duval Street. The Eden House is a completely non-smoking hotel that is surrounded by a lush, tropical setting. Guests can go for a swim in the heated pool, relax in a hammock or soak up the Florida sun on the elevated sundeck. The helpful concierge service can arrange a variety of activities or guests can explore with a hired bicycle. Guests can dine in the Eden House's Garden Cafe as well as enjoy the complimentary Happy Hour from 16:00 until 17:00 every day. Coffee and tea is also available 24 hours a day in the lobby.
Sebago's most popular cruise is the ‘Snorkel and Sailing Adventure' to North America's only living Coral Reef, located just six miles south of Key West in the National Marine Sanctuary. Snorklers of all ages and levels of experience can enjoy over fifty species of corals and over one hundred fifty species of fish in water that is typically fifteen to thirty feet deep. Swim in warm, clear waters surrounded by vividly colored tropical fish and coral. During your one-hour sail from Key West to the reef the friendly crew will fit you with snorkel gear and give you expert instructions.
Located right in the middle of crowded Old Town Key West, this place is an "island in the stream." Owner Nancy Forrester has somehow managed to face down the pressure of development and the tree-tearing fury of hurricanes in order to keep this 30-year-old garden pristine and magnificent. Here you will see the tropics in all its foliage glory with exotics such as orchids nestling in branches, huge ferns, bromeliads, red ginger, pink heliconias and a "sunburn" gumbo-limbo tree. Bring a picnic lunch and tour the onsite art gallery, as well. Admission is USD6.
If you're a fan of the delicate winged creatures, then this is definitely the place for you. The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which treats visitors to amazing sights and smells of mother earth, has a climate controlled enclosure for about 60 species of butterflies. The colors, size, shape, history and lifespan can be studied at the Learning Center - a great experience for children and adults alike. The gallery and gift shop have lots more in store.
Since 1958 this unique train ride has been a popular way to see and learn about the Key. Tour guides tell tales of the city's legends and history, passing various attractions, buildings and landmarks. This 90-minute tour departs from Mallory Square daily from 9am to 4:30 pm. The train consists of a small locomotive and 60 feet of open-air cars.
Kilwins is a popular dessert store known for their fudges, chocolates, toffees, brittles and corns. In addition to them, the store also offers a variety of sugar-free options for people with special dietary requirements. All the products on offer are handcrafted on-site by the staff who work tirelessly with attention given to each detail. The Key Lime Pie, chocolate English walnut fudge, and the four nut brittle are some of Kilwins specialty items.
Anyone who enjoys tales about pirates and buried treasure will appreciate this small museum. Named for a local salvager who found sunken treasure aboard a wrecked Spanish galleon, the museum currently houses a collection of these treasures, including doubloons, solid gold bars and four sunken ships from as far back as 1560. The museum also shows a film on Mr. Fisher that describes his 1985 discovery.
These comfortable, enclosed trams depart from Mallory Square and other points including many local hotels, taking passengers on informative, 90-minute guided tours of Old Town. Guides share stories about the area's history and its legends. Passengers can purchase an "all day" pass, where they can exit the trolley for a closer look at any stop and resume the tour by re boarding a later trolley during normal business hours.
Opened in 1934, this educational and entertaining aquarium features diverse exhibits on sea life in the area and live demonstrations. Wander among the many varieties of marine life or take a guided tour. One of the major attractions of the aquarium includes daily feedings of shark and fish. Children usually enjoy the touching area, where visitors can touch marine creatures in shallow pools.
Before tourism became Key West's major source of income,'wreckers' earned their living by salvaging what they could from ships wrecked on the reefs. At the Key West Shipwreck Historeum, you can learn about the 'wreckers' and see jewelry, china, house wares and other artifacts from the Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856. An observation tower offers a great view.