The main and most important thing to do in Key West is explore some of the other islands and look at Florida Keys Homes for sale. The tour is free but unfortunately buying the home form me is not free but well worth every penny.
The southernmost city in the contiguous United States, captivating, sun-kissed Key West lies surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Connected to the Florida Keys and mainland by the Overseas Highway, the isolated and idyllic isle is renowned for its natural beauty, interesting historic tourist attractions, and raucous nightlife.
Closer to Havana than Miami, the island exhibits an amazing mix of cultures with American, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish influences on show. Besides visiting its many museums and historic landmarks, other things to do in Key West include basking on its beaches, enjoying watersports and exploring its rich marine life and nature reserves.
As the sun slowly and spectacularly sets, Key West takes on another identity as people head to its bars and clubs and a carnival-like atmosphere takes over the town.
Higgs Beach
A pleasant place to sunbathe, swim, and generally hang out is Higgs Beach, one of the island’s most visited waterfront areas. Lying along the southwest shore of Key West, it has a park, picnic areas, and playgrounds for guests, with snorkeling and sailing also on offer.
Besides lounging on the beach, visitors can play tennis and volleyball or stop by important historic sights, such as the African Refugee Cemetery and West Martello Tower. In addition to its recreational opportunities, Higgs Beach boasts beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean from its sandy shores and two prominent piers.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum
A short stroll to the south of the aquarium is another of the island’s top attractions: the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum. Now docked at Key West Harbor, the white ship served for over fifty years before finally being decommissioned in 1988.
The only Coast Guard Cutter to be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations, it saw action in both WWII and the Vietnam War. Nowadays visitors can learn about its captivating history by exploring both above and below deck. As well as acting as a National Memorial, the USCGC Ingham was also recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
Home to an extensive array of artifacts and exhibitions, the excellent Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum is found by the Old Town’s waterfront. Named after the diver Mel Fisher who discovered several shipwrecks in the area, it offers a fascinating look at the history of the island and the waters that surround it.
Its well-presented galleries contain gold coins, jewels, and cannons from several Spanish ships that were uncovered over the course of a couple of decades and innumerable dives. As well as these valuable treasures, the museum has interesting exhibits on underwater archaeology, diving, and the Transatlantic slave trade.
Dry Tortugas National Park
The largest brick building in the Western Hemisphere, Fort Jefferson’s sturdy defenses are amazing to explore and contrast delightfully with the shimmering waters surrounding it. Most of the national park’s treasures, however, lie beneath the waves with unforgettable snorkeling and scuba diving to be had amidst colourful corals, shoals of fish, and atmospheric shipwrecks.
Key West Cemetery
More convenient is the sprawling Key West Cemetery, located in the heart of the Old Town. Established in 1847 after a hurricane washed away the island’s earlier cemetery, it is thought to be the final resting place of 100,000 people, many more than currently live on Key West.
Besides impressive tombs and mausoleums, you can also find sections dedicated to Cuban freedom fighters and US Navy sailors, among others. While a sombre place, the quirkiness and humor of the island’s inhabitants shines through with epitaphs such as ‘I told you I was sick’ and ‘I’m just resting my eyes’ inscribed on some of its gravestones.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Also set alongside the Key West Harbor is the fun and family-friendly Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Home to all kinds of animals and exhibits, it offers a fascinating look at the rich marine environments of the Florida Keys.
Since opening in 2007 it has been a firm favorite with locals and tourists thanks to its tanks of tropical fish and colorful corals. Accompanying its aquarium are countless interactive exhibits and short films that teach you everything there is to know about the Key’s plants, fish, and animals. One of its main features is a replica of the Aquarius undersea laboratory that highlights how scientists study marine life at sea.
Smathers Beach
Southernmost Point
Erected in 1983, the painted buoy is now a lively spot with street food vendors and souvenir sellers found alongside street performers. Located at the corner of Whitehead and South street, the tourist site makes for some great photos with ’90 miles to Cuba’ emblazoned on its side.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Built between 1845 and 1866, it served during both the Civil War and Spanish-American War with tours around the fort highlighting its fascinating past. Besides this, visitors can lounge on its white sand beach, go swimming and snorkeling in the sea or enjoy a divine sunset as evening falls.
There you have it, some things to do in Key West that are inexpensive if not free. Don't forget the most important ontethough. Call me at 305-731-0501 to look at Florida Keys homes for sale so you too can become a local.
Gary
