Explore

Explore

If you’re ready to discover some cool things to do in Florida, you’ve come to the right place. The Florida Keys & Key West are one of the best destinations in the world to experience sunset sails, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, deep water diving and back country adventures. The Keys are also a favorite Florida destination for unique attractions, historical sights, museums and theatrical productions that will captivate you from morning to night.

UPPER KEYS

Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
Islander Resort
MM82 Oceanside
Islamorada, Fl 33036
305-922-2237
keysdiscovery.com
Open W – Su 10am – 5pm
Where the “Old Keys” Come To Life
This engaging educational attraction encapsulates what living in the “Old Keys.” was really like through a series of fascinating exhibits that include the infamous Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Henry Flagler’s Railroad, the Overseas Highway, legendary anglers and fishing guides and lots more. The Center also hosts a special Wednesday Night Lecture Series that starts at 6 pm on Nov 14, Nov 28 and Dec 12. Reservations strongly recommended.

History of Diving Museum
82990 Overseas Hwy (MM 83 Bayside)
Islamorada, Fl 33060
305-664-9737
divingmuseum.org
Daily 10am – 5pm
The Quest to Explore Under the Sea
Over a span of forty years, Drs Joe and Sally Bauer acquired one of the world’s largest collections of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessory gear, plus memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. Their passion took them to virtually every corner of the world and their Museum’s collection now represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history. The Museum also offers several special presentations and events throughout the year. These programs are often coordinated with a local dive shop for an optional dive or snorkel on a local reef or wreck. Check their website for upcoming events, programs, and pricing.

Hurricane Monument
MM 82, On The Median
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-4503
Open 24/7
National Historic Site
Created in 1937, this national historic site memorializes the hundreds of World War I veterans and civilians who lost their lives in the Florida Keys’ worst natural disaster – the infamous Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. As part of the National Register of Historic Places, the monument marks a crypt which contains the skeletal bones and cremated remains of more than 400 victims.

Indian Key Historic State Park
Offshore Island, MM 78.5 Oceanside
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-2540
floridastateparks.org
Open Daily 8 am – Sunset
Historic Indian Site
This tiny island once housed the largest population between St. Augustine and Key West and was also home to one of the Keys’ most lucrative ship wrecking empires. In 1840, Indian warriors burned all the structures andkilled most of the residents. Accessible only by boat, it’s a fantastic spot to swim, kayak and hike. Boat shuttle and kayak rentals available from Robbie’s Marina at MM 77.5, Gulfside.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park
MM 102.6, Oceanside
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-6300
pennekamppark.com
Open Daily 8 am – Sunset
America’s First Underwater Park
Approximately 21 miles long and four miles wide, this national treasure is famous for its spectacular coral gardens, 600+ species of exotic fish, turtle and old sailing wrecks. Plenty of activities throughout the park so there’s lots to do and see. There are also two beaches, campsites, picnic areas, a Visitors Center, Gift Shop, Dive Shop and Concession Stand.

Key Largo Princess
99701 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, Fl 33037
305-451-4655
keylargoprincess.com
Cruising Daily at 10am, 1pm & 4pm
The Keys Favorite Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
Hop aboard this 75-foot luxury, coast guard certified, glass bottom boat for an eye-popping two-hour tour around the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the only undersea park in the United States. Not only will you be able to get an up close and personal view of the beautiful underwater world of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary, you’ll also be able to peer into the depths of Key Largo’s spectacular Molasses reef. Best of all, you can view it all from the comfortable air-conditioned cabin or outside on the spacious sun deck. With room for 140 passengers, you’ll have plenty of elbow room.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical Park
Offshore island, MM 78.5, Gulfside
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-2540
Open Th – M 8am – 5:30pm; Tours F-Su
With its thriving virgin tropical hardwood hammock, this nature preserve has been called “the last place that truly represents the Florida Keys.” In 1919, a wealthy Miami chemist bought the tiny island and built a caretaker’s home which is now a Visitor Center for the island forest. Ranger-guided tours. Accessible only by boat. Boat shuttle and kayak rentals available from Robbie’s Marina at MM 77.5, Gulfside, Islamorada

MIDDLE & LOWER KEYS AREA

Bahia Honda State Park
MM 37, Oceanside
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
305-872-2353
bahiahondapark.com
Open Daily8am – Sunset
One Of The Nation’s Top Beaches
Often cited as one of the nation’s “Top 10 Beaches,” this glorious palm studded beach, with its beautiful crystalline water, offers superb swimming and snorkeling close to shore. In addition to the beach, the Park’s 524 acres of subtropical flora and fauna, nature trails, cabins, campsites and boat ramps make it a nature lover’s dream. Snorkeling and windsurfing rentals available. Admission fee.

Boondocks Mini Golf
27205 Overseas Hwy
Ramrod Key, Fl 33042
Daily 10am – 10pm 305 – 872-4094;
boondocksus.com
The Keys Only Tropical Mini-Golf Course Wandering through the Boondocks 18-hole mini golf course is like traversing through a lush garden…with a putter in your hand. This kid-friendly course is a perfect family adventure with a fun Caveman theme, two giant waterfalls, four fountains, and a full bar. Fore!

Dolphin Research Center
MM 59, Gulfside
Grassy Key/Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-1121
dolphins.org
Open Daily 9am – 4:30pm
One Of The Keys Oldest Dolphin Facilities
Founded in 1984 as a non profit marine mammal education and research facility, the DRC is one of the oldest dolphin facilities in the Keys. There are several sensational opportunities here for up close introductions with many exciting interactive programs available daily, as well as educational narrated sessions. Advance reservations are usually required for dolphin swims.

Dolphin Research Center The Dolphins’ Tale

Marathon: Flashback to the mid 1950s when a Grassy Key fisherman named Milton Santini begins collecting bottlenose dolphins to sell to aquariums and attractions. Two years into it, Milton catches a dolphin who he names Mitzi but before he can transport her to one of his customer’s facilities, a back injury sidelines him. For the next several weeks, Milton hangs out recovering by the dolphin pool and soon he and Mitzi begin to bond. Read More

And then one day Milton accidentally drops a small exercise ball into the pool. Mitzi immediately tosses the ball back to him. Milton can’t believe his eyes! He throws the ball far down the pool. Again, Mitzi, retrieves the ball and tosses it back to him. Intrigued, Milton begins training Mitzi using fish as a reward. When he tosses the fish too far behind her, Mitzi swims backwards on her tail to retrieve her reward. Thus begins the “Backward Tail Walk” and a star is born.

In 1958 Milton opens “Santini’s Porpoise School” where visitors can actually swim with the dolphins. Four years later Hollywood comes calling and Santini’s beloved Mitzi,along with five other of his dolphins, land starring roles in the pilot movie “Flipper.” Filmed on location at Santini’s Porpoise School, the movie puts sleepy Grassy Key on the map.

Santini’s Porpoise School continues until Mitzi’s death in 1972. Not long after, a heartbroken Santini sells his attraction. Eventually Jayne Shannon-Rodriguez and Mandy Rodriguez acquire the property and in 1984, open the not-for-profit Dolphin Research Center.

Today, the DRC is dedicated to dolphin research, education, conservation and manatee rescue. Currently, the DRC’s 90,000 square feet of pristine seawater lagoons are home to over two dozen dolphins, some of whom are direct descendants of Mitzi’s co-stars, as well as four California sea lions. In addition to the narrated shows, you can also register for all kinds of interactive programs that include Ultimate Trainer for a Day,

Dolphin Splash, Meet the Dolphin, Paint with a Dolphin and the popular Dolphin Encounter where you can actually experience the thrill of a dorsal pull.

If you want to take home an unforgettable memory while you’re here in the Keys, make sure you visit the incredibly special not-for-profit Dolphin Research Center. FYI: Make sure you visit the DRC’s courtyard where you’ll find a touching dolphin memorial that pays tribute to Mitzi Find it at 58901 Oversees Highway (MM 59 Gulfside) on Grassy Key in Marathon. Open daily from 9am — 4:30pm (except for certain holidays). Info and reservations: 305-289-002; dolphins.org.

Historic Pigeon Key
Offshore Island
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-5999
pigeonkey.net
Open Daily 10am – 4pm
Step Back In Time
This tiny coral island was the original work camp for workers who built the Key West extension of the Flagler Railway and once housed a thriving village of more than 400 people until the railroad’s demise in 1935. Today you can tour the island’s historic buildings, picnic on the lawn or snorkel in the shallow bay. Ferry departs from Knight’s Key, MM 47, Oceanside on the north side of the 7 Mile Bridge at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Million Air
Marathon International Airport
8800 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, Fl 33050
305-743-1995
millionair.com
Daily 7 am – 7 pm
The World’s Premiere Aircraft Concierge
Centrally located between Key Largo (the Diving Capital of the World) and Key West (the Southernmost Point of the Continental US), Marathon’s premiere aircraft concierge offers a hassle-free gateway to The Florida Keys and beyond. Whether you’re flying into the Keys, the Bahamas, Caymans, Belize or one of your other favorite regional destinations, rest assured that you’ll be taken care of by a top-of-the-line concierge staff who will also provide streamlined Customs services.

Porky’s Bayside Mini Golf
Marathon, Fl 33050
1410 Overseas Hwy Marathon, Fl 33050
305-731-7592
porkysbaysidebbq.com
Daily 10 am – 10 pm (weather permitting)
Eighteen Holes of Fun for the Whole Family
The Keys’ newest and largest mini golf attraction is a full-size 18-hole course that challenges the best of the best. A fun tropical theme, lush landscaping, and an amazing local coral rock waterfall make it one of the Keys’ “Must See” destinations. Top it all off with a variety of snacks, slushies, frozen daiquiris, or cold beers, and you’ve got yourself a great day — not at the beach! Special event packages and tournaments, too!

Turtle Hospital
MM 48.5, Gulfside
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-2552
turtlehospital.org
Open Daily 10am – 4pm
The World’s Only Certified Sea Turtle Hospital
The only state-certified veterinary hospital in the world for sea turtles, this unique non profit organization is also the only facility that rehabilitates injured sea turtles (up to 70 per year) and releases them back into the wild. You can engage in educational discussions, get a behind-the scenes look at the hospital and enjoy a fascinating guided tour through the turtle rehab area. Reservations required.

KEY WEST

Barefoot Billy’s
Casa Marina Resort
714 Seminole St
Key West, Fl 33041
305-735-2241
barefootbillys.com
Daily 8am – 8pm
Home Of The Original Island Jet Ski Tour
Billy Mosblech loves being on the water. For the last 20 years, he has owned and operated Key West’s premium jet ski company. But jet skis aren’t his only gig. Billy can also hook you up with snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats, and more. He also offers a Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling Tour, Morning Island Cruise, and a Sunset Harbor Cruise. His Seabreeze Boat Cruises leave from Garrison Bight Marina off of Palm Ave. Looking for a bike or scooter? Billy rents those, too! FYI: If you book directly online, you can save yourself 10% on any of Barefoot Billy’s special tours. Call 305-900-3088 or hit up barefootbillys.com and use coupon code “BAREFOOT.” You can find Barefoot Billy’s at four convenient Key West locations: Casa Marina Resort at 714 Seminole St; the Reach Resort at 1435 Simonton St; the Marriott Beachside Resort, 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd; and the Garrison Bight Marina, 719 Palm Ave.

Classic Harbor Line
Departs Schooner Wharf
292 William Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-293-7245
sail-keywest.com
Call For Sailing Schedule
“Best Romantic Schooner Sail”
This elegant, 105’ eco-friendly schooner with her cutting edge construction, fine teak decks and 3600 square feet of billowing white sails, sets a daily course for a Classic Day Sail, romantic Champagne Sunset Sail and brilliant Full Moon Sail. It also sets a stunning stage for Nautical Destination Weddings and special celebrations for up to 76 people. FYI: Climb aboard this beauty for Schooner Wharf Bar’s monthly Wrecker’s Race, a fast-paced and exciting nine mile race offshore to the famed Sandy Key Lighthouse and back. Such a blast!

East Martello Museum & Gallery
3301 South Roosevelt Blvd
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-3913
kwah.com
Open Daily 9:30am – 5pm
Home Of Robert The Haunted Doll
Built in 1862 by the U.S. Army to protect Key West’s Ft. Zachary Taylor from Confederate attack, this historic military fort is filled with unique artifacts and memorabilia. You can tour the grounds and see displays of Florida Keys’ history, meet Robert, the haunted doll, and view junkyard sculptures by Stanley Papio and the painted wooden carvings of acclaimed artist, Mario Sanchez.

Meet Robert –The Most Haunted Doll In The World

It’s the late 1800s in Key West when the Otto family moves into their elegant new Victorian on the corner of Simonton and Eaton Streets (now known as the “Artist House”). One of their servants (later fired for her “Black Magic”) gives their youngest 4 year old son, Robert Gene, a 3’ life-like doll that looks remarkably like him. Robert names his new best friend after himself and from then on simply goes by the name Gene. Robert and Gene become constant companions. Dressed in Gene’s own clothes, Robert The Doll, has a seat at the dinner table and sleeps with Gene every night. Read More

And then things start to get strange. Robert appears to come to life. Household objects fly across the room. Gene’s toys are mutilated to the sound of giggles. Whenever Gene is reprimanded for the misdeeds, he always says: “Robert did it.” As the mischief grows, so does the servants’ departures. Finally, Gene’s parents put Robert in the attic where he resides for many years.

Gene grows up, moves away and becomes a celebrated painter. He meets pianist Annette Parker in Paris and the two move to New York. After the death of his father, he and Anne return to Key West and take up residence in his childhood home. Much to Anne’s dismay, Gene rescues Robert from the attic and takes the doll everywhere they go. Robert spends his days propped against a window in the upstairs turret room where Gene likes to paint. School children passing by claim to see Robert moving from one side of the window to the other. Visitors often hear mysterious giggling throughout the house and report changes in Robert’s facial expression when they converse.

For the next forty years, Gene, Anne and Robert share the beautiful colonial Queen Ann home. After Gene’s death in 1974, Anne, who despises the doll, relegates Robert to the attic where he stays imprisoned until her own death two years later. The house remains empty for a time, yet passerby claim to hear evil laughter coming from the old mansion. Some who enter are supposedly attacked by the doll and even locked up in the attic. As the story goes, when new owners eventually move in they are horrified to find Robert standing at the foot of their bed giggling with a knife in his hand. They flee for their lives.

Today, the Artist House is a highly acclaimed guest house and one of the most photographed and illustrated homes on the island. You can find Robert perched in a glass case at the East Martello Museum on South Roosevelt Blvd., clutching his stuffed teddy bear and menacing all who visit. On Thursday, October 26, Robert the Doll travels to the Keys History and Discovery Museum at MM 82 in Islamorada as part of a fascinating lecture about all of his hauntings. It’s one night you don’t want to miss! Info 305-922-2237; keysdiscovery.com.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-1136
hemingwayhome.com
Open Daily 9am -5pm
Retrace The Footsteps Of Hemingway
A registered Historic Landmark and one of Key West’s most historic and unique legacies where the late Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway was motivated to write some of his best works including “To Have and Have Not,” a novel about Key West during the Great Depression. Take a leisurely stroll through his studio, home and gardens and meet some furry descendants of the Hemingway’s legendary six-toed cat.

Fort Zachary Taylor
End Of Southard Street Off Whitehead
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-0037
fortzacharytaylor.com
Open Daily 8am – Sundown;
Tours of The Fort Daily @ Noon
Home Of Key West’s Famous Civil War Fort
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973, this popular 87-acre state park is anchored by a famous Civil War fort which plays host to several special events throughout the year. The beach here is shaded by several acres of Australian pine trees so it’s always a bit cooler than the rest of the island. Good deep water swimming, chair rentals, grills, restrooms and a concession stand.

Key West Custom House
281 Front Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-6616
kwahs.org
Open Daily 9:30am – 4:30pm
National Landmark & Museum
Originally home to the island’s customs office, postal service and district courts, this architectural marvel was built to keep pace with the increasing population and wealth generated by Key West’s lucrative trade routes and maritime industries. Today, this beautifully restored national landmark is home to an award-winning museum and the official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society.

Key West Express
100 Grinnell Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-239-5733; keywestexpress.net
Hours Vary
Getting There Is Half The Fun!
Why fly or drive down to Key West when you can glide through the glistening Gulf waters to America’s favorite island paradise? More affordable than flying and faster than driving, these jet powered catamarans deliver you to the Southernmost Point of the United States so you can chill out and enjoy the ride. Boats depart year-round from Fort Meyers and seasonally from Marco Island and only take about 3.5 hours to Key West.

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters
938 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-0012
kwahs.org
Open Daily 9:30am – 4:30pm
A Tribute To Key West’s Maritime Heritage
Originally “manned” by a woman keeper when it opened in 1848, the Key West Lighthouse is now one of the island’s most iconic attractions where you can walk up 88 steps to the top of the light for a birds-eye view of Key West and explore the belongings, photographs and words of the lighthouse keepers who bravely kept the light burning through threats of war and weather.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
5210 College Road
Stock Island/Key West, FL 33040
305-296-1504
keywestbotanicalgarden.org
Open Daily 10am – 4pm
Not To Be Missed
The only frost-free botanical garden in the continental U.S. is home to many endangered flora and fauna and includes 200 species of tropical trees and plants, over 100 species of butterflies and rare birds and two of the Keys last remaining fresh water ponds. Four self-guided tours take you through a lush canopy of tropical palms and trees in a meandering 7-acre setting. Visitors Center and free parking.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Historic Waterfront
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-2787
Nightly
World-Famous Happening
Each evening, about two hours before sunset, flocks of people gather at Key West’s Mallory Square to watch the sun slowly sink into the Gulf of Mexico and to revel in the colorful street performers, local artists, psychics and food vendors who have made Key West’s Sunset Celebration a world-famous, multicultural happening. If you’re really lucky you may even witness the rare “Green Flash”.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
200 Greene Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-2633
melfisher.org
Open M – Su 8:30am – 5pm; Sa & Su 9:30 am – 5 pm
A Bounty Of Shipwreck Treasures
The legendary Mel Fisher and his team of treasure hunters come to life at this fascinating maritime museum that displays a bounty of precious loot salvaged from the Spanish Galleon, Atocha, which sunk off of Key West over 400 years ago. Treasure coins, gold, emeralds, swords and more are all on display here along with special historical exhibits that explore maritime history.

Mel Fisher Treasures
200 Greene Street
613 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-6533
melfisher.com
Open Daily 8:30 am- 5:30 pm
The Source for Authentic Shipwreck Treasure
Here is where you can find genuine, one-of-a-kind shipwreck jewelry and artifacts from the $500 million dollar treasure cache of the 1622 shipwreck “Nuestra Senora de Atocha” which was discovered off of Key West in 1985 by the world’s most famous treasure hunter, Mel Fisher. The shop also carries a wide selection of authentic treasure coins from other wrecks as well as re-creation jewelry, memorabilia, apparel and literature.

Oldest House Museum
322 Duval St
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-9501
oldesthousemuseum.com
Open 10am – 4pm; Closed Weds & Sun
Built in 1829, Key West’s oldest house was home to the wrecker Captain Francis B. Watlington, his wife Emeline, and their nine daughters. The former estate includes three buildings: the main house, the kitchen house, and the exhibit pavilion. The property showcases a treasure trove of family portraits, original furnishings, many maritime artifacts and a gift shop, as well as works by Key West’s famous Cuban American Folk Artist, Mario Sanchez. In the rear of the house is the spacious, peaceful “Lily’s Garden,” where you can see the only surviving Cook House in South Florida.

Southernmost Point Monument
Corner of Whitehead & South Streets
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-2587
Open 24/7
A True “Kodak Moment”
“The most photographed icon in the Keys” does, indeed, provide a true “Kodak Moment” for virtually everyone who visits here. The larger-than-life buoy commemorates the southernmost spot in the continental U.S and stands next to a plaque memorializing the Cuban refugees who drowned in their attempts to reach America which lies just 90 miles from their native homeland.

Greater Miami/South Florida

Homestead-Miami Speedway
1 Speedway Blvd Homestead, Fl 33035
866-409-7223; homesteadmiamispeedway.com
Hours Vary
Home of NASCAR Racing in South Florida
There’s always something going on at this action-packed 600-acre attraction. With an accessible location just north of the Florida Keys, the track has both a 1.5 mile oval course with 18 – 20 degree variable banking in the turns and a challenging 2.21 mile road course. It also boasts a premier go-kart track with a kart shop, rentals and races. In addition to thrilling NASCAR racing action, the Speedway hosts car shows, motorcycle events, concerts and special events throughout the year. You can also enjoy race cars rides, fan drag races and fishing in an18 acres lake stocked with rare Peacock Bass. Tent and RV camping facilitates, too!

PortMiami
1015 North America Way Miami, FL 33132
portmiami.biz
Hours Vary
Home Cruise Capital of the World
Cited by Porthole Cruise & Travel Magazine as “The Best Homeport in the US,” this state-of-the-art cruise port is the departure of choice for the world’s major cruise lines. As a premier hub for sailing to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean, the Port is home to world-class cruise lines including Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages. If you’re ready for your next adventure, visit the cruise line of your choice for all the deets on cruise schedules, destinations, and more.