Smathers Beach
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 silica. 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.
Mallory Square
Located by the historic Key West waterfront, this open-air
marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to
start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent
sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including
Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo.
The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes
guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing
tours also depart from the Square. Call for additional information.
Key West Aquarium
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. Aquarium demonstrations include
shark and fish feedings daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 4:30pm.
Children especially, enjoy the touching area, where visitors
can touch marine creatures in shallow pools. Admission:
USD9 Adults; USD4.50 Children age 4-12; Children under three
years of age, get in free.
Keys Mini Lobster Season
This annual event opens lobster season a little early, allowing
you to catch your own lobster dinner before the main harvest
begins. Lobster harvesting is only permitted in state and
federal waters, on the Atlantic side of the Keys, from any
point three miles or more offshore. On the Gulf side, you
must go nine miles offshore to hunt for the wily critters.
Night diving is not permitted, and the daily bag limit is
six lobsters per person. There are other rules, so inquire
about the regulations. Reserve boats in advance. Credit
cards may not be accepted for some boat rentals.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
A protected underwater paradise, the park is home to 55
varieties of coral and 600 species of fish. Snorkeling,
diving, glass-bottom boat tours and sailing expeditions
are popular, offering recreational and educational adventures.
The park also has a beach, picnic areas, a 30,000-gallon
aquarium and museum, and two nature trails. Overnight camping
is by advance reservations.
Fantasy Fest
Anything goes, and usually does, at Key West's annual be-as-outrageous-as-possible
festival that takes place each October. This wild event
attracts thousands of revelers to the island where inhibitions
are on hold for a few days. This is not a festival for kids.
Events include a yacht race, Mardi Gras Massacre, Pet Masquerade
and a Royal Coronation Ball. That may sound tame, but it
is a wild time. Some events have admission or entry fees,
call for details. Hotel reservations should be made well
in advance.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
A must for visitors to Key West, this historic property
offers guided tours through Hemingway's former home, where
he lived and wrote from 1928 until 1940. The attractive
Spanish Colonial house was built in 1851. You will see Ernest
Hemingway's writing studio and his swimming pool, the first
one built in Key West. Feline descendants of Mr. Hemingway's
many cats roam freely on the premises. The home is occasionally
used for private events and parties.
Dry Tortugas National Park/Fort Jefferson
This national park is the nation's only at-sea national
park and is home to the historic Fort Jefferson. Located
about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat
or chartered seaplane, the park and fort lure divers, snorkelers
and nature lovers who flock here to get a close look at
stag horn coral, angel fish, rare birds and the loggerhead
turtles that gave the island its name. Built in 1846, the
five-sided fort covers more than 11 of the island's 16 acres.
Pirates in Paradise Festival
This ten day event has grown into one of the hottest events
in Key West and one of the oddest. National and local acts
perform on three stages, and delicious culinary delights
and games are scattered throughout the festival. Art exhibits
are sponsored by Maritime Arts and Culture at the Custom
House and the Mel Fisher Museum. There are also nautical
excursions and adventures that feature tall ships and sea
battles. Admission is free, but certain activities, food
and drink require cash or credit cards.
Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum
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 Museum, 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. The tour guides are living history
actors.
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