1. Key West Aquarium
City: Key West, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (800) 544-5927
Address: 1 Whitehead St. At Mallory Square
Description: Key West’s oldest tourist attraction (built in 1934) and still one of the most fascinating our southernmost city has to offer, the Key West Aquarium affords you a diver’s-eye view of the marine creatures of our encompassing waters. Stroll at your leisure alongside the backlit tanks re-creating our coral reefs, but don’t miss the guided tours offered 4 times daily, when you’ll witness the feeding of the various species. You’ll marvel at the feeding frenzy of the sharks and sawtooths; the nurse sharks and stingrays flipping and splashing for their rations; and the tarpon, barracuda, game fish, and sea turtles recognizing the hands that feed them in the outdoor Atlantic Shores Exhibit, created to look like a mangrove lagoon. The aquarium is open daily.
2. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
City: Key West, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 292-0311 or (305) 809-47
Address: 35 E. Quay Rd., Truman Waterfront
Insider Pick:
Description: The 6,400-square-foot Eco-Discovery Center is operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Located at historic Truman Waterfront, the center’s high points are a 22-minute film by David Talbot, the award-winning director of Free Willy fame. Talbot takes you on an exciting trip from land to under the sea. In the Eco-Discovery Center you can utilize touch-screen computers to learn more about the Keys, its habitats and coral reefs, and walk through a version of the Aquarius undersea lab. To add to the marvels of this complex, there is a “green” roof that covers the main structure—talk about being eco-friendly!
3. Key West Historic Seaport And Harborwalk
City: Key West, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 294-1100
Address: 201 William St. At The Key West Bight
Insider Pick:
Description: Formerly known as Key West Bight, this once-seedy piece of prime waterfront real estate was where shrimpers, spongers, and turtle traders came to unload their daily catch, tell tall tales of the sea, quaff a few brews, and just generally hang out. With the relocation of the shrimp boats to Stock Island and the demise of sponging and turtle hunting, this area has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Tall ships still tie up here, but so do million-dollar yachts. Shops, restaurants, and raw bars now line the wooden boardwalk that stretches from the foot of Front Street to the foot of Margaret Street. Vessels bound for the Dry Tortugas leave from here, as do many of the snorkel and sunset cruises and fishing charters.
4. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
City: Key West, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 809-4750
Address: 35 E. Quay Rd., Truman Waterfront
Insider Pick:
Description: This 6,400-square-foot facility showcases natural wonders both on land and underwater. Highlights include a walk-through version of the Aquarius, a manned underwater research habitat located off Key Largo, and interactive exhibits that spotlight the Keys’ diverse environments. A 2,500-gallon living reef tank with corals and tropical fish completes the experience. With its touch screens, stunning photos, and roomy theater, this educational center has become a hit with families. It’s a fun way to learn about reef and mangrove habitats indoors. The center is operated by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and admission is free.
5. Cinema Key West 6
City: Key West, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 296-7211
Address: 3338 Roosevelt Blvd.
Description: Six movies run concurrently at the Florida Keys’ first multiplex cinema. All tickets for shows before 6 p.m. are discounted. Listening devices for the hearing impaired are available here as well.