“See” listings
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Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Tour
It’s only fitting that an ecoconscious island like Key West would have an attraction like this one. The “Living Reef,” a 2,500-gallon reef tank with live corals and tropical fish as well as a mock-up of Aquarius, the world’s only underwater ocean lab are must-sees. Visitors come away with a similar understanding of what they'd see snorkeling, scuba diving or riding a glassbottom boat. (09/2011)
At the Truman Annex 35 E Quay Rd
305-809-4750
floridakeys.noaa.gov -
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
This off-the-beaten-path spot is like a mini rainforest in the middle of rocky Key West. It’s home to swaying palm trees in every shade of green, colorful bouganvilleas, spice trees and delicate orchids. (08/2011)
1 Free School Ln
305-294-0015
nsfgarden.com -
Old Town Trolley
This is the best way to see the island, with stops at all the major attractions, including the aquarium and the Southernmost Point. Entertaining, fast-talking tour guides give the run-down between strategically placed trolley stops, where riders can get off, explore and then re-embark. (06/2011)
Mallory Square
888-910-8687
trolleytours.com/key-west -
Cabanas Aerobatics Unlimited
Soar over Key West with ace Fred Cabanas, who’s been flying biplanes around the island for more than two decades. These thrill rides aren't for the faint of heart. You'll experience powerful G forces—up to eight positive and four negative—as you loop, roll and stall. (03/2011)
3469 S Roosevelt Blvd
305-296- 5720
cabanasaerobatics.com -
FORT EAST MARTELLO MUSEUM & GARDENS
This daunting Civil War fort—modeled after Italian fortifi cations—was never completed and never saw hostile action, and it’s as quirky as Key West itself. It features a “haunted doll” named Robert, the artwork of famed Keys folk artists Mario Sanchez and Stanley Papio as well as lush, colorful gardens. (01/2011)
3501 S Roosevelt Blvd
305-296-3913
kwahs.com/martello.htm -
THE MEL FISHER MARITIME MUSEUM
The search for underwater treasures never stops in Key West, so there’s always something new at this little museum, including slave ship artifacts and shipwrecked treasure. Currently on view, A Slave Ship Speaks: The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie was the first major museum exhibition in the nation devoted to the trans-Atlantic slave trade when it first opened in 1995. See it alongside the largest collection of 17thcentury maritime and shipwreck antiquities on this side of the world. (11/2010)
200 Greene St
305-294-2633
melfisher.org -
LOOE KEY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
This tranquil, untouched refuge in the Lower Keys beckons aquaphiles for snorkeling or scuba diving. The colorful “groove and spur” reef and bounty of tropical fish—including angelfish, parrotfish and barracudas—make for a great day on the water. You’ll also swing by the wreck of MV Adolphus Busch (with its bow still sticking out of the water), which was sunk to create an artifi cial reef. (09/2010)
29675 Overseas Hwy/ Mile Marker 29.5
305-872-9863
strikezonecharter.com -
KEY WEST ART AND HISTORY
The massive, red-brick and terra cotta Custom House stands out from the pastels typical of Key West. Gawk at its architecture, but don’t forget the art collection, featuring the colorful works of Key West’s own Mario Sanchez and an assortment of Hemingway memorabilia. (08/2010)
281 Front St
305-295-6616
kwahs.com/customhouse.htm -
HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
Although a number of presidents have stuck to vacationing on the mainland, several (including Taft, Truman and Clinton) have taken trips to this former military dwelling. Truman visited so often (175 days during his presidency) that the structure was named after him. (07/2010)
111 Front St
305-294-9911
trumanlittl...tehouse.com -
KEY WEST LIGHTHOUSE & KEEPERS QUARTERS MUSEUM
Hike up the 88-step iron staircase of this iconic structure, take a deep breath and then step out onto the observation deck to take in the incredible view. (05/2010)
938 Whitehead St
305-295-6616
kwahs.com/lighthouse.htm -
SPA AL MARE
Sure, this spa offers facials, aromatherapy and other rejuvenating treatments, but nothing compares to a massage a few arm lengths from the ocean. Recorded music is replaced by the sound of lapping waves, and air conditioning is no match for the breeze off the water. (04/2010)
1500 Reynolds St
888-303-5717
casamarinaresort.com -
KEY WEST AQUARIUM
The star attraction at this aquarium is an openair touch tank with more starfish, horseshoe crabs, stingrays and nurse sharks than you can count. It’s surrounded by closed tanks filled with more exotic aquatic animals. (03/2010)
1 Whitehead St
305-296-2051
keywestaquarium.com
