Key West, Florida is one of those amazing places with a personality all its own. It has attracted great literary figures, such as Ernest Hemingway as well as folks seeking the laid back lifestyle the Keys offer. With the ocean, the sun, sportfishing, and unique attractions, Key West is a great place for a friends getaway, a romantic weekend, or any gathering with friends and loved ones.
There are a few attractions and activities you don't want to miss when you travel to Key West, Florida:
1) Dry Tortugas National Park - Dry Tortugas National Park is a chain of seven reef islands about 65 miles southwest of Key West. The National Park is a unique and beautiful area near Key West. Ft. Jefferson was built at Dry Tortugas to keep help keep the shipping channels open and free of piracy. You can reach Dry Tortugas either by ferry or by seaplane, and it is definitely worth a visit.
2) Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - Visit the Key West home, where Ernest Hemingway lived and worked in Key West during the 1930s. He wrote some of his most famous works in this house. The home contains much of the original Hemingway furniture and decor. The descendants of Hemingway's cats still inhabit the grounds; today there are about sixty cats living at the home. The Hemingway Home is one of the most popular attractions in Key West.
3) Mel Fischer Maritime Heritage Society - Visit a museum space surrounding the work of Mel Fischer, who discovered the wreck of the Atocha, a Spanish ship that sank during a hurricane in 1622. The museum has gold artifacts and informative displays.
4) Southernmost Point - Visit the southernmost point in the continental U.S. when you visit Key West. The point is marked with a red, black, and yellow marker.
5) Key West Aquarium - First built in 1934, this is one of the oldest open-air aquariums in the United States. The aquarium offers touch tanks and exhibits of local fish and marine life.
6) Key West Lighthouse Museum - The lighthouse museum is an interesting and informative way to learn about the history of Florida lighthouses.
7) Fort Zachary Taylor - Now a Florida State Park, Ft. Zachary Taylor has picnic areas, a swim beach, and also fishing. This is a great place to spend the day with kids.
8) Sportfishing - Key West offers world-class sportfishing. For great information, visit the Key West Fishing Club. Find out about fishing the flats for permit, bonefish, and tarpon. You can fish wrecks and reefs for grouper and cobia, or head for the open water sailfish opportunities.
9)Scuba and Snorkeling - There are great opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving around Key West. Here you can do guided wreck dives and reef dives that are plentiful with tropical fish and great natural beauty.
10) Mallory Square - Head for the square around dusk, and be prepared for the spectacular beauty of a Key West sunset. At Mallory Square, street performers entertain, and it is a local favorite.
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