The Four Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Key West
You won’t run out of things to see and do in Key West, Florida, regardless of whether this will be your first study trip there or you’re a seasoned traveler who hasn’t been there since you were a youngster. There’s something for everyone. The city of St. Augustine in Florida is the state’s oldest, and it is home to some of the state’s most fascinating attractions, such as the Southernmost Point and the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a multi-faceted educational facility that can be found in Key West’s historic Truman Waterfront district. It has a variety of interesting exhibits. The marine environment of the Florida Keys is the primary emphasis of the center, and the curriculum includes lessons for youngsters on conservation, biodiversity, and the advantages of reefs. The center is equipped with a coral reef tank that is 2,500 gallons in capacity and provides instructional materials about mangroves, reefs, and other marine life.
The environment of the Florida Keys is quite diverse, including a great deal of flora, fauna, and bird life. During the winter months, the islands provide a safe haven for snowbirds, in addition to the aquatic fauna that lives there. Additionally, the Eastern National Wildlife Refuge may be found inside the Florida Keys.
Several species that are at risk of extinction call the Florida Keys home. The Key Deer is one of the species that is in grave danger. It is considered a subspecies of white-tailed deer despite the fact that it is the smallest deer found in North America.
An educational and entertaining interactive display on the National Marine Sanctuary of the Florida Keys may be seen at the Eco-Discovery Center. The hands-on displays inside the center educate visitors about the efforts made by the Sanctuary to preserve the natural resources of the Florida Keys. Going there won’t cost you a thing. The center is open from 9 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a haven of peace and quiet that may be found on Duval Street in the city of Key West. Visitors will be able to see hundreds of butterflies in their natural environment here. This charming paradise was rated as one of the top four locations to visit in Key West, and it certainly lives up to the hype.
You will have a wonderful opportunity to see rare and beautiful tropical butterflies if you go to the Conservatory. These stunning animals have been brought in from Asia, Africa, and Australia, respectively. They have a limited lifespan, with many of them passing away within two weeks after being born.
Additionally, many birds and other local creatures call the Conservatory their home. Because of this, it is an excellent location for taking photographs and should be stopped at.
The Conservatory may be found at the very bottom of Duval Street. The Conservatory is open from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. It is suitable for use by wheelchair users.
It is highly recommended that families bring their children to the Conservatory. They will really like the birds and butterflies. In addition to that, they will value the learning center. The center has displays and a movie that educates visitors about the life cycle of butterflies.
The Oldest House in South Florida is the oldest residence in the state of Florida that is still standing. It may be found in Old Key West at 322 Duval Street. This mansion has weathered several storms, fires, and other catastrophes since it was first constructed in 1829. Richard Cussans, who worked as a ship’s carpenter, was the one who constructed the home.
The home was initially built in the Classic Revival style when it was first built. It has characteristics of colonial-era architecture in its design. A gazebo can be found in the house’s expansive garden, which is filled with lush, mature tropical greenery. Additionally, it is home to a number of flora that is native to the area.
The public is welcome to visit the residence at no cost. There are exhibits of relics and records that provide a historical look into the history of the island, and there are also displays of these items. In addition, guests are given the opportunity to take a tour of the home. There is a member of the team accessible to respond to any queries.
The family of Captain Francis Watlington and his wife, Emeline, formerly called this mansion their home. They were blessed with seven children. The residence was occupied by the family till the year 1972. The Historic Florida Keys Foundation was awarded the title to the property after it was sold by the previous owners. In 1975, the foundation decided to outsource the management of the restoration project to the Old Island Restoration Foundation.
It is a well-known destination for tourists from far and wide, as well as residents in the area. At the intersection of Whitehead Street and South Street is where you’ll find the concrete buoy. It has a width of around seven feet and a height of about 12 feet. It has stripes of red, black, and yellow painted on it. In addition to that, there is a plaque right next to it that provides information on the history of the black people on the island.
At no point does a fee apply to visitors to the buoy. People go from all over the globe to shoot photos at this location. A webcam is yet another method for seeing the area under question. You will be able to monitor the traffic in real-time this manner. There is also a view of the Atlantic Ocean that you may take in.
The Southernmost Point monument is something that should be seen by everybody who is in the area of Key West, Florida, whether they are tourists or simply traveling through. It is a historical monument for the city as well as a wonderful chance for photographs. You’ll also come across a wide selection of eateries and stores using the moniker “southernmost” in their titles. In addition, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.
