Key West：An Island City in Florida Where You Get to Experience Nature

The city of Key West is an island located in the state of Florida. And island in the Florida Keys, it is regarded as the southernmost city in the continental United States. Due to its strategic location, Key West abounds with a lot of sightseeing destinations which are worth sightseeing. On this article, we are going to identify ten of the best destinations in Key West which are worth sightseeing.

1. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

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One of the first attractions that you have to go to is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. It is a butterfly park in Key West, Florida, which houses up to 60 different species of butterflies from around the world. These butterflies are placed in a glass-enclosed habitat that is climate-controlled. Aside from being a butterfly park, the destination also consists of flowering plants, trees, and cascading waterfalls. When sightseeing on this spot, you could also witness a variety of free-flying birds such as canaries and finches. Tourists could also witness caterpillars feeding and developing on their host plants.

2. Key West Historic Seaport

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Another interesting place that you have to visit when you are sightseeing in Key West is the Key West Historic Seaport. When visiting this historic place, tourists could experience shopping, dining, and visiting museums while soaking up the breathtaking view of the city of Key West. Tourists could also marvel at distinct eateries, fascinating shops, unique art galleries, and interesting events all year round. There are surely a lot of things to do when sightseeing at Key West Historic Seaport so you have to include this destination on your bucket list.

3. Key West Garden Club

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For nature lovers, you could visit the Key West Garden Club. It is one of the remaining free tourist attractions on the island. The plants which could be seen around the destination have been donated and maintained by the members and volunteers of the club. The club is located at the West Martello Tower, a beautiful attraction where the club is located. Aside from sightseeing around the area, different events could also be held including weddings. The club opens at 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

4. Key West Aquarium

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The Key West Aquarium is the only public aquarium that is located in the city of Key West, Florida. Established in 1934, this destination is considered to be one of the oldest aquariums in the state of Florida. When sightseeing around the aquarium, tourists are welcomed with a lot of marine species ranging from sharks to sea turtles. This attraction has various exhibits including the American Alligator Exhibit, the Stingray Bay, and the Jellyfish Exhibit, among others. Tourists of all ages will surely enjoy mingling with marine animals on this destination.

5. Dive Key West

For those who are looking for water activities while sightseeing in Key West, you could go to Dive Key West. It is equipped with the largest full-service dive facility in the Florida Keys. Their staff will ensure that your sightseeing trip to Key West will be a memorable one. They provide various activities including snorkeling and scuba diving. They also teach these activities to those who are still trying to dive. There are plenty of things to at Dive Key West so considering going to the place the next time you go to Key West.

6. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters

The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters is a towering attraction in Key West. The history of the lighthouse could be traced back to 1849. It was decommissioned in 1969. Since then, it was leased to the Key West Arts and Historical Society which operates the lighthouse and the quarters through a museum. The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum displays the first order Fresnel lens from the Sombrero Key lighthouse. Sightseeing tourists could climb the 88 steps to the catwalk for a birds-eye-view of the city of Key West.

7. Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

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The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is a historical museum in Key West, Florida. Formerly known as Shipwreck Historeum, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum combines films, actors, and artifacts to depict the story of the 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. The museum itself serves as a recreation of a warehouse built by Asa Tift, a wrecker tycoon in the 19th century. Aside from witnessing different portrayals, the museum also has a lookout tower where sightseeing tourists could go to. Hence, you do not only get to know history, you also get to experience it.

8. Key West Extreme Adventures Shark Tours

When you are sightseeing in Key West, you could go and visit the Key West Extreme Adventures for a unique and unforgettable experience with the marine species. Within two hours of sightseeing around the said attraction, you could experience a lot of activities including shark and wildlife viewing. On the calm waters of the destination, you could see various wildlife organisms such as stingrays, turtles, and dolphins. You will also be going aboard a 34-foot catamaran called Tiger Cat. Snacks, drinks, and sunglasses will be provided upon arriving at the destination.

9. Skydive Key West

You can experience one of the most heart raising adventures of your life when you are sightseeing at Key West. At the Skydive Key West, you will experience skydiving while enjoying the breathtaking view of the city of Key West. Tourists will get to dive two miles high from the ground. After a short briefing, you and your instructor will already take to the skies. At Skydive Key West, you are ensured of your safety as your fall for 40 seconds from the sky.

10. Kayak King Key West

Another heart-raising activity which you could try when you are sightseeing in Key West is to visit the Kayak King Key West. You could avail of a variety of amenities such as kayaking, snorkeling, tours, and stargazing trips. Beginners will usually choose the two-hour tour which consists of wildlife spotting and snorkeling to the shipwrecks. A four-hour tour, on the hand, for those who want to have more time on the water. Not only will you enjoy the beautiful nature of Key West, you will also get to experience them.

◎ Closing

Key West is teeming with distinct experiences where you get to mingle with nature. This island city has a lot to offer for sightseeing tourists. Hence, it is essential to visit this place when you have the chance. From snorkeling to skydiving, you will not run out of exciting things to do at Key West.