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Local Attractions
When it comes to having fun, there's no better place than right here in the Florida
Keys.
From Key Largo to Key West, you'll find an abundance of
beautiful beaches, hiking and
biking paths, wonderful parks and an
exciting array of activities that will simply
take your
breath away. Here is a short list of TRAVELHOST favorites:
KEY LARGO AREA
AFRICAN QUEEN
Screen legend Humphrey Bogart alledgedly came to Key Largo
in 1948 to shoot some scenes for the classic film Key Largo. Today,
you can visit a relic from another one of his famous movies, the ori-
ginal African Queen, the old river freighter he and Katharine Hepburn
made famous ten years later in the movie by the same name. Cruises
by reservation. Located at MM 100 at theKey Largo Holiday Inn
Marina. Call 305-451-4655.
COOPERTOWN AIRBOATS
Enjoy the pure thrill of an airboat ride across a
“River of Grass” in
what the Miami Herald
and New York Times rated as “Florida’s Best.”
Coopertown Original Airboat Tours takes you into
the heart of the
Everglades, America’s most unique
and fragile ecosystem, where you
can explore
a wide prairie of open saw grass, travel through a
Hardwood
Hammock, visit alligator holes and see
an abundance of herons, grackles,
turtles, otters,
raccoons and other unique Everglade’s wildlife.
Located in
Coopertown, a former Seminole Indian Village offering unique, authentic
arts and crafts,
Coopertown Original Airboat Tours, has been in
operation
since 1945 and is just 11 miles west of
the Florida Turnpike on US 41
(Tamiami Trail).
For more info call 305-226-6048 or click on
www.coopertownairboats.com
DOLPHIN PLUS
This interactive center is not a dolphin show but more of an educational
center where you can learn the names,personality traits and observe the
behavior of these fascinating creatures. You can also swim with the
dolphins here but be sure to call ahead because they are generally booked
well in advance. Located at MM 100.5, Gulfside, Key Largo. Call
305-451-1993 or visit www.dolphinsplus.com.
ISLAMORADA/
TAVERNIER AREA
BETSY THE GIANT LOBSTEREastman Kodak deemed this famous giant
30 x 40’ crustacean as being
the second most
photographed icon in the Florida Keys just behind
Key
West’sSouthernmost Point. The detailed,
biologically accurate fiberglass
sculpture also
marks the spot of the Rain Barrel Artisan Village
and
Welcome Center where you can find information
about local attractions,
grab a Nathan’s hot dog or
Eddy’s Ice Cream at Wassup Dawg? or enjoy
locally
brewed gourmet coffee and homemade baked goods
at the FLA-KEY
Croissant Cafe. A short stroll through
the tropical gardens uncovers a group
of artist studios
and galleries showcasing a wonderful collection of
contemporary
art, metal sculptures, pottery and
American Crafts. Located at MM 867.7
Bayside,
Islamorada.
FLORIDA KEYS WILD BIRD
REHABILITATION CENTER
This wonderful sanctuary is the place you want to go to see
the "real Florida Keys." The Center's purpose is to provide
emergency and recuperative care for injured birs but you'll
also find plenty of healthy, wild, beautiful birds here, too, as
well as solution holes,cap rocks and pneumatophores. There
is no admission charge and the Center receives no government
funding so donations are gratefully accepted. Located at
MM 93.6, Bayside, Tavernier.Call 305-852-4486.
HURRICANE MONUMENT
Created in 1937, this historic national historic site memorial-
izes the hundreds of people who lost their lives in the Florida
Keys worst disaster: the infamous Labor Day Hurricane of
1935. The monument itself marks a community grave where
the ashes of more than four hundred people are buried. Located
at MM82 on the Median, Islamorada.
INDIAN KEY HISTORIC STATE PARK
This small uninhabited island was home to prehistoric Indians
and is only accessible by boat. Observation tower, boat dock,
trails and shelter. Round trip boat shuttle leaves from Robbie’s
Marina( MM78 ), Lower Matecumbe Key. Boat Reservations
call 305.664.9814. For more info, contact the Florida Park
Service at 305-664-4815.
LIGNUMVITAE KEY
BOTANICAL STATE PARK
Only accessible by boat, this nature preserve and tropical paradise
has been called “the last place that truly represents the Florida Keys
as they were. Round trip boat shuttle leaves from Robbie’s Marina
(MM78 ) on Lower Matecumbe Key. Closed Tues. & Weds. Boat
reservations, call 305.664.9814. For moe information, contact the
Florida Park Service at 305-664-4815.
PIONEER CEMETERY
This tiny restored cemetery pays homage to the area’s pioneering
familieswho lived here during the late 1800sand who still have
descendants living in the Keys today. The most famous of all the
grave markers here, however,is the Angel with the Broken Wing.
Another victim of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, the statue was
actually blown right off the grave of Etta Pinder, who died in 1914,
and landed over 1000 feet away on the Old Overseas Hwy. She
somehow managed to survive the flight, having only suffered a
broken wing. Today, she stands one wing tall, still watching over
Etta. Located at MM 82, Oceanside on the Cheeca Lodge Grounds
in Islamorada.
MARATHON/BIG PINE &
THE LOWER KEYS AREA
CRANE POINT MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
Nature trails lead you through 64 acres of native thatch palm
hammocks to beautiful views of Florida Bay. Admission includes
entry to the Museum of Natural History, Nature Trails, Marathon
Bird Rescue Center, Pirate Ship Play Area and the historic Adderley
Bahamian House. Open daily. Located at MM 50, Gulfside (across
from KMart Plaza) Call 305-743-9100 or visit www.cranepoint.net
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
Founded in 1946 as a marine education facility, the Dolphin Research
Center is the oldest dolphin facility in the Florida Keys. Swimming
with the dolphins is a concept that started here over 35 years ago. There
are several sensational opportunities here for up-close introductions and
many exciting interactive programs available daily, as well as educational
narrated sessions. Advance reservations a must for all dolphin swims.
Open daily from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Located at MM 59 OverseaHwy.,
Grassy Key/Marathon. Call 305-289-1121 or visit www.dolphins.org
HISTORIC PIGEON KEY
This historic little island tucked just be low the Old Seven Mile Bridge,
housed a thriving village until around 1935 when the Flagler Railroad
shut down. Sitting just four feet above sea level, it’s still one of the
most photographed spots in the Florida Keys. Today, you can tour the
island, visit its museum, picnic on the lawn or snorkel in the shallow
bay. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. Adults: $11; Children: $8.50;
Yearly memberships: $35 ($55 for families) include unlimited visits to
the island. The Pigeon Key Ferry departs at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
and 2:30 p.m. from behind the gift shop on Knight’s Key, Oceanside,
at the north base of the Seven Mile Bridge. Last ferry returns at 4 p.m.
Call 305-743-5999 or visit www.pigeonkey.net
TURTLE HOSPITAL
The only state-certified veterinary hospital in the world for sea turtles,
this unique non profit organization is also the only facility that rehab-
ilitates injured sea turtles and releases them back into the wild. The
hospital receives up to 70 injured sea turtles per year and provides
educational discussions, a behind the scene look at the hospital and a
fascinating guided tour through the turtle rehabilitation area. Reservations
required. Located at MM 48.5, Gulfside, Marathon. Call 305-743-2552.
BAHIA HONDA PARK
Considered to be one of the nation’s Top 10 Beaches, this glorious,
palm shaded beach with its deep crystalline waters close to shore,
offers superb swimming and snorkeling. In addition to the beach, the
Park’s 524 acres of sub tropical flora and fauna, beautiful trails, cabins,
campsites and boat ramps make it a nature lover’s dream. Snorkeling
and wind-surfing rentals available at the Park’s Concession. Located
at MM 37, Oceanside, Big Pine Key. Admission fee. For more info
call 305-872-32110
BAT TOWER
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,this weather beaten
tower was erected years ago by entrepreneur, Richter Clyde Perky, as
part of a chemical-free plan to rid his Lower Keys tourist attractions
of all those pesky mosquitoes. Because bats were known to to have a
ravenous appetite for mosquitoes, Perky devoted himself to creating
a comfortable home for the bats, convinced that their presence would
be the answer to his problem. Long story short: The bats never did
come, but luckily, modern day techniques did. Voila - no bats and
no mosquitoes! Located at MM 17, Gulfside on Sugarloaf Key.
THE BLUE HOLE
This abandoned limestone quarry from the Flagler Railroad days,
is the largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys and home to a
variety of fish, alligators and turtles. The observation platform here
is a good place to peer down at some of the quarry’s inhabitants and
watch the herons and hawks. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse
of a tiny Key Deer stopping by for a cool drink of water. Located at
MM 30 on Key Deer Blvd., Gulfside, Big Pine Key.
NATIONAL KEY DEER AND GREAT
WHITE HERON REFUGE
Usually weighing less than 75 pounds, the diminutive Key Deer stands
approximately 2 1/2 feet tall and is an currently an endangered species.
The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 after only 50 of
the endearing creatures could be counted. Today the Refuge has stabilized
the herd at about 300. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times
to spot these gentle miniatures but they are often seen at all times of the
day between MM 31.5 and MM 33. Located at MM 31.5, Key Deer Blvd.,
Big Pine Key. Call 305-872-2239
KEY WEST
FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR
A local favorite, this 87 acre state park is anchored by a famous Civil
War fort, the beach is shaded by several acres of Australian pine trees
so it is always a bit cooler than the rest of the island. Good deep water
swimming, chair rentals, grills, restrooms and a concession. Located at
the end of Southard Street off Whitehead. Enter through Truman Annex.
GHOST TOURS OF KEY WEST
Take a lantern-led evening stroll down historic Old Town's shadowy lanes
and visit some of Key West's most famous hauntings. Tours depart nightly
from the lobby of the haunted Crowne Plaza La Concha Hotel, 430 Duval
St., Key West. Call 305-294-9255 or visit www.hauntedtours.com.
KEY WEST CEMETERY
Look for creative headstones with creative epitaphs like "I told you
I was sick," and "Devoted fan of Julio Iglesias." The cemetery also
contains the resting place of Hemingway's longtime friend and fishing
captain, "Sloppy Joe" Russell." The main entry gates open at the
corner of Margaret and Angela Streets.
MALLORY SQUARE
Street performers and local vendors take center stage here each evening
when flocks of visitors descend upon the waterfront for Key West's world
famous sunset celebration.
SOUTHERNMOST POINT
A true "Kodak Moment" for virtually very visitor to Key West, this larger-
than-life buoy commemorates the southernmost spot in the continental U.S.
and stands next to a plaque memorializing the Cuban refuges who have
drowned in their attempts to reach America which lies just 90 miles away
from their native homeland. Located at the corner of Whitehead and South.
THE SOUTHERNMOST SCAVENGER HUNT'S
"BEST OF THE BARS"
Recently voted one of the "Top Ten Things To Do" in Key West, the
"Duval Crawl" is an exciting Scavenger Hunt where points are earned
for each correctly solved clue. Participants receive 2-4-1 coupons and
discounts that can be used at participating bars at any time during your
trip. Call 305-292-9994 or visit online at www.keywesthunt.com
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