Attractions, Beaches and Museums
Attractions & Museums
Florida Keys History and Discovery Center: MM 82.1
(Great) If you like history, this is a must do. This small museum has permanent and rotating exhibits on the rich history of the Florida Keys.
Theater of the Sea: MM 84.5
(Good) This is a small marine park located in Islamorda. It is one of the oldest marine parks in the world. The gardens are spectacular. Because of the park’s small size, you can get closer to the animals and shows. The dolphin swims allow time in the water with live dolphins.
The Turtle Hospital: MM 49
(Great) This hospital is devoted to the care and treatment of injured or ill sea turtles. Most sea turtles are endangered and their survival is in question. This hospital rescues, rehabilitates and then releases the turtles. You can tour the facilities and have close contact with the turtles. Hundreds of sea turtles, at all levels of rehab, can be seen and photographed.
Dive Museum: MM 83
(Good) This museum is devoted to the history of diving. Great information on the sport / profession from its early beginnings to present day.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center: MM 93.6
(Great) If you love birds or just want to see some local birds up close, this is a place to go. This is a rehab hospital for injured birds but it also has lots of healthy birds that just hang around. Great for taking up close photos of our local birds. It also is a great place to learn about the mangrove forest.
Feed the Tarpon: MM 77
(Great) You will find this at Robbie’s marina. You pay less than $10 dollars to access the pier and receive a bucket of fish. The huge tarpon, 100# plus, will jump out of the water to grab fish out of your hand. It is best when the waters and weather are warmer. Great fun and a must do.
Beaches
The Keys are composed mainly of coral rock so sand is hard to find. Although you will not find miles of sandy beaches like in other parts of Florida, there are several great beaches worth seeing.
Bahia Honda State Park, MM 39
(Outstanding) Best state park in the Keys. Great beach with lots of walking trails and a bridge from the old Flagler’s Key West railroad. Park offers snorkel boats, kayak rentals, concessions, etc.
Anne's Beach, MM 72, MM 72
(Good) A small community beach, best at low tide, with boardwalk walking trails through the mangroves. Good for fishing as well.
John Pennekamp state park, MM 102
(Good) A beach with good snorkeling right from the shore. It has a small beach and there are lots of other things to do in the park.
Long Key State Park,, MM 67.5
(Good) A beach with a large grass flat right off shore, some fishing. Not great for sand but it is quiet with a great view.
Coco Plum,, MM 54.5
(Good) This nice sand beach is hard to find. Turn on Coco Plum and follow the signs. It is a very quiet and private beach.
Sombrero Beach, MM 50
(Great) This a very nice city beach at the end of Sombero Beach Boulevard. It is very well maintained with nice facilities.
Island Bay Resort, MM 92.5
(Our Personal Pick) Convenient to our guests, it offers privacy, has a great view of the bay and offers spectacular sunsets.
