Attractions in Lower Keys (Key West)

Key West Aquarium

Opened in 1934, this educational and entertaining aquarium features diverse exhibits on sea life in the area and live demonstrations. Wander among the many varieties of marine life or take a guided tour. One of the major attractions of the aquarium includes daily feedings of shark and fish. Children usually enjoy the touching area, where visitors can touch marine creatures in shallow pools.

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Anyone who enjoys tales about pirates and buried treasure will appreciate this small museum. Named for a local salvager who found sunken treasure aboard a wrecked Spanish galleon, the museum currently houses a collection of these treasures, including doubloons, solid gold bars and four sunken ships from as far back as 1560. The museum also shows a film on Mr. Fisher that describes his 1985 discovery. Admission: Adult-$11.00 Student with ID-$9.50 Child-$6.50.

Wrecker's Museum

If you're interested in local history or want to see odd island sites, include a visit to this museum on your itinerary. Designed by a ship's carpenter and built around 1829, this one-and-a-half-story house has unusual architectural features, including portholes and a detached kitchen building. The house also features antique cooking utensils and antique appliances such as a beehive oven.

Mosquito Coast Outfitters

If you're interested in water sports or want a unique way to see the islands, consider this local tour group specializing in ecology trips. See crystal clear waters with tropical fish, reefs and mangroves inhabited by rare birds. They offer daily back country tours that depart from Key West in sea kayaks to explore the northern islands of Geiger Key and Sugar Key. Tours last approximately six hours.

Conch Tour Train

Since 1958 this unique train ride has been a popular way to see and learn about the Key. Tour guides tell tales of the city's legends and history, passing various attractions, buildings and landmarks. This 90-minute tour departs from Mallory Square daily from 9am to 4:30 pm. The train consists of a small locomotive and 60 feet of open-air cars. Admission: $27 for adults, $13 for children age 4-12, free for children under 4.

Old Town Trolley Tours

These comfortable, enclosed trams depart from Mallory Square and other points including many local hotels, taking passengers on informative, 90-minute guided tours of Old Town. Guides share stories about the area's history and its legends. Passengers can purchase an "all day" pass, where they can exit the trolley for a closer look at any stop and resume the tour by re boarding a later trolley during normal business hours.

Island Airplane Tours

Adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers will want to check out these tours. See the area from a bird's eye view in a vintage, open-cockpit 1940s Waco biplane, or ride in an S2-B airplane. If you have the stomach for it, enjoy the pilot's aerobatics like rolls, loops and other theatrical displays. Prices vary according to the tour, but whichever you choose, you're guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime flying experience. Check website for details and events. Call to arrange a flight time.

Schooner Wolf

If you've ever wanted to spend quality time in the ocean on an authentic sailing ship, this is an experience for you. A 44-passenger topsail schooner, this beauty departs the Key West Seaport twice daily for two-hour daytime and sunset sightseeing tours. Day cruises offer sightseeing around the Keys. Sunset cruises offer the same plus champagne, wine, beer, sodas, and live music.

Ghost Tours of Key West

Want to learn some Key West folklore and get a little spooked at the same time? This 1.5-hour evening walking tour may be for you. Narrated by informative guides, the tour covers a mile of Old Town. Lighting the way with lanterns, tour guides lead skeptics and true believers alike through areas known for supposed paranormal activity. Along the way, the guides explain many local legends. It is a fascinating way to see a side of this area not normally touted in travel brochures. Call for reservations. Tour timings: daily 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Subtropic Dive Center

This outfit claims to be Key West's largest full-service dive center and who's to argue? Reef trips for diving or snorkeling aboard the company's fleet leave at various times every day, so there's a good chance one will fit into your schedule. Subtropic knows where all the great reefs and hot diving spots are. The staff will make sure your adventure into the mystical tropical waters will be a memorable one.

Custom House Museum

The Customs House chronicles the history of Key West. In the 1820s, the city became an official port of entry to the United States, permitting cargo salvaged from wrecked ships to be legally brought here for sale. Eventually, that booty made Key West the richest spot in Florida. The red brick and terracotta Customs House features a main gallery of rotating art exhibits and smaller galleries with exhibits related to Key West history. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children aged 12 and under.

Liberty Fleet

Liberty, one of several tall-masted ships in Key West, is an 80-foot schooner that sails daily at 11a, 2:30p, and sunset. A second ship, the Liberty Clipper, is a 125-foot skimmer that sails the sea and offers barbecue cruises with live music. There's nothing like an adventure on a sailing ship. Both are available for charters, for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or any special occasions, as well as for business meetings for up to 125 people. Hours vary seasonally so call for details.