Good Attractions in Lower Keys (Key West)

Reef Express Catamaran

Florida's Keys are the home of the only living coral reef in the nation and if you want to get a one-on-one look at it, this company will take you out to reef on a snorkeling expedition. Reef express will provide you with gear and expert instruction. Join tropical fish and swim among the colorful corals as experts accompany you through the reef. Two separate snorkeling spots are included in each three-hour trip, which also includes flotation devices and soft drinks.

Southernmost Point in the Nation

Before you head back home, be sure to make your way to the corner of Whitehead and South streets. Why? Because geographically it is the southernmost point of the United States. You'll know you're in the right spot by the posted sign proclaiming the site's fame, and by the street vendors selling souvenirs and conch shells. Believe it or not, standing here you are closer to Cuba than Miami; from here, it is 150 miles north to Miami and only 90 miles south to Cuba. If you are so inclined, hang out until the evening, as this is also a great place to watch the sun set.

C. B. Harvey Rest Beach Park

Every evening visitors and residents gather to this strip of sand on the Atlantic to watch the sun slide into the sea. At other times of the day, you'll find families and visitors spreading out picnic lunches or relaxing in the shallow waters and soft sands for a soak and some sun. There are five picnic areas here but the expanse of beach is limited to 300 yards. Still, it's a nice place to be to chat with locals and out-of-towners.

Dog Beach

Based on the conviction that there actually people who travel with animals, this is the only beach in Key West in which Rover is invited to take a dip. Elsewhere, the doggy clan is not welcome but here, all four feet can race around the sand and leap into the waves. Cuba is, after all, only 90 miles away. Fetch, boy! You'll find the beach next to Louie's Backyard restaurant.

South Beach

If you find yourself somewhere on the south end of Duval Street, exhausted by the heat and longing to escape to the water, try this tiny beach. Despite its name, this strip of sand bears no resemblance whatsoever to the famed South Beach of Miami Beach, but it has its own delights on a hot day. Parking is a problem around this small but popular area, so if you're staying in a nearby resort, it's best to walk. You can also walk to a number of restaurants in the vicinity.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site and Park

Built in 1845 and occupied by Yankee forces in 1861, the fort was finally completed in 1866. Now a National Historic Landmark, the fort has tours at noon and 2p. In January the park hosts the annual Sculpture Key West; if you're here in February, you'll be treated to Civil War Days. The west side of the State park is ideal for fishing and snorkeling. In addition, the park also provides tables and grills for a picnic. See website for admission info. Open daily from 8a onwards.

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

Located right in the middle of crowded Old Town Key West, this place is an "island in the stream." Owner Nancy Forrester has somehow managed to face down the pressure of development and the tree-tearing fury of hurricanes in order to keep this 30-year-old garden pristine and magnificent. Here you will see the tropics in all its foliage glory with exotics such as orchids nestling in branches, huge ferns, bromeliads, red ginger, pink heliconias and a "sunburn" gumbo-limbo tree. Bring a picnic lunch and tour the onsite art gallery, as well. Admission is USD6.

Island City Flying Service Incorporated

Get a different perspective of the beauty and history of Key West with Island City Flying. Located at Key West International Airport, the flying service offers aerial tours of the area, which last from 30 to 45 minutes. The tours show you Key West, Boca Grande, the water (including shipwrecks) and the reefs. Other tours are available. Prices start at around $150. Island City also offers flying lessons. If you want to land your private plane, call Island City UNICOM frequency 122.95.

Key West Shipwreck Historeum

Before tourism became Key West's major source of income,'wreckers' earned their living by salvaging what they could from ships wrecked on the reefs. At the Key West Shipwreck Museum, you can learn about the 'wreckers' and see jewelry, china, house wares and other artifacts from the Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856. An observation tower offers a great view. The tour guides are living history actors. Admission is USD8 for adults and USD4 for children. There are shows every 30 minutes.

Key West Art & Historical Society

A non-profit organization founded in 1949, it comprises of the Fort East Martello Museum and Gardens, the Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, and the Museum of Art and History at the Custom House. The exhibitions running at the moment are Vera Vaseks' glass sculptors and Dale Dapkins' abstract art. The museum also rents out its property for weddings and other events. This is a beautiful area just to stroll through, even if you don't catch an exhibition.

White Street Pier

Known as the "unfinished road to Cuba" by the locals, this place is a favorite for those who like to stroll with their pets. White Street Pier gives you a grand view of the sunset and allows you to soak up the beautiful play of light and shadows that the setting sun creates. With its location and its panoramic views, it's no surprise that the area has been depicted in several photographs and paintings by renowned and local artists. It's also the venue for Independence Day celebrations that are conducted by the government. When the celebrations are ongoing the pier and surrounding areas are closed to street traffic. White Street Pier is also the location of some of the street fairs and carnivals like the Rooster Festival. 

Yankee Freedom II

Put on your bathing suit, pack your picnic basket and get ready for an exciting journey to one of America's most out-of-the-way National Parks. On the two hour journey, pig out on the mouth-watering continental breakfast, in addition gain knowledge about the park and its surroundings. Relax in the air-conditioned lobby on the main deck and look out at the eye-catching Marquesa Islands, or say hello to the dolphins. For the deep sea lovers, snorkeling gear is available on the ferry. Check the website for more details.