Sure, people come here for the Key West snorkeling or scuba diving in Key West. Maybe you've heard about Key West tours, or maybe it's the pristine beaches and dolphin watching that brings you to The Keys. There are lots of things to do in Key West that you may not hear about on the Discovery Channel or read about in the Sunday issue of the Times. But these are exactly the things to do in Key West to have the true experience. Key West is a colorful place--get a true feel for it.
Things To Do In Key West #1: Baby Conch Farm
When planning your "things to do in Key West," get a little creative. Florida has been called the "Conch Republic" but as conch stocks deplete, scientists search for an answer. The Mote Marine Laboratory is one of the most informational things to do in Key West. The Laboratory has been working to advance sea science for nearly five decades. Scientists there are growing baby conch to be released into the wild Florida waters. A great family outing, the farm will offer you a unique experience and best of all it's free.
Things To Do In Key West #2: Robert Frost Poetry Festival
Poet Laureate Robert Frost spent the winters from 1945 until 1960 in the garden cottage at 410 Caroline Street that now bears his name. While you can visit the cottage year round, one of the things to do in Key West in the spring is the poetry festival. In 1994, the Key West Robert Frost Poetry Festival began and is now a five-day fixture on the April Key West calendar. If you attend, you can expect poetry readings, workshops and award ceremonies. The festival recognizes Frost and encourages other poets who love the island. Frost's granddaughter is often part of the festival.
Things To Do In Key West #3: Sloppy Joe's
The day Prohibition was repealed, December 5, 1933, Sloppy Joe's opened its doors for business. While the bar has changed names twice and locations once, it has long been the landmark for island relaxation. Take it from great names like Ernest Hemmingway and Jimmy Buffett who have both called upon the watering hole for inspiration. This is a "Things to do in Key West" that can't be missed!
Things To Do In Key West #4: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Making its way to the top of a "Things to do in Key West" plan is one of the island's newer attractions, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Lush plants, tropical birds and fifty different types of exotic butterflies greet you as you enter the large, glass atrium. At 85 degrees (for the comfort of the butterflies) the conservatory is a tropical paradise in the middle of our island paradise.
Still looking for more things to do? Key West abounds! But when you're thinking about things to do in Key West, remember to think beyond the obvious. Sure, Key West offers incredible water sports and island beauty but that is just the beginning. Key West is a historical, cultural and environmental marvel. When you check in, talk to the people at Key West hotels and find out what the locals know!
If you enjoy your Key West vacation, you may also consider an alternate destination for your next tropical getaway. Cabo San Lucas sport fishing is known to be some of the best in the world, and Bahamas dolphin encounters create unforgettable memories as well.
