Things To Do In The Florida Keys
To most people, the Florida Keys are just a long chain of islands at the southern tip of the Sunshine State. But there is more to the Florida Keys than meets the eye. For many persons looking to buy a home in the Florida Keys their choice to purchase a home isn’t just based on the location but also on the amenities and attractions that neighbor the house.
Homebuyers factor in surrounding shopping, nightlife, attractions, and sightseeing, etc., into their purchase decision. To many, the Florida Keys are synonymous s with Key West and beaches. But there is so much more to this chain of islands that stretches out for 110 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The Florid Keys are filled with plenty to see and do such as a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, indigenous wildlife species, beaches, diving and so much more. Until a devastating hurricane in 1935, the Keys were linked by a rail line extending to Key West. Nowadays, US 1 has replaced the rails and runs over 42 bridges and numerous artificial causeways to the southeastern tip of the United States.
In this article, we will look at some of the historical sites and attractions that make the Florida Keys a great place to live.
Duval Street
Duval Street stretches from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point marker. It is lined with cafes, art galleries, museums, and souvenir shops. In fact, Duval street is home to the Strand Theater, The Southernmost House, and the Earnest Hemmingway Home and Museum.
It is a great place to sightsee and people watch and is home to several festivals including the Fantasy Fest and the annual Hemmingway Days festival.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Smack in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and only 70 miles from Key West, the Tortugas National Park can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. It is a great way to spend a day and most visitors do just that via catamaran cruise from Key West.
Tortugas National Park is home to Fort Jefferson, taking up an entire island the 19th-century fort is the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas and is composed of over 16 million bricks. The building covers 16 acres. Among United States forts, only Fort Monroe in Virginia and Fort Adams in Rhode Island are larger.
The park is a haven for divers as it's populated with many sunken ships and coral. There is plenty to see under the sea.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
For the Millennials and Gen Z folks in the house, Ernest Miller Hemingway was an American novelist, short-story writer, journalist, and sportsman. During his time at the home, Hemingway wrote some of his best-received works, including the non-fiction work Green Hills of Africa (1935), the 1936 short stories "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" and "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", and the novels To Have And Have Not (1937) and Islands in the Stream (1970)
The house is situated on the island of Key West in Florida. It is at 907 Whitehead Street, across from the Key West Lighthouse, close to the southern coast of the island. Fun fact, the house, and museum are famous for its large population of “Hemingway cats”, many of which are polydactyl.
Mallory Square
Perfectly positioned to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico’s sunsets, Mallory Square is the preferred gathering space for locals and tourists alike. The Square is best known for its nightly sunset celebrations where entertainers, street performers, and artists create a festive atmosphere that is enjoyed by all in attendance.
You will never go hungry or thirsty in Mallory Square. From the food vendors at sunset to the delectable seafood to Cuban/Conch/Caribbean fare to tropical juices, deserts and drinks there is something for every palate.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Home to more than 60 species of butterflies, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a must-see for families moving to Key West. The butterflies float and land on the many types of plants and flowers inside the glass-enclosed habitat. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is also home to around 20 species of birds
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory also has a learning center that has educational content about the butterflies and birds including being able to view the caterpillar to butterfly change cycle known as metamorphosis.
National Deer Refuge
If you venture down to Big Pine Key be sure to visit the National Deer Refuge. Created as a sanctuary in 1957, the National Deer Refuge is home to the Key Deer. The park is great for families and is also pet-friendly. Activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, opportunities for photography, and environmental educational activities.
Marathon
If fishing is your thing then Marathon is the place to be. Located in the middle Keys, Marathon is a fisherman’s paradise. Whether it's reef, flats, or deep-sea fishing, it can be done in Marathon. If watersports are your thing then Marathon has plenty of that with watersports such as kayaking, snorkeling, jet skis, and scuba. Waterfront dining is abundant and you can sample some of the best seafood in the Florida Keys.
Marathon is home to the Dolphin Research center and Turtle Hospital that offers guided educational tours of the hospital facilities and the sea turtle rehabilitation area.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is home to one of the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in all of Florida. The park has two separate beach areas, one large stretch facing the open ocean, and another smaller beach area that looks across to the old railroad bridge. The park allows visitors to go biking, boating, camping, bird watching among other activities, and is a great place for families.
Great Places To Live in The Florida Keys
If you’re looking for a great place to live that is surrounded by nature and outdoor activities then living in the Florida Keys is right for you. Visit the Florida Keys search to view homes available for sale in the Florida Keys. Contact us today and we will be happy to schedule a viewing and help you start your journey to Florida Keys Homeownership.