10 Points of Interest in Key West Florida- Part 2

Conch Train Tour
I purchased this attraction as our cruise ship excursion once we arrived in Key West; it can also be purchased online for additional savings. I bought the tickets at the Conch Train, Front Street depot and was given a cute little “map” fan, to help bring relief from Key West’s infamous humidity and view the landmarks we were about to see. Hours of operation are 9-4:30 daily and depart the depot every 30 minutes, prices vary.
We had a lovely, informative trip through Old Town Key West; we enjoyed stories of yesteryear and witnessed unique architecture. Don’t worry if you forget your “Depends” and can’t hold your bladder, you will have a 15+ minute break during the tour, which gave me enough time to potty, grab a drink and souvenir shop in record time, I might add. With new historical knowledge under my belt and a slice of key lime pie in my tummy, I was ready to tackle the rest of the day in Key West Florida. #thestruggleisreal

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Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Maritime heritage will literally come alive through film, storytellers and artifacts at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. In its prime; 100 ships sailed by Key West daily and unfortunately the dangerous waters near Key West’s Florida’s Reef would cause at least one ship wreck per week. It’s only fitting that with so many accidents you would recover plenty of artifacts and booty; not people booty (dirty mind) pirate’s booty, enough to open up a museum. Visit Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum and learn why the phrase “Wrecks Ashore” was significant in the wealth of Key West, Florida!

Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park
Fort Jefferson was built to protect the southern coastline after the war of 1812, it lies 68 miles west of Key West and is the most isolated of the Florida Keys. This 19th century hexagon fort helped protect the mercantile industry to and from the Mississippi River. It is located between seven islands and shoals that make up “Dry Tortugas” and it was built along one of the busiest shipping lanes; making it the perfect spot to rid the neighboring waters of pirates. In the world of tourism, minus the pirates, it’s also a great place to snorkel; you might even find some loot. Come for a day, by ferry or half a day by sea plane, however you get there just get there if you can. (I think that’s a song)

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Harry S. Truman Little White House
In 1946 the historic building first served as the winter White House of President Harry S. Truman. The Little White House was used as a place of refuge for Presidents of the United States between the years 1946-1952 during and after the cold war. It is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year including all holidays. Tours are offered every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily.

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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Let’s talk butterflies; if you’re into these harmonious insects, then this is where it’s poppin’. Enjoy the eye-gasm creatures from their humble beginning as a Caterpillar to the stunning end result, a Butterfly. Located right on Duval Street in Key West, FL, the Butterfly Conservatory is a climate controlled attraction for families, adults, and group tours.

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Fort Zachary Taylor Historical State Park
This 54 acre trapezoidal shaped fort is a national historic landmark and located at the southwest tip of Key West. It was originally built 1000 feet offshore, but years of silt build-up caused it to become landlocked. The main role of Fort Taylor during the Civil War was to serve as headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s East Gulf Coast blockade squadron. Its companion fort is Fort Jefferson and they worked cannon by cannon to protect the strategic importance of the Florida Keys. Open daily 8a.m.-dusk.

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Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum
The lighthouse was built in 1846 to help mariners navigate and aid with the influx of shipping traffic. After 20 years of service “The Great Havana Hurricane” swept away the original lighthouse. Don’t be sad, after relocation for higher ground and many refurbishments the lighthouse and its keeper’s quarters were open to visitors. If you drink lots of caffeine or have tons of excess energy you need to expel, then I recommend you visit the 86.00’ Key West Lighthouse. Tip- The Lighthouse can be seen in the James Bond movie “License to Kill.”

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Oldest House Museum and Garden
Built in 1829, 322 Duval Street is the address for the Oldest House in Key West. Given the name “The Conch Cottage” it was originally built on Whitehead Street but relocated 7 years later, as was common with homes in Key West. The owner was a Wrecking Captain, Francis B. Watlington along with his wife and 9 daughters, yes N-I-N-E, lots of estrogen floating around this modest home. It consisted of a main house, kitchen house and exhibit pavilion. Free tours daily 10-4pm, closed Wednesday& Sunday.

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City View Trolley Tour
City View is a luxury, live narrated hop on, hop off, trolley tour that takes you through pivotal points in Old Town Key West. All you have to do is sit back and soak in the beauty of Key West’s lush history or hop off and take it on for yourself. You can begin or end your tour at anyone of the nine trolley stops, being a control freak, I like that it’s my choice. Remember, I mentioned luxury; well this trolley ride has your booty (this time, I mean real booty, not pirate, lol) sitting on padded seats. City View Trolley is open year-round 7 days a week; first tour is 9:30 a.m. and last re-board is 4:30p.m. Trolleys run every 30 minutes, so hop onboard or off, woot!

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Blue Heaven Restaurant
An eclectic mix of crazy is what you will find at this eatery of misfit paraphernalia; awe, sounds like heaven, Blue Heaven! Have your taste buds thank you in advance for the fun they will endure at this funky-tarium that serves: American, Caribbean and Vegetarian cuisine daily. You can dine inside or out and pop and lock to live music played daily. This hotspot is way up there on the uniqueness scale, even the hobo roosters and cats migrate to it. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

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Mile Marker 0
The southern tip of U.S. Highway 1, it’s located at Fleming and Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida. The really cool part about this geographical attraction is that Mile Marker 0 represents the end of the line, the furthest south you can get from the lower 48 continental states, and still be in the USA. It’s the end of Highway One. Tip- Souvenir hunters like to steal this sign, what geeks!

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4 Comments

  1. Kristen Hoover says:

    Thanks for the tips on Visiting Key West!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. dawnsdorkydiary says:

      You’re welcome, Kristen😀!

      Like

  2. Love this list!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. dawnsdorkydiary says:

      Thank you very much😉! Please read Part 1 of Key West! I listed 20 total attractions in a two part series!

      Like

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