With its crystal blue waters, gently swaying palm trees, and soft, powdery white sand, the unparalleled beaches of Dry Tortugas are a must-visit destination for sun worshippers and underwater explorers alike.

Journey back in time on a guided tour of historic Fort Jefferson, the sprawling, 16-acre military fortification located within Dry Tortugas National Park. The remote city-on-the-sea dates back to the 1800s, when nearly 2,000 people lived there.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane from neighboring Key West, the 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas National Park is home to seven of the most remote islands of the Keys, along with historic Fort Jefferson.

Located four nautical miles east of Indian Key, this historic, 19th-century lighthouse is a favorite destination for snorkeling thanks to its clear waters, spectacular underwater reef, and abundance of tropical marine life.

Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this 106-mile paved rail trail runs from Key Largo to Key West and is an ideal destination for running, walking, cycling, and enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Explore the fascinating history of underwater diving in the Florida Keys and beyond through this extensive collection of vintage equipment, diving helmets, and various other artifacts.

Get a front-row seat to the incredible diversity of marine life to be found in the Florida Keys at Theater of the Sea. Watch a dolphin show, swim with sea lions and nurse sharks, and learn about the park’s cutting-edge conservation efforts.

Named in honor of local environmentalist Anne Eaton, this public beach features a shallow, sandy swimming area, picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a spectacular 1,300-foot boardwalk that winds through the nearby mangroves.

Located a half-mile offshore and accessible only by boat, this 11-acre island is home to the Indian Key ghost town. Abandoned since the mid-1800s, the island is now a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.

A must-see for history buffs and architecture aficionados alike, this historic site is famed as the best-preserved example of Martello-style military architecture in the United States, and offers fascinating exhibits on local history and art.

The onetime home of the Key West customs office, postal district courts, and postal service, this four-story Romanesque building now showcases exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.

Founded in 1936, this 15.2-acre forest and garden is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States, and is home to a dizzying array of Caribbean flora and fauna, including many endangered and threatened species.

Step backwards in time to the Key West of a bygone age at this historic seaport featuring enticing eateries, fresh-caught seafood, one-of-a-kind watering holes, charming boutiques, and can’t-miss cultural events.

Take a stroll among more than 50 species of butterflies from around the world — along with flowering plants, cascading waterfalls, lush trees, and spectacular free-flying birds in a soaring, glass-domed indoor habitat.

A hidden gem in the heart of Old Town. Founded in 1847 following a devastating hurricane, this 19-acre cemetery at the foot of Solares Hill reveals the fascinating stories of Key West and the estimated 100,000 people laid to rest there.

Secure your world-traveler bragging rights with a photo at this iconic Key West site — a colorful, anchored concrete buoy marking the southernmost point in the continental United States.

Climb the 88 steps to the top of this historic sentinel of the sea to enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, and learn the fascinating stories of those who served as lighthouse keepers dating back to the mid-19th century.

This historic French Colonial mansion was the onetime residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. Now operating as a museum dedicated to his life and work, it features guided tours, a gift shop, and spectacular grounds.

Known as the heart of nightlife in Key West, this historic thoroughfare is lined with stately Victorian mansions, along with bars, cafés, shops, galleries, restaurants, and many celebrated attractions.

Learn about the diverse marine life of the Florida Keys while you get up-close-and-personal with jellyfish, sharks, and an abundance of tropical fish at one of the state’s oldest aquariums.

Located in the heart of Old Town, this historic plaza is home to Key West’s famed Sunset Celebration, a nightly arts festival featuring live performances and local art exhibitors, against a backdrop of one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets.

This hidden-gem natural beach and adjacent wetland area boasts picnic tables, nature trails, and abundant wildlife. Quieter and less frequented than Marathon’s other beaches, it is also a popular sea turtle nesting ground.

Discover underwater fun for the whole family at this educational marine life facility offering interactive diving, snorkeling, and feeding activities, plus touch tanks, guided tours, and an on-site café.

A National Historic Landmark, this 5-acre island is home to a collection of meticulously preserved historic buildings that once housed the workers who built the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway.

Learn about conservation while you interact with dolphins and sea lions at the Dolphin Research Center. Take advantage of guided tours, hands-on dolphin encounters, and exclusive opportunities to shadow a dolphin trainer for a day.

Discover a new appreciation for these ancient, gentle giants of the ocean. This sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center takes you behind the scenes of marine conservation through educational guided tours and wildlife encounters.

A favorite destination for locals, visitors, and Loggerhead Sea Turtles alike, Sombrero Beach offers free parking, picnic tables, a bathhouse, and outdoor showers, with all facilities fully accessible for those with mobility limitations.

Among the longest bridges in the world when it was first constructed in 1978, this parallel pair of bridges offer both a vehicular and pedestrian/cyclist thoroughfare, connecting the town of Marathon with Little Duck Key.

Spend a day exploring the many attractions of this scenic, 63-acre nature center, museum, and historic site, including a wild bird rehabilitation center, 2.5 miles of nature trails, heritage houses, and a children’s museum.