Key West Florida: Places to See and Visit in Key West

by MasterDayton

Thinking about visiting Key West? Read on to learn more about the places to see and things to do in Key West!

Key West on the Affordable Budget

You don't need to be rich to have fun!

Many people go with the wrong notion that tourists who frequent places to see in Key West need a few thousand bucks in their pockets to enjoy the sights and attractions. After all, isn’t Key West known for pricey sunset cruises, exclusive fishing charters, and elitist gimmick spots that run wild at night?  Like so many things, the common preconception isn't even close to being the whole story, as many previous visitors to Key West can attest to.

Key West may be a pricey playground for the rich, powerful, and famous, but it doesn’t mean that an average citizen has no place to go to enjoy the beautiful Cayo Hueso for free. Here are few interesting places to see in Key West that do not require exclusive memberships or hefty entrance fees, because when you visit this jewel you don't want to burn your money before the week is out - especially if you're hoping for some scuba diving or fishing charter before the week's end.

Key West Items Available from Amazon

Insiders' Guide: Key West in Your Pocket: Your Guide to an Hour, a Day, or a Weekend in Key ...

Insiders’ Guide in Your Pocket is a new series of miniguides that distill the best of the trusted Insiders’ Guide® series into easy-to-use, portable, quick references—each ...

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Mile Marker Zero: The Moveable Feast of Key West

True tales of writers and pirates, painters and potheads, guitar pickers and drug merchants in America’s southernmost city For Hemingway and Fitzgerald, there was Paris in the ...

$15.71  $44.37
Key West: A Tropical Lifestyle

Architecture on Florida's Key West reflects the diverse and colorful nature of those who have shaped this remote island's character: the grand classical homes of sea captains ...

$19.9  $59.99
The Road To Key West

The Road to Key West is an adventurous/humorous sojourn that cavorts its way through the 1970s Caribbean, from Key West and the Bahamas, to Cuba and Central America. In August ...

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Key West Historic District

Living History at its Best

What can be more interesting to do than go on your personal history field trip at the Old Town, particularly the Key West Historic District? Here you can find excellent examples of local architecture built from the mid 1860s to the early 1910s. Truman Annex, Mallory Square, Duval Street, and Fort Zachary Taylor are among the major tourist destinations you can find on your personal trip in this truly nostalgic town.  Ask some locals for the best places to check out in the area and enjoy how naturally the historic old town fits right in with the modern streets and laid back lifestyle.

Key West Materials from Amazon

Quit Your Job And Move To Key West : The Complete Guide

Tired of working? Sick of the Rat Race? Feel like leaving it all behind? Your are one step closer just by picking up this book. Quit Your Job And Move To Key West is your ...

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The Key West Video

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Hemingway's Key West

This vivid portrait reveals both Hemingway, the writer, and Hemingway, the hard-drinking, woman-chasing fighter and sportsman of legend. Hemingway's decade in Key West during ...

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Hidden Florida Keys and Everglades: Including Key Largo and Key West (Hidden Travel)

EXPLORE THE HIDDEN REALM•Lose the tourist crowds gator-watching in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary•Savor a piece of luscious homemade Key lime pie at Mangrove Mama’s•Watch the fire ...

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Southernmost Point, Corner of Whitehead and South Streets

Southernmost point of the United States - how could you resist?

This most photographed and visited attraction of Key West is not truly accurate in its claim, for there are quite a few points that are more to the south than this brightly painted monument. Nevertheless, if you are a true-blue Key West tourist, posing with this celeb monument is a must.  You just haven't made the full foot trip of Key West until you've hit the corner of Whitehead and South Streets.  If you've ever traveled all the way north to Barrow, Alaska, these two extreme pictures really go great side by side with one another!

A Key Encounter

Free family activity in Key West

This non-profit museum is located on the Clinton Square Market Mall. It features a 3-screen movie theater called “Nature Theater” that displays a simulated account of how God created the beings of the world. “The Jungle Walk” also boasts of a few live and animatronic animals that can tickle the imagination of the young and young at heart. Admission is free and is a perfect gimmick for visiting families.  This is a nice free thing that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

McCoy Indigenous Park

This institution is responsible for sheltering and healing over 2,000 injured animals since 1993. The center can accommodate as much as 100 animals at a time, ranging from raccoons to birds. The center is open to visitors from 9AM to 5PM. It is free to enter the premises but they surely appreciate donations and individuals who want to volunteer.

Aside from these attractions, the numerous beaches in Key West already have a lot to offer to budget-conscious tourists. Don’t let the poor economy affect your enjoyment of this unforgettable trip. By doing a bit of research about places to see in Key West for free, the adventure can be as thrilling as any 5-star cruise or first-class chauffeured fieldtrip.

Key West Saltwater Fishing Items

Fish Florida Saltwater: Better Than Luck--The Foolproof Guide to Florida Saltwater Fishing

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Key West Saltwater Fishing Charters

Is it the best saltwater fishing in the world?

If you're an outdoor person at all and have any interest in fishing whatsoever you can't pass up the chance to enjoy the many amazing experiences that a professional Key West saltwater fishing charter has to offer visitors. According to many International Saltwater Fishing organizations, over 10% of all saltwater fishing world records come from the Florida Keys area.

While there's no way to know for sure which of the Keys is "best," and many of them will head out to the same waters and currents, you know that if you're getting a Key West fishing guide that there's a pretty good chance you will be set up for the fishing experience of a lifetime.  These charters enjoy the benefit of some of the best fishing waters in the world and if you love the thrill of a trophy sized fish grabbing the lure and making a run for it then your goal should be simple: don't leave the island without enjoying the heck out of a fishing charter from Key West.

Key West Water Sports

When someone talks about water sports in Key West, there are many different things they could be referring to.  You might be talking about jet skis and wave runners, or something much slower and more simple like renting a kayak or taking out a fishing kayak on the shallow flats or some of the saltwater inlets.  While they might not technically count as water sports, parasailing, sunset cruises, and party boats can all fall under this umbrella.

Whether you like looking down on the islands from 500 feet up, love gentle kayaking, or like the big adrenaline rush, there are Key West watersports that are sure to work for you.  Remember that rental times can  vary greatly from one charter provider to another, and once you find the beest deal make sure to enjoy  yourself!

Great Key West Pics

All pictures labeled as Public Domain
Christ of the Abyss - Popular Dive Site
Christ of the Abyss - Popular Dive Site
Public Domain
Key West Coral Diving Spot
Key West Coral Diving Spot
Public Domain
The Famous Key West Lighthouse
The Famous Key West Lighthouse
Public Domain
Key West Sunrise Pic
Key West Sunrise Pic
Public Domain
The Famous Seven Mile Bridge
The Famous Seven Mile Bridge
Public Domain

Key West Scuba Diving

Monroe County does it right

When it comes to scuba diving and snorkeling, it's hard to argue with everything that the island of Key West has to offer underwater explorers.  Not only do the Keys have dozens of natural diving spots ranging from natural coral reefs and shipwrecks, but there are even more artificial reefs and diving spots created by the artificial reef program run by the state of Florida.  The idea is creating more and more areas where the sea life can thrive while also providing more places for snorkelers and scuba divers to visit.

The situation is win-win as the environment improves for local life while also spreading out visitors to a larger number of visit areas, helping to lessen the impact on any given site.  Whether you're a fan of the USS Vandenburg, Marker 32, or Joe's Tug - you'll be sure to find something that suits your adventurous needs.  Just remember that it's always a good idea to hire a professional Key West scuba diving charter to guide your trip.  Safety comes first and besides - the locals will know exactly where to steer to find the most impressive sights!

Some Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guides from Amazon.com

Fifty Places to Dive Before You Die: Diving Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations

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Scuba Diving - 4th Edition

Scuba's most comprehensive and authoritative guide is now better than ever! Scuba Diving provides a clear, thorough, and captivating learning experience for all who want to ...

Scuba Diving Tank O-Ring Dive Kit Keychain with Pick (FREE SHIPPING), Nitrox

Innovative's Dive Tank Key Chain is an interesting way to carry your save a dive "O" ring kit. Now you won't be left out of your dive when your old "O" ring blows. These neat ...

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Some Great Key West Related Links

Charter List
Great resource all about charters, including professional guides and charters for every major Florida Key island.

Travel Novel Squidoo Lens
Good lens on some fantastic travel novels. Interesting array of choices.

Ernest Hemingway and His Antique Books
Great Squidoo lens on Ernest Hemingway, who loved Key West, his life's work, and a look at his antique books.

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys
Article on the various really cool options you have when it comes to staying in the Florida Keys.

Wizzley Article on 6 Things to Do in the Florida Keys
Just like the link description says

What Part of Key West Excites You the Most?

Google Map of Key West

Not to mention some of the neighbors!
Updated: 02/04/2012, MasterDayton
 
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