Where to Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Key West

Key West is considered a jewel of the Florida Keys. Its tropical beauty, easily accessible from just about anywhere in the U.S., is rare among American states because of its location. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or longer, it’s worth it to make the time to explore some of these outstanding natural Key West attractions.

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the newer national parks, this one stands out because so much of it is underwater. There’s ferry service between Key West and the seven small keys that make up the park, about 70 miles away. The park’s biggest landmark, Fort Jefferson, sits on Garden Key.

Visitors rave about the snorkeling here, for both novices and pros. Explore the sea life and corals, reefs, and even night snorkeling along the moat wall. There are limited overnight camping facilities, as well as nature walks and stargazing opportunities here. Paddle boarders can circle the various keys, getting an up-close look at seabirds’ habitats. Recreational fishing is permitted, as long as certain regulations are followed; local fishing charter companies are typically equipped to make the necessary arrangements for excursions like these.

The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden

This botanical garden and arboretum is actually located on Stock Island. It’s accessible by car from the northwest side of the island of Key West. What sets this park apart – aside from being the only frost-free park of its kind in the U.S. – is how freely and wild the native plants and trees grow here. This isn’t a highly landscaped park but one where nature takes its course. Wooden boardwalks provide walking paths through thick greenery, bright flowers, and native trees. Wear good walking shoes, and bring a sun hat and sunscreen; since Hurricane Irma took down many trees, there’s a lot more sun here than there used to be.

Local Beaches

There are several local beaches in Key West. While all of them are small, they more than make up for it in their picture-perfect views of the seashore framed by gently waving palms. Smathers is the largest. With two miles of truly sandy shore, it’s great for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also go snorkeling and kayaking here. Dog Beach is the smallest; it’s a rocky beach but the only one where dogs are welcome on- and off-leash. Higgs Beach is popular for its free parking. There’s a small dog park there and a playground for kids. Amenities include paddle board and kayak rentals, and a volleyball court. South Beach has a charming wooden pier and gazebo. It’s at the southernmost point in Key West. While there are no facilities here, there are plenty of places nearby to find a snack or something cold to drink. It hasn’t dampened the popularity of the beach, known for its wide expanse of shallow water where kids love to play.

Part of Key West’s attraction is how much of the natural beauty found here simply can’t be seen anyplace else in the U.S. From thick coral reefs to indigenous plants and trees to the stereotypical South Florida beach scene, it’s easy to find views you’ve probably only dreamed about.

This post was written by third party writer Shariq Toor. All images have been linked to their sources.