The Keys offer attractions galore for people of all ages. Here are some suggestions courtesy of Ray's Place. For your convenience contact info for all attractions are included. Select attractions are listed according to their proximity to Ray's Place. Let the attraction planning begin!
Index Of Attractions You'll Find Here
- Florida Keys Animal Attractions
- State Parks
- Beaches
- Parks
- Landmarks
- Additional Suggestions
- Calendars Of Local Events
Florida Keys Animal Attractions
No visit to the keys would be complete without immersing yourself in the environmentally friendly attitude that permeates the Keys. After all, being environmentally friendly is what makes the Keys the beautiful untouched place that it still is today.
To have fun as well as learn more about our Keys habitat try these attractions that will give you a greater appreciation of the animals that call the Keys their home.
To have fun as well as learn more about our Keys habitat try these attractions that will give you a greater appreciation of the animals that call the Keys their home.
Dolphin Research Center
Only 0.7 miles 1 minute North Gulfside
Only 0.7 miles 1 minute North Gulfside
DRC pioneers in environmentally friendly animal encounters. If you are interested in being a trainer for a day, or want to fulfill a life long dream of swimming with dolphins, head over to DRC to have an unforgettable experience.
58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050
Program Reservations Phone: +1 (305) 289-0002
Office Phone: +1 (305) 289-1121
58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050
Program Reservations Phone: +1 (305) 289-0002
Office Phone: +1 (305) 289-1121
Dolphin Connection
3.2 miles 4 minutes North on Atlantic side
3.2 miles 4 minutes North on Atlantic side
At Dolphin Connection hop into the turquoise waters to spend time with the dolphins when you book their Dolphin Discovery program.
61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Marathon,FL 33050 (305) 743-7000 http://www.dolphinconnection.com/
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
5.9 miles 7 minutes South Gulfside
5.9 miles 7 minutes South Gulfside
Take part in an exhilarating aquarium encounter and even hand feed sharks!
11710 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-407-3262
http://www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com/
http://www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com/
The Turtle Hospital
10 miles 14 minutes South Gulfside
The turtle hospital is more education oriented than touristic, but if you love wildlife then this is for you. To view the turtles in rehabilitation you must take a guided tour. The 90 minute tour takes you through the hospital facilities and at the end guests get to partake in feeding the resident sea turtles.
Marathon, FL 33050 MM 48.5 305 743-2552
http://www.turtlehospital.org/blog/
Theater Of The Sea
26 miles 30 minutes North Atlantic Side
This delightful animal park offers interactive animal shows and even has an open bottom boat ride where dolphins come to swim in the center of the open bottom of the boat.
84721 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 305 664-2431
National Key Deer Refuge
30 miles 40 minutes South Gulfside
Home to the unique Key deer, this refuge will let you observe these Keys residents at a strikingly close distance. The Key deer have adapted overtime to the Keys environment, which is low on fresh water. Due to their adaptations they are charmingly small, and not to mention friendly! The refuge visitor center is located ¼-mile North of the traffic light on Key Deer Boulevard in the Big Pine Key Shopping Plaza. The administrative headquarters is located at the west end of Watson Boulevard.
28950 Watson Blvd., Big Pine Key, FL 33043 305 872-2239 http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/
Dolphin Plus
41.5 miles 55 minutes North Oceanside down Grouper Trail Rd./ East Dr. Onto Ocean Bay Dr.
This attraction is highly rated on Tripadvisor.com. Many visitors love the ability to learn more about the dolphins and interact with them.
31 Corrine Place, Key Largo, FL 33037 1-866-860-7946
http://www.dolphinsplus.com/
Key West Aquarium
58 miles 1 hour and 15 minutes South
Home to alligators, jellyfish, sharks and many other marine animals, guests can enjoy guided aquarium tours as well as animal feedings.
1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 800 868 7482
http://www.keywestaquarium.com/
State Parks
The Keys have an abundance of State Parks. They capture and preserve the natural beauty that the Keys' so generously offers.
The Keys have an abundance of State Parks. They capture and preserve the natural beauty that the Keys' so generously offers.
Curry Hammock State Park
2 miles 3 minutes South Atlantic side
2 miles 3 minutes South Atlantic side
Enjoy yourself by the shore at Curry Hammock State Park. More info on Curry Hammock here.
56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-2690
56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
Long Key State Park
9 miles 10 minutes North Atlantic side
9 miles 10 minutes North Atlantic side
Explore trails, snorkel and picnic at Long Key State park. More info on Long Key here.
67400 Overseas Highway, Layton, FL 33001
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19 miles 23 minutes North Atlantic side
Indian Key is a beautiful historic state park. It is only accessible by boat. To visit this gem, please see our section on Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals at the Kayak Shack at Robbie's Marina. This location is very near to Indian Key and it is ideal to rent jet skis, kayaks or paddle boards from this company to venture onto Indian Key.
Islamorada, FL 33036
Bahia Honda State Park
21 miles 30 minutes South Atlantic Side
Bahia Honda is a true gem. It has been voted best beach in Florida multiple times. We highly recommend it! One side of the State Park is home to a beach with views of the historic bridge. The other side is pure beach for miles.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes South
Visit the Fort and play at the beach all in the same day!
300 Truman Anx, Key West, FL 33040
For info on activities: 305 295-0037
To speak with park ranger: 305 292-6713
http://www.fortzacharytaylor.com/
Dry Tortugas State Park
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes South
Well worth the 2 hour boat ride to get there, the Dry Tortugas is otherworldly. This secluded historic fort is now a lovely day trip get away. It boasts pristine beaches and opportunities to snorkel. To get to the Dry Tortugas you must take a group charter boat with other visitors. We recommend the company Yankee Freedom.
Yankee Freedom- Dry Tortugas Ferry, 100 Grinnell Street, Key West, FL 33040
800-634-0939
Beaches
Sombrero Beach
10 miles 15 minutes South Atlantic side
The most popular beach in Marathon!
Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 743-0033
Anne's Beach
15 miles 18 minutes North Atlantic side
This beach is right by the main highway, making it convenient to stop by on your way through the Keys.
MM 73 Atlantic Side
Smather's Beach
57 miles 1 hour and 15 minutes South Atlantic side
Along the Atlantic side of Key West there is a long stretch of beach. Smather's is one of the beaches that you'll find along this stretch. There are various water sport rentals on the beach and restaurants as well.
See the State Park section for info on the beautiful beaches of Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda, Fort Zachary Taylor and the Dry Tortugas.
10 miles 15 minutes South Atlantic side
The most popular beach in Marathon!
Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050
Anne's Beach
15 miles 18 minutes North Atlantic side
This beach is right by the main highway, making it convenient to stop by on your way through the Keys.
MM 73 Atlantic Side
Smather's Beach
57 miles 1 hour and 15 minutes South Atlantic side
Along the Atlantic side of Key West there is a long stretch of beach. Smather's is one of the beaches that you'll find along this stretch. There are various water sport rentals on the beach and restaurants as well.
See the State Park section for info on the beautiful beaches of Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda, Fort Zachary Taylor and the Dry Tortugas.
Parks
Sunset Park Key Colony Beach
5 miles 7 minutes South Atlantic side
5 miles 7 minutes South Atlantic side
Catch the sunset, Florida Keys style at Sunset park in beautiful Key Colony Beach. For more info visit the park's website.
Ocean Drive West, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
To arrive here take the main highway South. Turn left on Sadowski Causeway then at the fork make a right. At the end of this road you'll find the lovely Sunset Park.
To arrive here take the main highway South. Turn left on Sadowski Causeway then at the fork make a right. At the end of this road you'll find the lovely Sunset Park.
Points Of Interest To Visit By Boat
The Sandbar
2 miles directly South Atlantic Shore
This spread of velvety sand is a hot spot for locals on the weekends. At low tide enjoy a walk on the island of soft sand that is just off shore. At high tide enjoy swimming or bring some floats to leisurely float in the turquoise waters. This is a quick boat ride from Ray's Place or you can easily kayak there from Curry Hammock State Park. For info on how to get to Curry Hammock State Park please see our State Park section.
Coffin's Patch
2 miles South East in the Atlantic
This beautiful reef is home to many tropical fish. Bring a bag of chips or bread and scatter it over the surface of the water to witness a multitude of fish come to enjoy this treat. Snorkel or dive to see the colorful coral.
For more info on local reefs, please visit this helpful site:
http://www.florida-keys-vacation.com/Scuba-Diving-Florida-Keys.html#axzz3MGLzSOeD
The Sandbar
2 miles directly South Atlantic Shore
This spread of velvety sand is a hot spot for locals on the weekends. At low tide enjoy a walk on the island of soft sand that is just off shore. At high tide enjoy swimming or bring some floats to leisurely float in the turquoise waters. This is a quick boat ride from Ray's Place or you can easily kayak there from Curry Hammock State Park. For info on how to get to Curry Hammock State Park please see our State Park section.
Coffin's Patch
2 miles South East in the Atlantic
This beautiful reef is home to many tropical fish. Bring a bag of chips or bread and scatter it over the surface of the water to witness a multitude of fish come to enjoy this treat. Snorkel or dive to see the colorful coral.
For more info on local reefs, please visit this helpful site:
http://www.florida-keys-vacation.com/Scuba-Diving-Florida-Keys.html#axzz3MGLzSOeD
Landmarks
7 Mile Bridge
11 miles 17 minutes South Gulf side
11 miles 17 minutes South Gulf side
The 7 Mile Bridge is the pride of Marathon. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset!
Duval Street
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes South
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes South
This quaint street is lined with touristic shops and many good restaurants and bars including Sloppy Joe's.
Mallory Square
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes South
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes South
When it comes to sunsets, Mallory Square will provide you with spectacular views... and a show! Mallory Square is famous for its street performers who entertain as visitors await the magnificent sunset views.
Southernmost Point
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes south
58 miles 1 hour and 20 minutes south
Just for the fun of it, venture down to the Southernmost point to take your picture.
Additional Suggestions
Calendar Of Local Events
To the left is the annual lighted boat parade in Marathon to celebrate the holiday season. To catch local events like this during your stay, please visit these Florida Keys event calendar sites.
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