Sand Key Lighthouse - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

A Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark centered on a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of Key West, Florida. In 1968, volunteers led by Howard S. England excavated Civil War guns and ammunition buried in long-abandoned parts of the fort, which was soon discovered to house the nation's largest collection of Civil War cannons.

This Center located on an idyllic beachfront near Key West, the center provides visitors with opportunities to learn about the area’s unique ecosystems and their associated species through interactive exhibits. The Center also runs environmental education programming for children and adults alike, ranging from lectures to field excursions. With its sustainable practices, such as recycling and green building initiatives, this Center has become a model of Caribbean conservation efforts.

This is an incredible site to explore. It commemorates the Prohibition and World War II-era US Coast Guard cutter by preserving its physical remains. Dedicated to honoring those who served in the military, this museum features a variety of preserved artifacts and displays throughout, including gun casemates, radar decks, and ship's wheelhouse. Visitors can also partake in interactive media featuring photos and video installations that give insight into what life aboard was like during wartime.

The Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A is located in Monroe County, marks the most southern spot in the United States. It is an unassuming yet symbolic concrete buoy designated with a white “90” indicating 90-degree longitude coordinates at latitude 25° 0’ 24" N and 80° 00’ 34" W. This landmark serves as a reminder of how vast our country really is and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Key West Harbor Channels, mangroves, and tropical foliage around it.

Butterfly park that houses from 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.

The Key West Lighthouse is an iconic sight and a local landmark. Standing tall atop its brick round foundation at the southernmost point of the United States, it offers stunning landscape views and a mesmerizing beam of white light that shines for miles across the night sky. It stands 80 feet tall and was built in 1847. During its lifetime, it has undergone several renovations to repair damages from numerous hurricanes, yet remains steadfastly standing on its hillside with great conviction.