What are some off-the-beaten-path things to do in the Florida Keys?

The cat act at sunset on Mallory Square
Hemingway’s house
Glass bottom boat tour
Kayaking
Butterfly Conservatory

The Keys are very rocky, so don’t expect expanses of smooth sand like you find elsewhere in Florida.

The park on Bahia Honda where you can snorkel or picnic.

Key Largo Limestone Quarry at Windley Key This is a very interesting place where Henry Flagler dug limestone. There are nature trails where you can see the unique flora and fauna of the Keys. You can walk down in the quarry and look at the fossils in the stone.

Eat Cuban food.

Walk the old railroad bridge at sunset.

@BarnacleBill Did Hemingway’s house last year and saw all the lovely little six-toed kitties! Also did the Butterfly Conservatory, and that was a lot of fun. By the way, the beach across from the conservatory is one of my favorites. I am a big fan of Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key.

@marinelife Thanks for the tips!

@Ladymia69 Have a wonderful time! Wish I was going with you.

@marinelife I wish you were, too, you sure would fit in swimmingly! lol

We stayed at Big Pine Key. And we went fishing, cruising around the islands and baked in the sun!

We stopped at a Spider Trail along the main road. Highly recommend it unless you’re a spiderphobe. Wonderful specimens of very colorful spiders, huge beautiful webs. And free.

@Sunny2 Which key and where was that? Never heard of it! Neat!

Unfortunately, it was at least 20 years ago and I’m not sure. But we only got to the first key (had restless kids with us) and it was on the right side of the main highway south to the keys. You could ask around when you get there. The Spider Trail had a sign marking it, but otherwise no sign of anyone running it. It was just there. And I’m sure you’ll find advertisements and pamphlets that have a lot of things to see.

@Sunny2 Ay caramba! them spiders are probably dead by now! Some sort of transient roadside attraction, no doubt…

@Ladymia69 Maybe so. As I said, there was no one around. It didn’t occur to me it could be a transient attraction. It didn’t occur to me there was such a thing. Okay let me change my recommendation: Look for transient attractions with fresh lively spiders or perhaps there’s a graveyard for the dead ones now.

@Sunny2 I LOVE roadside attractions! I really wish someone would document them, as they are so transient…I don’t think there is enough roadside culture as there used to be. It’s sad how some things just die out.

Write a book about them. You may be able to get funding for a nationwide trip. Or ask Fluther about local roadside attractions where they live. Good subject.

Great idea!