We had a couple of soggy days in Key West this week. While it’s rare that a rain shower lasts more than 15 minutes here, we do have an occasional wet forecast. Don’t worry. Even when the beach or boat trip are out of the question, you can still enjoy some Key West culture. Here are 5 great ways to get you started.

5 – Mel Fisher Treasure Museum (200 Greene St) – See some of the rare and valuable coins and other artifacts that Treasure Hunter Mel Fisher and his crew have recovered from the shipwrecks Atocha and Santa Margarita.

4 – Key West Shipwreck Museum (1 Whitehead St) - Let a master wrecker and his wrecking crew tell you about the history of the shipwrecking industry in Key West and how it provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers.

3 – Pearl’s Patio (525 United St) – For those who are more interested in relaxing in the rain, don’t forget to stop by the Patio. Although we are an outdoor venue, we are completely covered, so you get the best of both worlds. Have a drink and something from the grill while watching the big screen TV.

2 - KW Butterfly & Nature Conservatory (1316 Duval St) – Hundreds of butterflies flittering around you is the main attraction, but the tropical, lush gardens, ponds, fish, turtles, and birds complete the mesmerizing experience. This is a Key West can’t-miss.

Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

1 - Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center – Take a  journey into the world of the native plants and animals of the Keys, both on land and underwater. The Center is operated by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Be sure to see the Mote Marine Laboratory Living Reef exhibit, including a 2,500-gallon reef tank with living corals and  tropical fish. Best of all, admission is FREE.

Even if you have a sunny trip to the island, you will want to work these into your itinerary. And don’t forget to ask Pearl’s Crew if they have any coupons; sometimes you can get a discount on admission.

See you in paradise soon!
Paige