Discover Monroe: Culture, Nature, and Water Experiences

Those who choose Monroe as a base for a trip to the Florida Keys can combine a wide variety of vacation experiences: historic sites, distinctive museums, walking trails through plant communities, and activities on or by the water. For families with different interests, it makes sense to plan a trip in which cultural discoveries and nature experiences each have their own focus. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it helps to first decide which of these experiences should define the vacation.

History and Unusual Attractions

In Key West, the lighthouse tells the story of a long maritime history. The Key West Lighthouse was completed in 1848 and raised by 20 feet in 1894. Key West’s historic districts also contribute to the city’s character with their unique Conch-style architecture. Those interested in buildings and local history will find a different way to experience the Florida Keys here than on a purely beach-focused day.

Another historical highlight is Pigeon Key. The island was a railroad village where more than 400 workers lived between 1908 and 1912 during the construction of the Overseas Railway to Key West. The Pigeon Key Foundation took over care of the island in 1993 and began restoration work with the aim of converting Pigeon Key into a museum. Historic Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Key and adds to the selection of places where the region’s history can be explored in a vivid way.

The Fort East Martello Museum opened in 1950 as the first museum in the Florida Keys. It houses works by Cuban folk artist Mario Sanchez and Robert the Doll. Fort East Martello was also added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1972. At the Hemingway Home and Museum, the building was constructed in 1851 in the Spanish Colonial style. An unusual feature is the nearly 60 polydactyl cats with six toes that live there.

Nature, Beaches, and Water Activities

The landscape also offers various options for planning your days. The 1.1-mile Golden Orb Trail in Long Key State Park passes through different plant communities and is a specific walking option for visitors who want to experience nature on foot. The Florida Keys ecosystem also includes one of the largest seagrass beds in the world. It provides feeding grounds for turtles and manatees. Marathon is also known for its annual seafood festivals, adding a culinary aspect to the nature and water experiences.

Bahia Honda State Park combines palm-lined sandy beaches with clear water. Opportunities are available there for snorkeling and kayaking. The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and fishing. The thousands of mangrove islands in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary provide additional opportunities for paddling. San Pedro State Park features an underwater park with a shipwreck from 1733 and replicas of cannons, which snorkelers and divers can explore.

Monroe County manages 22 park and beach properties with a total area of more than 100 acres throughout the island chain. For planning excursions on the water, Monroe County also has eight public boat ramps in the Florida Keys. Those who want to get oriented before a day in nature can use the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo. It offers information from park rangers, educational exhibits, informational brochures, a gift shop, and backcountry permits.

Choosing the Right Base

The right accommodation in Monroe should reflect your preferred mix of vacation experiences. For culture enthusiasts, the lighthouse, historic districts, museums, and forts are the main attractions. Those who prefer spending time outdoors can include walking trails, beaches, mangroves, and underwater experiences in their plans. For groups with different interests, it is worthwhile to consciously alternate these focuses without making every day the same.

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages for Key Largo, Little Torch Key, Tavernier, Marathon, Key West, Islamorada, Marathon Shores, Duck Key, Layton, Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key, Summerland Key, Key Colony Beach, Sugarloaf Key and Stock Island.

For the higher-level travel overview: Florida.