Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Birds and butterflies in rainbow colors are the main draw at the conservatory, but kid-friendly exhibits and a butterfly-themed art gallery are a big hit with visiting families. Since the garden is climate-controlled, it’s a comfortable place to visit in any weather. This is a featured stop on some tours of Key West, and it’s included on the routes of some hop-on, hop-off buses and the trolley.

• Plan to bring layered clothing, as it’s always balmy in the butterfly conservatory.
• This is a great stop for families with kids. Visit the learning center to watch a short film explaining metamorphosis.
• The conservatory is wheelchair accessible. Strollers are allowed inside the gallery and shop, but not the conservatory.

The conservatory is located at 1361 Duval Street, close to the Southernmost Point, a Key West landmark. A limited number of free parking spaces are available behind the building on a first-come, first-served basis. The free Duval Loop bus stops at the corner of United Street and Duval street, half a block from the conservatory.

Open daily, but closing early on Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November), Christmas Eve (December 24), and Christmas Day (December 25), this is a year-round attraction. Since different species of butterflies are active at different times of day, there’s always something to see fluttering around. The final admission to the site is 30 minutes prior to closing, but it’s worth allotting at least an hour to experience all the exhibits.

From sea birds to manatees, there’s plenty of wildlife in the Florida Keys. On a boat cruise from Key West, you might see dolphins, whales, and manatees. For a closer look, choose between snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat trips to nearby coral reefs that are home to a wide range of tropical fish. Another option is a deep-sea fishing tour; experienced anglers in Key West haul in mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, and sailfish.