14 Best Things to Do in Key West

"What the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum lacks in size it makes up for in one-of-a-kind historical artifacts. The museum—which is located in a 1910 building that originally served as a Navy storehouse—is home to pieces of four ships: the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, which both sank during a 1622 hurricane; The St. John’s Wreck, which transported conquistadors to the Caribbean in the mid-16th century; and the Henrietta Marie, an English slave ship that wrecked less than 50 miles off the coast of Key West. It’s a riveting look at Key West’s maritime history—often overlooked when viewing the city through modern eyes. Visitors used to have the opportunity to lift a salvaged gold bar and feel its weight ... until one visitor decided to steal it. As far as Key West's museums, go, this one is a must-visit." - Nancy DePalma , Laura Ratliff