Key West

There are thousands of things to do in the Florida Keys, but these 8 activities are a must for your bucket list.

No doubt about it: Key West is expensive. But despite its small size, Key West is packed with things to do and see — and some are even free. Here are a half dozen places to go where you’ll soak up Key West culture without opening your wallet.

Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.

Beaches in the Keys aren’t as common or as wonderful as many expect, but there ARE some great beaches where you can swim — and snorkel — if you know where to go. Let us take you there.

Key West has a lot of off-beat charms, but one of my favorites has always been the chickens that you hear crowing and see strutting everywhere. But don’t feed them! It’s now against the law. Learn about the fascinating feral fowl that are part of Key West’s funky charm.

There’s so much to do in Key West, it’s easy to bypass the Key West Botanic Garden. But if you love unusual plants, you’ll be be charmed by this serene place.

Visitors who think Key West “has been ruined” often blame the huge cruise ships that are frequent visitors spewing thousands of day-trippers onto the island. That might be changing, as Key West residents passed three referendums Nov. 3 requiring cruise ships to be smaller and fewer.

The bike trail down the Florida Keys — the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail — is not complete, but here are four sections that offer scenic and safe rides, We’ve updated our guide with sections that were recently repaired after Hurricane Irma damage.

A new and improved guide to the scenic Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys with points of interest, restaurants, campgrounds and lodging, kayaking and beaches with expanded descriptions, photos and highlights.

Checkpoints have been removed from the Overseas Highway. Airports, hotels, bars, retail shops and restaurants are open. But it won’t be the same. You must wear masks or face a stiff $500 fine.