Sprawling on the southern tip of Key West, Fort Taylor is a historic landmark in Florida that has something for each and every soul. History buffs come from all over the world to explore the largest collection of Civil War armaments in the world, while honeymooners come to witness the magical ocean sunsets. There’s a pristine beach just a few steps away where sun-seekers come to spend their summers frolicking.

But the park is more than that since it has lots of hidden gems to explore. For a memorable adventure, here are 10 things to do at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

10 Admire Butterflies At The Key West Butterfly And Nature Conservatory

Found along Duval Street, The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a great spot where kids can have fun interacting with nature. And since women love butterflies too, the whole family can have a fabulous adventure exploring more than 50 different species of butterflies. While strolling through the garden, visitors will be able to spot exotic birds as well as two beautiful flamingoes in the natural habitat.

Bring a camera to take selfies with the backdrop of the beautiful nature.

9 Climb The Key West Lighthouse

For tourists coming to the island, one of the must-visit places is the Key West Lighthouse. Located along Whitehead Street, this 65-foot (19.8-m) tower is an iconic landmark where visitors come to feast their eyes on breathtaking views of the island. It is fitted with 15 lamps that illuminate it at night, creating a romantic atmosphere, as well as 15-inch reflectors that help sailors navigate. To reach the top, there’s a spiral staircase that is just as fun to climb.

8 Catch Beautiful Sunsets At The Sunset Celebration At Mallory Square

Honeymooners and revelers visiting the island of Key West always find their way to Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square just for a chance to witness as the sun disappears in the Gulf of Mexico and much more. Here, tourists come to have light moments while admiring magicians, acrobats, and even clowns entertaining the crowds. Local musicians come here to bless the fun-seekers with some sweet melodies and lively performances. Contemporary artists also come here to display their amazing works of art.

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7 Learn About Marine Life At The Key West Aquarium

Animal lovers and undersea explorers vacationing in Key West always spend their leisure time learning about marine life at the Key West Aquarium. This is the only public aquarium on the island, no wonder tourists, as well as locals, love visiting here. Visitors can learn about sharks, get up close, and see how they are fed. The aquarium is home to species such as jellyfish, starfish, crabs, sea lions, conchs, and turtles, among others.

Set on the site of what used to be a saloon, Key West First Legal Rum Distillery is a fantastic joint for rum lovers to come and tickle their taste glands. All visitors, whether young or old, can take advantage of the free 30-minute daily tours to learn about the process of producing the best quality rum. Cocktail lovers can join the mojito classes and get a tip on how to make flavorful refreshments. Make sure not to miss the tasting tours, which is the main reason many tourists visit the distillery.

5 Worship At The Basilica Of St. Mary Star Of The Sea

Pilgrims from all around the world looking for spiritual nourishment fly to Key West to visit one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Florida state - The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. This Basilica takes pride as the oldest parish in the Archdiocese of Miami. Apart from attending the uplifting mass service, visitors also come to enjoy peaceful walks in the tranquil garden and explore the grotto. Those looking for respite from the noise and chaos of the city come here to have quiet meditation.

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4 Enjoy A Spooky Tour Of Key West Cemetery

For people who are intrigued by ghost stories or horror movies, taking a tour of the Key West Cemetery should be on top of their to-do list. With more than 100,000 people buried here and with stories of ghosts haunting the place, it’s easy to understand why this is one of the most terrifyingly haunted destinations in the US. While strolling around the cemetery, visitors can easily spot lizards that add to the character of the place.

3 Relax And Unwind At Smathers Beach

When vacationing in Key West, tourists can spend their weekends interacting with the locals and frolicking at Smathers Beach. Lined with beautiful palm trees, this is one of the most popular beaches on the island, where sun-seekers come to enjoy suntans. Visitors can have fun playing volleyball on the beach. They can also rent a jet ski and enjoy a thrilling ride on the turquoise waters. After playing on the beach, people can wash off the sand in the showers.

2 Take Fido To Higgs Beach Dog Park

Who said people couldn’t hang out on the beach with their fur babies? Well, Higgs Beach Dog Park in Key West defies the odds and welcomes dog owners to come and have a fun day out with their four-legged friends. The park has lush grass and is nicely fenced, allowing canines to jump around freely off-leash. There are benches where visitors can relax as they watch their pets play.

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1 Shop At Clinton Square Market

Feel like going shopping? Prepare a shopping list and head to Clinton Square Market. Situated along Front Street, this is a famous shopping mall housed in a historic building that dates back to the 1800s. The market operates daily, and tourists love to come to shop here because of the fair prices. Before leaving the square, visitors like to relax and enjoy a cup of amazing Cuban coffee that is so popular in this part of Florida.