Top 10 Free Things To See & Do

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Located by the historic Key West waterfront, this open-air marketplace and entertainment complex is a great place to start or end your visit to Key West. Known for its magnificent sunsets, the area is also home to many shops, including Shell Warehouse, Key West Sponge Market and Caribbean Cargo. The Square also features daily entertainment, which includes guitar music, juggling, and animal performances. Local sightseeing tours also depart from the Square. Call for additional information.

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Before you head back home, be sure to make your way to the corner of Whitehead and South streets. Why? Because geographically it is the southernmost point of the United States. You'll know you're in the right spot by the posted sign proclaiming the site's fame, and by the street vendors selling souvenirs and conch shells. Believe it or not, standing here you are closer to Cuba than Miami; from here, it is 150 miles north to Miami and only 90 miles south to Cuba. If you are so inclined, hang out until the evening, as this is also a great place to watch the sun set.

Our Local Expert Says:

THE photo opp at sunrise and sunset

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Although this isn't a traditional attraction, it's the only way you're going to get to Key West, and it's also one of the wonders of Florida. While it falls a bit short of seven miles, this amazing span bridges the Middle and Lower Keys and has nearly 40 expansion joints. As you cross, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, you can see the Old Seven Mile Bridge, now on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Dog-paddle in the shallows, or float lazily on a raft perfecting your enviable tan. Marathon's own Sombrero Beach - complete with playground - is a 12.6-acre beautifully landscaped beach with walkways, picnic area, and roped swimming area. And, it's free! It closes at dusk, but during weekends it's all about a pick-up game of volleyball, BBQ's, or a quiet day with a book during the week. Beaches in the Keys are a rarity because it is a chain of coral islands - with the exception of Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys, NOTHING rivals this location for sand between the toes.

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Hurricanes are nothing new in these islands but the hurricane that occurred in 1935 is still known as the Great Labor Day Hurricane. Hundreds died in the 20-foot wall of water that crashed over the islands. They are commemorated here at this stone monument that pictures palms bending in fierce winds. Under the tiled mosaic at the base of the monument are buried many of those who died in that ferocious storm, the worst in Florida hurricane history. There is no admission fee.

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Not a place in which to swing, a hammock is a kind of island created around the roots of mangrove trees, which grow in shallow water. As it grows bigger over decades, the hammock becomes home to animals and plants as it continues to grow. At this site, rescued years ago from development, live endangered species. You can hear all about them and about the creation of a hammock on guided walks available by arrangement through rangers at Pennekamp Park. There's no admission fee.

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Whether you're discovering Key Largo, which sprawls across more than 10 miles or just passing through on your way to one of the other Keys, a stop at Harry Harris Park, mile marker 93.5 oceanside, makes for a pleasant visit.

At this waterfront park, you can walk the beach, give the children a break in the toddler playground, join a game at the sports field or enjoy lunch on a covered picnic table for a lazy afternoon of sun, sand, wine, cheese and watersports.

Entry is free Mondays through Fridays. On weekends, children age 12 and under are free.

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One of the Keys' early dwellers, Richter Perky, tried to combat mosquitoes, which were big as bombers and numerous as mangrove roots, with known enemies of the mosquito: bats. In 1912, he built a big tower but the bats weren't having any part of this belfry and just never bought into that batty condominium project. Here it stands, however, just quirky enough to be part of the Keys and just quirky enough to find its way onto the National Register of Historic Places. There is no admission charge.

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You'll see this delightful park as you travel the Overseas Highway. It's just a half-mile south of MM 74 and stretches alongside the ocean, making it a popular stop for a brief stop, sunning and swimming. You can also set up a picnic here and enjoy the quiet tropical environment. A winding boardwalk that passes through short, leggy mangrove trees also offers a scenic stroll. There is no admission fee.

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This strip of sand is one of the best-known beaches in Key West. Named after a former governor, it is just west of the airport and, at two miles long, it is the island's longest strip of silica. This beach is an excellent choice if you have children. With plenty of parking, restrooms, concession stands, chair rentals, picnic tables, watersport rentals and more, everything you need to have a great day in the sun is right at hand. The beach was hit hard by a hurricane in 1998, but it has recovered well and is flourishing once again.