Water activities dominate the list of things to do in Key West - with coral reefs and shipwrecks dominating the list of things to see - making the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico the most visited areas in Key West.

Scuba and snorkel tours will take you out to the area reefs where you can see first-hand just how beautiful it can be beneath the waves. A swath of fishing charters are available and are more than willing to customize trips to your exact specifications. Beaches are in short supply and tend to be on the small side, but there are always pretty good places to catch some rays.

If you’re looking for a day away from the water, check out Fort Zachary. This 87-acre historical fort has been turned into an outdoor Civil War museum. It also has a large picnic area, complete with picnic tables and barbecue grills. For vacationers skittish of the sun, there are numerous shade trees scattered throughout the compound to help shield you from those harmful UV rays. The fort also has a small, narrow, rocky beach area (typical of what you’ll find in this area) for those wishing to take a dip. Bathrooms and showers are on the premises. The fort has an entrance fee of $3.75 per vehicle plus a per person charge.