As we were arriving in the Florida Keys, I noticed this monument and wanted to make sure to return…read morehere and learn about what had happened. A powerful Category 5 hurricane hit on September 2, 1935 (Labor Day) and it remains the strongest on record in the United States with winds reaching 185 miles per hour. The storm killed over 400+ people across the Florida Keys and many of these people were military veterans. The memorial holds all the ashes of those who lost their lives. It's a beautiful memorial and so glad we took the time to pay homage to all the souls lost here.

A quick stop on our way back north but worth it. A very interesting and sad part of the Keys…read morehistory. There are some nice descriptive panels both in front and behind the monument. You can tell this was built during the 30s given the classic WPA design. Turn off of Hwy and spend a few minutes checking this out.

This historic park has a lot of great history here. I'd recommend reading about it on Wikipedia and…read moremany other websites. It's an island off the coast of Islamorada, FL. It was a fun trip from Robbies. We rented 5 kayaks to go out on the water. Most of the water was shallow until after you get past the bridge, the water will become deeper. They provide you a path to follow and a map to ensure that you stay away from the current. You have the option to go with a guide, but we went together and did just fine. It took us 35 minutes to get from Robbies to the Island via Kayak. When you arrive, they have an area that they recommend you to park your kayaks at. Now there are other locations but if you seen them, this is the best location to stop at for sure. The island is small and difficult to understand that there was a neighborhood here once upon a time in 1863, over 100 years ago. We were able to make it to the other side of the island. Members of our team decided to go swimming at the top of the surface to see what they seen under the water. One thing it was very hot on this day, so it worked our well. The island doesn't have lots to offer, but can be a good day to paddle out, explore, even take a lunch and relax until it's time to go back.

Indian Key State Historic Site is situated on an island, and configured to illustrate its history…read more  It's a fun and easy trip by kayak from Robbie's Kayak Shop.  Tip: When you're on the island you'll find well-marked signs that guide you on a walk around the points of interest.  You can even download an audio about the tour and play it on your phone. This is a nice way to spend an hour or so, and it makes coming here even more fun if you come by kayak :-)

Great memories as a kid driving over the original Seven Mile Bridge, which was partially demolished…read moremany years ago and no longer used for transportation. However, the rebuilt historic bridge is a visually magnificent car ride with green water on both sides. When driving south toward Key West, portions of the original dilapidated bridge is still viewable for great pictures and fishing. FYI: If you are driving behind a tanker truck or camper, it will seem like the seven mile stretch is forever.

There is a vista point before the bridge when you headed to Key West, it's a 2 miles walk (one way)…read moreon the historical trail which parallel with the new 7 mile bridge. I am glad that we made the stop to see the history of this bridge, it's a pleasant walk or cycling on the old bridge.

When you like weird and unusual stops like I do when you travel, then be sure to make a stop here…read more Standing in front of you will be an almost 20 foot high conch shell. Its location is at Key West High School and the local mascot is called the Fighting Conch. This fitting conch shell is truly a symbol of the city of Key West and makes for a fun stop and photograph.

YES, ITS A GIANT CONCH…read more.. We finally got the chance to devour the unmatched beauty of the Giant Pink Key West Conch at the Key West High School. The mascot for the school is properly named "The Fighting Conch" It surely brings attention to the school for every visitor driving thru Key West. During the pic, a rooster walked by to say hello which is very common in Key West.

Is this ultimate touristy? Sure thing. Is there also a line to wait in to get your picture? Also,…read moreyes. But get there earlier in the day and it's much shorter before the cruise ships come by! The line moved fast and I think they'd done a little building up around the tourist attraction since I last visited in 2014. I say stop if you're ever in Key West!

So I normally write long and detailed reviews, but this one will just be a quick one so I can…read morereview my recent 2026 vacation while the memories are still fresh! You might have to endure a long line to take a picture of yourself, posing with this large buoy, but the line goes fast and there's plenty to do around the buoy, including food trucks, restaurants, and shopping. Get your picture in and enjoy knowing that you are at the southernmost point in the United States!

My vacationing motto? Do all the stupid touristy ish, then do what the locals do…read more Therefore, a stop at the 0 Mile marker on the corner of Whitehead and Fleming is a must do when in Key West. We went at night and had the sign all to ourselves for about 10 minutes before another group of tourists showed up. The photos are funny and we can now say, "We did it!". Good on us. 114/2025

Another fun local photo op at Mile Marker 0. However, I chose to utilize photo editing to remove…read moremyself from the photo (with the exception of my disembodied hand on the signpost!)

Perfection and amazing Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. . Come back to natural beauty! Enjoy…read morethe slower pace. The plan is for this trail to be eventually 106 miles long, paved from Key Largo to Key West. What a beautiful hike or bicycle ride that would be!

Gorgeous scenery. You must pull off the Overseas Hwy and stop off here. The water is like a sunset…read moreand it is so beautiful- it's aquamarine in color with tints of pink. You can fish off here, walk the little trail or just relax by the water. You muse see this beautiful water it is breathtaking.

Vanderbilt Mansion offers some history. It is now part of the Fisher island club…read more The historic Mediterranean-style Vanderbilt Mansion was designed by renowned Palm Beach architect Maurice Fatio in 1935. It houses the Garwood Lounge and Piano Bar, the Snooker Club Billiards, the City View Café, the Library Drawing Room and Salon, Café Tangier, the Grand Ballroom, and a heated saltwater pool. While Fisher Island was bought by Carl Fisher in 1919, only a year later it was traded to William Vanderbilt II. The heir interestingly received the island in exchange for a large boat and only ten dollars. Over the next two decades, the Vanderbilts owned Fisher Island where they constructed an airplane landing dock, many large houses, and their ornate mansion that is still the island's centerpiece. Ownership has changed many times since Vanderbilt's death in 1944, with Fisher Island Club holding the reins since 1987.

Had the opportunity to finally visit the Freedom Tower and was amazed by the architecture and…read morecurrent exhibitions. I came for one of the recent MoAD panels discussing Purvis Young and his work. Looking forward to coming back and spending more time with the exhibitions to really appreciate the work, history, and intention of the space.

If you have ever been to downtown Miami, the Freedom Tower looms large as an iconic landmark. But…read moredo you know its history? Come along with me as we check it out. Admission is normally $18 for adults, but on the first weekend of each month, Bank of America account holders can visit for free through the Museums on Us program. You can also park for free in the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus Garage, located just a block from the tower. The story of the Freedom Tower begins with James Middleton Cox, a former Ohio congressman, governor, and presidential candidate who came to Miami in 1923. He built the tower in 1925 to house his newly purchased newspaper, The Miami Daily News and Metropolis, which later became The Miami News. With 17 floors, the tower became Miami's first skyscraper. It was designed by the prestigious New York architectural firm Schultze and Weaver, which also designed the Waldorf Astoria New York, The Breakers, and the Hotel Sevilla-Biltmore. The Miami News Tower was modeled after the Giralda bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. It was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, which was popular during Florida's land boom years of the 1920's. In 1957, Miami News moved out of the tower. From 1962 to 1974, it was the home of the Cuban Refugee Center, which opened following the Cuban Revolution. Enacted during President John F. Kennedy's administration, the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 authorized aid for the large number of Cubans fleeing the island in search of political asylum. The U.S. government leased the building to process, document, and provide medical and dental care for the influx of Cuban exiles. During this period, the building became known as "El Refugio" ("The Refuge"), or the Freedom Tower. Nicknamed the "Ellis Island of the South," the Freedom Tower became a symbol of hope and freedom for those seeking democracy. After the refugee center closed, the tower was sold, fell into neglect, and was nearly demolished. Community leaders stepped in to save it, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 1997, the tower was purchased by Jorge Mas Canosa, founder and leader of the Cuban American National Foundation. He passed away only two months after purchasing the building, but his family continued with his restoration plans. In 2004, they sold the tower to another Cuban American family, the Pedro Martin family. In 2005, the building was donated to Miami Dade College, the largest Hispanic-serving institution of higher education in the United States. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark on October 6, 2008. In July 2025, the Freedom Tower celebrated its 100th anniversary. As part of the centennial celebration, the tower underwent significant renovations, including several new exhibits. These include Libertad, a permanent exhibition on the first and second floors that tells the story of how Miami was shaped by immigration through digital installations, personal testimonials, and historic artifacts. Another exhibit, El Refugio in Context, examines the Freedom Tower's role as a Cuban Refugee Center during the 1960s. One room has been recreated to look as it did when the tower served as a Cuban processing center. Another exhibit, Unidad: The World's Game, was created by the FIFA Museum and showcases how soccer, or fútbol, inspires and connects billions of people around the world. Visitors can explore historic artifacts, interactive stations, and immersive installations. I expect this exhibit to be especially popular when the FIFA World Cup comes to Miami in June. The tournament is the most prestigious competition in international soccer, bringing together the world's best men's national teams every four years to compete for the sport's highest honor. I also enjoyed viewing Languages of Migration in the Kislak Center. This exhibition explores global migration through rare maps, colonial-era artifacts, and contemporary art. The Freedom Tower is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I very much enjoyed my visit and highly recommend adding this historic landmark to any itinerary that includes downtown Miami. The exhibits bring Miami's rich history to life. Freedom is not free, and the tower stands as a powerful reminder of that through the stories and memories of those who have left their mark on this important cultural landmark.

It's definitely a must visit when you're in Key West. Luscious greeneries all over the property…read more Keep an eye on the six-toe cats all around. Some of them occupy the cat house that looks like the Hemingway house itself. Very cute. The gift shop is at the back. You can find some cats there too. Very friendly and helpful staff

If you're visiting Key West, the Hemingway House is practically a required stop, but your mileage…read moremay vary depending on what brings you here. We went during the off-season, so we didn't have to wait long for our tour to start or stand in any real line to get in. By the time we were leaving, though, we noticed a small line starting to form. Personally, I wouldn't wait more than five minutes to get inside unless you're a die-hard Hemingway scholar. The tour itself is totally fine, you get to walk through his small, modest home (which thankfully has air conditioning) and check out some historical memorabilia from his life and writing career. It's neat, but straightforward. Honestly, it seems like most people visiting are just cat people, and fair enough, the grounds are littered with six-toed cats, and they are indisputably the real star attraction of the property. On a side note: after our visit, Ernest Hemingway actually appeared to me in a dream. He made a direct request, asking if I could bring him some Krispy Kreme doughnuts because he is utterly exhausted from people bringing him Dunkin' Donuts. I told Papa I'd do what I could, but if there's a long line at the drive-thru, he's out of luck, I'm strictly not waiting in lines on this vacation.