The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is run by NOAA, which stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a wing of the Federal government. They did a bang-up job of creating a beautiful space where you can learn about the coral reef and other marine life that exists in the waters around Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys. It’s professionally done, and miles ahead of any other similar type of Key West attractions in town.

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center has a nice bookstore/giftshop too, so don’t miss that on your way out. And although the museum is free, there are donation “buouys” around, where you are encouraged to donate a dollar or two or five. The place is so nicely done, so professionally carried out, that you will probably want to donate after seeing it. There’s a short movie that plays every half hour, interactive displays and beautiful wall-sized color photographs that make you feel like you’re actually in the coral reef. A small aquarium with reef fish can be found, too. It’s going to be interesting to see how popular the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center becomes, if they ever decide to start advertising!

To get to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, drive south on Southard Street all the way to the Truman Waterfront. It’s next to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Parking is FREE! It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 4pm.