Photo by KAREN QUIST

Each fall and spring, people watch the skies above Curry Hammock State Park for passing raptors.

Birdwatchers take note – this park's collection of hardwood hammocks, mangrove swamps, and wetlands makes it one of the best birding destinations in the country. Like many of the Keys’ state parks, Curry Hammock is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. But it is also a site for Hawk Watch International’s raptor census, thanks to its prime location on the migratory path of some of the world’s most spectacular birds of prey. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, camping, canoeing, and a playground make this a fun park for families.

Posted - Sunday, June 29, 2008 02:23 PM EDT

Photo by DONNA DIETRICH

Visitors can walk the ÒstreetsÓ of Indian Key. Newly installed signs describe the island and its history.

Just a short trip from the docks at Robbie’s in Islamorada lies Indian Key, barely 10 acres in size. Much like Pigeon Key in the Middle Keys, the tiny island is rich with history. Only stone ruins remain of the once prosperous community located at Mile Marker 78.5 oceanside.

Posted - Sunday, June 29, 2008 03:28 PM EDT

Photo by PAULA CANNON

A Miami blue nectering on the host plant where it lays its eggs.

If you were to go on a search to find hidden treasure, the first place you might look would be on a remote island. With visions of a treasure chest full of glittering gold, you may very likely walk right over a beach full of pearls and not even notice.

Posted - Thursday, May 29, 2008 04:47 PM EDT

Photo by KAREN QUIST

Bahia Honda's bayside beach, nestled between the old and new bridges, is a prime spot for watching another beautiful Keys sunset.

Just down the beach from our sunny picnic spot at Bahia Honda State Park, a toddler in a pink bathing suit scampered to her parents, carrying a handful of sand that she had scooped from below the gently unfolding surf. Her giggles carried on the wind as she dropped the sand into a vivid blue pail beside her mother’s beach chair, and went back for more.

Posted - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:32 AM EDT

Photo by KEVIN WADLOW

The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada continues to expand and grow as a living tribute to its founder. "There's always something new happening here," said museum curator Tim Hemsoth. "We've added a lot of new interactive stuff that visitors can play with."

The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada continues to expand and grow as a living tribute to its founder.

Posted - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:32 AM EDT

Photo by SAM NISSEN

Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas is full of history, but it's also a great spot to snorkel. A National Park Service map provides details about snorkeling hotspots, including the former coaling docks.

Four hours is hardly enough time to visit the tiny chunk of the Dry Tortugas that holds Fort Jefferson.

Posted - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:32 AM EDT

Photo by RYAN McCARTHY

A trainer works with one of the dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon.

Even on a day when temperatures near Marathon dipped to as low as 49 degrees, the Dolphin Research Center was abuzz with activity.

Posted - Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:32 AM EDT

Photo by DONNA DIETRICH

Three-year-old Tess Ryan comes face to face with Klassy, one of the sea lions at Theater of the Sea.

Like New Yorkers who never visit the Empire State Building, we here in the Keys seldom visit treasures in our own back yard. Theater of the Sea is one of those treasures, and it is steeped in local history.

Posted - Monday, May 26, 2008 04:13 PM EDT

Photo by LARRY BENVENUTI

Crane Point Hammock features the historic home of one of Middle Keys earlier settlers.

Crane Point is one of those special places that is as peaceful and relaxing as it is educational and entertaining. Whenever people go there they resolve to return soon, but it is never soon enough.

Posted - Monday, May 26, 2008 04:18 PM EDT

The Cutter Mohawk is a floating museum moored at the Truman Waterfront in Key West.

America’s Greatest Generation, the men and women who served in our armed forces during World War II, are no better represented than by those who served as crew aboard a little steel ship named Mohawk — now berthed in Key West and open to the public.

Posted - Monday, May 26, 2008 04:13 PM EDT