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In June, Key West remembers its rich Cuban heritage and celebrates with ethnic foods, terrific music, and dancing in the streets of the island.

This marine environment research center, set on a lagoon, will literally let you swim with the dolphins – for a high fee. You can go in as a non-swimming observer for a lot less money. Other programs include guided kayaking and snorkeling tours, back country eco-tours, and crocodile tours. By contrast, there’s also a romantic champagne Sunset Cruise on the placid waters of Florida Bay.

A not-for-profit concern, whose main function is to research dolphin behavior and provide a rest home for sick and injured dolphins, or those worn out from theme-park living. There are exhibits, regularly scheduled lagoon-side walking tours, and special programs featuring the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. “Dolphin Encounter” lets you swim and interact with the creatures. Some programs have age or height restrictions and require 30-day advance reservations.

Notable for its S-curved neck, distinctive beak, and spectacular diving skills, this is one of the most fascinating of Keys birds.

Take a plane or ferry to this totally undeveloped collection of islands, where the snorkeling is unbeatable (see Dry Tortugas National Park & Dry Tortugas from Key West).

Owned by actress Kelly McGillis, this restaurant-snack bar is easy-going and pleasant, serving mostly sandwiches, salads, and great breakfasts.

Great Cuban food in abundance in a friendly, no-nonsense setting. Lots of diversity, such as roast pork with casava and tamale , breaded palomilla steak, or stuffed crab.

“Let the flowers grow and the music flow.” This delirious shop (est. 1970) is like entering a time warp and returning to the dippy days of hippie hedonism. Headshop apparatus, weird comics, and flower-child fashions, too.

Held on Key West in October, for at least ten days leading up to and including Halloween, this is the festival with the most fun, positive atmosphere the US has to offer (see Key West Fantasy Fest).