The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a free, interactive museum at 35 Quay Road in Key West, a short walk from Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Its exhibits introduce the native habitats and wildlife of the Keys, from coral reefs to mangroves, and explain local conservation work. See live coral and tropical fish in the Mote Marine Living Reef tank, walk through a replica of the Aquarius underwater laboratory, and watch the short introductory film. Displays suit adults and children, with scavenger hunts for younger visitors.
Explore the Keys’ habitats
The center’s exhibits cover the plants and animals native to the Florida Keys, including the marine environments protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Interactive displays introduce the area’s ecosystems and conservation efforts, giving you context for the reefs and wildlife you may encounter elsewhere in the Keys.
The exhibits also look beyond the water to habitats such as beaches, pine forests and hardwood hammocks. Touch-screen displays and informative signs make it easy to move through the material at your own pace. Children can follow scavenger hunts while adults take time with the displays.
See the living reef and Aquarius replica
The Mote Marine Living Reef exhibit has a large tank with live coral and tropical fish. A reef camera lets you compare the tank with a reef in the wild. The center also has a walk-through replica of Aquarius, an underwater ocean laboratory used for research beneath the sea.
These displays give you a closer look at reef life and the work involved in studying it. The center has no other live animals, so plan on an exhibit visit rather than an aquarium experience.
Start with the film
A short introductory film explains the purpose of the center and the fragile ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Watching it before exploring gives useful context for the exhibits that follow. The center also screens a film about the Keys’ marine environment; the material describes it as about 20 minutes long.
After the film, take a self-paced route through the exhibits. The center has a theater and interactive displays, so you can spend more time on the subjects that interest you.
Plan a visit in Key West
The center is at 35 Quay Road, near Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Families can use the scavenger hunts to keep younger visitors engaged, while the interactive displays also give adults plenty to explore.
The center is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, restroom and parking. Free and paid parking options are listed for the area. If you want to support the center, bring cash for a donation.
Perguntas frequentes
Is admission to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center free?
Yes. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to watch the film and explore the exhibits at your own pace.
What can you see at the center?
Exhibits cover the Keys’ habitats, wildlife and conservation. Highlights include a live coral and tropical fish tank and a walk-through replica of the Aquarius underwater laboratory.
Is the center suitable for children?
Yes. Interactive displays and scavenger hunts give children ways to explore the exhibits.
