“Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she began to fly.”
-Unknown
Key West is full of fun outdoor activities but if you’d like to slow down and enjoy a tranquil indoor environment, consider visiting the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.
Completely enclosed in a glass-domed, temperature-controlled rainforest setting, you can walk amongst hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, flowering tropical plants, trickling water features, and a pair of elegant flamingos. This tropical oasis is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
As you begin your experience and before entering the habitat, the conservatory provides a learning center to give you a taste of the species of butterflies you will likely encounter, what regions of the world they can be found, and other informational background that you might find interesting.
As you step into the conservatory, you will find a lush climate-controlled environment where you can closely observe the butterflies and birds and perhaps experience a butterfly mistaking you as a flower. The conservatory boasts 50-60 different varieties of butterflies so there is movement all around you. Don’t forget to look up, down, and all around you.
Before leaving the conservatory, be sure to take a peek at the soon-to-be butterflies in their chrysalis state or those that are starting to emerge.
This is a great spot to spend some time and the only advice I would have for you is to be sure to bring your camera!
If you decide to stop by while you are in Key West, find them at 1316 Duval Street. Hours of operation are 9 AM to 5 PM with the last admission into the habitat being at 4:30 PM. Be sure to check with them if you are hoping to visit around a holiday. Call them at 305-296-2988. There is a paid parking lot adjacent to the Conservatory if you plan to drive or ride another mode of transportation. The Southern Most Point marker is just around the corner, and popular beaches, piers, and restaurants are close by making this end of Key West a great place to spend the day exploring. Tickets can be purchased on-site and as you exit the Conservatory, you’ll want to browse in the wonderful gift shop before you leave.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is easy to follow on all of the normal social media platforms and they also have a link to their live webcam on their website.
Find them online at keywestbutterfly.com.
Let’s Just Go! 