Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A world-class museum featuring interactive exhibits delving into Florida Keys history, aquariums exploring the Florida Reef, Corals, and the invasive Lionfish, a 35-seat movie theater, and research library.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
99 reviews
Excellent
60
Very good
29
Average
10
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Vivian M
96 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
Lots to see and learn! Wide range of artifacts from Native Americans to mid-1900’s, Flagler railroad history and a documentary about the devastating 1935 hurricane are the tip of the iceberg. COVID safety measures such as complimentary stylus provided to explore touch-screen exhibits. Coral tanks are fun for kids of all ages.
Written 3 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stedley
Rotherham, UK75 contributions
Oct 2022
Although difficult to find the museum is well worth visiting. Aside from the usual exhibits it has a movie theatre which shows a couple of short films. One shows the history of the keys and the other a comprehensive (including survivor accounts) narrative about the 1935 Labour Day Hurricane, which was the most intense hurricane to make landfall on record. Both were fascinating to watch.
The only critique of the museum is the cost of $15.00, although there is a discount of $2.50 for seniors.
It is difficult to find, but if you look for TIDES Hotel Complex, go right through the entrance until you come to the attendants booth the museum is located across the car park on the left.
The only critique of the museum is the cost of $15.00, although there is a discount of $2.50 for seniors.
It is difficult to find, but if you look for TIDES Hotel Complex, go right through the entrance until you come to the attendants booth the museum is located across the car park on the left.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Cleveland, OH39 contributions
Mar 2023
On 6 previous trips to Marathon, I had never heard of this place. This trip, I overheard someone on the Pigeon Key tram recommending it so my husband & I went. On Hwy 1, look for the Islander Resort; the museum sign is difficult to see and the building isn't visible from the road. The museum is small and contains very well done exhibits on the history of the Keys. The 2 films on the building of the railroad and the 1935 hurricane are excellent. When we were there, there was also an art exhibit of local artists. It takes about an hour for the films and another hour for the exhibits. I would not recommend this for children under 12 or even teens unless they're into this sort of thing.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seafire2014
Babylon, NY18 contributions
Feb 2021
This well-done museum will explain it all to you, with exhibits on first peoples, early settlers, the Labor Day Hurricane, Flagler and the railroad (basis for US 1), and more. There are also 3 very large tanks maintained by Mote Marine that feature native fish. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Short films on a continuous loop are well worth watching.
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
surita72
Hollywood, FL33 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A liitle hard to find the place but realized that you had to go into the Islander Resort parking lot before getting to the museum.
The museum covers the history of the Islamorada area and has two movies on the subject. One is the Henry Flagler railroad story and the other is the 1935 Memorial Day hurricane.
Now my husband and I listened to a history of this hurricane at the Custom’s House in Key West but it does not delve into the personal tragedies nearly to the extent as this movie. The video was made in 1997 and is told by the last still living survivors up to that point. Their stories really drive home how horrific this storm was and shows the toughness and resilience if these people who came through it. It was truely a moving experience to watch.
On the main floor the exhibits take you back to pre-colonial days up to the twentieth century and there were actual relics ranging from old spainish couns to a full size cannon. There display are interactive as well. Upon entering you are greeted by some lovely aquariums to see beautiful tropical fish.
The woman who greeted us was charming and chatted with us awhile.
This was a nice way to spend a couple of hours .
The museum covers the history of the Islamorada area and has two movies on the subject. One is the Henry Flagler railroad story and the other is the 1935 Memorial Day hurricane.
Now my husband and I listened to a history of this hurricane at the Custom’s House in Key West but it does not delve into the personal tragedies nearly to the extent as this movie. The video was made in 1997 and is told by the last still living survivors up to that point. Their stories really drive home how horrific this storm was and shows the toughness and resilience if these people who came through it. It was truely a moving experience to watch.
On the main floor the exhibits take you back to pre-colonial days up to the twentieth century and there were actual relics ranging from old spainish couns to a full size cannon. There display are interactive as well. Upon entering you are greeted by some lovely aquariums to see beautiful tropical fish.
The woman who greeted us was charming and chatted with us awhile.
This was a nice way to spend a couple of hours .
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bethcahill
Lutz, FL154 contributions
Jun 2022
The keys were a thriving colony, trading port of call and home to indigenous people. It is fascinating to learn of all the keys have had to offer over the centuries. It helps give an appreciation for more than just the phenomenal fishing, diving and water sport experiences.
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
artistwifeme
Fredericksburg, TX16 contributions
Nov 2022
Small museum consists of 3 aquariums, artifacts , and rotating exhibit. Upstairs has nice theater with movies of the Flagler's Overseas Hwy build and one of the big hurricane in the 30's. Very interesting but someone needs to restore quality of film if possible. Pixeled, grainy and blue accent lights surrounding screen is too bright and detracts from what you can view on screen. Still a great way to spend a couple of hours and very interesting and informative.
Written 7 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScottEmmaLee
Apison, TN226 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
It is a little hard to find the museum as it is in the Tides Resort. GPS got a little confusing. It is worth finding museum as they cover Keys history with nice displays and lots of maps and photos. Interactive computers let you get as deep into history as you like. Small, comfortable theater offers several movies about the area. Flagler's overseas railway movie was very interesting. Museum has information about visiting Indian Key and model of island at its peak. Great place to learn about the history of the Keys.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad
Lakewood Ranch, FL305 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Hidden. If you are somehow able to find this place, it’s indoor with air-conditioning. There is a good historical film upstairs on the devastating hurricane that Hemingway wrote about. That film contains some unique footage. Nice aquarium (small) leads to some historical displays in a chronological order. The unique display on famous keys fishing captains/guides was excellent.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra F
13 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
My husband was doing research in their archives for an article he is writing. I spent the time watching two movies and touring the discovery center. VERY worthwhile time spent. I learned so much from both activities. The story of how Flagler had the vision and then where-with-all to build the railroad into the Keys is truly amazing.
And, the grounds are spectacular for holding any special event.
And, the grounds are spectacular for holding any special event.
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'd like some history of the motel called Star of the Sea . It was on lower Matecumbe , on Oceanside. I'd like to know the old new of this motel
Written 27 December 2014
What was the name of the motel called Star of the Sea before the new name?
Written 27 December 2014
What was the name of the motel called Star of the Sea before the new name?
Written 27 December 2014
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