Key West Shipwreck Museum, Key West

Explore maritime artifacts without getting wet, and learn how the locals made a living out of salvaging at Key West Shipwreck Museum. Throughout history, many ships have been lost in the treacherous waters off Key West. For a while, pulling in hauls from shipwrecks was the basis of the island's economy. At this museum, an actor portraying Asa Tift, the 19th-century salvaging baron, takes you on a tour of the building, which is a reproduction of Tift's warehouse. Many of the artifacts were carried by the merchant ship Isaac Allerton that sank in 1856 and yielded the greatest-ever booty from Key West shipwrecks. You'll also see artifacts recovered from other ships. Don't forget to climb up the 20 m (65 ft) tall wreck-spotting tower. Buy tickets at discounted prices online. For travelers who use our online itinerary creator, Key West holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Key West Shipwreck Museum and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.