Looking for the perfect Key West attractions for families? Come to the beautiful Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, where you can appreciate butterflies up close for the unique creatures that they are. When staying in our Old Town Key West vacation rentals visitors love to share this unique experience with their loved ones, making it one of the most unforgettable attractions in Key West!
Stroll through a tropical glass-domed habitat with over 50 free-flying tropical butterfly species.
About the Butterfly Conservatory
The conservatory has evolved over the years into a stunning display of between 50 and 60 species of butterflies and is open year-round. Something that makes this location even more remarkable is its incredible origin story. The story of the conservatory goes all the way back to a young child who fell in love with butterflies, Sam Trophia. By the age of 15, Trophia was raising monarchs on his own in New York. Sam Trophia then eventually worked on research regarding patterns throughout Monarch’s migration from North America to Mexico.
He then opened the Butterfly Gallery in 1992, a breathtaking display of butterflies organized to showcase their magnificent intricacies. This space was expanded into the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and has been universally cherished for over 20 years, transforming from a quaint display to an unforgettable educational experience.
What to Expect
The conservatory has several sections, each with a distinct and intentional purpose. As you make your entrance into the lovely butterfly palace, there is a Learning Center that greets you. It’s an informative, up close, and personal introduction to your stay.
The conservatory has live caterpillars to look at and also a short educational video for viewing that walks you through the butterfly life cycle. It’s an excellent introduction that gets you started on your journey through the glass-domed habitat.
Once you have completed the introduction, you will be led into the conservatory. Overflowing with plant species and home to many of the resident butterflies.
Within the magical greenery is where you will be greeted by the 60 or so species of butterflies, all bred within the enclosure. All butterflies are treated with love and respect while thriving in the local Key West weather.
Plan Your Visit
Come see the magic of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory in person! Book one of our amazing Key West Rentals today at Historic Hideaways for an unforgettable vacation!
Colorful and vibrant, they float amongst the plants and many bird species. It is a sight rarely seen throughout a lifetime, if ever, and connects your soul to the heart of nature. While strolling through this exotic and wondrous attraction, you will marvel at species, including the Pearl Crescent, the Ruddy Daggerwing, the White Peacock, Zebra, Viceroy, Spicebush Swallowtail, Southern Skipperling, and many more! These unique butterfly species come with distinct and unique markings and other attributes that differentiate them from one another. It really is a beautiful array of diversity within an animal group.
Something precious within Key West’s Butterfly Conservatory is the ability to wander down beautiful paths as you pass by a babbling brook and cross a charming wooden bridge leading to a fairytale-like waterfall. Escape reality as you pass by these marvelous sights. The delicate and detailed wings of butterflies will be busy fluttering around you.
Just being in the presence of these gorgeous butterflies will undoubtedly make for a lifelong memory, not to mention an incredible photo opportunity. Many people choose to make romantic dates out of the exhibits, while others share good times with family members and friends. The permanent showcases are a fantastic way to spend a day in Key West.
Additionally, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory regularly hosts different events. For instance, they have resident flamingos named Rhett and Scarlett, and you can meet them in the early afternoon.
Another popular event is the Twilight Tour. While on this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the conservatory as the sun is setting. Because of its beauty, many have chosen this place for weddings and other special occasions. So if you are curious about one of the best things to do in Key West, you should try this tour.
We love that Key West is brewing with excitement, activity, and fun, but many visitors have stated that they underestimated how relaxing and peaceful the conservatory would be. They mention that it was the highlight of their stay and something that will remain at the forefront of their minds for a long while. Whether local or on a getaway, you will certainly enjoy the Key West Butterfly Conservatory and all it has to offer.
Hours & Location
At the southernmost end of Duval street, you’ll find Key West’s most popular family-friendly attraction. A local epicenter in more ways than one, the central location of the conservatory is just one of its many appeals. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory welcomes all visitors looking to delight in all things butterfly.
You can visit from 9 am to 5 pm daily and the gift shop until 5:30 pm. The gift shop is where you will find precious souvenirs too darling to pass up. Some include precious replications of art that display extremely detailed singular butterflies positioned mid-flight, t-shirts, magnets, hats, jewelry, calendars, and other goodies.
Please note that a small first come, first serve parking lot is available to guests in the back of the building. Otherwise, a larger lot is next door, which is very convenient to walk from. The gift shop and gallery are stroller-ready but are not permitted inside the conservatory. Stroller parking is available. Leashed pets are also welcomed but are not allowed inside the conservatory, but our attendants are happy to watch well-behaved pets while you enjoy your way through the conservatory.
Book Your Key West Vacation Rentals with Historic Hideaways
At Historic Hideaways, you can visit the Key West Butterfly Conservatory from one of our cozy Key West house rentals. After a long, fun-filled day out, you will be delighted throughout your stay as you sink into a restoring vacation with us.
If you are searching for a home away from home for families, couples, solo travelers, and even furry friends, we’ve got everything you need! Contact us to find the perfect Old Town Key West vacation rental today!
Families, couples, solo travelers, and even those bringing along their furry friends will find the perfect vacation home with us. If you are searching for a great Old Town Key West vacation rental that is welcoming to families, We know that you’ll find just that when you stay in any of our rentals in Key West.
