Mel Fisher is the beloved ocean wreck explorer who for 16 years out of Key West never gave up hope for finding his famous wreck, The Atocha. With optimism and hard work, he battled all kinds of odds, including the State of Florida, tragic deaths of family members at sea, and financial problems that would make most people cave in and get a desk job. Today's the day became his motto, and finally July 20, 1985 was the day, when he finally found Nuestra Senora de Atocha, whose treasures were estimated to be worth $400 million. There were such fantastic treasure items of dreams like bejeweled crosses, heavy gold chains, and actual gold bars...perfect! The Mel Fisher Museum holds some of these precious artifacts on display and, as you'll see advertised everywhere, you get to hold a gold bar from the wreck if you enter the museum. One gold bar is worth about $18,000 and they really do let tourists heft it up! The Museum shop sells nautical and pirate-themed items you'll be tempted to purchase after visiting the museum dedicated to this amazing treasure hunter and his treasure.

Open every day from 9:30am to 5:30pm and there's an admission fee.