Big Pine & Lower Keys Attractions in Florida Keys

Big-name attractions and larger-than-life landmarks shouldn't be missed, but neither should {0}'s less-well-known activities. Dig a little beneath the surface, and check out the neighborhood things to do. These are the activities locals like to do-and tourists would too, if only they knew about them. But, lucky you, you're plugged in. Have fun.

For more than 60 years, the region of Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys - from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge at Sunshine Key, mile marker (MM) 40, to Stock Island at MM 5 - has advocated the responsible use and preservation of the vast natural wonders found there. This focus on the environment has earned the region the title of the Natural Keys.

The Lower Keys are home to two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary and a state park, and are surrounded by a marine environment filled with abundant terrestrial and marine wildlife.
The National Key Deer Refuge (est. 1957) protects the endangered Key deer - a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer, ranging in size between 65 and 90 pounds fully grown - and its habitat. Today the refuge encompasses more than 8,000 acres of prime Key deer territory from Bahia Honda Key to the eastern shores of Sugarloaf Key, out to the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.
In the ocean waters off Big Pine Key, divers and snorkelers explore the spectacular coral and marine life of Looe Key Reef, renowned as one of the world's best reefs for diving. Each July, Looe Key is the site of a popular underwater music festival that promotes the preservation of Keys coral reefs.

Camping is widely popular throughout the Lower Keys, with multiple campground and recreational vehicle parks. Outdoor activities in the Lower Keys include both inshore and offshore fishing, kayaking through the nearby shallow waters, birding, golfing and walking.

Bahia Honda Campgrounds

36850 Overseas Hwy.

This high-usage park offers three lovely campgrounds which provide immediate access to an array of water sports...
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Bahia Honda Wildlife Observation Site

36850 Overseas Hwy.

Canoeing through the mangrove narrows offers a chance at real solitude along with the best wildlife viewing opportunities at this busy park...
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Sandspur Beach

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36850 Overseas Hwy.

Rare white-sand beach; snorkeling, hiking, windsurfing and kayaking...
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National Key Deer Refuge

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expert pick

28950 Watson Boulevard
Big Pine Key Plaza

See endangered wildlife up close in their natural habitat...
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No Name Pub

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North Watson Boulevard
1 1/2 mile north of U.S 1

Best Pizza, Casual Dining & Florida Keys landmark since 1936...
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Looe Key Reef Dive Center

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Mile Marker 27.5
Highway 1

Five star PADI dive center, diving Looe Key Reef daily...
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Big Pine Kayak Adventures

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Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp
MM 30, US1

Nature tours among the mangroves and backcountry...
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Fantasy Dan's Airplane Rides

16855 Overseas Highway

Aerial nature airplane tours of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys...
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Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

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P.O. Box 430510

A safe haven for herons and other birds...
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Perky's Bat Tower

Mile Marker 17
End of Bat Tower Road

Weirdly wonderful diversion...
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