Big Pine Key, Florida

Big Pine Key is the second largest of the nearly 300 small islands that make up the Florida Keys. Tourists looking for places to stay can find a number of comfortable hotels, motels, resorts and private vacation rentals offering accommodations in and around Big Pine Key.

If you’re into the natural scene, you’ll love Big Pine Key. This tiny island is the home to an endangered species of deer, the smallest breed of deer in the United States. Reduced speed limit signs and restrictions against feeding the animals have been enacted to protect these miniature deer. It may be against the law to feed them, but there’s nothing stopping you from snapping a few pictures of these cute, ‘dear’ little animals.

You can also choose among many water activities, such as snorkeling and diving trips available off the cost of Big Pine Key. Looe Key Marine Sanctuary is considered to be one of the premier dive trip locations. Situated off the coast of Big Pine Key, it can be accessed by private boat or charter service. Looe Key Marine Sanctuary is named for a British sailing vessel that sank in 1744, the remains of which today can still be seen on the ocean floor by visitors and tourists.

Bahia Honda State Park, just east of Big Pine Key on Bahia Honda Key, is a 524 acre natural site that offers a multitude of opportunities for all age groups. The 2.5 mile white sandy beach is dotted with swaying palm trees and welcomes swimmers and sunbathers alike. This site is also known for its excellent boating, snorkeling and kayaking activities as well as tropical nature trails. Visitors who want to stay for more than a day are welcome to spend the night in the site’s campground or in the quaint on-site cabins available for rental. The park is complete with restroom facilities, a marina, snack bar, gift shop and water sports equipment rental facility.

Located at Mile Marker 31, Veterans Memorial Park and Beach is the perfect place to get out of the sun, enjoy a relaxing picnic or wade in the tranquil shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Big Pine Key is situated so that travel to the other Keys is easy and a visit to Miami, which is only 104 miles to the northeast, is about a 2-hour car ride. Traveling further south along US Highway 1, visitors will find Key West and the Key West International airport, only a half hour drive away.