Things to Do in the Lower Keys
The Lower Keys offer a quieter, more natural Florida Keys experience with world-class outdoor activities.
Pro Tip
Popular activities like kayak tours to Looe Key, National Key Deer Refuge visits, and fishing charters sell out during peak season (January-April). Book early to secure your spot.
Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37)
One of Florida's best beaches, Bahia Honda features a historic railroad bridge, excellent snorkeling from the shore, and kayak rentals. The park offers some of the most pristine natural sand beaches in the entire Keys chain.
National Key Deer Refuge
Observe the endangered Key Deer in their natural habitat on Big Pine Key. The refuge protects over 9,200 acres of pine rockland, freshwater wetlands, and mangrove forest, offering nature trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Looe Key Reef
World-class snorkeling and diving at one of the best reefs in the Keys. Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Looe Key features vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. Several operators run daily trips from the Lower Keys.
Big Pine Key Kayak Adventures
Guided mangrove tours between Big Pine and No Name Key. Paddle through winding tidal creeks and shallow flats where you can spot Key deer, sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of wading birds.
No Name Key
Explore the remote island accessible by bike or foot via the Old Bridge. No Name Key offers a true wilderness experience with unpaved roads, dense tropical forest, and excellent Key deer viewing opportunities away from traffic.
Grimal Grove
Tropical fruit grove and the only breadfruit grove in the continental US. Grimal Grove on Big Pine Key offers guided tours through a unique collection of rare fruit trees from around the world, including breadfruit, jakfruit, and mongo.
Fishing in the Lower Keys
Backcountry and reef fishing opportunities abound in the Lower Keys. The waters around Big Pine Key, Sugarloaf Key, and Cudjoe Key offer excellent flats fishing for bonefish and permit, plus offshore reef fishing for snapper and grouper.
Sunset Watching from Big Pine Key or Sugarloaf Key
The Lower Keys offer some of the most serene sunset viewing spots in the Keys. Bay-side parks, fishing piers, and quiet road shoulders provide front-row seats to spectacular evening skies over the Gulf of Mexico.
Cycling the Overseas Heritage Trail
The Overseas Heritage Trail runs through the Lower Keys, offering scenic cycling routes along the historic railroad corridor. The trail passes through Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda, and continues south with views of the backcountry and ocean.
Nature Walks and Wildlife Observation
The Lower Keys are a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Walk the trails at the National Key Deer Refuge, explore the tropical hardwood hammocks, and observe native birds, butterflies, and the endangered Key deer in their undisturbed habitat. Explore more parks and outdoor recreation in the Keys.
Love the Lower Keys? Explore our Lower Keys Community Guide to browse available homes and learn more about living here.
Ready to explore the Lower Keys?
Contact Steve Conley for more information about living here.
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