Big Pine Key is the place for a low-key vacation. Not quite sure what that phrase means? Well, within its space you’ll find relaxing water sports to occupy your time. Snorkel, scuba-dive, or fish as you like on its shores. Seafood’s great too, with some of the best seafood restaurants of Florida here. Feeling like you need to spot some wildlife? Check out Big Pine Key’s National Key Deer Rescue. It wouldn’t hurt you if you just spent the afternoon lazing in the sun with a cool mojito by your side, and a paperback to keep you company too.
Here’s what you’re in for on things to do in this particular Florida spot:
1. Bahia Honda State Park
The Bahia Honda State Park has a historical bridge and an award-winning beach to its name. Located in the Florida Keys region of Big Pine Key, the state park is a favourite, especially as it has its own offshore island and more than 500 acres (202.3 hectares) of land to explore. When you’re done moving around the park, you can head over to the concession area, which comes complete with a gift shop, kayak rentals, and snorkelling tours. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available here too.
Bahia Honda State Park
Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Website: Bahia Honda State Park
2. Calusa Beach
This is a small yet decent beach, with a truly exceptional view of the sunset. Take a short hike up the bridge and you’ll be standing in awe at the view of the ocean and bay. It can get crowded (it is, after all, tiny), so do arrive early to get the best spot. it is truly a nice place to let your hair down and relax, especially with the ocean breeze.
Calusa Beach
Address: Big Pine Key, FL
Website: Calusa Beach
3. Kayaking and canoeing
Where’s the fun in the water if there’s no water activities to dive into? Big Pine Kayak Adventures promises you the best of the waters, sand, and sun with experienced and knowledgeable eco-guides on their deck. The back-country adventures featured on their website include shallow-water fishing, kayaking nature tours, and back-country sailing catamaran cruises.
Big Pine Kayak Adventures
Address: 1791 Bogie Dr, Big Pine Key, FL 33043-5023
Website: Big Pine Kayak Adventures
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4. National Key Deer Refuge
Established in 1957, the National Key Deer Refuge serves to preserve and protect the Key deer and other wildlife that live within the Florida Keys. The place is made up of close to 9,200 acres (3,723 hectares) of land and consists of salt marsh wetlands, pine rockland forests, and mangrove forests. It is a lovely place to stroll about in the evenings and sight animals in their natural living space.
National Key Deer Refuge
Address: 28950 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Website: National Key Deer Refuge
5. Artists in Paradise Gallery
Local art is on display at this gallery, which can be found inside the Winn-Dixie shopping center. The gallery carries the work of at least 20 artists, and features paintings and other forms of media. You can find something fun or even high-end to bring home as a memento from Big Pine Key. Not sure about what you want in art? The staff are pretty friendly and will be happy to answer your questions and guide you too.
Artists in Paradise Gallery
Address: 221 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Website: Artists in Paradise Gallery
6. Wreck diving at Adolphus Busch
Adolphus Busch contains a wreck just off Big Pine Key that is fully intact, as an ancient cargo freighter was sunk there in 1998. As only a couple of dive shops are allowed to access the wreck site, it gives visitors a tranquil moment to explore the ruins that lies within its waters. You’ll be amazed at the fish that have come to occupy the wreck, including green moray eels in the ship’s hull and some humongous groupers too. Strike Zone Charters has been granted permission to wreck-dive here, so you might want to give this company a ring.
Strike Zone Charters
Address: Mile Marker 29.5 Bayside, 29675 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043
Website: Strike Zone Charters
7. Florida Keys
The chain of islands that make up Florida Keys is a fantastic place to visit, with a marine sanctuary, two wildlife refuges, and a state park to boot. Take a relaxing walk and admire the sunset in its sandy beaches, and head on to one of its many unique restaurants for a bite. You’ll be spoiled with choices, and irrespective of what you pick, it’s going to be worth your time and money.
Florida Keys
Address: Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Website: Florida Keys
8. Blue Hole
Blue Hole was at one time a limestone quarry, but it has since been filled up with freshwater and has many native plants surrounding it. There is a short nature trail which can be taken to check out the greenery and if you’re lucky, spot some wildlife. There are volunteer guides around which are more than happy to spend some time and explain the enchanting spot to you. There’s no fee involved, although tipping is very much welcomed. A few dollars for their time is more than enough to get some facts in about Blue Hole.
Blue Hole
Address: Key Deer Boulevard, Off U.S. 1, Mile Marker 30, Big Pine Key, FL
Website: Blue Hole
And there it is..
Big Pine Key is indeed an enriching and relaxing combo, one which is paired like the perfect mix of cheese and wine. If it’s a holiday you want that’s not rushed with a packed itinerary, this is the place to go!