The Lower Keys and Big Pine Key

The Lower Keys begin where The Florida Keys island chain starts to turn to the west, shortly after the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It is a quiet region that is rich in history and a good place to go for a bicycle ride or a walk in the wilderness.

Here between Marathon and Key West there are no shopping malls, no fast food restaurants, few buildings, few accommodations; but here you will find plenty of water.

To the north is the Gulf of Mexico, and to the south, the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the sea and the sky.

On and around Big Pine Key the speed limit drops to 35 mph. This is to protect the endangered Key Deer, and it is very likely that you can get to see some of these.

Big Pine Key is also home to several shops that host dive and snorkel trips, daytime and nighttime.

If you want to have a look from above, you can charter a plane ride or arrange for some skydiving in Sugarloaf Key.

In Tiny Little Duck Key (MM 40) you can find the Veterans Memorial Park. Its sandy beaches, picnic areas, and pet-friendliness make it a perfect family stop along the famed Overseas Highway.

On Ohio Key (MM 40) you find The Sunshine Key Camping Resort, which offers a pool, family restaurant and other amenities.

A few miles further down you will find The Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area (MM 37).

It is an oasis in a mad and rushed world.