The Florida lower Keys are one of the four areas of the Keys - upper, middle,
lower and Key West. What's intersting is that each area has its own atmosphere, culture and even
vegetation! It really is quite amazing.
What you'll find in the Florida lower Keys are nature and plenty of parks. Outdoor
activities are pretty much the only thing going, although there is some shopping
on Big Pine Key. (If you are a shop-a-holic, wait and splurge in Key
West.)
However, the lower Keys are more tropical than the middle or upper ones.
Time seems to slow down, and looking at the turquoise waters and the amazing
sunsets, you begin to understand why the Florida Keys are sometimes called the American
Caribbean.
Where to Stay in the Florida Lower Keys
Where to stay while in the Florida lower Keys -- that's the question.
There aren't a whole lot of places to stay when you are here, but they are available! Here are just a few of them:
Old Wooden Bridge Guest Cottages: There are 13 guest cottages (actually mini-mobile homes), a store and an marina. Located at MM 31, Big Pine Key.
Sugar Loaf Lodge: All the rooms are waterfront, and there are ameneties like a heated pool, tennis court, restaurant, tiki bar and a small landing strip for planes. Located at MM 17, Sugarloaf Key.
Dolphin Marina: Seven rooms and a guesthouse. Also has a marina with both rental and docking, plus fishing charters. When it comes to Little Torch Key Florida hotels, this is really it. Located at MM 28.5, Little Torch Key.
Bahia Honda State Park: Campgrounds include space for tents and RVs, as well as some (air conditioned) cabins for rent. Located on Bahia Honda Key.
The Lower Keys Accessible by Car
Bahia Honda
Big Pine
No Name
Little Torch
Middle Torch
Ramrod
Summerland
Cudjoe
Sugarloaf
Saddlebunch
Boca Chica
Stock Island
The Lower Key Accessible by Boat Only
Looe (This is the big dive and snorkel area.)
Let me qualify this a little; there are lots of lower Keys you can only get
to by boat. Looe Key is the only one that is regularly visited, due to the
fabulous coral reef.
Things to Do in the Lower Keys
Some of the activities popular in the Florida lower Keys include:
Snorkeling
Diving
Fishing
Bicycling
Hiking
Camping
Attractions in the Florida Lower Keys
Some of the attractions here include:
The Blue Hole
National Key Deer Refuge and Watson Trail
Perky Bat Tower
Ok, I'll admit -- none of these are attractions in the normal sense, but this is the Florida lower
Keys -- nature rules! If you have time for only one, make it the National Key Deer Refuge.
Where to Stay in the Florida Lower Keys