Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
KEY DEER
While we can't guarantee you'll see one, if you head down the side roads of Big Pine Key,
there's a pretty good chance you'll spot the Key deer, a local species roughly the size of a
large dog. Once mainland dwellers, the Key deer were stranded on the Keys during the
formation of the islands. Successive generations grew smaller and had single births, as
opposed to large litters, to deal with the reduced food resources in the archipelago. While
you won't see thundering herds of dwarfish deer, the little cuteballs are pretty easy to
spot if you're persistent and patient. In fact, they're so common you need to pay careful
attention to the reduced speed limits. Note: speed limits drop further at night, because
cars are still the biggest killer of Key deer.
To visit the official Key deer refuge (although the deer can be spotted almost anywhere
on Big Pine) take Key Deer Blvd (it's a right at the lights off the Overseas Hwy at the
southern end of Big Pine) north for 3.5 miles from MM 30.5.
1
Sights & Activities
Bahia Honda State Park
PARK
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This park, with its long, white-sand (and seaweed-strewn) beach, named Sandspur Beach
by locals, is the big attraction in these parts. As Keys beaches go, this one is probably the
best natural stretch of sand in the island chain, but we wouldn't vote it best beach in the
continental USA (although Condé Nast did…in 1992). As a tourist, the more novel experi-
ence is walking on the
old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge
, which offers nice views of the sur-
rounding islands.
You can also check out the nature trails (ooh, butterflies!) and science center, where
helpful park employees help you identify stone crabs, fireworms, horseshoe crabs and
comb jellies. The park concession offers daily 1½-hour snorkeling trips at 9:30am and
1:30pm (adult/child $30/25). Reservations are a good idea in high season.
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
MARINE PARK
