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The LOWER KEYS include Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key, Key West, Little Torch Key, Ramrod Key, Sugarloaf Key, and Summerland Key.
The Lower Keys begin where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly turn toward the sunset, shortly after the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It is a quiet region of small resorts, down-home restaurants, single-family homes, untrammeled wildernesses and rich history. The philosophy here is you can be “low key” in the Lower Keys!
Big Pine Key, at mile marker 33, is the main shopping hub of the Lower Keys. However, if you prefer solitude, you need only turn onto one of its lovely side roads.
Explore the National Key Deer Refuge, a large expanse of mostly undeveloped pine lands where the diminutive Key Deer live, or venture out to No Name Key. If you’re looking for an off-shore adventure, Big Pine is also the jumping off point for numerous snorkeling and dive charters to Looe Key reef.
Nearby, you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area at mile marker 37. With its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches in America.
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. It is said that only in Key West would the sun shine brightest when it sets!
Each evening, tourists and locals alike gather for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. The sunset isn’t the only attraction, for you will be entertained by jugglers, mimes, musicians, and street artists.
After dark, Key West’s sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals, and comedy flourish on stages indoors and out.
As you enjoy the sights, you'll discover that modern Key West is indeed a place where all are welcome. The city's vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the island's economic and social revival in the 1980's. You'll also discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers.
The island's seafaring tradition is apparent at the renovated Historic Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight. Dozens of shrimp boats once called this harbor home. These days, "the Bight" is a popular place to arrange a day on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or eco-tourist. Others come just to stroll along the harbor walk or dine at one of the many restaurants.
For air transportation within Florida, see Cape Air, serving Florida and the Keys as well as the Cape Cod and the Islands.
Little Torch Key, Ramrod Key, Summerland Key, Cudjoe Key, and Sugarloaf Key are primarily residential, small resort areas with vacation rentals and limited commercial facilities.
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