Attractions:

• National Key Deer Refuge: Home to the endangered miniature Key deer, a unique subspecies of white-tailed deer.

• Bahia Honda State Park: Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S., offering stunning white sands, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling, swimming, and camping. It also features the old Bahia Honda Bridge, a picturesque landmark.

• Looe Key Reef: A protected National Marine Sanctuary known for its spectacular shallow-water dive and snorkel sites.

Hotels:

• Parmer’s Resort: Down-to-earth rooms, suites & cottages in a waterfront resort with free breakfast & an outdoor pool. (3-star hotel, currently 28% less than usual at $156/night)

• Kingsail Resort: Laid-back retro motel offering kitchen units, an outdoor pool & boat trailers & dockage (fee). (2-star hotel, currently 26% less than usual at $87/night)

• Big Pine Key Motel: Modest rooms in a simple motel with an outdoor pool, plus free Wi-Fi & parking for boats. ($158/night)

• Sugarloaf Lodge: Family-owned hotel offering simple rooms, plus a marina, a restaurant & a tiki bar with live music. (2-star hotel, $159/night)

• Old Wooden Bridge Guest Cottages & Marina: Guest cottages and marina accommodations. (3-star hotel, $129/night)

Restaurants:

• No Name Pub (Big Pine Key): A legendary, rustic, and very unique spot. Famous for its cash-covered walls (from patrons leaving signed dollar bills), delicious pizza, smoked fish dip, and a true Old Keys dive bar feel. It’s a bit hidden, adding to its charm.

• Boondocks Grille & Draft House & Miniature Golf (Ramrod Key): Touted as the “Largest Tiki Bar in the Keys,” Boondocks is a sprawling complex with a huge open-air bar, live music, good food (seafood, burgers, salads), and even a mini-golf course, making it a great family-friendly option.

• Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille (Little Torch Key): A fantastic waterfront restaurant and bar accessible by car or boat. Kiki’s offers a full menu, raw bar, and live music, with a sandy beach area for games and a relaxed, tropical vibe. They also offer “cook your catch.”

• Mangrove Mama’s Restaurant (Sugarloaf Key): A true Keys institution with a quirky, rustic charm. Mangrove Mama’s is known for its Caribbean-inspired seafood, fresh catches, and lively atmosphere, often with live music. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

• Big Pine Rooster (Big Pine Key): Offers homestyle island food with a focus on fresh seafood delivered daily, in-house BBQ, and hearty portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It prides itself on quality ingredients and friendly service.

• Square Grouper (Cudjoe Key): A highly-rated upscale casual restaurant known for its creative preparation of fresh, local seafood and a fantastic wine list. It’s one of the more refined dining options in the Lower Keys. They also have a sister restaurant, “My New Joint,” next door.

• Trianos Taco Company (Big Pine Key): A popular spot for delicious and authentic tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. It’s a great choice for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

• Galley Grill (Summerland Key): A local favorite offering a variety of American and seafood dishes in a casual setting.

• Morita’s Cuban Cafe (Cudjoe Key): A long-standing Cuban restaurant dishing out traditional Cuban and Keys fare like black beans, rice, shredded beef, and fried seafood.

• A Slice of Paradise (Summerland Key): Known for its relaxed atmosphere and a mix of comfort food and seafood options.

• Jolly Mon Pub & Grill (Big Pine Key): One of the newer spots, offering a gastropub experience with high-quality casual food, handcrafted cocktails, and a selection of draft beers. It’s described as a fun atmosphere with events.

Bars:

The Lower Keys’ bar scene leans towards authentic, laid-back, and often quirky spots that embody the “Old Keys” charm, with many offering live music and a strong local feel.

Here are some popular bars in Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys:

• My New Joint (Cudjoe Key): This is the sister restaurant/bar to the upscale Square Grouper. It offers a more casual, vibrant atmosphere than the main restaurant, with creative cocktails, a good wine list, and smaller plates, making it a great spot for drinks and appetizers.

• No Name Pub (Big Pine Key): This is arguably the most famous bar in the Lower Keys and an absolute must-visit. It’s a true slice of Keys history, known for its cash-covered walls, rustic charm, and strong local vibe. While they serve food (especially pizza), it’s primarily a bar experience. Expect a no-frills, authentic atmosphere.

• Boondocks Grille & Draft House & Miniature Golf (Ramrod Key): Marketed as the “Largest Tiki Bar in the Keys,” Boondocks is a sprawling open-air complex. It features a massive bar, often has live music, serves food, and even has miniature golf. It’s a lively, fun spot popular with both locals and tourists looking for a party atmosphere.

• Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille (Little Torch Key): A fantastic waterfront bar with a lively atmosphere and often live music. Kiki’s offers a full bar, a sandy beach area, and great views. It’s accessible by car or boat and is a popular spot for both drinks and food.

• Mangrove Mama’s Restaurant (Sugarloaf Key): While a renowned restaurant, Mangrove Mama’s also has a very popular bar area that’s central to its quirky, tropical charm. It’s known for its strong drinks, often hosts live music, and offers a true “Keys” experience in its rustic setting.

• Sugarloaf Lodge (Tiki Bar): This lodge features a classic Keys tiki bar, often with live music, right on the water. It’s a relaxed spot perfect for enjoying a drink and the Lower Keys scenery.

• Jolly Mon Pub & Grill (Big Pine Key): One of the newer additions to the Lower Keys, Jolly Mon offers a modern gastropub feel with a well-stocked bar, craft cocktails, and a good selection of draft beers. It aims for a lively yet comfortable atmosphere.

• Springers Bar & Grill (Big Pine Key): A local favorite known for being a friendly neighborhood bar with good drinks, typical pub fare, and sometimes live entertainment or karaoke nights. It’s a good place to mingle with Marathon residents.

• Looe Key Reef Resort & Tiki Bar (Ramrod Key): This resort has a casual tiki bar that’s popular with divers and locals. It’s a relaxed spot for a post-dive drink or to unwind after a day of exploring the area.