Where Is Big Pine Key?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you're looking for a low-key vacation, Big Pine Key is the place for you. In Big Pine Key, about 100 miles south of Miami and

30 miles north of Key West

, you'll find relaxing, water-borne activities such as boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Where is Pine Key located?


Big Pine Key, Florida
Coordinates: 24°40′12′′N 81°21′14′′WCoordinates: 24°40′12′′N 81°21′14′′W Country United States State Florida County Monroe

Where is Big Pine island Florida?

Big Pine Island is an island in Florida. Big Pine Island is situated

north of Little Pine Island, and northeast of Little Bird Island

.

What mile marker is Big Pine Key?

BIG PINE KEY, Florida Keys — For more than 60 years, the region of Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys — from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge at Sunshine Key,

mile marker (MM) 40

, to Stock Island at MM 5 — has advocated the responsible use and preservation of the vast natural wonders found there.

What is Big Pine Key known for?

It is widely regarded as

one of the clearest and best reefs for snorkeling and diving in the Keys

. If you're visiting Big Pine Key with children, there are numerous wonderful activities that will get them out for the day. The Theater of the Sea and the National Key Deer Refuge are great options for the whole family.

How many acres is Big Pine Key?

Its namesake the pine tree is rare in the Middle or Upper Keys. It is generally thought to be fairly large having about

5,816 acres

, but small compared to Key Largo with about 22,000 acres.

Is Big Pine Key open?

The visitor center for the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located at the center of Big Pine Key at mile marker 30.5 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway and is

open Monday to Saturday

.

Does Big Pine Key have beaches?


The Calusa is within the Bahia Honda State Park in BIg Pine Key

. It is the other beach in addition to Sandspur beach, located on the other side of the park, with larger waves and still with some seagrass in the sand. It is being recovered after the Irma hurricane in 2017, but it is still beautiful. Worth seeing!

How far is Big Pine Key from Marathon?

The distance from Marathon to Big Pine Key is

17 miles

. The road distance is 19 miles.

IS Key West safe?

The rate of crime in Key West is 45.93 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.

People who live in Key West generally consider the north part of the city to be the safest

.

How long does it take to drive through the Keys?

In the spirit of adventure, why not make a road trip to remember? Rent a car at Miami International Airport and take the 113-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) all the way down through the Keys. The trip takes

four hours, but allow at least four days

for a Keys-worthy journey.

How large is Key West?

7.209 mi2

Are all the Florida Keys in Monroe County?

Monroe County is the southernmost county in Florida and the United States.

It is made up of the Florida Keys

and portions of the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. These parks are mostly uninhabited mainland areas.

Is Islamorada worth visiting?

The area is famous for its tropical climate, laid-back atmosphere, and abundance of historical attractions. For those who'd rather avoid the crowds often associated with the state's more commercialized cities,

it's a great place to visit

.

How far is Key West from Cuba?

The Southernmost Point Buoy also denotes another source of Key West pride – its proximity to Cuba. As the buoy and the slogan state, Key West is “

90 miles

to Cuba,” even if it's really a little more. Although Key West is actually 94 miles to Cuba, “90 miles to Cuba” has a much nicer ring to it.

How big is the Florida Key?

137.5 mi2

Is Stock Island Considered Key West?

Separated from Key West only by the narrow Cow Key Channel, Stock Island is both an extension of its famed neighboring island and a destination unto itself.

It's a holdout of “old Key West,”

maintaining elements of the way the island used to be before tourism took over.

Why is Big Pine Key called Big Pine Key?

Big Pine Key

takes its name from the pine forests that cover the island, about 30 miles from Key West

. Rare plants and endangered animals — such as the Key deer — live in those forests.

How did Ramrod Key get its name?

Ramrod Key is an island in the lower Florida Keys. Originally named Roberts Island,

Ramrod Key was renamed for a ship named Ramrod

, which was wrecked on a reef south of there in the early nineteenth century.

Where can I stargaze in Big Pine Key?

For most of its 31 years, the Winter Star Party has been at

Camp Wesumkee on Scout Key just east of Big Pine Key

– a location that makes for optimal stargazing for several key reasons, says Winter Star Party event director Tim Khan. The “dark sky” location means there is minimal light pollution from urban areas.

Is it illegal to touch key deer?

The deer and their habitat are protected by numerous regulations established by the National Key Deer Refuge. Obey the strictly-enforced speed limits on Big Pine Key (45 mph during the day, 35 mph during the night) and keep an eye out for deer near the road.

Do not feed, harass, touch, capture, or kill key deer

.

How many key deer are left?

The current Key deer population is estimated to be

700 to 800

deer, with the greatest concentrations on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. While its population is considered stable for now, the Key deer remains listed as a federally endangered species.

Where can I see the key deer?

Key deer live on

20 to 25 islands in the southern Florida Keys

, hence their name. They used to live across the lower Florida Keys, but now are only found in the areas from Sugarloaf Key to Bahia Honda Key. The National Key Deer Refuge in Florida, where many of the deer can be found, was established in 1953.

Which Florida Key has the nicest beach?

1.

Bahia Honda State Park

. The sandy shores of Bahia Honda State Park are, far and away, the best beaches in the Florida Keys. These natural beaches are absolutely stunning.

What is the most beautiful beach in Key West?
  • Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson. To many, this secluded cluster of islands 70 miles west of Key West is home to the most beautiful beach in the Florida Keys. …
  • Fort Zachary Taylor. …
  • Smathers Beach. …
  • Higgs Beach. …
  • Bahia Honda State Park.

Are there sandy beaches in Florida Keys?

Though the Keys don't boast the wide, expansive stretches of beach that other parts of the state are famous for,

there is an abundance of small, sandy beaches shaded by palms

. Scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are the most popular activities in the Keys beaches.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.