United States

Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is a small island located in the Lower Florida Keys in Monroe County, United States. It is part of the archipelago known as th…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Beach travelers
  • Fishing travelers
  • Visiting in Winter
Recommended stay
5-7 days
Best time
Winter
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Big Pine Key is a strong pick for beach & fishing — plan about 5-7 days. Peak season: Winter.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 75/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈14.7 km span)

9 Places to explore
5-7 Recommended days
Winter Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Winter

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: May · September · October

Weather

Fall

70-80°F

Spring

70-80°F

Summer

80-90°F

Winter

60-70°F

How to get there

How to reach Big Pine Key in the United States

Big Pine Key is a beautiful destination located in the Florida Keys, United States. Here's how you can reach Big Pine Key:

  1. By Air:
  2. The nearest major airport to Big Pine Key is the Key West International Airport (EYW), which is approximately 30 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Big Pine Key.

  3. By Car:
  4. If you are driving from mainland Florida, you can take the Florida Turnpike or I-95 to reach the Florida Keys. From there, you can drive south on the Overseas Highway (US-1) until you reach Big Pine Key.

  5. By Bus:
  6. Greyhound and other bus services offer routes to the Florida Keys. You can take a bus to Key West and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Big Pine Key.

  7. By Ferry:
  8. Another option is to take a ferry from mainland Florida. The Key West Express operates a ferry service from Fort Myers to Key West, and from there, you can arrange transportation to Big Pine Key.

Once you reach Big Pine Key, you can explore its natural beauty, enjoy water activities, visit the National Key Deer Refuge, and relax on its stunning beaches. It's a destination worth experiencing!

Getting to know Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is a small island located in the Lower Florida Keys in Monroe County, United States. It is part of the archipelago known as the Florida Keys, stretching over 100 miles off the southern tip of Florida. Big Pine Key is situated between the islands of Marathon and Key West, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.

One of the main attractions of Big Pine Key is its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The island is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, which was established in 1957 to protect the endangered Key deer species. These small, gentle deer can often be spotted roaming freely around the island, making it a unique and captivating sight for nature enthusiasts.

In addition to the Key deer, Big Pine Key is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The surrounding coral reefs are teeming with colorful marine life, providing an underwater paradise for divers of all skill levels.

Aside from its natural wonders, Big Pine Key also offers a range of recreational activities and amenities. Visitors can explore the various hiking and biking trails that wind through the island, taking in the lush vegetation and scenic views along the way. The community of Big Pine Key is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a range of local shops, restaurants, and accommodations to cater to visitors.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Book accommodations in advance, especially during high season
  • Explore the nearby national parks and nature reserves
  • Try local seafood dishes at the restaurants
  • Rent a bike or scooter to explore the island

Places worth exploring

9 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Big Pine Key?

Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Big Pine Key, United States.

When is the best time to visit Big Pine Key?

High season is typically Winter.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Big Pine Key?

Travelers often find better value in May, September, October.

What kind of trip is Big Pine Key good for?

Big Pine Key suits Beach, Fishing, Diving, Kayaking.

Is Big Pine Key walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Big Pine Key?

Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent

Build your trip

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Big Pine Key → Big Coppitt Key → Key West · ≈44 km
  • Big Pine Key → Stock Island → Key West · ≈44 km
  • Big Pine Key → Cudjoe Key in the United States → Key West · ≈45 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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