Big Pine Key

There’s not much to the ten-square-mile island known as Big Pine Key, but as home to the National Key Deer Refuge [1], it’s one of the only places in the world to see this endangered species, and nearby Bahia Honda State Park [2] has one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Florida Keys [3].

Accommodation options on Big Pine Key are limited. The Barnacle Bed & Breakfast (1557 Long Beach Dr., 305/872-3298, from $150 d) consists of three guest rooms within a main villa and a separate one-bedroom cottage. The property is quirky and tropical, right down to the tiki hut out by the Jacuzzi. Guest rooms are decked out in colorful fabrics and paint schemes and have private baths, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. This property does not allow children under age 16.

Food is somewhat more plentiful, but don’t expect fine dining options on Big Pine Key. No Name Pub (30831 Watson Blvd., 305/872-9115, 11 a.m.–11 p.m., main courses from $5) has been serving up burgers and seafood baskets since the 1930s, and the lived-in roadhouse vibe is instantly comfortable and definitively casual: The decor is best defined by the presence of paper towel rolls on every table, and a ceiling decorated with thousands of dollar bills. Whether tucking into one of their pizzas or some lip-puckeringly saline fish dip, a visit to the No Name Pub is an essential component of any visit to this part of the Keys.

With a 95-inch big-screen TV, $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles, and a menu heaving with pizza, wings, and other pub fare, Robs Island Grill (31251 Ave. A, 305/872-3022, 11 a.m.–midnight daily, main courses from $6) is a tried-and-true sports bar. The food isn’t going to rack up any Michelin stars, but the convivial atmosphere makes it a great place to catch the game or trade fishing stories.

The Cracked Egg Cafe (30739 Overseas Hwy., 305/872-7030, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. daily, main courses from $5) is an unprepossessing diner serving monstrous portions of breakfast standards.

Getting to Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is 25 miles north of Key West [4] and 135 miles south of Miami [5], between mile markers 29.5 and 33 along the Overseas Highway.