The Middle Keys
Key Colony * Marathon * Pig Pine
Just a little over two hours drive from Miami and forty five minutes from Key West, the Middle Keys are the gem of the Florida keys. Whether you're looking for world class fishing and diving, or beaches and boat drinks, the Middle Keys offer it all. Here are some of our recomendations.
Where Do We Eat?
Key Fisheries Home of the Lobster Ruben...come as you are but leave as you never were. Sit outside and fend off the heat with a draft beer. Great place to take the kids and quite affordable. Be sure to visit their store inside and take a few lobster tails back home.
Key Colony Inn This is my favorite resturant in this hemisphere...period. The only draw back here is that you do have to wear a shirt, but its well worth the hassle. Another plus is that it is within walking distance of Manatee Bay and they will cook up the fish you cought that day! This is also the place to go for a steak if you're feeling homesick.
The Stuffed Pig This one is easy...show up for breakfast with an appetite and an open mind. Officially known as the best hangover resturant on earth!
Butterfly Cafe BC is your date night place. Located in the Tranquility Bay Resort complex, Butterfly Cafe feels like you're dining on the back porch of a grand southern estate. Everything about this place feels like home, if your home comes with a five-star chef and sits on the ocean!
No Name Pub Despite opening in 1936, No Name Pub boasts itself as the oldest bar...ever. While we cannot attest as to their claimed status of being the oldest, we can attest to it being the best bar...at least on No Name Key. Stop by on your way to or from Key West, or maybe on a visit to the state park. The pizza here just plain rocks!
What Do We do?
There's nothing fast paced about the Middle Keys...which is exactly what makes it perfect! The fishing is of course first rate, as is the diving and snorkeling. But if you're looking for something to do between meals and naps, check out some of our favorites.
Kayak through the mangroves in Big Pine Key with a guide on your own, then have lunch at No Name Pub.
No trip to the Middle Keys is complete without taking an early morning stroll along the famed pedestrian Seven Mile Bridge. A lot of things in live are complicated...this isn't one of them. Drive to the bridge, park the car, then walk or ride your bike and look at the water.
Take the family or some friends for a day on the beach at nearyby Bahia Honda State Park...and be sure to stay for the sunset!
If you are bringing your own boat then you already know what to do. If you forgot your boat, or don't feel like driving, check out the fishing charters just across the canal from the house. Main Attraction is one of our favorites..see the gallery below of our night mission with MA a few years back.
Lookin to get wet... Who isn't? These Middle Keys reefs are what all the other reefs dream of being some day when they grow up. Book a charter or just hang out at the dock and hitch a ride!
