20 Attractions to Explore Near Blue Hole

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a 106-mile multi-use recreational trail that stretches from Key Largo to Key West, Florida. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and island culture of Monroe County, allowing visitors the chance to appreciate an array of wildlife and sea life. For cyclists particularly, the trail offers incredible views and invaluable insight into architecture, marine life, tropical vegetation, archaeological sites and much more.

Little Torch Key is an island with vibrant culture that visitors can experience year round. With its white sandy beaches, golf courses, and shopping centers you are never without something to do on this picturesque island! It's also a great spot for snorkeling, fishing and diving due to the plentiful coral reefs off shore. If history interests you, there are also archaeological sites around Little Torch Key which offer some incredible insight into the region’s past life.

The National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the fascinating ecology of the Florida Keys. From the boardwalk, visitors can view an array of native wildlife, including endangered Key deer and migratory waterfowl. Inside is a museum featuring interactive exhibits that explain local environmental issues and educate visitors on how humans have affected nature over time. The center also hosts numerous educational programs throughout the year.

Ramrod Key is a charming beach town on the island of Cudjoe Key. It's known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural landscape, with white-sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear water and undisturbed wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun. In addition to its unique flora and fauna, there is plenty of local shopping and dining. Local restaurants offer fresh seafood and spectacular views of the surrounding ocean.

The Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge is a testament to the beauty and history of the Florida Keys. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, it stretched nearly six thousand feet across Bahia Honda Key connecting upper and lower Florida Keys with seven spans, including five original tall trusses. The bridge was an integral part of the Overseas Railroad which began service between 1912 and 1935. Sturdy considering its age, it served as a vital link for two decades before being abandoned in 1938.

Bahia Honda State Park is a stunning beach destination. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this park boasts over 500 acres of serene sandy beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, and a variety of diverse wildlife throughout the area. Nature trails are plentiful for exploring or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll immersed in lush vegetation. Kayaks and boats can be rented to tour different parts of the park with spectacular views along the way.

Located in the middle of the Florida Keys, and connected to the mainland by bridges, this unique island offers visitors a chance to experience some of nature's most beautiful sights. With its miles of unspoiled beaches, lush tropical forests and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Whether it's fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun, Bahia Honda Key provides an array of memorable experiences.

Pigeon Key, is a 2.5-acre island in Monroe County boasting a rich and unique history. It originally served as the working headquarters for Flagler's Overseas Railroad project, a monumental undertaking that connected population centers on the mainland with those in the Florida Keys via a railway bridge. The island currently offers visitors an opportunity to explore its historic significance through guided tours, interactive museum displays and even overnight accommodations.

It connects Knight's Key (part of the city of Marathon, Florida) in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. There are two bridges in this location. The modern bridge is open to vehicular traffic; the older one only to pedestrians and cyclists. The total length of the bridge is 35,862 ft (10,931 m) or 6.79 miles (10.93 km). The bridge carries the Florida Keys aqueduct, supplying water to points west, as well as fiber optic cables, providing telecommunications to and from the lower K

Sombrero Beach is an iconic beachknown for its beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. Located near Marathon, this beautiful stretch of coastline is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing or kayaking. Visitors to the beach can also enjoy fishing off of one of the many jetties located along the shoreline. For animal lovers, there's a plethora of native wildlife that frequents the sands and shallows such as seabirds, dolphins and sea turtles.

Crane Point Hammock, offers visitors a unique combination of tropical plants, wildlife and recreation. Home to two museums and a butterfly sanctuary, Crane Point Hammock is anything but ordinary. Wander the trails or take a guided tour of the nature center to learn about the local ecology including wetlands and mangroves. Bring your own gear or rent their kayak or canoe for an afternoon out on the water. Don't miss a visit to the seaside aquarium.

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters offers unforgettable experiences with its diverse collection of marine life. It is the perfect place to go for a vacation. At this attraction, visitors have the chance to touch stingrays, observe unique animals from different ecosystems, and even go diving to explore the vibrant underwater world. Additionally, there are lectures held by knowledgeable staff that offer insight into marine biology and conservation efforts taking place throughout the Florida Keys.

Spanning a lush 11 acres, the garden includes trails lined with exotic flowers, trees of all shapes and sizes, and structures that host events such as weddings and art shows. The property also contains a butterfly sanctuary where visitors can observe native species fluttering about amongst tropical plants. Additionally, birding classes and docent-led hikes take place throughout the year, offering tourists a chance to learn more about the environment while immersed in it.

Curry Hammock State Park is a paradise for nature lovers and water enthusiasts. With over 1,500 acres of mangrove forests, tropical hammocks and beaches, Curry Hammock State Park offers the perfect backdrop for a day outdoors. Visitors can kayak or canoe along crystal clear waterways, take a dip in the lagoon or explore the shoreline full of starfish and crabs. The park's habitats are home to various wildlife including roseate spoonbills, pelicans, ospreys and painted buntings.

The Fort East Martello Museum is an exciting destination for history buffs and curious thinkers alike. From its unique collection of artifacts - ranging from memorabilia from the battles of the Spanish-American War to a plethora of relics from Key West's days as a cigar manufacturer - to its outdoor courtyards filled with century-old artillery and cannons, this museum is sure to provide hours upon hours of enriching entertainment.

Largest public beach in Key West. The beach is lined with coconut trees, and is approximately a half mile long.

Grassy Key is an idyllic paradise island situated between Key Largo and Marathon and is a perfect getaway for those looking for fun in the sun. The stunning turquoise waters of the nearby Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Nature trails provide miles of outdoor exploration full of local wildlife. Grassy Key is also famed for its seafood restaurants offering up the day's freshest catch!

Edward B. Knight Pier is a stunning beachfront destination on the Atlantic Coast. It is well-known for its expansive boardwalk that stretches around 1,100 feet of crystal clear waters and glistening white sands. Anglers love to cast their lines off of the pier, hoping to catch some mackerel or snapper while admiring the majestic views of surrounding Florida Keys. All visitors are treated to an array of outdoor activities like parasailing and dolphins watching boat tours as well as green spaces.

The West Martello Tower and Key West Garden Club, are a fascinating mix of history and nature. The West Martello Tower is a Civil War-era stronghold that was initially built in the 1860s for defensive purposes but has since been transformed into an award-winning historic site and gardens area. Meanwhile, the Key West Garden Club is dedicated to cultivating native tropical flowers throughout the Key West area and hosts various events including art festivals and educational programs.

The Key West Cemetery is a unique and interesting place. Established in 1847, this cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the area and has 2 historic monuments located on the grounds. The graves represent a diverse range of people, including many immigrants who passed away while traveling through Florida's Key West region. The cemetery was created to honor those individuals as well as other prominent citizens of the Keys area.