ABOUT THE AREA AND WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU'RE HERE

Ocean birds abound … White or blue herons, gulls, egrets, osprey and pelicans soar through sky. All through the island of Big Pine and here at Deer Run, you will find the endangered Key Deer, which are a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer. These deer inhabit Big Pine Key and various surrounding keys. The Key deer is the smallest of all white-tailed deer, not found anywhere else in the world. It’s a sure bet you will see them walking along the beach, and all along the property and surrounding area.

Deer Run's on site garden of Eden is a peaceful place with native plants, small fountain, along with scattered places to sit and reflect, read, relax or meditate.

We also offer massage therapy at Deer Run, on a limited by appointment basis. Our integrated massage therapy is customized for each individual, with custom aromatherapy massage available as well.

Less than 10 minutes from us is Bahia Honda State Park, mentioned in several travel magazines as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. At Bahia Honda you will find fantastic sandy beaches, as well as marina, RV and camping facilities. This natural preserve also boasts many indigenous plants and flowers that grow almost nowhere else in the world.

Get ready to dive the Florida Keys! As in other areas of the Keys, both PADI and NAUI certifications are accepted; but make sure you bring your card with you. There are several shops from Big Pine to Ramrod which usually have two dive/snorkel trips a day weather permitting, and some of them add a third, which is a night dive. Opportunity for rentals or purchase of dive and snorkel equipment can be found at all the dive concessions. Big Pine is also home to several shops that host dive and snorkel trips, daytime and nighttime, to Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, part of the reef system that runs along the length of the Keys. Located about five nautical miles offshore is Looe Key which is part of the reef system that parallels the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys. It became a National Marine Sanctuary in 1981. Because of its unique shape and varying depths, Looe Key is an excellent SCUBA and snorkeling site for people of all skill levels. In 1998, a special diving attraction was added to this area offshore of the Lower Keys. About 3 miles west of Looe Key, lies the Adolphus Busch, sunk in 110 feet of water in December of 1998 as an artificial reef. This 210 foot long ship was well prepared for experienced advanced divers with large holes cut for swim throughs.

At Sugarloaf Key you will find a small airport where you can charter a plane ride or arrange some skydiving. You can also visit one of the strangest landmarks you will find in the Florida Keys, the Bat Tower.

An historical treasure stands where Bahia Honda Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed in 1917, the Old Bahia Honda Bridge was originally part of the Overseas Railroad built by Henry Flagler. In 1936, after the railroad was destroyed by a hurricane, the bridge was adapted for automobile traffic as part of the Overseas Highway. Because the track area was too narrow to accommodate two lanes of cars, the roadway was built atop the structure. Old Bahia Honda Bridge is one of the most photographed structures in the Keys.

Should you choose, you can visit the Blue Hole, a small, freshwater pond on the island that is home to alligators, turtles and numerous fish that are easily and safely viewed from a wooden observation deck. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail surrounding the pond.

There are also guide services locally which offer daily or weekly trips for nature or eco tours, kayaking, bird watching, photography, or just for fun. We can assist in making referrals and arrangements for guide services.

Boca Chica is the location of the Naval Air Station Key West (NAS Key West). This is the last major landmark you will see before you enter Key West. Commissioned in 1917, the Naval Air Station was built here when Navy research found it to have the most days of perfect flying weather of anywhere in the country.

Last, but certainly not least, Deer Run is located less than ½ hour from Key West, which is a world unto its own, offering theatre, museums, shopping, dining, historical sites, and a raucous party atmosphere.

Deer Run, the only limit is your imagination.