If you've had your fill of lively Key West, you might consider heading to the Lower Keys for a few days of peace and quiet on your Florida Keys vacation. Big Pine Key is one of the Lower Keys, about 30 miles from Key West on US Highway 1 and 23 miles from Marathon. Big Pine Key hotels are limited, but you will find a handful of places to rest your head, such as a few B&Bs and the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge.

One of the Big Pine Key hotels to consider is the Barnacle Bed and Breakfast. This Florida Keys bed and breakfast is a wonderfully relaxing option for those looking for a peaceful hotel in Big Pine Key. The Caribbean-style home is conveniently located on a private, sandy, palm-covered beach, perfect for soaking up sun and ocean views, and for swimming and other water sports. Biking and hiking are also possible, and the house staff are happy to set up fishing, kayaking, diving, and snorkeling excursions. If you simply wish to relax and unwind, park yourself in the hot tub or on the hammock and let the hours idle by.

The Barnacle Bed and Breakfast hotel in Big Pine Key features unique rooms, each with private baths. The Blue Heron Cottage features one bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, a private porch, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Amenities include air-conditioning, Bahamian fans, satellite TV, wireless internet, queen-size beds, small refrigerators, beach towels, and small ice chests for trips to the beach. A tiki hut with a barbecue grill is the perfect place for preparing and enjoying cocktails, dinner, and a beautiful sunset. The large, open-air atrium features a Jacuzzi and landscaped waterfall. The atrium is also where guests dine on a full-service breakfast. Of all the Big Pine Key hotels, this is surely one of the most peaceful. To ensure a quiet environment for all guests, no children under 16 or pets are permitted.

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Another possible hotel in Big Pine Key for outdoorsy visitors to consider is the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. The lodge features cabins, rental units, tent and RV sites, making it an attractive lodging choice for a variety of travelers. There are restrooms, showers, a public phone, a heated pool, shuffleboard courts, a recreation hall, game room, playground, dock, marina, and more. When you're ready to start exploring the area, there are hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and access to a variety of water sports.

Big Pine Key is the main shopping destination in the Lower Keys, but it is also quiet and peaceful. For those who enjoy snorkeling and diving, Big Pine Key is a major departure point for charters to Looe Key reef. You can also explore the largely undeveloped National Key Deer Refuge or other nearby islands.

Big Pine Key has much to offer travelers, including nature trails for hiking, diving and snorkeling excursions, and beautiful beaches. While choices for Big Pine Key hotels are limited, there are several options that will satisfy a broad range of travelers, whether they prefer the Barnacle Bed and Breakfast or more rustic accommodations at the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. Do your research in advance, and you will be sure to find the best hotel in Pine Key for your vacation.