Often overlooked is Pigeon Key. This little island is where workers were housed who built the railroad down to Key West. An ambitious businessman Henry Flagler had workers construct this railroad all the way to Key West hoping to develop commerce. Men were housed on the island to keep them out of trouble. The ambitious project was completed 1912 but a hurricane in 1935 destroyed it and then a highway was constructed to replace the rail. On Pigeon Key are the bunkhouses and other structures and some sort of school uses the place.

You book a launch at a historic Pullman car museum oceanside near the Seven mile bridge.

Already mentioned is a great place for snorkeling and sun bathing...John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park. We had lunch at Bahia Honda State Park which has a beautiful beach shallow water out quite a ways.

***Islamorada Bass Pro shop *** I have not been in there in years. Stopping this next trip. So hard to get my husband to stop along the way except the Cuban grocery store. He just wants to get to KW.

Does anyone know about a good swimming beach close to Islamorada? We do not care about the sand as much as being able to wade in and swim....is there anyplace closer than Bahia Honda? (This will be in January)

Many thanks!!

A public beach? No. I don't know of one.
We enjoyed the private sand beach where we stayed but I don't know of one open to the public.