Big Pine is one of the larger Keys, and is composed of limestone bedrock, rather than being a former coral reef, as the upper Keys are. It has many native hardwood trees, as well as the pines for which it is named. Blue Hole, a former limestone quarry, is quite pretty and contains at least one fairly large alligator. Like most of the keys, there are no sand beaches here. A bridge connects the northeast side of the island to No Name Key, a sparsely-populated island with hiking trails.

While driving on Big Pine Key, care must be taken to avoid hitting the diminutive Key Deer. These tiny whitetail deer, made dwarfs from thousands of years living on the island, are roughly knee-high. From a distance at night, you may confuse them for medium-sized dogs. They have become quite acclimated to humans, and are often seen around residents' yards and grazing on roadsides. Best times to see the deer are at dusk/dawn. They are also active at night, but are most often seen in your headlights while driving (be careful!).

At the Island's main shopping plaza (Winn-Dixie, Beall's Outlet), one can observe feral chickens. Several flocks -- a black/rust-orange rooster accompanied by several darker hens -- can typically be seen pecking at the ground and crowing at each other here.

Other than observing the Key Deer/chickens, and hiking around the Blue Hole, fishing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling are common past times. Fishing charters are abundant. Solo or guided kayak trips in the backcountry are available at No Name Bridge and Sugarloaf marina. Snorkeling and dive trips are available from Strike Zone Charters and the Looe Key Resort. While staying in Big Pine Key, a day in Key West is typically part of the itinerary.

For more information on Big Pine Key Visit: http://wikitravel.org/en/Big_Pine_Key