Key West’s Nature Preserve

Looking for a change of pace? I’d wager that 99% of tourists visiting Key West have no clue that there’s a nature preserve on the south side of the island! What a pleasant surprise in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of this tourist laden oceanic vacationland.

‘Third Time Lucky’ was a hit song in the 1970’s from the rock band Foghat and here came true for me. I was finally able to gain access always being either too early or too late saying “I’ll go there next time”. Sandwiched between multi-level condos on either side, this protected area is a haven for those animals calling it home. Key West and its hungry developers would love to get their hands on this prime oceanfront property given the chance. Operated by the Key West Garden Club, I hope it remains in the hands of wildlife lovers for generations to come.

You can find this last oceanic safe haven for wildlife on Key West’s less traveled south side on the eastern end of Atlantic Avenue. A walk on the beach is worth a 30-minute visit alone, it’s open daily from mid-morning to sunset. It’s two entrances are as different as can be, one is a walking path while the other is a beautiful boardwalk leading to a grand deck overlooking the ocean.