Attractions in and around Duck Key

You can enjoy Florida's foremost attractions are sun and sand, freshwater and saltwater fishing, tropical wetlands and forests, Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort, the Florida Keys, the Kennedy Space Center, Miami, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Native American culture, Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, lots of fresh seafood, unlimited watersports and a wide variety of day and night activities for enjoying your vacation in duck Key. You can enjoy spectacular sunrise over Duck Key, trail along the Windley Key or watch dolphins in the lagoon.

Duck Key Salt Ponds: Two large salt ponds existed on the island of Duck Key during the late 1820's through 1840's. The Duck Key salt ponds which predate salt ponds later to be established in Key West, were the first venture of this type in the Keys. Duck Key may have been selected because it had several natural, shallow, inland depressions which filled with salt water directly from the sea providing conditions perfect for saltmaking. Duck Key's salt ponds most likely were improved with the construction of earthen or rock bordered walls and small wooden flood gates which could open to capture the flow of seawater.

Canal Building on Duck Key: Many home owners and vacation villa enjoy water views thanks to the building of canals and a revetment barrier wall which encircles the ocean front of Duck Key. Canal excavation changed the natural contours of Duck Key. Coral rock removed during canal construction was used to build Harbour and Utility Islands and to expand on other areas of bay bottom purchased from the State of Florida. Marl and sand pumped from the sea bottom was used to fill the salt ponds and low spots on Duck Key. Seven and one-half miles of roads were created from excavation materials also. A landing strip for small planes was also constructed on Center Island that no longer exists now.

Administration Building and Gene Otto: The oldest remaining structure and a dominant focal point on Duck Key is the resort's Administration Building which is built in a West Indian style. This charming architectural prize rests peacefully just off Duck Key Drive and the entrance to Hawk's Cay. Surrounded by a green jungle of tropical trees, palms, and banana plants, the building gives a feeling of solidity and permanence as though it must have been on the island since the days of wreckers in the Florida Keys. The Caribbean theme was the inspiration of Gene Otto, a widely known Key West artist. According to Otto, all the houses were to have "earth-colored tile roofs, with wide overhanging eaves like so many older houses encountered at Key West, Jamaica and other Caribbean islands." The first private residences built all kept to the West Indian architectural theme.

Duck Key is home to Veterans Memorial park. You can enjoy the sandy beaches and picnic areas.

Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key): If you have kids this is a great place to visit to see the dolphins and sea lions up close. They have several sessions throughout the day and there are different packages you can purchase to see the dolphins up close.

Hawk's Cay Marina: Located next to the hawk's cay resort is the hawk's cay marina. At the marina you can book off shore or back country fishing charters. The marathon area is well known for it's excellent salt water fishing.

Kids Entertainment: Sombrero Beach in Marathon is a favorite spot to stop. A small white sandy beach with a nice playground and bathroom facilities just off the beach.

Some other nearby attractions of Duck Key are: Sombrero Beach (Marathon, Florida (7.1 miles from Duck Key)), Crane Point (Marathon, Florida (10.5 miles from Duck Key)), Leigh Ann's Coffee House (Marathon, Florida (9.9 miles from Duck Key)), Long Key Recreational Area (Long Key, Florida (6.7 miles from Duck Key)), Seven-Mile Bridge (Marathon, Florida (12.0 miles from Duck Key)).

Activities in and around Duck Key

The sandy beaches of Duck Key invite the visitors for swimming, sunning and beachcombing, fishing, sailing and diving.

Biking Trails: You can explore best the five islands of Duck Key by bicycle. Nothing beats the laid-back pace and ability to explore quaint stops along the way. The low traffic on the island makes it a safe and pleasant journey. Bikes for children and adults are available to rent by the hour or for the day.

Shopping: You will find a number of gift shops and boutiques for your shopping in Duck Key.

Snorkeling: You can enjoy snorkeling at Snorkel Aboard the KeyLypso (Marathon, Florida (7.4 miles from Duck Key)) and Spirit Snorkeling (Marathon, Florida (11.1 miles from Duck Key)).

Dolphin Watching: You can enjoy watching dolphins and play with them while you are vacationing in Duck Key.

Festivals and Events in and around Duck Key

You can enjoy the following festivals while you are in Duck Key:

Pirates in Paradise Festival (Key West).
Fantasy Fest (Key West)
Key West's annual bacchanal.
Fantasy Fest Video (Key West), Cuban American Heritage Festival (Key West): Annual festival held each November celebrating Cuban culture.