Here in Big Pine and the Lower Keys is the consummate place to escape the overcrowded and hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. This thirty mile expanse is very possibly the most spectacular and tranquil area of the Keys. There are no malls, no fast food, few accommodations but plenty of water. To the north is the Gulf of Mexico and to the south, the Atlantic Ocean. The area is famous for its “homey” resorts and family oriented neighborhoods with easy water access. You can snorkel or dive over Looe Key Coral Reef, ride a bike or walk through Key Deer country, or troll the deep blue waters beyond the reef. It is a quiet area of small resorts, family restaurants, single family homes and nature’s water wilderness. You can spend days in the tranquil Bahia Honda State Park with its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Explore the National Key Deer Refuge where the tiny Key Deer live. This is the totally laid-back lifestyle of yesteryear.