An island escape that has everything from swimming to skydiving and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south? Sounds like paradise—but this particular paradise retreat isn’t in the Caribbean or another exotic, faraway place, this one happens to be on Sugarloaf Key in the beautiful state of Florida.
Sugarloaf Key is located less than 20 miles away from the busy vacation destination of Key West—but don’t let that fool you. Sugarloaf is its own distinctive island feel that is more laidback and chill than its busier neighbors—but still has a plethora of exciting attractions and outdoor adventures that make it a great place to visit. So whether it’s a weekend retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s more famous keys or a destination unto itself, Sugarloaf has plenty to amuse and excite any visitor to the Sunshine State looking for sun, fun, and plenty of action.
About Sugarloaf Key
While Sugarloaf is actually a single island, its distinctive U-shape can make it sometimes feel like two separate places—and, in fact, the island is broken up into two distinct sections: Upper Sugarloaf Key and Lower Sugarloaf Key. Each with its personality and attractions, the two neighborhoods connected by the Overseas Highway Bridge are both quiet, peaceful, and less touristy than nearby destinations like Key Largo. However, Upper Sugarloaf is home to the bulk of the island’s businesses and tourist attractions, such as the Great White Heron National Park.
Outdoor Adventures In Sugarloaf Key
Despite its reputation for a laidback, quiet community, there are a number of outdoor activities available on Sugarloaf for those who want to experience the beauty of this small island and the surrounding area.
- Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the backcountry of the Florida Keys. This is a truly unique opportunity to explore and relax; visitors may even get to see some of the area's wildlife in their natural habitat. Many guided tours are also available on Upper Sugarloaf
- Sugarloaf Key is known for its great fishing, and there are a number of charter boat services that will take visitors out to cast their lines—whether it's inshore, offshore, or off the flats. Vacationers interested in any type of boat, kayak, or charter service should head to Sugarloaf Marina. 17015 Overseas Hwy, Sugarloaf Shores
- Sugarloaf Key is not known for its beaches—though it does have a few, the shoreline is rocky, and the waters aren’t great for swimming. However, those looking to relax on a white sand beach and take a dip need only take a short jaunt to Little Palm Island. Accessible only by boat or plane, Little Palm is an idyllic island that’s also home to Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. There are a plethora of fun activities here—including a number of water sports. However, Little Palm is really just a great place to relax and soak up the sun; whether it's a day trip or overnight stay at the luxe resort. Have an adventure and take a seaplane to Little Palm—a great way to see the Keys from above
Take The Plunge With Skydiving Fun
Those who want to take a break from the water with an adventurous sojourn into the air should head to Skydive Key West, located in Sugarloaf’s small airport. There aren’t many opportunities for skydiving on the Keys—so visitors with an adventurous streak will definitely jump(!) at the chance to see the gorgeous Keys from above.
- Address: 5 Bat Tower Rd, Sugar Loaf Key
- Contact: (305) 386-8806
- Reservations: Space is limited, so call ahead or reserve online. The company recommends calling ahead for same or next day reservations
- Pricing: Prices start at $245/person for a tandem skydive and includes professional instruction and equipment
- What You’ll See: Exhilarating views of the middle keys including Seven Mile Bridge, divers may even spot a dolphin or two on the peaceful, less than ten-minute parachute glide to the dropzone
Other Things To Do On Sugarloaf Key
Kayaking, Skydiving, Fishing—there are plenty of opportunities for adventure on Sugarloaf Key. However, the fun doesn’t stop there.
- Sugarloaf Key is a great spot for both campers and RVers as it offers the opportunity to camp near Key West. The Sugarloaf KOA Campground is an especially popular place to pitch a tent as it is one of the few campgrounds near the busy Key West—it also has cool amenities like an onsite pub, a full-service marina, a pool, and a hot tub. Tent sites start at $69.99/night
- Visit Perky's Bat Tower. Built in 1929, the famed bat tower and roost was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Though the tower was mostly destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, its former site is still lovely and is worth a visit, if only for the history. 4 Bat Tower Rd, Upper Sugarloaf Key
- One of Sugarloaf Key’s most popular attractions is the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Set on almost 200,000-acres of the backcountry, the area is home to a number of bird and sea turtle species (including, of course, the great white heron). The refuge is great for wildlife watching, but also offers opportunities to fish, boat, snorkel, scuba dive, and more. 20650 1st Ave W, Cudjoe Key
- The Florida Keys are known for many things—and tiki bars are definitely one of them. More cabana-esque than their more tropical cousins, Keys tiki bars are still laidback fun places to grab a beer and a bite. When in Sugarloaf Key, try the Sugarloaf Lodge and Tiki Bar which also offers great accommodations in the heart of many of Sugarloaf’s most popular attractions—and just so happens to have a happening tiki bar overlooking the beach, too. 17001 Overseas Hwy Sugarloaf Key
Travelers looking for a taste of tranquility and laidback vibes on their next Florida vacay should check out Sugarloaf Key. With less hustle and bustle than its more crowded Keys neighbors, Sugarloaf still has a myriad of fun things to see and do—from relaxing, low-key tours on the water to high-octane, exciting adventures in the air, Sugarloaf Key is a great place to soak up the sun and fun of the Florida Keys.