Many vacation huts in the Florida Keys have view just like this one.
At latitude 25 and lower, everything moves on island time. Rainbow reefs wait just below the surface of the warm teal waters of the Florida Keys while fish shacks and cozy cottages welcome visitors. Key Largo and Key West in particular offer larger accommodations, but the Keys specialize in huts, cottages and better-than-mainstream vacation homes. These smaller places, often run by families or couples, offer a tropical glimpse into Keys life.
Upper Keys Vacation Huts
The Upper Keys include Key Largo, Tavernier and other small keys north of Marathon. Key Largo has many name-brand hotels, like Hilton or Holiday Inn, but it, as well as the other Upper Keys, does have smaller vacation huts and cottages.
The Seafarer Resort, though not a five-star resort, has small vacation rentals on the Gulf side of Key Largo. Do not expect luxury, but these cottages have kitchens, indoor plumbing and television. The Seafarer also has hammocks, a barbeque grill and a small, man-made beach.
Seafarer Resort
Mile Marker 97.8
Key Largo, Florida 33037
305-852-5349
SeafarerResort.com
Middle Keys
The Middle Keys include Marathon and the surrounding islands. Many of the vacation cottages and huts here lost ground in the financial hard times of 2009, but several remain. These vacation cottages and huts often allow pets and allow guests to reach either Key West or Key Largo in under 90 minutes.
White Gate Court, located on the Gulf side of Islamorada, allows pets. These expansive grounds allow plenty of room for dogs to run and the cottages see return visitors every year. The resort allows free dockage, but has no pool. Children are discouraged. The waters of Matecumbe Bight offer swimming off the seawall.
White Gate Court
76010 Overseas Hwy.
Lower Matecumbe, FL 33036
305-664-4136
WhiteGateCourt.com
Lower Keys and Key West
The Lower Keys, including Sugarloaf, Big Pine and Key West, all put visitors within striking distance of reefs, mangroves, and a fleet of charter boats. Big Pine Key, home to the diminutive, friendly Key Deer, has a sprinkling of old-style vacation cottages.
The Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Cottages and Marina is off the beaten path, and these tiny cottages aren't for those accustomed to pampering. These authentic Keys vacation cottages have modern conveniences and television, but they're designed for boaters and fishermen seeking the water rather than those seeking a resort vacation. Instead, these vacation cottages typify Florida Keys-style lodging.
Old Wooden Bridge Guest Cottages and Marina
1791 Bogie Drive
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
305-872-2241
OldWoodenBridge.com
Tags: vacation cottages, Florida Keys, Upper Keys, cottages have, cottages huts, Cottages Marina, Gate Court