Cudjoe Key.
Sitting twenty-three miles north of Key West along the Overseas Highway, Cudjoe Key takes about half an hour to reach by car from Key West International Airport. Life here centres on residential canals, quiet backcountry flats, and easy boat launches into both Florida Bay and the Atlantic reef line. Cudjoe Key is worth visiting if you want uncrowded flats fishing for tarpon and bonefish alongside quiet mangrove paddling. Look elsewhere if you want sandy public beaches, walkable historic quarters, or late-night bar crawls.
Last updated 3 Oct 2026
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What to do in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Cudjoe Key is a residential slip of the Lower Keys where daily life follows tides rather than schedules. There is no town square; your day revolves around the boat ramp, paddling through red mangrove tunnels in Cudjoe Basin, and meeting neighbours over cold lager at the marina. It suits travellers who prefer quiet dockside evenings to the loud street scene thirty minutes south.
24 hours in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Spend the morning paddling a rental kayak through the calm backwaters of Kemp Channel. Grab lunch at Square Grouper on Mile Marker 22.5 for fried Key West pink shrimp and fish tacos, then head to the old bridge footing for sunset before a quiet drink at My New Joint upstairs. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Day two takes you out on the water. Book a morning flats skiff to hunt permit across the shallows, then drive ten minutes north to explore the quiet pine rocklands of Big Pine Key. Wind down with smoked fish dip and peel-and-eat shrimp at a casual dockside joint on Summerland Key. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
A third day allows a boat trip out to the coral spurs of Looe Key Marine Sanctuary for world-class reef snorkelling. Afterward, dry off with a slow drive down to Key West for an afternoon among the shaded clapboard houses before retreating back to Cudjoe Key for peaceful starry skies.
Cudjoe Key Florida United States itineraries by interest
Local Seafood in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Order blackened yellowtail snapper, cracked conch, and steamed pink shrimp at Square Grouper Bar and Grill or My New Joint on Mile Marker 22.5.
Flats Fishing in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Hire an independent skiff guide out of Cudjoe Marina to stalk permit, bonefish, and resident tarpon across the shallow backcountry shallows.
Kayaking in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Launch into Cudjoe Basin or Kemp Channel to paddle calm mangrove creeks, watching for nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, and roosting ospreys.
Marine Life in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Spot miniature Key deer foraging in roadside hammock brush and manatees resting along residential saltwater canals early in the morning.
Snorkelling in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Take a short run south to Looe Key Marine Sanctuary to drift over spur-and-groove coral formations holding parrotfish and barracuda.
Casual Dining in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Stop at local roadside counters along Overseas Highway for smoked fish dip, Cuban sandwiches, and chilled Key lime pie served without fuss.
Coastal Walks in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Stroll the open gravel paths of Dreguez Road down to the water's edge, scanning the horizon for great white herons and foraging egrets.
Day Trips in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Drive twelve miles east to Bahia Honda State Park for swimming, or head twenty miles west to wander the shaded lanes of Old Town Key West.
Boat Charters in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Charter a centre-console from Cudjoe Gardens Marina to run south toward American Shoal Light for reef drift dives and deep-water trolling.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Explore the nearby National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, tracking native marsh rabbits and rare Lower Keys marsh wildlife on foot.
Sunsets in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Set up a folding chair along the old highway bridge approaches at Kemp Channel to watch the sky turn copper over open Florida Bay waters.
Cycling in Cudjoe Key Florida United States
Ride the paved Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail across the causeways between Cudjoe, Summerland, and Ramrod Keys with water on both sides.