Situated in the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys is an archipelago encompassing around 1700 keys and islands in a string divided into Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys plus a couple of outlying islands: the Marquesas Keys and the Dry Tortugas near Key West.

Big Pine Key is a census-designated place belonging to the Lower Keys. Big Pine Key is also an unincorporated community within Monroe County, and the next destination after the Seven Mile Bridge, following Marathon.

Florida Lower Keys consist of Bahia Honda Key, West Summerland Key, No Name Key, Big Pine Key, Torch Key, Ramrod Key, Summerland Key, Knockemdown Key, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key, Saddlebunch Keys, Big Coppitt Key, Boca Chica, Key Haven, and Key West.

In contrast with the Upper Keys made up remnants of fossilized coral reefs, exposed when the sea level declined, the Lower Keys are composed of sandy-type accumulations, especially limestone grains resulting from marine organisms and plants.

The natural habitats of the Keys range from shoreline zones, inland wetlands and upland forests. Ranging from semi-tropical to tropical climate it never snows in the Lower Keys, where climate is considered weather hot, humid, or wet.

Once you leave Marathon, there is nothing fancy until you reach Key West, this means that you will have a hard time finding restaurants, shopping centers and such. However, at Big Pine Key you can still find attractions, accommodations and things to do.

From sightseeing tours, to kayak and eco-tours, Big Pine Key offers diversity and fun. Dolphin encounters are often accompanied by waster sports, swimming and sunbathing by the seashore.

Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, located 5 nautical miles offshore of Big Pine Key is a must-see stopover. The Sanctuary is located in Key Colony Beach, and offers activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Big Pine Key encompasses some Art Galleries, Shopping areas, Restaurants and Bars, in addition to special events such as the Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival, and the WinterFest opening the Christmas Season.

Campgrounds and RV parks are ideal for spending a weekend or your whole vacation enjoying this area. If you are tired of overcrowded destinations, come to Big Pine Key, and discover the many lodging facilities, including licensed vacation homes.

As of the census of 200, Big Pine Key had a population of 5,032 inhabitants living in a total area of 9.9 mi² (25.8 km²), from which 9.8 mi² (25.3 km²) is land and 0.2 mi² (0.5 km²) is water, meaning 1.81% of the whole area.

Big Pine Key is also home to the Key Deer population, an endangered deer, and subspecies of the White - tailed Deer. The island takes special precautions to preserve Key Deer habitat and surrounding environment.

Accommodations in Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys include selected hotels, motels and resorts, inns, guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast for casual lodging. There are also real estate opportunities for vacation rental, relocate, or buy a second home or commercial property.

As in other Florida Keys, there are homes, apartments, cottages and condo rentals, as well as residential properties for sale. According to the US Census Bureau, there were 2,247 households, and 1,420 families residing in Big Pine Key as of 2000.

During the same period, there were 3,153 housing units at an average density of 322.9/mi² (124.6/km²), and the population density was 515.3/mi² (198.9/km²). The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.63.

A total of 21.4% of all households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, and 36.8% were non-families. Population's median age was 44 years, and every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.6 males.

The median household income in Big Pine Key was $44,514 versus $38,819, the state average during the same period, median income for a family in the island was $47,639, and $45,625 on average in the state. The per capita income for Big Pine Key was $23,169.

About 9.5% of the population and only 5.6% of families were below the poverty line. Racial makeup was made up 94.83% White, 6.72% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 1.09% African American, 0.58% Asian, 0.50% Native American, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.19% from other races, and 1.79% from two or more races.

Different ethnicities but one common place for enjoying the mangrove forests and wetlands of Florida Lower Keys. From fishing adventures to bike and hiking trails, Big Pine Key offers a convenient quiet and relaxing region.

According to an ancient Spanish document, Big Pine Key and its surroundings were formerly known as Cayos de Cuchiaga in 1678. Cayo is the Spanish term for Key; hence, this name remained for at leas the next two centuries.

In the 19th century, F.W. Gerdes wrote in his journal this reference, "The large most western of the Pine Islands, some 12 miles in extent and running mostly S.E. & N.W. is called the Big Pine Island". Today, Big Pine Key is also home to numerous Art Galleries and Antique Shops, and the last Restaurant and Bars resource before reaching Key West.

The Lower Keys run from mile marker 47 to 4, and are considered the least developed of the Florida Keys, preserving most of their natural beauty. Big Pine Key is located between mile market 29.5 and 33. Where the Lower Keys begin, the archipelago takes a westerly turn facing the sunset.

One of the best kept secrets of Florida Keys lies on the south of the Lower Keys, the region where tuna, sailfish, mackerel, Bonita, kingfish, cero blue, white marlin, snapper, grouper, Wahoo, amberjack, dolphin, barracuda, and sharks are found within only 45 minutes away from the dock.

And do not forget that for vacation rentals, relocation or invest in real estate within Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, there are numerous Realtors and Real Estate Agencies ready to help you find the right property that matches your budget, home or lodging requirements.