National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Fourteen square mile natural habitat of white tailed Key deer.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
685 reviews
Excellent
354
Very good
223
Average
81
Poor
14
Terrible
13
Pierclan
Atlanta, GA33 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It may have been the wrong time of day but we did not see any wildlife. No birds, no deer, nothing. The area had been damaged by the recent hurricane and that may have been the problem also. We visited the Visitors center before going on the trails and I think they should have told us we might not see anything.
But on the upside we went to No Name Pub and that was fun!
But on the upside we went to No Name Pub and that was fun!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiverM
Jupiter, FL584 contributions
Oct 2020
There are a lot of Key Deer on No Name Key and into Big Pine. They are particularly active in the morning and evening. Drive slow so you don't hit one. Blue Hole is a nice stop as well to do a short hike and see a fresh water lake.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gamma403
Haddonfield, NJ24 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a lovely park to walk around. Great information Center with a lot of things to see and learn about. Since we were there in the middle of the afternoon, the deer were hiding in the woods for shade. We did manage to see one little key deer after 1/2 hour of walking around. So go early in the morning or closer to dusk.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara C
1 contribution
Aug 2022
Amazing experience! My son who is obsessed with deer saw National Key Deer Refuge driving by. This was not a planned stop. What a gem!! So much for kids/adults to learn. Craig & Heather at National Key Deer Refuge were so knowledgable, they shared a wealth of information on the area history, animals and deer. We visited for about 20min. They spent time to map out a short route (1/4 mile) for us to drive towards No Name Key where we were able to see many deer. They even pointed out a small hidden bridge where we could stand and view sharks, and fish. It was actually a pretty cool experience. Worth the stop!
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LutheranLadySanDiego
San Diego1,734 contributions
Mar 2022
The only place in the world where these endangered deer are found! Signs abound to drive slowly and watch for these charmers. We drove to the end of the road into the preserve and were fortunate to spot a few. They are very comfortable around people and cars, but please don't try to feed them or engage with them up close.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnLouiseBigPineKey
Big Pine Key, FL14 contributions
Feb 2020
Big Pine Key is the headquarters of the National Key Deer Refuge. The brand-new visitor center is a pleasant place to spend 30 minutes or so, with activities for adults and children to introduce them to the special habitats and animals found in the Florida Keys. There is a short video, a lovely gift shop with lots of Florida wildlife souvenirs for children, and frequent special talks and events.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldFloridaGuy
Lakeland, FL40 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We visited the Key Deer Refuge in both the early morning and evening of the same day in late February and saw deer on both occasions. Start on the road directly behind the Winn Dixie, then drive Key Deer Blvd. to its termination. If you don’t encounter the deer along the sides of the road, try crossing to No Name Key.
Keep in mind a few things: 1. This species is endangered and is found only here; 2. These deer are quite small—perhaps 1/4 the size of our Florida Whitetail deer; 3. The speed limits are low in the entire area in an attempt to prevent deer deaths—there were 71 in 2019; These deer are accustomed to human presence and are somewhat tame, nevertheless, do not offer them food.
If you enjoy seeing unique and rare animals, you will be captivated by these beautiful, tiny creatures.
Keep in mind a few things: 1. This species is endangered and is found only here; 2. These deer are quite small—perhaps 1/4 the size of our Florida Whitetail deer; 3. The speed limits are low in the entire area in an attempt to prevent deer deaths—there were 71 in 2019; These deer are accustomed to human presence and are somewhat tame, nevertheless, do not offer them food.
If you enjoy seeing unique and rare animals, you will be captivated by these beautiful, tiny creatures.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stijntailly
Waregem, Belgium297 contributions
Aug 2019
The National Key Deer Refuge protects the smallest of all North American deer species, the endemic Key deer. Please do observe speed limits, as accidents with motorized transportation is the biggest cause of death for these animals. There's no entrance fee for this refuge as it is interspersed with private property. There are some short hiking trails in the area, but probably the best chance of seeing any deer, which are not at all shy, is by driving along the residential streets and look for them as they graze in people's yards.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stedley
Rotherham, UK75 contributions
Oct 2022
We arrived at around 3.00pm and were advised that we may only see 1-2 deer due to the heat, but we saw around a dozen, including a buck with horns. They are very people friendly and provided you don't make any sudden movements will stand close-by to allow photographs. Apparently around 6.00pm is the best time to visit. There are a variety of walks, some of which are relatively short and accessible for all. Overall a very worthwhile experience.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DarinBoyles
Florida Keys, FL96 contributions
Dec 2020
Slow your grasses down- the key deer are just here living and hanging out so don’t be acting like it’s the autobahn.
Love this island but the humans act crazy sometimes of which are always the tourist not the locals.
Be sure to wander the backroads and enjoy the tropical Beauty.
Stop by the blue hole to see a gator and no name pub for lunch
Love this island but the humans act crazy sometimes of which are always the tourist not the locals.
Be sure to wander the backroads and enjoy the tropical Beauty.
Stop by the blue hole to see a gator and no name pub for lunch
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Tripadvisor member
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Are there raccoons, opossums, or rabbits over there?
Written July 30, 2020
I've seen racoons, but no bunnies or opossums.
Written July 30, 2020
Is the Refuge open on Sunday even though the visitors center is closed?
Written June 14, 2019
The refuge is basically just Key Deer Boulevard in Big Pine Key. You can drive down the road and see them out and about. Or you can do a tour, with Up the Keys Tours 305.587.5575 and learn all about the Key deer, their habitat, the Blue Hole and the whole area around the Key Deer Refuge. I've done a tour 3x and learned something new about Key Deer and the Florida Keys each time. And they know where to find the Key Deer, too. I thought I could find them on my own, but they know where they are if you don't see them out and about. Check it out. They have all the answers about Key Deer and the refuge and how to find them and how they survived the hurricane, etc. Enjoy and if you do drive on your own down Key Deer Boulevard, please drive slow so you don't hit any of the wildlife. I stopped traffic for a turtle crossing the road...and I'm from Chicago :-) Enjoy!
Written June 26, 2019
Hi, We are a party of four, and would be interested in learning more about then Key Deer. We drove through the Key today and did not notice any directions to the ranger's station, etc. Please advise: Cost , best times, guise availability, etc.,
Thanks
gg
Written March 4, 2017
I laughed when I read your question because I thought the same as you. I was expecting a fenced in area where the deer were present. The whole Key, along with No Name Key are the preserve.
As others have said, stop at the visitors center in the Winn Dixie shopping center. The people there are very helpful. I would suggest to drive through the neighborhoods on Big Pine slowly at dusk. You're sure to spot many at that time.
Written March 4, 2017
Hi, We are a party of four, and would be interested in learning more about then Key Deer. We drove through the Key today and did not notice any directions to the ranger's station, etc. Please advise: Cost , best times, guise availability, etc.,
Thanks
gg
Written March 4, 2017
Turn off of the Overseas Highway onto Key Deer Blvd. On the right you will see a shopping plaza with a Winn Dixie. The Key Deer information center is across the parking lot from the grocery store. The best times for seeing the deer are sunset and sunrise. I have found one of the best areas to be way down at the end of Key Deer Blvd, at the far end of the key. The road dead ends there and there are generally deer there at sunset. Also take as slooooow drive through the neighborhood just before the road ends - have always seen deer there too. Down by No Name Pub is always a good bet, too. Have fun! They are amazing!
Written March 4, 2017
Absolutely 100%! Drive to the very end of Key Deer Blvd, it ends in a turn around - there are generally deer there. Then go down Kyle Blvd and drive slowly through the neighborhood - I have never not found there there. The only trick is going at dusk. I have ALWAYS found the deer just driving around at dusk. Drive slowly, pull over if there is a car behind you, look into the yards... They are, generally, everywhere. Watson Blvd and the little neighborhoods heading toward No Name Pub is also a great spot. Stop into No Name Pub for dinner after seeing the deer. Its an experience.
Written December 18, 2016
Hours are 9am-4pm Mon-Fri and 10am-3pm on the weekends. The refuge is beautiful. However, it's Big Pine Key. Most of the Key is just a small community. There is a Winn-Dixie grocery store with chickens in the parking lot. If you miss the refuge hours you can just cruise a few of the streets in the morning and evening. You will find a half dozen of them grazing in people's' front yards. I consider all of Big Pine Key a refuge. While you are there head towards the west end of the Key and check out the No Name Pub. Good pizza and great burgers. Plus that place has a ton of history. They have even been on a few Food Channel shows.
Written August 17, 2016
What phone number do we call to report an injured, deceased, or the harassment of a Key deer?
Written December 30, 2015
911 will also offer immediate assistance
Written December 18, 2016
As I don't work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Svc. But have lived in the refuge for 30 years the refuge itself itself is open in general 24/7/365 Unless posted go emergency situations. The refuge office on Watson Blvd. is generally not accessible HOWEVER the Visitors Center in the Winn Dixie shopping plaza on Key Deer Blvd. (turn North @ the traffic lite & stay LEFT) is open usually 9 to 5 more or less(keys time) phone # 305-872-2239
Written July 26, 2015
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