Summerland Key

Summerland Key offers several distinct starting points for a trip: park history, boating and paddling opportunities, as well as tours and insights into marine research in the Florida Keys. Summerland Key Park connects local history with a practical purpose at Hudgins Lake; other activities focus on different interests, from kayaking to deep-sea fishing. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, you can choose where to stay based on the experiences that matter most for your trip.

Park and Water

Summerland Key Park covers 4 acres and was established by the Hudgins family in 1957. Hudgins Lake is located in the park; the lake is suitable for launching and taking out small to medium-sized boats. If you’re planning to use a boat, you can take this feature into account. The park’s founding by the Hudgins family also gives it a specific historical connection.

At the end of Niles Road on Summerland Key is a small, secluded beach that is suitable for kayaking. These two details represent different water-based interests: kayaking is the main draw at the beach, while Hudgins Lake is suited to using small to medium-sized boats. When planning, you can distinguish between looking for a place to paddle and a place to launch and take out a boat.

Paddling Tours, Boat Rentals, and Fishing

Wildlife Tours offers fully equipped paddling tours in Summerland Key and the surrounding Lower Keys, with an introduction to paddling techniques. Equipment and instruction are part of the tour format described here. This is different from renting a boat: Pro Gear Boat Rentals rents boats for fishing, diving, snorkeling, or sightseeing cruises in the Florida Keys.

Folklure Charters offers deep-sea fishing trips; trips are subject to booking availability and weather. The activities therefore differ in the kind of experience they offer: you can consider a paddling tour with equipment and instruction, rent a boat for one of the purposes listed, or plan a deep-sea fishing charter. First, consider which format suits your travel itinerary.

History and Marine Research

Hermitage, a residence designed by Hudgins on Niles Channel, still stands on Summerland Key. For anyone interested in local history and architecture, it offers a specific point of interest alongside the history of Summerland Key Park. The two places provide different historical connections: at the park, the focus is on its establishment by the Hudgins family in 1957; at Hermitage, on the residence and its design.

Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration is a marine science facility dedicated to marine research and education in the Florida Keys. A behind-the-scenes tour is offered as part of the group programs. For groups interested in marine science, this offers a different focus from paddling or fishing; the tour is part of the center’s group program.

Practical Travel Information

If you’re planning a landing at Summerland Key Airport, you must submit a Certificate of Insurance and obtain approval from the airport manager. Veterans Dive Center is located at 24326 Overseas Highway on Summerland Key and offers equipment rentals, training, and gear for underwater activities. As offerings can change, confirm the details before your trip.

Tonio’s Seafood Shack & Tiki Bar is located at 25163 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, Florida 33042. Menu and service details may change; check the latest information before your visit. When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to choose accommodations based on the activities that matter to your travel group.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Islamorada, Key West, Stock Island, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Sugarloaf Key, Tavernier, Little Torch Key

For the overarching travel guide: Monroe.