Things to do nearWisteria Island

Wisteria Island sits in the harbor between Key West and the smaller Sunset Key, occupying a curious legal and natural middle ground. The island is federally owned and largely undeveloped, which is precisely what makes it so appealing. Its scrubby interior gives way to sandy beaches on its southern and western edges, and the surrounding water stays shallow enough for wading far from shore.

The anchorage off Wisteria Island is a fixture of Keys sailing culture, drawing liveaboards and cruisers who settle in for days at a time. Joining a sailing excursion out of the Key West Historic Seaport is one of the easiest ways to experience the island if you don't have your own vessel. Kayaking is equally popular, with the crossing from the mainland taking only a few minutes in calm conditions.

Wildlife is a quiet highlight. Shorebirds pick along the tide line, and the sea grass flats host juvenile fish, rays, and the occasional sea turtle. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary encompasses these waters, so responsible anchoring and minimal impact matter here.

For all its simplicity, Wisteria Island offers something rare in the Keys: genuine solitude within sight of a lively city, making it worth the short trip across the harbor.