Tour Pigeon Key in the Florida Keys
Tour Pigeon Key – To understand the basic history of the Florida Keys you must visit Pigeon Key to learn more. This tiny island is only accessible via the Old Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon (not the modern Seven Mile Bridge for cars) but it’s a delight and a history lesson all in one.
Getting There by Tourist Train – Tour Pigeon Key
Getting to Pigeon Key is the best bit. The views of the sparkling blue water from the Old Seven Mile Bridge take your breath away. No, you can’t drive, but the easiest way to visit Pigeon Key is by tourist train. The wee train is ideal for those who wish to take it easy, we saw lots of people with very young children enjoying the trip, and those with mobility issues. The train departs from Pigeon Key Visitors Center at 1090 Overseas Highway, Marathon. There’s ample parking, and the first departure is 10am, with the last return train leaving Pigeon Key at 4.15pm. Prices are currently adult $30, children $25.
Getting There on Foot or by Bicycle – Tour Pigeon Key
Firstly, it’s easy to park nearby and cross the bridge on foot. A key dream/goal of mine was to cycle the Old Seven Mile Bridge in the sun. Cycling really frees you up to take everything in at your own pace. We grabbed three free adult bikes from our hotel and rented a junior bike and kids’ helmets from Keys Vacation Supply Rentals.
In terms of cycling from a Marathon hotel, it’s easy and acceptable to cycle on the pavements in town, as few people actually use or walk on them. Then you hit the bridge and it’s simply glorious, pedalling till you descend into Pigeon Key. Here, you can simply turn around, or pay to visit the island and enjoy the tour (which I thoroughly recommend). Cycling isn’t permitted on Pigeon Key itself, but there are bike stands for cyclists.
Tour Pigeon Key
The tour is included in the ticket price of the Tourist Train. And for other visitors, prices are currently $15 adults, $12 children. I consider it money well spent. The short tour explains how the keys were linked by train, thanks to entrepreneur Henry Flagler, in the early 1900s. He connected 126 miles of open water by railway called the Over-Sea Railroad, using the islands as stepping stones. The work and engineering involved is quite astounding. The lives and jobs of the 400 workers who lived here are also explained. It’s real slice of history.
Visitors are then invited to step inside original, quaint and beautiful buildings where the workers stayed, such as the Section Gang dorms. There’s also a cute Honeymoon Cottage.
After the tour concludes, visitors are free to explore. Pigeon Key is a small slice of paradise. Be sure to wander along the pier as it’s staggeringly gorgeous. And don’t miss the marine pond, where the kids loved looking for fish and sharks.
Food & Drink
One cottage on Pigeon Key sells basic drinks, snacks and mementoes. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic – picnic tables are provided. But for something more substantial we’d recommend dining at Porky’s on Marathon after your Pigeon Key visit.
Where to Stay
Pigeon Key‘s accommodation is generally for marine research or educational purposes (such as schools or Scouts) rather than the general public. Therefor it’s best to stay in nearby Marathon.
We loved our coastal bungalow accommodation at the Seascape Resort & Marina. It offered a heated outdoor pool, free adult bikes, outdoor grills and kayaks. Our bungalow had a kitchenette so we could self-cater by incorporating the outdoor grills. You can watch the sunset on chairs on the pier, and the kids even saw manatees at the shore. Serene!
Do not miss the cute and informative Pigeon Key on your Florida Keys road trip!
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