While taking that well deserved vacation at the quaint Key West Bed & Breakfast the Tropical Inn, explore some of the natural wonders of the Keys at the National Wildlife Refuges found within short distances of Key West.

The closest refuge to Key West is a tiny chain of islands west of the city – only accessible by boat, the Key West National Wildlife Refuge contains mostly mangrove swamps and a few sandy beaches. Established in 1908 by President Teddy Roosevelt, the refuge protects nesting areas for endangered sea turtles and wading birds among other things.

Spanning over 200,000 acres of open water and islands to the north of the Overseas Highway from  Key West to Marathon is the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. It was established in 1938 to serve as a sanctuary for great white herons and 250 species of birds. Known as the “backcountry” to locals and along with Key West NWR, it is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States

Farther up the coast in lies the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge near Marathon. Consisting of 9200 acres of hardwood pine forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, fresh and saltwater wetlands and mangroves, this refuge was established in 1957 to help protect the Key Deer, a short deer only found in the Keys. The visitor center for all of the Keys’ wildlife refuges is located here.

Finally, the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is again farther north in Key Largo and, as you probably guessed, was designated to protect the American crocodile. Adjacent to the Key Largo Hammock State Botanical Site, this area is the largest continous track of hardwood forest remaining in the Keys. However, it is not open to the public.

So while you’re relaxing at the Tropical Inn, get great views and see some of the native wildlife of the Keys. It will be well worth the time.