National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge
4.3
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
Sunday
Closed
About
Fourteen square mile natural habitat of white tailed Key deer.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience National Key Deer Refuge and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
21 within 3 miles
Attractions
18 within 6 miles
Contribute
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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
687 reviews
Excellent
356
Very good
223
Average
81
Poor
14
Terrible
13
katmai8
Lawrence, KS343 contributions
Nov 2020
There is so much more to this place than the visitor center which was closed due to Covid. I suggest using AllTrails app to find a hidden gem out near the end of the road towards the bay side. The sandy hiking trail through the woods afforded me my first view of the Key Deer in a natural setting. I'm not counting the Winn Dixie parking lot!
It is a very nice and easy walk. There was a muddy spot about 20 minutes in so you can always turn around and return to the parking area which had room for 4-5 cars. We had lunch on our taligate and then saw 5-6 more deer in the woods.
It is a very nice and easy walk. There was a muddy spot about 20 minutes in so you can always turn around and return to the parking area which had room for 4-5 cars. We had lunch on our taligate and then saw 5-6 more deer in the woods.
Written December 5, 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.
GreenUnicorn
New Jersey3,294 contributions
Dec 2019
The woman who handled our condo in Key West suggested we stop here, and we were glad we did. We knew nothing about the Key deer, and the film in the center certainly educated us about them.
The center has apparently moved relatively recently to its present site. There are new, clean bathrooms outside the building.
There were several trails associated with the refuge, and we walked a couple of them, including an off-site trail that pretty much went to nowhere--we turned back! During our walks we did not see any Key deer at the late morning time of our visit. However, afterwards, as we drove through No Name Key, we saw several Key deer on the edge of the local neighborhood.
The center has apparently moved relatively recently to its present site. There are new, clean bathrooms outside the building.
There were several trails associated with the refuge, and we walked a couple of them, including an off-site trail that pretty much went to nowhere--we turned back! During our walks we did not see any Key deer at the late morning time of our visit. However, afterwards, as we drove through No Name Key, we saw several Key deer on the edge of the local neighborhood.
Written February 10, 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.
Lovtorun
Kansas City, MO667 contributions
Feb 2020
We stopped here on the trip from Key West back to Miami. The center is new and very nice, several exhibits, information about the deer and other wildlife. The volunteer at the desk was very informative. There is a short intro movie but we did not take time for that. Cute gift shop.
The volunteer showed us a map and suggested we take the drive about 3 miles to Blue Hole and a short hiking path. It was close to noon and we didn't expect to see the deer and did not. We did see an alligator napping on a big rock at Blue Hole. We enjoyed the short drive to see the deer habitat. We were told they are visible daily, but most likely morning and evening.
The volunteer showed us a map and suggested we take the drive about 3 miles to Blue Hole and a short hiking path. It was close to noon and we didn't expect to see the deer and did not. We did see an alligator napping on a big rock at Blue Hole. We enjoyed the short drive to see the deer habitat. We were told they are visible daily, but most likely morning and evening.
Written February 28, 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, FL619 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.
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.
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.
Lynn M
Mountain Home, AR172 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We stopped in here while driving through the Keys. Definitely worth a stop to see the endangered deer. Stop at the visitors center for a map of where to go to find the little deer. We were there about noon, and it was warm, but we still saw several. We even saw one in the parking lot of the VC! They are really small and unique. Please do not approach or try to feed.
Written November 9, 2023
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
Go to the Winn-Dixie shopping center mentioned by others. There is a good chance you will see deer walking around the parking lot in the shopping center. They will approach you looking for treats, but you are not allowed to feed them.
Written September 4, 2020
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
Showing results 1-8 of 8
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing