Ramrod Key is named after a ship that wrecked on the reef south of the island in the early 19th century. This laid-back key with many full-time residents is only 27 miles from Hemingway's Key West and just across the Niles Channel Bridge from Summerland Key. On Ramrod Key most of the homes are located along the eastern shore, both north and south of US 1. There are a dive shop-motel, a gas station-convenience store, a couple of restaurants and an excellent veterinary hospital on the island.
You're only minutes away from dive and tackle shops, marinas, banks, grocery stores, post office, numerous restaurants, gift shops, video rentals and fuel/convenience stores. Bahia Honda State Park (pronounced bay' uh) with its mile long sandy beach and coconut trees is just to the north and the "Blue Hole" and Key Deer Sanctuary are on nearby Big Pine Key. Picnic Island is less than 5 minutes away by boat, Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is just offshore, and Pine Island Channel for fishing or exploring the backcountry by small boat is just around the corner.
A good portion of the key consists of wetlands and transitional wetlands mostly south of the highway and encompasses all but the eastern shore. You'll have many chances to see Great Herons, Egrets, Ibis and Brown Pelicans.
The Lower Keys are an exotic, caribbean paradise for fishermen, divers, nature lovers, bird watchers and the adventuresome. From your dock, both the Gulf and Atlantic are easily accessed by boat for world class fishing, diving and snorkeling. On a calm day, you can be offshore on Looe Key Reef within 30 minutes of casting off your docklines. The back country and Gulf is easily accessed to the north for exploring, fishing or relaxing in the heart of two wildlife refuges.