cedar keys national wildlife refuge

The only way to see the lighthouse is by boat, your own, or by one of the local tours. Too far for a kayak. Once on the island (before March) you are able to walk the trails and take a close look at the famous lighthouse. It has quite a history and adds just the right flavor to your visit to Cedar Key, Also, back on shore take the .6 mile railroad bed hike, drive the nine mile loop through bogs and pines, or hike one of several marsh trails in the Reserve. Bring water, bug spray, sun screen and a good attitude to get the most our of the experience.

This lighthouse was first lighted on 1 August 1854. When Florida seceded from the Union in January1861, oversight of the lighthouse shifted from the U.S. government to the CSA and Seahorse Key's protected harbor became a haven for blockade runners. In January 1862, the Union occupied the lighthouse with Union troops with their families, Union sympathizers, refugees and contraband or runaway slaves. A small cemetery is located about 200 yards east of the lighthouse The University of Florida now has a marine laboratory on the island. As a bird rookery, the island is closed to the general public from March 1st through June 30th. Access is by boat only. A schedule of dates the lighthouse is open to the general public is available by contacting the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge @ www.fws.gov/cedarkeys/.

Self-guided tour of Museum & Whitman house well worth the $2 it cost to get in. Well worth a stop. Took the walking path but later had "bites" from what we don't know. Spray yourself first or avoid the path.

When we need some tranquility, we head to this quaint little seaside village!! We love this place!! Always bring family when they come to visit!! Come here 3-4 times a year for day trips...eat at the waterside restaurants, walk and shop in the multitude of little gift shops...it is so very peaceful! We even enjoy walking on the pier and watching people fish!! And the pelicans are very friendly too!!

This was a nice flat land hike. Trails were nice. Horses allowed as well. No charge. Picnic area as well.

Never saw so many feathers in one place...allowed us an up close view...our guide identified the various species & told of their idiosyncrasies...

Took a boat trip around the islands surrounding Cedar Key. Played with the dolphins, and just thoroughly enjoyed "being in the moment"

I have wanted to visit the key for a good 7 months and I finally got the chance this past weekend (April 26th). It was a perfect day not too hot not too cool. The shop keepers were very friendly and accommodating and seemed genially proud of their small quaint fishing community. There is much to do if you want to spend a few days exploring the area as well. Pontoon boat tours, charter fishing, Kayak rentals for paddling and fishing and a small community beach with bathhouse and facilities.

Quiet and unspoiled by developers the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge islands are spectacular to behold. Some of the areas most beautiful beaches are located on these NWR islands. Never overcrowded and pristine. Each island has a wealth of history of their own. The Cedar Keys NWR islands are accessible by boat only. You will want to bring a camera, sunscreen, bug spray and water with you. Get in touch with the history of Florida.

Lovely hikes - pristine wilderness! Great birding!Armadillos, alligators! Easy parking - amazing shell mounds - raised walkways- spectacular views! Not touristy!!!

Very quiet restful drive. We first drove in the wrong entrance, beware, it was kind of creepy. Left and drove further to the 9 mile loop.

We had a marvelous day boating on the Gulf Waters and exploring Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge Islands. We visited Atsena Otie, North Key and Snake Key and we saw the top of the lighthouse on Seahorse Key. Seahorse Key was not open to the public at this time of year. So we may have to visit later this year when it is open to the public. We learned that August 15 - September 15 is Peak fall migration of shore birds. We seashell hunted. We sat at the shore and saw lots of small fishies swimming around us. It was great fun. Keep in mind that Cedar Key is a tide dependent waterway and remember to bring lots of water and some bug spray and a camera for sure. Did I mention the Cedar Key NWR islands are all boat access only and so much fun.

There was nothing to dislike, these islands are incredible. We visited Atsena Otie, Snake Key, North Key, Seahorse Key (which is only open 4 times a year to the public) and Deadman's Key. The islands we visited varied in size especially at high and low tide. The islands are so pristine and unspoiled by man. They are so peaceful for a couples escape. We had our own boat but you can rent them or take special boat tours out to the islands. These islands do have critters so stay out of tall grass and stick to the designated paths or beach. Each island is different. We found some awesome treasures in the water. We had such a great time and had the islands practically to ourselves. Lots of little fish at the shore and bright sunny skies for tanning. We had a great picnic lunch on our pontoon boat while tied up at North Key watching the wildlife in their natural habitat. It does not get much better than this for nature lovers and people who like off the beaten path vacations. Remember these great islands are only accessible by boat, kayak, canoe and are tide dependent. What a way to spent a day in the sun on some of the most beautiful natural beaches in Florida. Unspoiled and incredible!

We have been coming from Scotland to Cedar Key for years and just love it. The birding is remarkable and it is essential to take a boat trip out to the outer keys. Last time we went with Captain Doug's daughter who was extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife. She managed to get a couple of dolphins to follow the boat at high speed one each side for about half a mile- a fascinating experience. The white pelicans out there were great to see close up instead of squinting through binocs from the shore. All in all a great area with friendly folk and (in December at least) no crowds. Make sure to have fresh clams from a shack and/or a quart of sea food chowder to take back to your place from Tony's!

One of the reasons we have been going to CK for 10 years. The refuge status of the area promises good fishing, good birding, great scenery. Take advantage of the outdoors