Place · 1.8 mi away
Overview
Adams Key is a small, boat-access island managed strictly for day use. It’s the quieter corner of the upper Florida Keys: manicured grounds shaded by hardwood hammock, views over mangroves and lagoons, and just enough infrastructure to make a lazy picnic stop feel easy without killing the sense of escape.
What You’ll Do
Plan a simple, unhurried day. Tie up at the dock, claim a spot under the picnic pavilion, and walk the short trail through the island’s hardwood hammock. Many boaters and paddlers treat Adams Key as a jumping-off point to nearby keys and lagoons; some visitors also enjoy snorkeling the surrounding waters. Expect peaceful views and a breezy, unpretentious vibe.
Facilities & Access
Access is only by private boat or guided boat; there are no roads or bridges. On the island you’ll find a dock, a picnic pavilion with tables, restrooms, and a short nature trail. There are no concessions, stores, or water filling—bring everything you need and pack it out.
Safety & Gotchas
- Day-use only: the island is open during daylight hours and does not allow camping or overnight docking.
- Caesar Creek, just south of the island, is known for swift-moving currents—approach and cross with care.
- Mosquitoes are persistent year-round; strong repellent is essential.
- Shade is limited beyond the pavilion, so sun protection helps.
Wildlife & Setting
The surrounding lagoons and mangroves are home to plenty of fish and other marine life, and the interior hammock gives a taste of native coastal forest. You’ll hear birds, spot fish in the shallows, and—yes—battle some mosquitoes along the trail.
A Note on History
This quiet key once hosted the exclusive Cocolobo Club, a private retreat tied to Miami developer Carl Fisher and visited by several U.S. Presidents. Those structures are gone, but the island’s low-key, private feel remains.
Best Time to Visit
Come on weekdays if you want maximum calm; weekends can bring more boat traffic. Aim for mid-morning to mid-afternoon for a relaxed picnic or paddle, keeping in mind it’s open dawn to dusk only. Bring everything you need so you can linger without worrying about services.
Pros
- Boat-access, quiet day-use island with a low-key feel
- Picnic pavilion, restrooms, dock, and a short hardwood hammock trail
- Great base to launch paddling or explore clear, fish-filled lagoons
Cons
- Day-use only—no camping or overnight docking
- Mosquitoes can be fierce, even by day
- Swift currents in nearby Caesar Creek require caution
Tips
- Bring strong mosquito repellent and reapply often.
- Day-use only: no camping or overnight docking is permitted.
- Use caution near Caesar Creek; currents can be swift.
- Pack in all food and water—there are no stores or filling stations.
- Use the island as a convenient launch point for paddling nearby lagoons.
