Living on Sugarloaf Key
Sugarloaf Key sits in the quiet middle of the Lower Keys: backcountry flats on one side, the reef on the other, and Key West 20 minutes away. Here is what daily life looks like for a month or more.
Shops and everyday errands
Sugarloaf Marina, a few minutes away, has fuel and fishing supplies, and Sugarloaf Lodge has a restaurant and bar on the water. Big Pine Key is about 15 minutes away and Key West about 20.
Ask us about the nearest supermarket and pharmacy for what you need, and we will point you to them before you arrive.
Healthcare
Lower Keys Medical Center is about 13 miles from the house. Ask us if you have particular healthcare needs during your stay.
Key West
Key West is about 20 minutes down the Overseas Highway: Duval Street, the old town, sunset at Mallory Square, sailing trips and the Butterfly Conservatory. Close enough for an evening out, and a world away when you come back to the canal.
Hurricane season
Hurricane season runs from June to November. If a storm threatens, Monroe County evacuates in phases, and visitors and non-residents are asked to leave first, around 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected. That includes guests on monthly stays.
See the county's evacuation information and the National Weather Service Key West forecasts.
On the doorstep
- Canal fishing
- Snapper, snook and the odd tarpon, straight off the dock.
- Kayak launch
- Paddle out of the canal into quiet mangrove channels.
- Swimming
- Down the ladder from the platform, whenever you like.
- Manatees
- They drift up the canals, especially in the winter months.
- Birds
- Herons, pelicans and ospreys over morning coffee.
- Sunsets
- From the deck, most evenings of the year.
- Sugarloaf MarinaMinutes awayBoat rentals, fuel and fishing supplies.
- Sugarloaf LodgeMinutes awayRestaurant and bar on the water.
- Sugarloaf CreekBy kayak or boatBackcountry flats and mangrove tunnels.
- Looe Key ReefBy boatCoral reef sanctuary for snorkelling and diving.
- Bahia Honda State ParkAbout 10 minutesBeaches, snorkelling and the old railroad bridge.
- Big Pine KeyAbout 15 minutesKey deer, the Blue Hole and No Name Pub.
- Key WestAbout 20 minutesDuval Street, the old town and sunset at Mallory Square.
Weather by month
Monthly averages for the Lower Keys. December to April is peak season; June to November is hurricane season.
| Month | High | Low | Sea | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75°F | 65°F | 72°F | 2 in |
| February | 76°F | 66°F | 73°F | 1.8 in |
| March | 79°F | 69°F | 75°F | 1.9 in |
| April | 82°F | 72°F | 78°F | 1.8 in |
| May | 85°F | 76°F | 81°F | 3.5 in |
| June | 88°F | 79°F | 84°F | 4.6 in |
| July | 90°F | 80°F | 86°F | 3.6 in |
| August | 90°F | 80°F | 87°F | 5.4 in |
| September | 88°F | 79°F | 85°F | 5.9 in |
| October | 84°F | 76°F | 82°F | 4.2 in |
| November | 79°F | 71°F | 78°F | 2.7 in |
| December | 76°F | 67°F | 75°F | 2.2 in |
Enquire about a monthly stay
Monthly stays only: 30-night minimum.
Email Sue & Graham at sue@taste-of-sugar.com or use the enquiry form. Tell us your dates (at least 30 nights), how many of you are coming and anything we should know. We reply personally, usually within a few hours, with availability and our competitive monthly rates.
You can also find us on Airbnb. The same 30-night minimum applies however you book.