Day 129 - February 7, 2013: Boca Chita Key

At the very tip of the Florida Keys lies Boca Chita Key. It is an island that sits off the coast of Miami south of Key Biscayne. As we approached we were stunned by the beauty and serenity of this place. We entered through the turquoise water past a stone lighthouse and arrived in a kidney-shaped harbor surrounded by seawalls and palms. This was hands down the most serene and beautiful spot we had yet to see in the Keys, or for that matter, the entire trip.

Entrance to Boca Chita Key

We learned that Mark Honeywell, electronics industrialist and founder of Honeywell Corp., owned the Key from 1937 to 1945. He built the harbor and lighthouse and a small vacation cottage in order to get away. He had a plan to put a light in the lighthouse but never got approval from the Coast Guard because he had built it on the bay side, not the Atlantic side.

Lighthouse at Boca Chita Key

After two other owners, Boca Chita Key became a part of the Biscayne National Park, and today there is no one living here. Even the ranger only comes occasionally. The docking is first come first serve and limited to about 20 boats along the seawalls. There is no electricity or water; however, there are picnic tables, outdoor grills, walking trails and a small beach. Being just across the bay from Miami, this place is very popular (sometimes overrun) with boaters on weekends and holidays. Fortunately, we arrived on a Thursday and there were only four other boats enjoying the area.

From the lighthouse  (Atlantic Ocean in the distance)

We walked the Key, climbed the lighthouse, took a swim, sat and enjoyed the warm sunshine and views of Miami in the distance. As sunset approached, we sipped margaritas and grilled salmon for dinner. What a great day!

Larry coming back from a swim

Anne watching out for snakes

Great Laker on the seawall