Stock Island, Florida

Welcome to Stock Island, where the good old days of the Florida Keys are still lively and strong and fishing and boating reign supreme.Though officially part of Key West, Stock Island still holds the authentic Keys charm that used to prevail on its southernly neighbor. So named because it once housed the lower Keys' livestock, Stock Island's name belies its earthy atmosphere.

Stock Island remains a working waterfront, busy with shrimping and fishing boats. Drop by Fishbusterz Fisheries, the largest wholesale shery and retail seafood market in Florida for fresh lobster tails, Key West pink shrimp, Florida stone crabs, grouper and snapper. Stock Island is also a great jumping o point for Cuba and Dry Tortugas National Park, as well as outings to the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden and a round of golf at the Key West Golf Club.

Hogfish Bar & Grill (6810 Front St.) is the perfect starting place for any exploration of Stock Island, offering delicious fresh seafood, panoramic waterfront views and live entertainment on the weekends. Local artisans produce an array of fetching artwork and crafts in a cluster of studio cottages that line the water behind the restaurant.

Channeling the old Key West vibe, Stock Island has become a hub for companies like COAST, a hybrid retail store and live-music venue that also hosts traveling artists, builders, designers and makers for short- and long-term projects. The facility retains the simple, rustic and funky vibe that it originally had as a fishermen's hangout.

Less than five miles from the bustle of downtown Key West, this destination slips you back onto island time with ease.

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Where to Dock

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• Stock Island Marina Village (305-294-2288) The largest deep-water marina in the Florida Keys, accommodating vessels up to 300 feet (220 slips and state-of-the-art floating docks). The exceptional amenities include the Perry Hotel, a beautiful boutique property with a dockside pool. There are also dog parks, community gardens, a ship's store, a fitness center, ample parking, Key West's lowest priced fuel and a 15-minute shuttle to and from downtown Key West. Choose from three restaurants within the village.
• Oceans Edge Key West Resort (877-935-0862) Formerly Oceanside Marina, this fully renovated marina has new docks surrounded by a luxury resort.

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Where to Dine

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• Matt's Stock Island Kitchen & Bar (7001 Shrimp Road) Located at the Perry Hotel at Stock Island Marina Village, this eatery's American coastal comfort food is simple and delicious. Try its sister restaurant, the Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill that offers creative cocktails by the pool, oysters and Key West pinks, po' boys and burgers.
• DeLuna's Bar & Grill (7005 Shrimp Road) Serving up true Cuban-inspired cuisine with fresh locally caught fish and homemade recipes. From the food to the Cuban coffee, this is the true authentic experience.