Atsena Otie Key(Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge)

Located near the city of Cedar Key, Atsena Otie Key is an island which has multiple unnamed white-sand beaches. This island is a part of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. The main beach in Atsena Otie Key (which is most frequented by visitors) is present on its western side - this beach also has a boat dock. Tropical coastal flora is present near the beaches in Atsena Otie Key. 

Although Atsena Otie Key does not have lifeguards, it has a few other amenities including trails, an interpretive kiosk, and a restroom. Dogs are allowed in Atsena Otie Key.  Getting to Atsena Otie Key can be difficult as the island is only accessible via boat/kayak/canoe.  You can launch your watercraft from multiple locations in the nearby waterfront city of Cedar Key in order to reach Atsena Otie Key. We recommend getting familiar with the local tide schedules and water currents before visiting Atsena Otie Key in order to make your journey smoother. In addition, we also recommend being careful while visiting Atsena Otie Key as this island is known to have a large population of venomous snakes. 

The beaches in Atsena Otie Key offer many fun activities including sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, swimming, surf-skiing, water-skiing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and wake-boarding. If you are planning to enter the water near Atsena Otie Key, we recommend being careful as the water here is known to have unpredictable rip currents. In addition, submerged tree trunks are also present in the water near Atsena Otie Key, which can inflict grievous injuries to visitors. Depending on the time of the year, you can view many kinds of animals in the water near this island including sea turtles and dolphins. If you like birdwatching, you can view many kinds of birds around the island including pelicans and cormorants. If you are planning to fish in the water near Atsena Otie Key, we recommend following the local fishing regulations. The beaches in Atsena Otie Key offer amazing Instagram-worthy views of the Gulf of Mexico and the northern Floridian shoreline. 

Atsena Otie Key has a vibrant coastal landscape and biodiversity which visitors can explore via hiking trails present here. The island also has remains of a 19th-century lumber mill, which was built by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company for supplying lumber to its New Jersey pencil factory. The island also has a historic cemetery and a Native American shell midden.

There are many attractions near Atsena Otie Key. Lil Shark Park is a waterfront recreational park that has many amenities including benches, picnic tables, pavilions, shelters, and restrooms and it also has a beach. Cedar Key Fishing Pier is a pier which offers amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico, along with a fantastic wildlife watching experience. This pier is also a great fishing spot and it also has a fish cleaning area and restrooms. If you are looking for another attraction near Atsena Otie Key, Cedar Key Museum State Park is an 18-acre park which offers many fun activities including wildlife watching, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and geocaching. The park also has the Cedar Key Museum and the restored house of Saint Clair Whitman (the founder of the first museum in Cedar Key) - these two sites offer a unique and interesting insight into the vibrant local history.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Atsena Otie Key. Island Hotel & Restaurant offers amazing seafood, steaks, poultry dishes, soups, and pastas. Tony’s Restaurant is known for serving amazing seafood, particularly its lobster bisque and chowder. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Atsena Otie Key, Annie’s Cafe offers amazing dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner including sandwiches, salads, seafood, eggs and poultry and pork dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Atsena Otie Key, there are many great nearby options. Cedar Key Harbour Master Suites offers amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico and it also has a flower-filled central courtyard with a fountain. In addition, the hotel is also located close to some major attractions in Cedar Key. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Island Hotel & Restaurant which was built in 1859 and offers many amenities including a restaurant, a sitting area, a furnished wraparound balcony, and complimentary breakfast. As another moderately priced option, the 3-Star Cedar Cove Motel offers many amenities including a restaurant, a sundeck, an exercise room, and a pool. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Atsena Otie Key, the Cedar Inn Motel offers two furnished terraces and a wraparound porch.