Stock Island is an island located downstream of the Florida Keys, adjacent to the east of Key West, with the strait being only about 75 yards (70 meters) wide. To the northwest lies Key Haven (officially named Raccoon Key), connected to US 1 (Overseas Highway) by Causeway.
Stock Island is the last operating seaside and shipbuilding facility in the region, catering to shrimpers, lobster farmers, and commercial fishermen. It is also home to artists, shipbuilders, several generations of the Keys family, and the majority of the workforce from Haiti and Cuba in the area.
Stock Island Map
| Name | Stock Island |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Coordinates | 24°34′12″N 81°44′15″W |
| Area | 5.45 km2 (2.10 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| Population | 4,722 |
| Airport | Key West International Airport |
Stock Island History
Stock Island serves as the final island stop before coming into Key West. As predicted, its name originates from the livestock that have been once kept there. When task possibilities had been scarce, railway employees recruited from nearby Key West transformed a great deal of the island. They used a combination of "man, mule, dynamite, and handcart" to fill the land and lay the foundation for the approaching railway creation. This painting, completed by 200 people in 1907, aimed to achieve "50 feet of fill per day" in coaching for Flagler's train arrival in 1912.
Historian Jerry Wilkinson notes that the call Stock Island may be traced back to at least a minor in 1850, while William A. Lowe and Walter C. Maloney owned the whole island in the late 1800s. Historical pictures over time depict cows on Stock Island within the Thirties, a racetrack in 1964, and the outlet of the "Islander" pressure-in theater in February 1953, which boasted the most crucial display in Florida at the time, accommodating 600 parked vehicles.
Stock Island is a quintessential part of Key West, a website hosting Lower Keys Medical Center, Key West Golf Club, Florida Keys Community College, Tennessee Williams Theatre, Monroe County Sheriff's Office headquarters, and lush botanical gardens. Its records are indeed colorful and numerous.
Things to Do in Stock Island
Snorkeling
Embark on an adventurous snorkeling journey, escaping the hustle and bustle as you head in the direction of Key West. Navigate the remote waters of Florida, traversing 25 miles of the Florida Keys aboard a sleek mini-speedboat.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a swim and snorkeling adventure. Here, you will marvel at the sight of pufferfish, lobsters, and parrotfish—truly remarkable marine spectacles!
Kayaking
Kayaking is a notable manner to revel in the Florida Keys, but generally, your view is constrained to what is above the water.
With a transparent kayak, you may also explore the underwater world. As you paddle, actually look down to find out starfish, tropical fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and more.
Stock Island Restaurant
Hogfish Bar & Grill
Everyone wants to explore trendy yet affordable places locals frequent. In Key West, Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island has long been renowned for its fresh, boat-to-table seafood. However, today, its fan base extends far beyond locals—you won't "discover" it anymore. For instance, Travel & Leisure magazine ranks Hogfish Grill among the top 30 seafood restaurants in the US. (In February 2023, beloved local Jimmy Buffett dined here during his final performance in Key West.)
Hogfish Grill is a rustic venue located where fishing and shrimping boats dock, helping popularize hogfish, a mild white fish caught with spears. Another highlight here is the fresh Key West pink shrimp, but everything on the menu is exceptional.
The Docks Restaurant and Raw Bar
Docks ranks second on Stock Island (just behind the street-side Hogfish), offering spectacular sunset views overlooking the water and shrimp boats.
Docks exude the quality of a hidden gem. To get there, you drive along a road through an industrialized working waterfront atmosphere. From the exterior, you might question if you're in the right place. However, behind it lies waterfront tables and beautiful scenery.
Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar
Matt's is one of the two top-notch restaurants within The Perry, a premier resort offering beautiful waterfront views overlooking a bustling marina filled with yachts. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a popular Sunday brunch.
Roostica
Roostica crafts artisanal wood-fired pizzas, occupying half of the menu. However, they also offer other selections, including locally caught seafood and popular Italian dishes like baked gnocchi, shrimp penne vodka, and veal marsala. Nightly specials sound equally enticing, such as Key West pink shrimp on Tuesdays.
Stock Island Hotels/Resorts
The Perry Hotel Key West, a resort hotel, was constructed alongside the adjacent marina, providing substantial business to visitors docking their boats here.
It's a fantastic hotel featuring two large swimming pools, scenic views of the marina, and comfortable, spacious rooms adorned with perfectly fitting modern furniture and artwork. The customer service is excellent.
The Perry Hotel Key West offers a complimentary shuttle every hour, conveniently transporting you to and from the heart of the historic district so you can stay here and still enjoy the Key West experience. The concierge desk in the lobby will assist you in booking activities such as snorkeling, jet ski tours, sunset cruises, and more. In fact, some of these services are provided by Stock Island itself.
