Florida Keys Area Information - Florida Keys Facts

There are over 100 islands in the Keys connected by 42 bridges. When traveling the 126 miles thru the Keys you will spend 15% of your driving time on bridges!

The Florida Keys cover an area of 1024 sq. miles with no point in the Keys being more than four miles from water. The highest point in the Keys, only 18 feet above sea level, lies on Windley Key. The Keys are islands of rock, therefore sandy beaches are not common and are mostly restricted to the Atlantic side of the larger islands.

These islands are defined by the environmental benefits of diving, fishing, boating, unique wildlife, flora and fauna, and the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The Florida Keys offer a varied cultural life and unexcelled beauty.

The Overseas Highway (US 1) is used to travel the islands of the Florida Keys. Locations along the highway are expressed by Mile Marker numbers. The zero Mile Marker in Key West at the Monroe County Courthouse increases until you pass through the Monroe County line at Mile Marker 112 north of Key Largo. Look for small green signs with white numbers posted at each mile along the highway Special Note: mile marker references are commonly used in local addresses, when there is a -B or -O it simply denotes either Bayside or Oceanside location.

The Upper Keys

The Upper Keys extend southerly from Key Largo to the southern end of the city limits of Islamorada.

Key Largo is the entrance to the Florida Keys. It's only an hour ride to South Florida's two major airports, but really more like a world away. Key Largo is the largest and northernmost island in the Florida Keys and is sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades National Park to the west and the fish-covered coral formations of North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east. Locals hail it as the diving capital of the world, but the area is equally noted for it's sport fishing as well. The Key Largo area is comprised of primarily residential properties, with many commercial properties scattered along US #1 and marinas along the shore line.

Islamorada is known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World" and rumor has it that they also host a larger fishing fleet per square mile than anywhere else in the world. The four islands of Islamorada also offer numerous tranquil spots to relax under the sun's glorious golden rays. Enjoy a beachfronmt cocktail, sunset cruise or spend a day shopping at one of the areas unique shops and galleries. The majority of commercial development is located along US #1 with residential development along the side streets. Additionally, numerous amounts of residences are located along the highway and extend to the ocean of the bay.

On the Atlantic Ocean or Florida Straits side of this area of the Florida Keys is a string of barrier reefs, four to six miles off-shore with the axis of the Gulfstream two to four miles beyond, flowing northward. This band of turquoise and blue water contains some of the finest sport fishing in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular. Numerous larger scale motels and hotels are located in this region, as well as, numerous marinas and marine related commercial ventures. The economy is primarily supported by the tourist industry. Lobstering and shrimping are also substantial commercial enterprises in these waters.

Layton

Located on Long Key, Layton is the smallest city in Monroe County, possibly in the State. It is located mid way between Islamorada and Marathon and half way from the mainland to Key West. It's great proximity to Channel 5 Bridge makes boating access to the Ocean or Bay only a 15 minute trip, even for sailboats. Tennessee Reef, located less than five miles off shore is a popular diving and fishing spot. Layton is also home to the Keys Marine Lab, a State owned marine biology research center used by many colleges and university throughout the country. A great place to vacation or call your home.

Duck Key

Duck Key is a small islet located at mile marker 61 off the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys. The Hawk's Cay Resort and Village can be found with the homes of the residential Duck Key community. Vehicles cross over the island's canals by way of picturesque arched bridges. In the distance is Grassy Key which is part of Marathon. Sixty miles further south is Key West.
(Source: http://www.duckkeyonline.com)

Grassy Key

Grassy Key is a small, peaceful Key located just minutes away from the heart of Marathon. The Dolphin Reseach Center, which offers tours, dolphin swims and more, is located on Grassy Key.
(Source: http://thefloridakeys.com/grassykey)

Key Colony Beach

Key Colony Beach is located in the heart of the Florida Keys. It is the perfect vacation area, you'll have direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful Coral Reefs nearby, excellent fishing and diving locations and much more.
Key Colony Beach is about 50 miles driving distance to Key West and It will take you about an hour and a half to get here from the mainland (Dade).
(Source: http://www.keycolonybeach.net)

Marathon

Beside its new concrete counterpart, the old Seven Mile Bridge juts into the sea like a giant fishing pier inviting anglers, walkers and nature lovers to enjoy one of Florida’s most scenic and historic vistas.

The blue-green panorama of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, dotted with lobster traps and sailboats, is not unlike the scene that greeted passengers on Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, which linked the Keys to mainland Florida from 1912 until 1935. Those passengers probably took little notice of the sparsely populated island at the northeastern foot of the Seven Mile Bridge. Today, this island offers some of the best fishing and sport diving anywhere in the world.
(Source: http://www.fla-keys.com)

Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is part of the Lower Florida Keys and is home to the Key Deer. This protected species of smaller white tail deer roam the unspoiled tropical wilderness that makes this area unique. Far from being overcrowded, the pace of life on Big Pine is casual and relaxed. You can dive Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, go off shore fishing or relax in the Florida Keys backcountry while flats fishing. Bahia Honda State Park is nearby for an afternoon picnic or canoe trip. After a day on the water, you can pamper yourself with some island music and a pina colada at any local tiki bar.
(Source: http://thefloridakeys.com/bigpine)

Torch Keys

The Torch Keys are located at Mile marker 28 - 29. There are three Torch Keys; Little Torch Key, Middle Torch Key and Big Torch Key. Each of the three keys are noted for size respectively. The base name "Torch" key was probably named for the native torchwood tree, Amyris elemifera. Its most likely claim to fame is as a relatively frequent fishing destination for U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

Ramrod Key

Ramrod Key is located at approximately mile markers 26--27.5, between Summerland Key and Middle Torch Key. Ramrod Key is an island in the lower Florida Keys. Originally named Roberts Island, Ramrod Key was renamed for a ship named Ramrod, which was wrecked on a reef south of there in the early nineteenth century. Up to the time Henry Flagler built U.S. 1 also known as The Overseas Highway the only building on Ramrod was a post office that was alongside the train tracks. It is a popular tourist site due to the short distance between the island and Looe reef. Some of the things you can find on Ramrod Key are, the 5 Brothers 2 store, the Boondocks bar and putt-putt course.
(source: wikipedia.com)

Summerland Key

The island of Summerland Key is located almost mid-way between the cities of Marathon and Key West at mile markers 24 to 25.5. Summerland Key is a bedroom community comprised of primarily residential properties, with a few commercial properties located on US #1. It is home to the Brinton Environmental Center of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base, as well as, a field station for t Mote Marine Laboratory. There is a private, 2,550 foot community airstrip (FD51) located just south of US #1 on West Shore Drive at mile marker 25.

The development within this neighborhood primarily consists of single-family, canal and water front homes with primarily dry lot residences mixed in throughout. There are commercial complexes located within the neighborhood boundaries which include, but are not limited to; motels, marinas, restaurants and convenience stores.

The Lower Keys

The Lower Keys of the Florida Keys extends from Bahia Honda to Key West. With notable keys such as Big Pine Key, Ramrod Key, Little Torch Key, Summerland Key, Sugarloaf Key, Big Coppitt Key, Shark Key, Boca Chica Key and Stock Island. The famous Looe Key Reef and Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is a short boat ride away, in the waters off Big Pine Key. Bahia Honda State Park, is a premier site of picnic and camping facilities, shopping, rental cabins and a marina.

The National Key Deer Refuge, established in 1957, protects the endangered Key deer - and today the refuge encompasses more than 8,000 acres of prime Key deer territory that runs from Bahia Honda Key to the eastern shores of Sugarloaf Key, out to the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.

Key West is the county seat of Monroe County and West is known as the southernmost city in the Continental United States. It is also the southern terminus of U.S. 1, State Road A1A, and the East Coast Greenway; lying some 129 miles (207 km) southwest of Miami, Florida and just 81 nautical miles from Cuba.

Key West is a seaport destination for many passenger cruise ships. The Key West International Airport provides airline service. Many hotels and unique guest houses are available for lodging. There are also numerous local points of interest such as: Fort Zachary Taylor, Ernest Hemmingway's house, the Mell Fisher Museum, etc... The central business district primarily comprises Duval Street, and includes much of the northwest corner of the island along Whitehead, Simonton, Front, Greene, Caroline, and Eaton Streets and Truman Avenue.

Also the Naval Air Station Key West is an important year round training site for naval aviation due to the superb weather conditions. It is also a reason the city was chosen as the Winter White House of President Harry S. Truman.

The official city motto is "One Human Family."

(source: wikipedia.com)

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is characterized by impressive scenic beauty, a consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. All of this offered in a territory of only 51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, at a distance from each other of only three to four hours by land or 45 minutes by air.
(Source: http://www.visitcostarica.com)

Middle Florida Keys Area Map