Stretching south from the Florida mainland, the Florida Keys form a remarkable chain of islands surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Connected by the legendary Overseas Highway, the Keys unfold across more than 100 miles of bridges, turquoise water and tropical landscapes.
From Key Largo to Key West, every part of the island chain has its own personality — yet all are connected by the water, the natural environment and an unmistakable way of life found nowhere else.
Here, coral reefs lie beneath clear blue water, mangrove islands line the horizon and boats are as much a part of the landscape as cars. Wildlife thrives on land and beneath the sea, while historic communities, waterfront restaurants, marinas and colorful neighborhoods tell the story of generations drawn to these islands.
The Upper, Middle and Lower Keys eventually lead to Key West, creating a journey where the scenery — and the experience — continually changes along the way.
Upper Keys: Where the Islands Begin
Key Largo and Islamorada welcome you to the Florida Keys with crystal-clear waters, spectacular coral reefs and a lifestyle centered around the sea. Snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating are part of everyday life, while waterfront restaurants, marinas and island attractions invite visitors to slow down and settle into the Keys rhythm.
Middle Keys: The Heart of the Florida Keys
Centered around Marathon, the Middle Keys combine classic island living with some of the most recognizable scenery in the entire island chain. Sombrero Beach, the Seven Mile Bridge, beautiful waterways, fishing and remarkable marine life make this stretch of the Keys a destination all its own.
Lower Keys: Wild & Beautiful
Beyond the Seven Mile Bridge, the Florida Keys become quieter and increasingly surrounded by nature. Bahia Honda State Park, protected wildlife habitat, mangrove islands and the tiny Key deer help define a peaceful region where the natural beauty of the Keys takes center stage.
Key West: Colorful & Unforgettable
At the end of the Overseas Highway waits an island unlike any other. Key West blends historic architecture, tropical gardens, art, legendary characters, and vibrant island life with Duval Street, waterfront celebrations and spectacular sunsets.
“In the Florida Keys, the journey is as unforgettable as the destination.”
The Overseas Highway
There may be no better way to understand the Florida Keys than to travel the road that connects them. The Overseas Highway carries travelers from the Florida mainland across islands and bridges, with stretches of brilliant blue water appearing on both sides of the road.
Along the way, communities give way to mangroves, marinas, beaches and open water. Bridges connect islands that once seemed impossibly remote, while landmarks such as the Seven Mile Bridge have become symbols of the Keys themselves.
The farther south you travel, the more the mainland seems to disappear — until the road eventually reaches Mile Marker 0 in Key West.
More Than a Destination
The Florida Keys can be experienced a thousand different ways. Spend a morning snorkeling above a coral reef, head offshore in search of the day’s catch, kayak through mangroves, walk beneath tropical palms or discover the history preserved throughout the islands.
Some visitors come for the water. Others come for the fishing, wildlife, beaches, restaurants, history or simply the chance to slow down.
But perhaps the most memorable part of the Keys is everything in between — the bridges crossed, the wildlife encountered, the waterfront stops discovered and the unexpected moments that become part of the journey.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, returning year after year or fortunate enough to call these islands home, there is always another corner of the Florida Keys waiting to be discovered.
Explore. Discover. Stay awhile. Welcome to the Florida Keys.
