KEY TO THE KEYS

Here in the Keys, we find our way around the islands with the help of small green sign-posts that sport big, bold white numbers. Officially called“Mile Markers” they make it a whole lot easier to find your way along the Overseas Highway  -  an amazing engineering feat that includes 113 miles of roadway and forty three bridges connecting more than 100 islands. Outside of Key West, residents and businesses will often use the closest Mile Marker (MM) to identify their location.

Here’s a quick overview to get you started.


MM 90-118
KEY LARGO
Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Florida Keys, is known as the”Dive Capital of the World.” Home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary, Key Largo is a premiere destination for divers, kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists. Its protected shallow reef
wrecks provide a uniquely rich coral environment where up to 600 species of tropical fish make it a veritable paradise for divers, snorkelers, and boaters of all ages.
   
MM 63-90
ISLAMORADA (pronounced ISLE-A-MOR-A-DAH)
Islamorada, “Sportfishing Capital of the World” is rumored to have a larger fishing fleet per square mile than anywhere else in the world and is surrounded by two seas brimming with the world's most sought after game fish. This perfect family vacation destination offers something to do in, under, above or near the water 24 hours a day and has a lot of terrific restaurants. Islamorada is actually comprised of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe, Lower Matecumbe and the offshore  islands of Lignumvitae Key  and Indian Key.

MM 47-63
MARATHON/MIDDLE KEYS
Home to the famous Seven Mile Bridge and to some of the best fishing, diving, boating and watersports anywhere in the world, Marathon is a quaint tropical city with an airport, homey
resorts, luxury accommodations, numerous restaurants and eclectic shopping. Situated half way  between Key Largo and Key West, Marathon is the “Heart of the Florida Keys”and a great base
for exploring the whole region. Marathon provides all the conveniences of a modern seaside community but still retains a laid back island groove.

MM 4-47
BIG PINE & THE LOWER KEYS
Home to the miniature Key Deer and  the glistening waters of Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37) - often cited as one of he top ten beaches in America,  the Lower Keys’ remote beauty is an
attraction in itself. Here you can snorkel or dive at the spectacular Looe Key coral reef, bike
through Key Deer country, set out for a fishing adventure in the remote back country or troll the
deep blue waters beyond the reef.  You won’t find a natural environment like this one anywhere else
in the continental U.S.

MM 0-4
KEY WEST
Located at Mile Marker 0, Key West, aka, the Conch Republic, marks the end of the road and is known as the Southernmost City in the continental United States. As the Florida Keys most bustling spot, Key West offers a tropical blend of beautiful waters, charming inns, eclectic restaurants,  unusual shops and lots of history-enriched attractions and activities.

Special thanks to the Monroe County Tourist Development Council
and to all the Florida Keys Chambers of Commerce.