Florida Keys Map & Travel Regions
The Florida Keys are a 113-mile island chain connected by a single highway from Miami to Key West. Five distinct regions — each with its own character, pace, and reason to visit.
The Florida Keys are divided into five travel regions along the Overseas Highway: Key Largo & the Upper Keys, Islamorada, Marathon & the Middle Keys, the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each region offers a different travel experience — from coral reef diving in Key Largo to sportfishing in Islamorada and the walkable nightlife of Key West.
The Five Regions at a Glance
The Florida Keys run southwest from the southern tip of mainland Florida to Key West. US-1 (the Overseas Highway) connects them all, with Mile Markers counting down from MM 126 near Florida City to MM 0 in Key West. Here are the five regions, north to south:
Key Largo & Upper Keys (MM 106–91) — The Dive Capital of the World. Closest to Miami, home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US.
Islamorada (MM 90–73) — The Sportfishing Capital of the World. Five islands of boutique luxury, waterfront dining, and world-class offshore and backcountry fishing.
Marathon (MM 72–47) — The family-friendly center of the Keys. Sombrero Beach, the Turtle Hospital, marina resorts, and the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
Lower Keys (MM 46–9) — The quiet, undeveloped stretch. Big Pine Key, the National Key Deer Refuge, Looe Key reef, and eco-retreats away from the crowds.
Key West (MM 5–0) — The end of the road. The most walkable island, with Duval Street nightlife, historic Old Town, world-class dining, and the widest selection of resorts.
The Route: Miami to Key West
One road, 113 miles, five regions
Why the Keys Are Different From Other Beach Destinations
Unlike most beach destinations, the Florida Keys are not a single island. The chain stretches 113 miles across 42 bridges along the Overseas Highway (US-1). Because the islands are spread out, where you stay dramatically changes your trip — from quiet eco-retreats in the Lower Keys to the walkable nightlife and restaurants of Key West. There are no shortcuts between islands and no public transit connecting them. Choosing the right region is the single most important decision for any Florida Keys trip.
Region Guides
Key Largo & Upper Keys
MM 106–MM 91Key Largo is the first island you reach from Miami and the self-proclaimed Dive Capital of the World. It anchors the Upper Keys with reef diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and eco-resort stays surrounded by hardwood hammock and mangrove.
Who it's for: Divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers who want easy access to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US.
Islamorada
MM 90–MM 73Islamorada calls itself the Sportfishing Capital of the World. Spanning five islands in the Upper-Middle Keys, it blends offshore fishing charters, boutique luxury resorts, and laid-back waterfront restaurants with some of the best sunset views in the chain.
Who it's for: Couples, anglers, and travelers who want upscale waterfront dining, world-class sportfishing, and boutique resort stays without Key West's crowds.
Top Resorts:
Marathon
MM 72–MM 47Marathon sits at the geographic center of the Keys and anchors the Middle Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge connects it to the Lower Keys. Marathon offers family-friendly beaches at Sombrero Beach, the Turtle Hospital, and a mix of marina resorts and villa-style properties.
Who it's for: Families, boaters, and first-time Keys visitors who want a central base with kid-friendly beaches, marina resorts, and day-trip access to both Key West and Key Largo.
Lower Keys
MM 46–MM 9The Lower Keys stretch from the Seven Mile Bridge to the outskirts of Key West. Big Pine Key is the anchor, home to the National Key Deer Refuge. Looe Key offers pristine reef snorkeling. This region has the lowest density of development, the fewest crowds, and the most wildlife.
Who it's for: Nature seekers, eco-travelers, and anyone who wants the quietest, least developed part of the Keys — Key deer, mangrove kayaking, and empty beaches.
Key West
MM 5–MM 0Key West is the end of the road — Mile Marker 0. It is the only truly walkable island in the chain, with Duval Street nightlife, historic Old Town, world-class dining, and the widest selection of resorts and boutique hotels. From harbor-front luxury to quiet garden guesthouses, Key West has the most diverse lodging in the Florida Keys.
Who it's for: Couples, solo travelers, nightlife seekers, and anyone who wants the most walkable, restaurant-dense, culturally rich destination in the Keys.
Drive Times & Distances
All distances are via the Overseas Highway (US-1). There is only one road through the Keys — no shortcuts, no alternate routes.
| From | To | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami International Airport | Key Largo | 60 mi | ~1 hour |
| Miami International Airport | Islamorada | 80 mi | ~1.5 hours |
| Miami International Airport | Marathon | 115 mi | ~2 hours |
| Miami International Airport | Lower Keys (Big Pine) | 140 mi | ~2.5 hours |
| Miami International Airport | Key West | 160 mi | ~3.5 hours |
| Key Largo | Key West | 100 mi | ~2.5 hours |
Times are approximate and assume normal traffic. The 18-Mile Stretch from Florida City to Key Largo can add 30+ minutes during peak season weekends.
Where to Stay by Travel Style
Each region has a distinct personality. Match your travel style to the right island.
Best for Diving
Key Largo
Home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the continental US's only living coral barrier reef. More dive operators per mile than anywhere else in the Keys.
Best for Fishing
Islamorada
The Sportfishing Capital of the World. Offshore charters, backcountry flats fishing, and a deep culture built around angling.
Best for Families
Marathon
Central location, Sombrero Beach, the Turtle Hospital, Hawks Cay kids' camp, and marina resorts with family-size villas.
Best for Quiet & Nature
Lower Keys
Key deer, mangrove kayaking, Looe Key reef, and the least developed coastline in the island chain. Very few crowds.
Best for Nightlife
Key West
Duval Street, live music, craft cocktail bars, sunset celebrations at Mallory Square. The only island where you can go car-free.
Best for Couples
Islamorada or Key West
Islamorada for waterfront dining and boutique seclusion. Key West for walkable nightlife, historic inns, and cultural richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 regions of the Florida Keys?
The five regions, from north to south, are: Key Largo & the Upper Keys, Islamorada, Marathon & the Middle Keys, the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each has a distinct character — from Key Largo's reef diving to Key West's walkable nightlife.
Which Florida Key is best for first-time visitors?
Key West is the best choice for first-time visitors. It has the most dining, nightlife, attractions, and lodging options. It is also the only island where you can walk everywhere without a car. Marathon is a strong second choice for families.
Which Key is closest to Miami?
Key Largo is the closest, about 60 miles and one hour from Miami International Airport. It is the first island you reach on the Overseas Highway (US-1) heading south.
Which Key is best for nightlife?
Key West, specifically Duval Street in Old Town. It has the only concentrated nightlife corridor in the Florida Keys — live music venues, craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and sunset celebrations at Mallory Square.
Which Key is best for families?
Marathon is the most family-friendly region. It has Sombrero Beach (one of the best sand beaches in the Keys), the Turtle Hospital, Hawks Cay's kids' camp, and marina resorts with villa-style rooms. Its central location also allows easy day trips to Key West or Key Largo.
How long does it take to drive the entire Florida Keys?
The drive from Key Largo to Key West is about 100 miles and takes approximately 2.5 hours with no stops. From Miami to Key West, it is about 160 miles and 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. The Overseas Highway (US-1) is the only road, so there are no shortcuts.
Do I need a car in the Florida Keys?
It depends on the island. In Key West, a car is unnecessary — most visitors walk, bike, or use scooters. In every other region (Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys), a car is essential. There is no public transit connecting the islands.
What is the Overseas Highway?
The Overseas Highway is US Route 1 through the Florida Keys — a single two-lane road connecting Miami to Key West across 113 miles of islands and 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Mile Markers (MM) count down from MM 126 near Florida City to MM 0 in Key West.