Welcome to Middle Keys
Family-friendly boating destination with a variety of fun for locals and visitors
Sandy beaches, waterfront restaurants, and endless marine adventures lure residents and tourists alike to the spectacular Middle Keys, teeming with lavish vacation homes, beachside inns, and tropical, family-style resorts. Made up of the cities of Marathon, Layton, and Key Colony Beach, the Middle Keys are popularly known as the “Heart of the Florida Keys” due to their prime location to both Key West and Key Largo, while also putting residents near the airport, Miami, and the scenic Overseas Highway. Peaceful, self-proclaimed boating hotspots, the Middle Keys flourish with local attractions, annual seafood festivals, and the epitome of Old-Keys lifestyle, captivating all those seeking a laid-back island community with immersive experiences. With a mix of single-family homes and coastal-style townhomes, the Middle Keys offer something for every taste.
What to Love
- Sun-drenched beaches
- Direct open water access
- Endless boating activities to indulge in
- Served by excellent schools
- Wonderful weather all year round
- Home to many of the Florida Keys few Public Beaches
- Family friendly atmosphere
- Community festivals and events
Local Lifestyle
Smack in the center of the Florida Keys, the Middle Keys’ rich seafaring heritage and ample outdoor fun opportunities make it an idyllic retreat for families. But even young professionals and the elderly have found solace and relaxation in the peacefulness of this Florida enclave. Touristy and brimming with nature’s bounties, the area offers easy access to a commercial airport and the US 1 Highway, as well as quick boat access to the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh seafood at the local restaurants satisfy every foodies’ cravings and endless possibilities for aquatic adventures makes every day as perfect as a vacation!
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While not the destination for hitting big box stores and major commercial outlets, the Middle Keys certainly deliver when it comes to satisfying your shopping needs. Local establishments bring you the postcard-perfect spots for picking up your favorite tropical island memorabilia or everyday retail therapy. Start at D’Asign Source for the perfect piece of furniture to enliven your new home or browse the racks at Bayshore Clothing to find a ton of classy jewelry and attractive clothes. A day on the beach could be sassier with a visit to DK’s Beach Boutique with on trend bikinis and sunhats, fashionable flip-flops, and more!
Stone grilled steak and lobster tails taste heavenly at the nautical Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, where the menu features lip-smacking desserts like key lime pie and broiled seafood platters with their locally popular crab legs. Settle in for hogfish sandwiches and conch fritters served with a refreshing tropical drink which you can sip while watching the sunset warm the ocean in breathtaking hues. When you’ve had enough heat for the day, dash by Sweet Savannah's of the Florida Keys for a satisfying sweet treat!
Things to Do
The Long Key State Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with three nature trails, one of which allows for leisurely canoe adventures through the park’s shallow waters. The other two trails, both land-based, unfurl through scenic miles through lush flora, and overlook the Florida Bay. Step out for a picnic on the Old 7 Mile Bridge or sign up to partake in the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run across the bridge in the spring, racing past the clear blue waters on both sides.
Celebrate the taste of seafood at Florida Keys annual Seafood Festival featuring the freshest lobster, shrimp, crab, and more caught daily and prepared by local fishermen in a vibrant celebration of community and seafaring heritage. Meander through stalls of clothes and home decor and prep yourself and the kids for the exciting boat show and live band entertainment through the weekend. Much excitement comes from the year round Fishing Tournaments supporting local causes to benefit the community. A great way to finish off your day is on Sombrero Beach, the perfect escape to paradise, with your feet sinking into the white sand and the turquoise waters glittering into the horizon.
Schools
The Middle Keys is served by the Monroe County School District, home to some of Florida’s most prestigious schools. Some of the area’s top academic institutions include:
