The Torch Keys lie between Big Pine Key and Ramrod Key, approximately 28 miles from Key West. There are three islands, Little Torch Key, Middle Torch Key and Big Torch Key. All are said to have been named for a small tree called torchwood, that will burn even while green. This made torchwood an important resource for the early settlers here.

Little Torch is the most densely populated of the three with a development on the eastern shore south of the highway, and many more homes scattered northward to the tip of the island. Big and Middle Torch are mostly all protected state and federal lands consisting of mostly transitional wetlands and hardwood hammocks. Along US 1 you will find a full service marina with boat rentals, dive shop, bait and tackle and of course fuel. There are two restaurants, a motel and a church.