[1][2] U.S. Route 1 (also known as the Overseas Highway), crosses the key at about mile markers 28–29.

It is immediately preceded to the northeast by Big Pine Key, and is followed by Middle Torch Key to the southwest.

Its most likely claim to fame is as a relatively frequent fishing destination for U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

A Reuters story on February 14, 2009, named a resort there as one of the "Top 10 most romantic retreats".

Little Torch Key was named after the torchwood tree and is just south of Big Pine Key.