Florida Keys: Journey Across The Overseas Highway To Explore A Tropical Paradise
By Kim Magaraci|Published March 13, 2021
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
The Florida Keys are one of the top vacation destinations in the United States, and just one visit here proves that you don’t have to leave the country to enjoy a tropical paradise. Whether you stick to the smaller, quieter keys like Islamorada or head to Key West to live it up, you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning, scenic drive on the landmark Overseas Highway on your journey.
The Florida Keys may be the most beautiful place on Earth, and all it takes is one visit to see just how stunning Mother Nature can be.
When you visit the Keys, you'll have a chance to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like flying on seaplanes, scuba diving, and visiting the southernmost part of the country.
While you can fly into Key West, most visitors choose to take the scenic route and drive the Overseas Highway.
From its origin just outside of Homestead, Florida to its terminus in Key West, this 113-mile stretch of highway crosses 42 bridges and travels over the largest of the Florida Key islands.
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Only 31 roads in the USA have earned the designation "All-American Highway," and the Overseas Highway is the only one in Florida.
It was chosen for this honor because it contains features and views that do not exist anywhere else, and has its place in history as a significant road. If you leave Key West and keep traveling north on US-1, you can follow it all the way to Maine.
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The most famous stretch of the highway is the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects Knight's Key in the city of Marathon to Little Duck Key, in a section known as the Lower Keys.
When it was built, it was one of the longest bridges in history. The Seven Mile Bridge is a famous landmark, and while you cross it and travel way out into the ocean, you'll feel like you're in another world.
This breathtaking drive will bring you out into the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, all the way to the southernmost point in the country - the island town of Key West.
Though it can take less than three hours to drive in ideal conditions, you'll want to plan in time for traffic and any stops to take in the beautiful scenery.
Along the way, you'll drive through the iconic keys that each offer something unique to visitors.
It's not nearly as busy as the larger keys, and there are dozens of quiet beach day trips within a short distance. It's also an excellent saltwater fishing hub.
In Marathon, you'll find world-famous white sand beaches and pristine water perfect for snorkeling.
You'll hardly believe you're in the United States! Be sure to visit Bahia Honda State Park on the island of Big Pine Key.
The crystal-clear water takes on a beautiful blue hue and the peaceful beaches will often find themselves in a sea breeze that keeps the summer heat and humidity at bay.
Key West is the ultimate vacation town! With dive bars, fascinating wildlife (cats and roosters, mostly), and the friendliest people in Florida, you'll feel right at home. Before you plan your trip, take a look at the calendar and pick a week where you can enjoy one of their famously huge celebrations like PrideFest, LobsterFest, and FantasyFest.
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Don't forget to take some time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, which preserves Fort Jefferson and offers some of the best snorkeling in the country.
You'll have to take a ferry, which costs between $135 and $190 per person round trip, or travel by seaplane, which will run you between $288-$634 per person, depending on the ages of those in your group and the length of your trip. Both services offer limited spots that sell out well in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
Before you leave the Keys and head back home, be sure to take a peaceful walk or bike ride down to Key West's signature landmark - the southernmost point of the continental United States.
It doesn’t take long to realize that the Florida Keys are among the most beautiful places on Earth, and the drive to get there is just as remarkable as the final destination.
General Information:
Accessibility: There are many places within the Florida Keys that offer disability accommodations. In compliance with Florida law, every hotel in the state must ensure at least 5% of their space is accessible. When it comes to recreation, people of all ages and ability levels enjoy nautical adventures through companies like Key Largo’s Tranquil Adventures, which offers boats equipped for wheelchairs and lifts to assist disabled passengers in snorkeling and swimming. For help planning an accessible vacation to the Keys, check out this website and guide.
Pet Friendly: There are plenty of dog beaches, dog-friendly hotels, and dog-friendly activities in the Florida Keys! For a listing of pet-friendly businesses in each region, visit this guide to traveling the Keys with pets.
Parking: Parking can be difficult in the small key towns, particularly in Key West. That’s why bike rentals – both traditional and electric – are so popular.
Seasonal Access: The Florida Keys are a picture-perfect destination year-round. During hurricane season, you may be able to find cheaper rentals, but you also must watch the weather and be prepared for any necessary evacuations.
Cost: It’s possible to enjoy a vacation in the Florida Keys on a budget. Dry Tortugas National Park has a $15 entrance fee per person, and Bahia Honda State Park costs $8 per car. You’ll find all sorts of resorts, from luxury all-inclusive spots to budget-friendly rentals, on Key West and throughout the Key towns.
