Embark on a journey along the Overseas Highway, where the tropical allure of the Florida Keys beckons with every mile.
Start your adventure amidst the vibrant streets of Key Largo, renowned for its world-class diving and the underwater wonders of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Continue your drive across azure waters, stopping to marvel at the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, a marvel of engineering that stretches over the sparkling expanse of the Atlantic.
Delve into the eclectic charm of Islamorada, where sportfishing and fresh seafood beckon, before reaching the southernmost gem of Key West, where the colorful streets pulse with history, culture, and a laid-back island vibe.
Overseas Highway Itinerary
1. John Pennekamp Coral State Park
Unsplash
Duration: up to 4 hours
The state park offers small beaches for swimming, hiking trails, glass bottom boat tours, kayaking, a small marine museum, snorkeling, and scuba diving through shipwrecks.
2. The African Queen
Duration: up to 1 hour
A meticulously restored historic boat famous for its role in the classic film of the same name. Visitors can view the boat or take scenic cruises around the Florida Keys
3. Laura Quinn Wildlife Bird Sanctuary
Duration: 1-2 hours
A non-profit organization that provides refuge and rehabilitation for Florida's injured wild birds. Guests can stroll through the gardens and interact with the rehabilitated birds
4. The Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
Duration: up to 1 hour
Family-owned pie shop that features classic and modern takes on the Key Lime Pie. It also offers a serene garden for quiet reflection.
5. Rain Barrel Village
Image from Flickr by Ken Lund
A collection of local boutiques and art galleries housed within colorful, whimsical Florida Keys-style buildings. Surrounded by tropical gardens and sculptures, it offers a charming atmosphere to discover locally crafted art, jewelry, and other island treasures.
6. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Duration: up to 4 hours
A captivating natural attraction showcasing an old quarry that once supplied limestone for the Overseas Railroad. Visitors can explore the park's nature trails and discover the intriguing fossilized coral formations that provide a glimpse into the ancient geological history of the Florida Keys.
7. Theatre of the Sea
Averette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Duration: up to 4 hours
Marine park and animal sanctuary that offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life. With engaging dolphin, sea lion, and sea turtle shows, as well as opportunities for snorkeling and swimming, it provides an immersive and educational experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
8. Holiday Isle Tiki Bar
Duration: up to 1 hour
Birthplace of the Rum Runner; a cocktail made of light and dark rum and various tropical juices.
9. The History of Diving Museum
Duration: 1-2 hours
The museum that traces the evolution of underwater exploration. With an extensive collection of diving equipment, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, it offers an immersive journey through time, highlighting the technological advancements and daring adventures of divers throughout history.
10. Robbie's of Islamorada
Duration: up to 4 hours
Visitors can enjoy a truly unique experience by hand-feeding massive tarpon fish from the dock, creating memorable encounters with these impressive creatures. Additionally, Robbie's offers a variety of watersports activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, allowing guests to explore the pristine waters of the Florida Keys.
11. Anne's Beach
Duration: up to 3 hours
With its elevated wooden boardwalks that wind through lush mangroves, Anne's Beach---named for environmentalist Anne Eaton---offers visitors a peaceful escape, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and wading in the warm, shallow waters of Florida Bay
12. Long Key Park
Duration: up to 4 hours
Offers swimming, snorkeling, and fishing along its pristine shoreline. Visitors can also explore the park's nature trails, camp in a tropical paradise, and enjoy birdwatching
13. Duck Key Scenic Area
Duration: 10-30 minutes
Quiet overlook that offers stunning views of the clear, turquoise waters of the Florida Keys
14. The Dolphin Research Center
World-renowned facility dedicated to the study, conservation, and rehabilitation of dolphins and sea lions. Here, visitors can engage in educational programs, watch captivating dolphin shows, and even swim with these intelligent marine mammals, all while supporting their vital conservation efforts.
15. Curry Hammock State Park
Duration: up to 4 hours
Visitors can also enjoy picnicking areas, nature trails, and water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, all set against the backdrop of the park's beautiful coastal landscapes
16. The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Duration: 2-4 hours
An immersive marine attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique underwater ecosystems of the Florida Keys. With interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and a diverse array of marine life, this attraction provides an educational and entertaining adventure for all ages, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the region's aquatic wonders.
17. Crane Point Hammock State Park
Duration: up to 4 hours
Offers a range of amenities for nature enthusiasts, including extensive nature trails that wind through lush tropical hammocks and mangroves. The park also features an on-site museum with exhibits on local history, ranger demonstrations, and a fish pedicure pool.
18. The Turtle Hospital
Duration: 1-2 hours
Expect an educational and heartwarming experience as you witness the dedicated efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured sea turtles. Touring the facility, you will have the chance to meet these remarkable creatures up close, learn about their conservation, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face in the wild.
19. Bahia Honda State Park
Daniel Di Palma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Duration: up to 4 hours
Expect to discover one of Florida's most picturesque natural gems, with stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and ample opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. The park also features hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Florida Keys' iconic scenery, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to soak in the beauty of this tropical paradise.
20. The National Deer Key Refuge
Duration: up to 2 hours
This refuge offers opportunities for wildlife observation, hiking, and learning about conservation efforts in a natural setting, providing an enriching and educational visit for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
21. Key West
Duration: 1+ days
This tropical gem offers a mix of culture, water sports, historical attractions, and lively nightlife, making it a diverse and unforgettable destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure in the southernmost point of the United States.
Conclusion
As your scenic journey along the Overseas Highway through South Florida comes to an end, reminisce on the sun-kissed memories woven into every mile of this iconic road trip.
From the azure vistas of Key Largo to the historic charm of Key West, each stop along the way has left an indelible mark on your adventure.
Take with you the salty breeze of the sea, the vibrant hues of the coral reefs, and the warmth of the island spirit as souvenirs of your time in the Florida Keys.
And as you bid farewell to this tropical paradise, know that the allure of the Overseas Highway will forever beckon you back to its enchanting embrace.
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Overseas Highway Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Overseas Highway Know Before You Go article.
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