Driving US 1 south from Miami, you will gradually leave civilization behind. The best way to experience the Florida Keys is to take off your watch and forget about time for a while. Life here moves at a different pace – residents tell the time by the position of the sun over the Atlantic Ocean in the morning and watch it set over the Gulf of Mexico in the evening.
The more than 30 islands of the Florida Keys are connected by the iconic Overseas Highway. This scenic road links the islands like pearls on a string, featuring causeways and impressive bridges. The longest of these spans an impressive 11 kilometers. The two-hour drive “over the ocean” is breathtaking. At the beginning of the highway, take a moment to admire the vibrant colors of the water beneath you – from bright cobalt blue to deep sapphire. In the Gulf, shades of blue and gray intermingle with reddish patches of sunlit seagrass.
Your adventure begins in Key Largo, where the Biscayne National Park offers access to over 25 additional islands. Keep an eye out for signs of sunken galleons and sailing ships that met their fate on the reefs. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is home to North America’s only living coral reef. Rent snorkeling gear or dive with professional equipment. If you prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour offers spectacular views of sea fans, parrotfish, and over 40 coral species.
Islamorada, known as the "Purple Island," is a popular fishing and beach destination in Matecumbe Bay. Near the Whale Harbor Bridge, you can explore the wreck of the Spanish galleon Herrera. At the Theatre of the Sea, visitors can swim with dolphins, pet a live shark, kiss a sea lion, or take a guided boat tour to see sea turtles and tropical fish.
Big Pine Key offers surprising sights, including cacti, desert plants, and even pine trees. The National Key Deer Refuge is home to the tiny and rare Key Deer, found only in this region.
After crossing several bridges and highways, you will arrive at Key West, a town with a character all its own. The historic district features beautifully restored wooden homes from the 1820s and 1830s. Visit the Ernest Hemingway House, where the famous author once lived. Built in 1851, the house showcases artifacts from Hemingway’s world travels.
At the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum, you can view jewels and gold treasures recovered from the Spanish galleons Atocha and Santa Margarita after more than 350 years underwater. Experience the lively atmosphere of Key West by visiting its charming taverns and immersing yourself in the laid-back island lifestyle. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Cuba, just 90 miles away.
Florida Excursions offers Excursions.