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Overseas Highway, Key West, FL

Photo: United States Department of Transportation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorIconicOutdoor AdventureFree

Overseas Highway

US 1 from Key Largo to Key West · Key West, FL

Why you should go…

The Overseas Highway is the southernmost stretch of US 1, running 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West across 42 bridges over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Much of it follows the route of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, which was heavily damaged by the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and the road debuted in 1938. Small green mile marker signs track your progress from key to key. In 2009 it became Florida's first All-American Road.

  • #scenic drive
  • #florida keys
  • #road trip
  • #us 1
  • #bridges

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Overseas Highway, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Flamingo Everglades

    $50+

    Lodging, camping, a marina and backcountry boat tours at Everglades National Park's Flamingo visitor area.

    23 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

    Under $25

    See living coral reefs by glass-bottom boat, snorkel or scuba tour, or paddle mangrove trails at this undersea park.

    27 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Everglades Alligator Farm

    $25–$50

    Airboat tours and alligator wildlife shows at a longtime attraction near Everglades National Park.

    40 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    iSkydive Miami

    $50+

    Tandem skydiving drop zone near Miami with jumps from 10,000 feet over the Homestead area and coastline.

    45 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Coral Castle

    $25–$50

    A limestone monument built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin, with guided tours and a short documentary.

    46 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Coral Castle Museum

    Under $25

    One man secretly carved and moved 1,100 tons of coral rock to build this baffling monument to lost love.

    48 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions