Overseas Highway

Might as well start in the back of The Most Scenic Drives in America, Spectacular Road Trip #120 is an awesome cruise through the Keys on the Overseas Highway.  I have to say I've never taken Card Sound route to the top of Key Largo, but typically take US1 from Homestead.

 

We like staying in Homestead when we are in South Florida, it is central to most of the areas we visit; Miami, the Everglades and the Keys.  Once you get to Key Largo, heading south, the views are fantastic.  The bridges from island to island make for a stunning drive.  The traffic can be a little bit of a hassle, keep in mind US1 is Main St. for every key. 

 

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The Dolphin Show at Theater of the Sea

In Islamorada (Mile Marker 84.5) is the Theater of the Sea.  This is a nice tourist attraction with dolphin and sea lion shows, yet on a much smaller scale than SeaWorld.  Theater of the Sea's size makes it a little easier to get up close to the attractions and the crowds are smaller so it's easy to see it all.

 

 

The old way

All along the islands are various State Parks and nearly every bridge has a pull-out for scenic viewing.  The best of these begins in Marathon.  Marathon makes a good stop for food or gear, then as you leave the island be sure to stop before the seven-mile bridge.  Here a section of the old bridge remains that you can walk out onto and enjoy the view.  The bridge itself is a great ride, taking you as the name implies about seven miles to Knight Key.

Bahia Honda State Park

Immediately after the seven mile bridge at mile marker 37 is the best of the key's state parks, Bahia Honda State Park.   This park has fantastic beaches on both the Atlantic side and the Gulf side, we tend to prefer the Gulf side ourselves.  There is an entrance fee and it can fill up during the heaviest part of tourist season.  Those subs from Marathon's Subway make for great picnicking on the beach, but there is a small concession stand.  There is also a little education center to learn more about the surrounding reefs. 

Leaving Bahia Honda, its not too much further to Key West.  In Key West there is plenty to do, especially in the "Old Town".  Not to be missed are:

• Smathers Beach
• Southern Most Point - Key West is the southern most city in the continental United States.
• US1 Mile 0 - a must see for any road tripper
• Duval St - bars and restaurants
• Mallory Square - the Sunset Celebration occurs every night at sunset  
• Sunset Pier - Yes, the sunset is quite nice from here too



Southernmost Point

Since the weather's great in the keys, not nearly as hot or cold as mainland Florida, I'd recommend taking a tent and camping out.  Bahia Honda has great spots right on the beach, but you'll probably need a reservation.  Near Key West there is a KOA on Sugerloaf Key that has nice spots and is, of course, right on the water.


Sunset from the road