TOP 10 stops on the Overseas Highway

Ana iris
Ana iris

On the famous overseas highway, The Florida Keys mean the arrival of spring and the holidays. Currently we will travel along US Highway 1, which extends from Key West to South Florida. The succession of tunnels that cross the ocean in the form of a bridge is very striking.

From the north to the south, you will take me on a journey of ten most charming stops on the world’s highway. Let’s go!

#1. The State of Coral Reef State Park with John Penne

The first place with a freshwater pool in the United States is located in Key Largo and was built by John Pennekamp in 1925. Come and discover more than forty varieties of coral and almost six thousand species of fish. This wonderful state place also has a vast diversity of tropical fauna and flora.

Therefore, take advantage of the first stop on the trail in the Gorges to delight in the panorama and do water activities. Go kayaking or paddle surfing, take a trip on a glass-topped vessel, or go scuba diving… The possibilities are limitless.

You get an extraordinary environment of water colors and, in the middle, a couple of floating islands, a mangrove and a coral reef. A real desert island for you to discover!

It is also possible to explore your surroundings on foot along the site’s three trails:

  • The trail leading into the grove runs through the rainforest and ends at a historic rainforest fruit tree site.
  • The mangrove road is a journey along the mangrove coastline. The Observation Tower offers an extraordinary
  • insight into this unique environment.
  • The wild tamarind trail tumbles through the rainforest, so that walkers could observe various species of local hardwood. This simple loop is rarely used and is a great way to stretch your muscles.
  • Tour the Visitor Center for more information.

#2. Founders Park of the Villa de las Islas

The island of Islamorada and its amazing beaches

The next stop, Islamorada, is located in the state of Florida, in the United States. The name alone is apt to make you imagine… Islamorada is made up of several islands and, together with Key Largo, they make up the Upper Keys. This region is famous for the fishing activity that takes place there, however it is also a fundamental place to stop for lunch on a small terrace next to the ocean.

I strongly recommend the Morada Beach Café, which offers a mix of Caribbean and American food. Dining right on the beach with a view of the ocean is a sure way to add a bit of magic to your Florida skyway journey. In addition, certain parts of the film Bloodline were produced here.

To find your second beautiful stop on the Overseas Highway route, head to Plaza Fundadores. This place is very appreciated by family people and it is easy to understand why. The coast surrounded by palm trees is not very extensive, however it is very well preserved. It offers a beautiful view of the riverside. in a heavenly context. Check if you make a trip through the landing before going out to observe the pleasure boats.

Receive the freedom to move towards the small town of Rain Barrel Village in the center of a shopping center. With the huge stinging lobster securely at the entrance, there’s no way you’ll miss the entrance! You will find local crafts, souvenir shops and restaurants where you can have a coffee.

Continuing southward, you can stop at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park to learn more about the intriguing tale of this ancient sandstone mountain and explore the fossilized coral.

#3. Long Key State Park

The Wild Beach of Long Key Federal Park

When driving through the Keys Island, just stop at Long Key State Park when you’re on the go. This little hidden twin of nature can be seen in person or by boat. The colored coasts and natural trails invite you to enjoy every moment.

We invite you to experience the sensation of immersing yourself in water at medium and clear temperature. It is an ideal opportunity to disconnect and sunbathe in Florida. It is also an exceptional place to watch birds.

Long Key State Park is an essential place to visit when driving Overseas Highway Four, especially if you are traveling by car. I promise you, I won’t let you down!

#4. Curryhammock State Park

Kayak in mangrove trees

It is located on the small island of Little Crawl Key, in the middle of the Florida Keys, and is one of the ten most beautiful places on the Overseas Highway. I rested in the center of this cozy place in Paradise, a place that hosted various species of native and foreign birds.

The paddlers are present on days without a storm, but on days with a storm the place makes itself felt with the energy and motif of kitesurfing. You may also want to kayak through the mangroves, a place where you can observe the presence of Manatees, Dolphins, Madas and a high number of sea birds. It’s a good opportunity to get one. Visit up close the typical area of ​​the Florida Keys, its particular ecosystem.

Curry Hammock State Park can be seen in person, on a bicycle, scuba diving, or swimming. You can stop the passage of time precisely for a riverside picnic or overnight camping and stargazing after sunset. In conclusion, it is a stop that you do not want to miss on your journey to the coast of Keys!

#5. Crane Cup Hammock

Game birds in the middle of the mangrove forest.

Crane Point Hammock on Fat Deer Key is a wonderful place to stop on your way through the Keys. You can delight in fantastic coastal views and take joyful walks across varied terrain.

Both young and old will enjoy the natural history museum, where the little ones will learn more about the fauna and flora of the site. Within a water pedicure, a full day of bird watching with binoculars and a trip to the bird sanatorium, it will be a good day…

#6. Sombrero Beach

The beautiful Sombrero coast and its palm trees.

If you want a heavenly place to spread your tarp on the hot sand, tour Sombrero Beach on Fat Deer Key. With its dunes, sand and clear waters, there is no possible hesitation: you are in the paradise place!

This beautiful public coast is a treat to disconnect. Also, because it is located away from the highway, you won’t mind street noises. With its tables, grills and a place for children, it is ideal for an impromptu banquet.

In addition, it is a very important place to watch the sunset and, from time to time, see some dolphins. Before crossing the Seven Mile Bridge, it is necessary to pass through the Marathon Offering Hospital for an interesting journey. This institution takes care of unwell sea turtles and then returns them to the environment.

#7. 7 mile crossing

Known as the Seven Mile Bridge

On Highway No. 738, from Key Largo to Key West, it is necessary to cross the Seven Mile Viaduct. It connects the Knights Keys with the Little Duck Keys and is eleven kilometers long. It is not feasible to leave a vehicle on the viaduct, however travelers are still able to take photographs.

Just outside Marathon, stop at the 7-mile viaduct that has a beautiful view of the ocean. It is possible to walk along one side of the old viaduct towards Pigeon Key, and thus observe the two viaducts together. It’s a beautiful sight at any time of the day, and it’s also a very good sight when you take into account the sunset.

The current viaduct is close to the previous one, and the view is particularly captivating. When you arrive at Little Duck Key, head to Veterans Memorial Park, where you can take a dip in swimming and take in the beautiful view of the renowned viaducts.

#8. Bahnhofsbrücke State Park

The calusa and its perception of the previous viaduct

Bahia Honda State Park is surely among the most charming stops on the Overseas Highway! This five-hundred-acre federal park has some of the most amazing natural beaches in the Keys group.

Find out if you should head to Calusa Beach, as it has warm waters and thin white sand. You can even clearly see the Old Man’s Viaduct in Honda Bay. What more could you wish for?

There are different ways to investigate the place, walking, riding a motorcycle, scuba diving, etc. Hunting is also contemplated.

#9. National Key Deer Refuge

The deer inside the Key Park Deer Refuge.

The National Key Deer Refuge is an essential place to stay on Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys. Created in 1957 with the aim of preserving and caring for the Cheie deer, this place offers travelers various walking routes and places to observe.

You will be able to observe deer. walking without restrictions through the mating territories. Recommendation: the best time to find them is in the early morning or late afternoon.

Mangrove areas, pine forests and tropical American plants await you. Lovers of photography and wild animals have good news. Receive a map of the route through the Visitor Center.

I recommend:

Distance (round trip): 20 minutes.
Distance (there and back): 500 meters.
Difficulty: Easy.

This old H2O filled limestone contains alligators, fish, turtles and various species of birds that can be observed from the observation post.

Distance (round trip + loop): 45 minutes.
Distance (there and back): 1.5 kilometers.
Difficulty: Easy.

These two short-distance recreational trails in front of the Blue Hole (e.g. access via Key Deer Blvd) are great for finding the area’s amazing natural habitats.

#10. key West

Key West is the most important thing about any highway trip to the Keys! This tiny island on the southern edge of the group has wonderful scenery. I particularly recommend a trip to Mallory Plaza to watch the sun rise over the ocean.

Another wonderful place to find in Key West is the home of American writer, Ernest Hemingway. This Historical Memorial of national character has a style that derives from the colonialism of Spain and is a main axis of tourism. In the old town sector, I suggest taking a walk along the Via Duval. The church of St. Paul, the Institute of San Carlos and the oldest house on the island will fascinate you.

For beautiful souvenir photography, check out if you stop at the little Key West Lighthouse. This little white lighthouse is totally wonderful.

Don’t leave the city of Key West without first stopping at The Southernmost Border of the United States. Continentals To get one of the most charming stops on the Overseas Highway, I suggest you arrive early in the morning. You’ll be able to observe the sunrise from the furthest south part of the USUU. with a beautiful view of the ocean.

Map of the ten most charming stops on the Sea Highway.

Long distance air route map

At this moment you already know 10 most beautiful stretches on the highway worldwide. I hope this text motivates you to want to drive, with your hair in the air, on this beautiful sheet of asphalt through the Florida archipelagos.

If you want to find different haunted places in the United States, why not explore the cowboy’s journey in VR?

Feel free to express your questions or suggestions in the comments below!