Connecting Miami to the island of Key West over 182 km, the Overseas Highway is one of the most iconic roads in the United States. Following the traces of the former railroad route, the road crosses 44 islands of the Keys archipelago while traversing 42 suspension bridges. To get a sense of all the wonders it passes through, discover the essential stops on the Overseas Highway. 

Stop 1: Miami and the Everglades

Begin your journey in one of the most famous and captivating cities in the United States: Miami. A city of luxury and excess, you can discover its famous Art Deco buildings, its endless beaches with turquoise waters, its parks and gardens, its luxury shops and numerous museums.

While you're there, take a detour to the Everglades National Park where you can take walks (on foot, by bike or by boat) through the marshland waters where countless birds, crocodiles and alligators live.

Stop 2: The Upper Keys

Next, head to the Upper Keys, the first group of islands in the archipelago.

Key Largo

The first island in the Keys and the closest to the mainland, Key Largo is only an hour from Miami. It is also the largest of the islands in the archipelago, renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, its marina and its tiki bars. But most importantly, it is home to some of the country's best diving spots: 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first marine park in the United States. It is a protected area where no fewer than 40 species of coral and over 600 species of fish are recorded. Suffice it to say, it's the ideal place for diving or snorkeling. 

The site is also known for its Christ of the Abyss statue submerged at approximately 7 meters deep. It is the work of Italian sculptor Guido Galletti, as a tribute to lost sailors.

Tavernier Key 

After diving, we recommend continuing to Tavernier Key to discover: 

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native and migratory wild birds that have been injured or displaced. It is possible to visit the sanctuary and learn more about the many species of birds in recovery. Entry is free but donations are welcome! 

Windley Key

A little further south, we recommend making a stop at: 

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Once a quarry called Keystone, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is now a geological park where you can see fossilized reefs.

Islamorada

Continue your road trip and stop at Islamorada, a family village perfect for a relaxing or active break. Composed of several islands, Islamorada is considered the world's fishing capital. Indeed, the waters of this area are renowned for harboring many fish species: tuna, mullet, tarpon, trout...

Stop 3: The Middle Keys

After exploring the northern Keys West islands, prepare to discover the Middle Keys.

Long Key

Historically the preferred tourist destination for the wealthy, Long Key now serves as a haven of peace for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. We especially recommend making a stop at: 

Long Key State Park

Long Key State Park offers a multitude of outdoor activities: hiking, bird watching, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, lounging by the shore, fishing, camping... It's perfect for a family getaway. 

Grassy Key

With its pink marshlands, Grassy Key will delight photographers and nature lovers. You'll also find: 

Dolphin Research Center 

The Dolphin Research Center is a research facility dedicated to dolphins. It also houses sea lions. While it is a research center and refuge for dolphins that cannot be released into the wild, the center hosts shows and encounters, activities that we advise against due to animal welfare concerns. 

Marathon

Marathon can be defined as the downtown of the Middle Keys, even though infrastructure remains sparse. There are 3 beautiful beaches (Sombrero Beach, Coco Plum Beach and Curry Hammock) where you can relax and watch the sunset.

Among the other points of interest to discover around Marathon, we can mention: 

Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is an essential stop on the Overseas Highway. It is a sea turtle hospital whose main mission is to care for injured turtles and release them back into their natural habitat. The center is also dedicated to educating the public, conducting and contributing to research on turtles and working on environmental legislation to protect them. 

Guided tours are available by reservation. These allow visitors to learn more about sea turtles, get a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation areas, and feed permanent residents.

Crane Point Hammock

Crane Point Hammock is a non-profit nature center whose mission is to preserve natural spaces and promote the historic culture of the Florida Keys. There are hiking trails for observing the many bird species in the park, a natural history museum, a natural fish pedicure pool, an emergency bird rescue hospital to care for and rehabilitate wild birds...

Seven Miles Bridge

The Middle Keys end at the most famous bridge in the Florida Keys: the Seven Mile Bridge. Why such fame? Because it was one of the longest bridges in the world when it was built. This architectural feat earned it a place in world-famous films like James Bond and Fast & Furious. 

Stop 4: The Lower Keys

The Lower Keys make up the southernmost part of the Florida Keys. For many, they are the most beautiful islands of the archipelago.

Pigeon Key

Pigeon Key is a former workers' island. There is a museum that allows you to trace the steps of Henry Flagler and better understand the history of the former Keys railway. 

Warning: if you wish to visit, you need to plan ahead. Indeed, you can go on foot or by ferry from Marathon. In other words, you must go there before crossing the famous seven mile bridge. 

Bahia Honda Key

After crossing the seven mile bridge, you've arrived at one of the most beautiful stops on the Overseas Highway: Bahia Honda State Park on the island of the same name: 

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is a nature reserve whose landscapes remind one of postcard views: white sand, palm trees, turquoise waters... Several travel guides have even named the park's beaches as the most beautiful in Florida. You can relax there, diving, snorkeling or kayaking.

Big Pine Key

The island of Big Pine takes its name from the sublime pine forests that populate the island. It is renowned for its many hiking trails as well as its deer and other cervids found nowhere else: the Key Deer. 

National Key Deer Refuge

The National Key Deer Refuge is a park that was created to protect the Key Deer, an endangered species. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to hike through nature to try to observe them in their natural habitat. We recommend going early in the morning or late in the day to have a better chance of seeing them.

Key West

Your road trip on the Overseas Highway ends on the island of Key West, the southernmost city in the United States. This small island is known for its exuberant nightlife but that's not all. It was also home to the very famous writer Ernest Hemingway.

Here are the must-see sites to discover in Key West: 

Hemingway House

Ernest Hemingway lived on the island of Key West from 1931 to 1940. His Spanish Colonial-style house is now transformed into a museum. It was in this house that he wrote, among other works, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," "A Farewell to Arms" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." 

Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse is a white lighthouse dating from 1848. Now a museum, it is possible to climb the 88 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse. You will discover, among other things, how the lighthouse keepers lived at the time.

Mile Marker 0

Your journey cannot be completed without visiting Mile Marker 0, a sign marking the end of the Overseas Highway. Since the road can be traveled in both directions, you will actually find two signs on each side of the street: one marked "End" and the other "Begin." 

A chance to photograph this iconic sign that appears on all postcards and finish your road trip in style!