In the deep south of Florida, there is an idyllic area, with white sand beaches, clear water, coral reefs, protected nature reserves and a local cuisine that will make you lick your lips. The ideal area for refreshing baths and water activities of all kinds.
All this is the Florida Keys, an endless archipelago of islands that stretch for over 100 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, all joined together by a breathtaking scenic road, the Overseas Highway (US-1), which allows you to explore these beautiful islands with a disconcerting ease. The road is not only the only way to get to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, but it is also a pleasant opportunity, especially in the southernmost section, to admire panoramic views of the sea and take some pictures of the old disused railroad that once reached Key West.
So let’s leave behind the beaches of Miami and the fun of Orlando’s parks, it’s time to be touched in depth by the wild and persuasive nature of Florida: let’s discover the best things to do in Florida Keys!
Contents
Upper Keys
After renting a car (have you already read our tips on the subject?) we begin our Florida Keys itinerary along the Overseas Highway, which begins south of Miami and runs for 127 miles to Key West. The first area we will encounter is called the Upper Keys and includes Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada, and a series of small islands accessible only by sea.
Key Largo
The first island we encounter is also the largest. The town of Key Largo may not be memorable, but the stop is worth it for the treasures this island hides underwater: the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is in fact a unique opportunity to enjoy the Florida Reef, a world-famous coral reef that stretches for 78 square miles, reaching as far as Dry Tortugas. Of course, here you can take snorkeling tours, guided dives or excursions on glass-bottom boats. For more details here is our guide on how to visit Key Largo.
Islamorada
Continuing along US-1 it is impossible not to notice the welcoming Islamorada, a complex of small islands of about 18 miles dedicated to fishing and various marine activities. If you want to enjoy a beautiful beach with clear water you can visit Anne’s Beach, while Long Key State Park, with its canals and lagoons, is an interesting place for excursions. I also recommend you take a moment to stop at Rain Barrel Village, a curious village of artisans announced by an imposing lobster on the side of the Highway. It is a picturesque attraction, which for a moment might make you think you are on Route 66. Even if you don’t have to buy anything, wandering around and browsing the stores is still worth the stop. For more information about the island here is our guide to Islamorada.
Middle Keys
The Middle Keys, the islands in the central area of the entire archipelago, are accessed by crossing Long Key Bridge, which runs along the decommissioned Long Key Viaduct, where the old railway once ran. The most famous bridge, however, is at the end of the stretch, the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the most spectacular points of the entire Overseas Highway.
Marathon
Long Key Bridge will take you directly to the largest town in the area, Marathon on the island of Key Vaca. There is no shortage of attractions here: if the Key Largo experience wasn’t enough for you, you can dive or snorkel among the tropical fish of the Sombrero Reef; if you’re in the mood for a swim, head to Sombrero Beach, a beautiful beach with crystal clear water and picnic tables.
But perhaps you’ll find the most rewarding experience at the Dolphin Research Center, a unique opportunity to swim with dolphins, as well as to enrich your knowledge of these incredible animals. Finally, lovers of hiking in the wilderness can explore Crane Point, a tropical forest of 61 acres where you can find tropical trees, some interesting historical buildings (Adderley House Historic Site) and an interesting natural history museum. For more details here’s our in-depth look at Marathon.
Seven Mile Bridge
Built between 1978 and 1982, this 7-mile-long bridge runs parallel to the old segment of the Overseas Railroad, a monumental work designed by Henry Flager that fell into disuse after a hurricane hit it hard in 1935. Today, the section that runs along the Seven Mile Bridge can be walked or cycled. There are some scenic spots from where you can admire and photograph the old bridge, especially near Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys, so I talk about them in the next paragraph.
Lower Keys
The southernmost area of the Keys is even more densely vegetated and remote. It is accessed, as mentioned, by crossing the magnificent Seven Mile Bridge, the nearest city center is Big Pine Key, but the flagship of the Lower Keys can only be Bahia Honda State Park.
Bahia Honda State Park
Here we are finally at the most sought-after strip of sand of all the Keys, where you will find clear water with two shades of color and not surprisingly always present in the top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. The beauty of the place does not only come from the quality of the water but also from the scenic context: one of the beaches in Bahia Honda (yes there is more than one, as you can read in our guide) is in fact “framed” by the old Overseas Railroad, which in its own way provides a suggestive element of landscape. In addition, a stretch of the old railway can be walked along, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful elevated view of the cove of Calusa Beach.
There is also another vantage point to enjoy a great view of the old railroad and that is the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. This is the bridge that you will find shortly after the State Park (a little more than 1.2 miles) but it is easily reachable going back north from Key West towards Miami: passed Big Pine Key, after about 2.5 miles you will find a small clearing on your right. Park and follow the small path that will lead you to the point where the bridge stops. Below you find the map with the exact location.
Big Pine Key and other small islands
After Bahia Honda you arrive at Big Pine Key, which is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, the place where you can see an endangered specimen such as the white-tailed deer. Here, even near populated neighborhoods, it’s pretty easy to spot these animals (especially at dawn and dusk) and care must be taken when driving. If you’re looking for a cult spot, know that in an unlikely residential setting of driveways and residential homes, No Name, a historic pub dating back to 1936, awaits you.
Entering you will immediately understand that you are not in any old place: you will be greeted by the words “You found it” on the sign (which is self-deprecating on the unlikely location of the place) and the ceiling completely covered with dollars, there are thousands of them, ask the manager how much they are worth. If you want you can ask for a stapler, pull out a dollar and contribute. If you can’t make it to No Name, you can still console yourself in Key West with Captain Tony’s Saloon or Willie T’s, both of which have ceilings covered with dollars just like the pub on Big Pine Key.
In the southernmost islands, the main attraction is represented by another fascinating coral reef, Loe Key Marine Sanctuary, a 5-mile protected area rich in corals and colorful fish, which can also be visited on an organized tour from Key West.
Key West
Continuing south is the legendary Key West, the end point of the Overseas Highway, the most vibrant and exciting city in all the Keys. Park your car and stroll downtown, especially on Duval Street, where you can breathe in that sophisticated and unmistakable atmosphere that characterizes the town to the core. In the evening, a good location to find is Mallory Square, because this is where you will see one of the best sunsets of your life! If you want to learn more about this beautiful town I recommend reading our article on what to do in Key West.
Where to stay in the Florida Keys
There are basically 2 ways to visit the Keys: stop and sleep at an intermediate point, for example in the Middle Keys, to quietly enjoy the many attractions along the way, or drive the entire Overseas Highway in one day and sleep directly in Key West.
It may be useful to know that the widest range of cheap accommodation can be found in Key Largo while excellent places to stop and break the route in 2 are Islamorada and, above all, Marathon. For an overview of available accommodations along the entire Keys route you can check out the following link:
Hotels on offer in the Florida Keys
As for Key West, on the other hand, take a look at our article linked below, keeping in mind that prices are much higher here, especially in high season.
Tour map
On the map you will find all the points mentioned in the itinerary.
Video
To get an idea of the beauty that awaits you in the Florida Keys you can take a look at this video.
