The island chain of the Florida Keys has long impressed travelers with its plethora of beautiful stretches of sand, beach bars, coral reef parks, and water sports. But before you fully reach this vacation paradise, you’ll need to take a long scenic drive, which is itself a tourist attraction and architectural marvel. Highway 1 or Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic highways in the country, connecting the mainland to the beautiful islands of Florida and highlighting their best features.
Looking at Highway 1, you’ll soon realize why it took a great deal of time, money, and engineering genius to create this highway, consisting of 113 highway miles and 42 bridges. The highway stretches to the right into a large expanse of water, traversing the Atlantic and the Gulf. Driving the Overseas Highway is not just a means to reach the Florida Keys, but a tourist destination that welcomes 3 million visitors each year. Crossing this road by bus or car also means exposing yourself to wonderful seascapes, landscapes full of pine and palm trees and the sparkling sea. So it’s no wonder that Highway 1 is considered one of the best driving tours in the world.
Affectionately called “The Highway to the Sea,” the Overseas Highway may be the only focus of your trip to this popular state. Many travelers create an itinerary that is geared towards experiencing the road, while exploring some of its most notable sights. One of the most exciting parts of driving this road is when you cross the 7 Mile Bridge, considered one of the longest bridges in the world.
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, stop by some of the older bridges on the road, where angling is allowed. With clear skies bedecked with clouds overhead and the bounty of the sea at your fingertips, it doesn’t get much better than this. When you get a little peckish and need a break from driving, there are a variety of restaurants along the road to choose from. But if you want to do it American-style, stop by a burger stand and get the iconic juicy burger with shakes and fries.
As you make your way to the top of the island chain, you’ll find some of the best dive sites in the world. This is a great opportunity to learn to dive or enjoy your underwater hobby. All you need to do is park at a dive shop and book a tour. Then the supplier will take you to the reef in a boat, so you can have two to four hours of amazing diving experience.
Key Largo is one of the best places to try scuba diving, as it is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which covers an area of 70 square miles. Pennekamp and Tavernier are the other main tourist places worth visiting. Aren’t you very diver? There are many things to do during the day. You can try snorkeling or visit the state parks and museums. On the island of Islamorada, enjoy swimming with the dolphins at Theater of the Sea. After Islamorada, head to Key West to spend the night partying with the locals.
Be sure to put Florida’s Overseas Highway on your bucket list, you won’t regret the adventure.