Overseas Highway

Many travelers follow the Overseas Highway en route to one of the Florida Keys, but the scenic roadway is a destination all of its own. While it’s possible to drive from Miami to Key West in fewer than four hours, slowing down pays off in slices of Key lime pie, swimming beaches, and excellent fishing spots. Since this is the only overland route to Key West, all bus tours from Miami follow the Overland Highway, with some offering sightseeing stops along the way.

• Use mile markers to find your destination. Addresses here start with the mile, followed by even numbers for the Atlantic side and odd numbers for the Florida Bay side.
• Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. It’s possible to spot birds, marine life, and even crocodiles and alligators from the road. *Engineering buffs love this drive. Pause along the way to check out landmark bridges such as the Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon.

While US Route 1 starts in Miami, mile-marker 113 is in Key Largo, officially starting the Overseas Highway and the countdown to Key West. The most important islands you’ll pass along the way include Islamorada, Long Key, Marathon, Bahia Honda Key, and Boca Chica Key, where the Naval Air Station Key West is located.

Summer in the Florida Keys is often very hot, making this a popular time to visit if you’re headed to the beach. September and October bring hurricane season—that means deals on accommodations along with big storms—but the weather calms down again in November. The Florida Keys stay relatively warm throughout the winter.

With tart, floral juice, Key limes were a major crop in the Florida Keys until local groves were wiped out by a 1926 hurricane. The citrus fruit is still the essential ingredient in Key lime pie, a beloved treat topped with meringue or whipped cream. Find them at nearly every restaurant in the Florida Keys; favorites include Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo, Islamorada’s Green Turtle Inn, and Old Town Bakery in Key West.