“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.”
-Angela N. Blount
Isn’t the old adage something along the lines of travel is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination? Sometimes, I’m not so sure I am a believer of this particular maxim but I do have some trips in mind that would fit the bill. On the top of that list is driving the length of The Overseas Highway (US-1) through the Florida Keys.
Since the 1950s, the Overseas Highway has seamlessly connected the tip of mainland Florida to Key West and all of the communities along the way. At 113 miles long with 42 bridges, including the famous 7-mile bridge, The Overseas Highway guides traffic through each of the Florida Keys and over the beautiful, turquoise water of the Florida archipelago.
Regular visitors to Key West, my husband and I have flown into Fort Lauderdale or Miami, rented a car, and driven the length of the Overseas Highway, enjoying stops along the way for lunch or to admire a beautiful viewpoint of the various blues and greens of the water that surrounds us. Depending on our starting point, the trip can take roughly four and a half hours, depending on traffic, and longer if you make stops. And you should stop along the way to grab a bite to eat, visit a farmer’s market, or check out other sites along the way.
Depending on the time of day and day of the week, traffic along The Overseas Highway can be heavy. Be prepared, patient, and plan accordingly. For much of the trip, US-1 is one lane in each direction with short sections that allow for passing. In some spots, traffic can often be slow or stopped, and the speed limits along the way can average around 45 miles per hour, dropping further as you travel through some of the individual Keys. Extra caution on the roads is highly recommended with a sometimes unsafe mix of frustrated locals and bewildered visitors. Don’t be in a hurry and watch out for careless drivers around you.
Be sure to count mile markers starting at 106 in Key Largo, and ending in Key West at the famous 0-mile marker, a great spot to grab a selfie to mark your trip!
If you decide to enjoy this journey into the Keys, soak in the stunning beauty, explore the history, and be sure to stop for some delicious local food and your first piece of Key Lime Pie along the way. It’s a great drive and a scenic way to ease into your Keys vacation.
Let’s Just Go! 