In this travel blog, take a highway-bound trip all the way to the Florida Keys and learn the epic overseas highway journey stops.
#10 Card Sound Road Alternative
One great option to start your road trip journey to the Keys is this local secret! Not \ everyone knows about this alternate route into the Keys to avoid traffic and enjoy some iconic beauty. Card Sound Road is an alternate highway into the Keys. It leads you past the famous Alabama Jack’s, a historic place to stop for conch fritters. It is also a lovely drive to watch an exquisite sunset or sunrise!
#9 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
There is a park that goes underwater in Key Largo! Your weekend hideaway could rise to another level if you witness a park resting at the bottom of the ocean floor. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a famous getaway destination for its marine world and being a great spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and much more. Be sure to check out Jules Undersea Lodge, and the Christ of the Abyss statue, a bronze underwater statue that resembles the figure of Jesus Christ.
#8 Islamorada
The sportfishing capital of the world, this paradise is known as one of the archipelago’s most famous areas. It has numerous attractions and activities, especially outdoor ones. You can bike, take an eco-tour, or go sportfishing! Theater of the Sea offers the option to swim with dolphins, sea lions, rays and even sharks! Get ready for incredible sunsets from this location. Islamorada is known as “Purple Island,” and was named that by Spanish Explorers after the incredible purple skies they witnessed at sunset.
#7 Lobster Statue
There is a giant statue that rests in the Rain Barrel Artisan Village, known to be the largest lobster statue. It is among the many one-of-a-kind views in the Florida Keys. The Lobster Statue is named Betsey. You can be astounded by its gigantic size and in awe of how it has been preserved and maintained its structure over the years. Spend some time perusing the Artisan Village, filled with local art and crafts that make for great souvenirs of your epic journey.
#6 Marathon
Stop at this hub that is known to be the busiest and most family-friendly area in the keys. There are endless outdoor recreational activities to choose from like golfing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, boating, swimming with dolphins, and much more! Marathon proudly features its major attractions like the annual seafood festival every March, the tarpon tournaments in April, and Sombrero Beach, a gorgeous location to soak up a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean.
#5 Turtle Hospital
Some species of turtle have been and are endangered. Since the surge of injured turtles has been rising, there are some areas that have built a hospital exclusively for turtles. There is one in Marathon called the Turtle Hospital. Explorers can learn more about turtles there. They have the opportunity to learn the process of rehabilitating injured sea turtles and how the experts properly take care of them. They can also meet some of the turtles who permanently reside in the hospital, as they are no longer capable of returning to the wild.
#4 Seven Mile Bridge
This bridge leads to the lower Keys and spans for miles! The Seven Mile Bridge was built by Henry Flagler. Due to the unsafe structure of the original bridge, it was reconstructed in 1980. This place actually has two bridges, and you can still see the old one next to the new one. Passing on this highway bridge, you can see a spectacular view. Be sure to look for Fred, a tree that grows along the walkway on the Gulf side that the locals decorate in December for the holidays.
Photo credit: @freeinon on Instagram.
#3 Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key is an ideal stop for nature enthusiasts. It has a National Marine Sanctuary and the National Key Deer Refuge, where you can see endangered key deer. These deer are smaller in size than most other deer species, with adults averaging the size of a dog! The fawns are incredibly adorable and can be found on this island when they are very young at only the size of a cat! A stop at the famous No Name Pub will allow you to mark your road trip by placing a dollar bill with your name on the completely bill covered walls that display all of the visitors that have frequented it.
#2 Dry Tortugas National Park
Hit the road all the way to this fascinating park of the Keys that sits in the middle of the ocean! Resting in the impressive turquoise water of Mexico’s Gulf, you can hop on a boat or seaplane to reach it. The Dry Tortugas National Park proudly highlights interesting corals and seagrass that attract snorkelers and divers. Aside from its rich and abundant marine life, it features stunning artifacts. If you have rented or have your own boat, then also take the chance to explore Loggerhead Key’s Little Africa Reef or Windjammer Wreck.
#1 Key West
You can have the ultimate end of the road experience in Key West. You can explore the water by snorkeling, diving, kayaking or even sailing at the fantastic beaches. If you prefer to have an outdoor stroll, you can visit the endless historical hubs and discover impressive artifacts of the past. Visit the famous Duval Street, see Hemmingway’s six toed cats, and be sure to check out the daily sunset celebration in Mallory Square. If you would like to learn about all of the great things to do and the best sites to visit in Key West, please check out our Key West Travel Guide video.
Thanks for reading, Revellers! There are tons of things to do while hitting the road in the Keys. There are lots of splendid hubs to stop by. Which one of these dazzling spots would YOU want to visit? Comment below, we’d love to hear where you would like to go.
