Florida Keys Scenic Highway
The Florida Keys Scenic Highway is the stretch of US 1 that travels through some of the nation’s most spectacular tropical scenery from Mile Marker 110, north of Key Largo, to Mile Marker 0 in Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Driving down the highway where the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet is an unparalleled experience, with the shallow sandy shelf of clear water reflecting bright turquoise, emerald, and aquamarine waters stretching out as far as the eye can see. The reef keeps the near-shore waters calm, and relaxation sinks in as you find beaches and palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze. And the bridge crossings bring you the sense of being out on the island chain in a way that only driving through the Keys can. Travelers will see and experience outstanding natural beauty, world-class fishing and diving, festivals, beaches, sunset celebrations, state and national parks, water sports, historic sites, museums, island cuisine, sunshine, tropical atmosphere, and friendly people that enjoy the laid back lifestyle that is the Florida Keys. The Keys also have a wonderful blend of dozens of unique cultures. Historically, Bahamian and Cuban influences have been dominant since people from these nearby islands (Cuba lies 90 miles off the coast) have been traveling to the Keys for hundreds of years. Culture, music, art, architecture and cuisine of the Keys are steeped in these island traditions. Experience for yourself Cuban, Bahamian and Caribbean food, dance to Salsa music, listen to the relaxing rhythms of an island steel drum band and visit the many museums and galleries full of art influenced by these cultures. All this and so much more is available on the Florida Keys Scenic Highway, the “Main Street” for all that is the Florida Keys.
1
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, MM 102.5, Oceanside, was the first undersea park in the U.S. It’s home to over 55 types of coral, sponges, shrimp, crab, sea turtles, lobster...
2
Diving
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The Florida Keys offer world-class diving as home to the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys...
3
Florida Keys History of Diving Museum
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum, MM 83, Bayside, tells the international story of 3,000 years of underwater exploration and celebrates the special role of the Florida Key...
4
Anne's Beach
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
At Anne’s Beach, MM 73.5, Oceanside, stretch out on the sand and slip your toes into the turquoise blue-green water to enjoy a swim in the calm, clear Atlantic Ocean while kiteboar...
5
Sport Fishing
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
More saltwater world records have been established in the Florida Keys than any other angling destination on the globe. No other place in North America boasts such an array of fis...
6
Dolphin Research Center
Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013
The Dolphin Research Center, MM 59, Bayside, was founded in 1946 as a marine research and educational facility, and is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Californ...
7
Curry Hammock
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Curry Hammock State Park, MM 56.2, Oceanside, is a group of islands where hardwood hammocks support one of the largest US populations of thatch palms, and wetlands provide vital ha...
8
Seven-Mile Bridge
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The Seven Mile Bridge, MM 47, linking the Middle and Lower Keys by crossing a channel between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, was the longest segmental bridge in the world w...
9
Pigeon Key
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Walk, bike or boat to Pigeon Key from MM 47, Bayside, on the historic Overseas Railroad Bridge to see the five-acre island that served as base camp for the hundreds of men who buil...
10
Bahia Honda State Park
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Bahia Honda State Park, MM 37, is home to one of the “Top Ten Beaches in the US” and offers camping, fishing, diving, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking, as well. Walk onto Flagler’s ...
11
National Key Deer Refuge
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, Mile Marker 30-32, is the habitat of the tiny Key Deer that average 2.5 feet high and 90 lbs. A nature trail winds through the protect...
12
Key West Botanical Garden
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, 0.2 miles North of MM 4 on College Road, is an 11-acre fragile hammock first founded in 1934. Self-guided tours include the lush...
13
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, 0.25 miles South of MM0, is where one of America’s most honored authors called home for more than ten years, and returned to for frequent visits i...
14
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Key West Lighthouse and Keepers’ Quarters Museum, 0.25 miles South of MM0, is the 15th oldest surviving lighthouse in the US, and was brought to its present height of 86 feet in 18...
15
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, 0.5 miles from MM 0, is named for its Civil and Spanish-American War Fort. On a guided tour or on your own, be sure to bring a camera for the incred...
16
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
Located 0.4 miles from MM0 on the Key West waterfront, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center showcases the underwater and upland habitats that characterize the Keys with an emphasi...
17
Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
A stroll along the boardwalk at Key West’s Historic Seaport, 0.75 miles from MM0, brings you to the Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum. Take a sunset sail on one of America’s o...
18
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The Sunset Celebration at Key West’s Mallory Square, 0.5 miles from MM0 on the Gulf of Mexico, is a daily ritual beginning about one and a half hours before sunset where visitors a...
19
Southernmost Point Marker
Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013
The Southernmost Point marker, 0.6 miles South of MM 0 on the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the United States. The giant yellow, red, and black strip...