Overseas highway, a highway that can take you to the sea, offers an exquisite view of the coral reefs while driving.
The drive from Miami to Key West is more recommended for those with not enough time on their hands.
The highway is mostly well-lit, so that you can see the area beyond the highway even in the dark.
If you take the U.S. 1 route the whole way, then you will not have to pay. However, that route is longer. Taking the turnpike to I-95 south would cost you around $6 on toll cost.
The traffic starts getting busy at around 8 to 10 am on the weekends. If you want to enjoy the empty road, then avoid driving in or out of Key West on Fridays and Saturdays.
The limit varies, but it’s usually between 25 to 45 mph.
Ensure that you have full gas, as you never know how long the entire drive might take, and also bring along a few bottles of water.
Yes, keep an eye out for the weather report, as the highway can become easily swamped during a heavy rain.
Depending on the time of the year that you visit, it would be a better idea to reserve a hotel beforehand.
You can always take pictures, there are various shops in places for you to make a pit stop, you can stop and try Key Largo’s famous key lime pie, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Considering the amount of time you might spend being stuck in traffic just for sightseeing, it might not be the best idea to visit Overseas Highway on a short vacation.
One might wonder why a highway is considered to be so special. However, unlike other highways, Overseas Highway offers something that other highways don’t, which is an opportunity to drive over the largest coral reefs area in American mainland.
The bridge was initially completed in 1912, however, due to the hurricane in 1935, the damaged bridge could not be repaired because of a lack of finances. It was then sold to the Florida state. And so, since the 1950s, this Highway has connected Key West and Miami, offering one the chance to travel through a tropical savannah on the way to their destination. This has become a popular route to Florida Keys, which gets approximately 3 million tourists a year, so you can imagine the number of people on that highway.
The view from Overseas Highway is no less beautiful than something imagined by one of the most famous artists in the world. Colors ranging from turquoise to deep green will enchant you, as you drive over the seascapes. The landscapes are no less impressive, as the view of swaying palm trees, water rooted mangroves, rustling pines, and silver buttonwood fills your vision. This scenery, complete with the view of a clear blue sky, is what most tourists crave to see.
And that’s not all. The biodiversity of the area does not just end in a range of trees, but also contains various different birds, such as roseate spoonbills, pelicans, great white herons, and ospreys. Those that are boating or fishing enthusiasts will also be able to benefit from this highway, as there are places on the older sections of the bridge where one can fish. You can enjoy the exquisite view while you fish.
Although the newer bridge can easily be crossed from Miami in less than 4 hours, one should allot more time in order to enjoy the scene. There are recreational areas on the highway where you can just stop your car to take in the complex beauty of wildernesses and seas tucked away beneath the main coast of Florida. Also, the sun sets from this area is absolutely breathtaking. As the huge ball of red descends into the blue sea, the evening sky bursts in a radiant shade of colors like orange, blue, purple, and pink. For those that are into photography, this might just end up being one of your most cherished memories, as the sunset seen through the camera lens is just as beautiful.
Published on April 27
The Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys is one of the most traveled routes in Florida. Here are 10 amazing facts about it that you probably didn't know.