6 Scenic Road Trip Stops Along Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway runs 113 miles from mainland Florida to Key West at the bottom of the state. It follows the route of the former Overseas Railroad, which was completed in 1912 and largely destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. Rebuilt for automobiles, its bridges, causeways, and narrow stretches connect dozens of islands across the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.

The highway combines engineering and natural scenery, linking its towns and cities with open water views, coral reefs, and historic points along the drive.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, just off Key Largo, protects a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States, Florida's Coral Reef. The park has space for snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours, allowing you to observe marine life and coral formations in different ways. Kayaking and paddleboarding along the mangrove shoreline give a closer look at the park's coastal ecosystems.

On land, several short trails and rest areas allow for birdwatching and quiet breaks in the surrounding environment. As the first undersea park in the United States, Pennekamp is viewed as both a recreational space and an important area for ecological preservation, making it a steady stop for anyone interested in Florida’s marine biodiversity.

Robbie's of Islamorada

Robbie’s of Islamorada is an independently run roadside stop known for its interactive marine activities. Visitors can feed tarpon from the dock, an activity that draws casual tourists and anglers. The site also includes a marina, kayak rentals, and a small market with local crafts and souvenirs. A small group of on-site eateries serves casual meals and fresh seafood with waterfront views, making it a practical place for lunch or a short break from driving.

As one of the early stops you encounter when heading south from the mainland on the Overseas Highway, it reflects the general atmosphere found throughout the rest of the route.

Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key and is one of the most recognizable stretches of the route. It was originally built as part of the Overseas Railroad, and sections of the historic bridge remain parallel to the modern roadway. These remnants show the route's construction history and give clear views of the ocean and nearby sites such as Pigeon Key.

Several fishing piers and small observation areas along the bridge allow for simple outdoor recreation. Its scale, engineering history, and open water scenery make the Seven Mile Bridge a central part of the drive through the Florida Keys.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park sits on Bahia Honda Key and contains a mix of naturally formed sandy beaches and historic structures. The area preserves remnants of the old Bahia Honda Bridge, which was part of the original Overseas Railroad. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, swim in clear water, and snorkel above reefs that support a wide range of marine life.

On land, a small network of trails leads to elevated views of the surrounding islands and channels. These vantage points are often used for landscape photography. The park also includes an RV campground, picnic areas, and other basic amenities that allow for longer visits. Its quieter coves give a break from the busier sections of the highway while showing the natural setting that defines this part of the Keys.

The Blue Hole Observation Platform

The Blue Hole Observation Platform is on Big Pine Key and overlooks a rare freshwater pond surrounded by pine forest and tropical hardwoods. It serves as a quiet stop near the highway, showing the inland ecosystems that contrast with the surrounding saltwater areas. A short paved trail leads to an observation platform that gives views of the landscape without disturbing sensitive habitats. Informational signs describe the ecological role of the freshwater pond and the surrounding wetlands.

Part of the National Key Deer Refuge, this area allows visitors to view the Blue Hole, as well as the wildlife that inhabits the nearby habitat. Sightings may include Key deer, wading birds, and turtles, which are commonly noted within the refuge.

Key West

Key West, a small island city and the southernmost city of the continental United States, marks the end of the Overseas Highway. The small island city contains historic locations, cultural landmarks, and waterfront areas that reflect its long period of settlement and maritime activity. Ernest Hemingway’s home is open for tours, and Old Town’s streets display preserved architecture in a compact area that is easy to navigate on foot.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park provides beach access and a look at a Civil War era structure. The waterfront district includes marinas, small shops, and restaurants known for local seafood. The city’s layout makes walking and cycling practical for short distances, allowing visitors to move through its neighborhoods at a slower pace. These routes connect many of the area’s well-known points of interest without requiring long drives.

Have Fun Under the Sun Along this Must-Drive Byway

A road trip down the Overseas Highway gives access to scenic, historic, and recreational stops across the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda’s beaches, Key West’s landmarks, the Blue Hole’s wildlife areas, and the underwater sites at John Pennekamp each show a different part of the region. Travelers can move at their own pace along the route’s shoreline, bridges, and small communities, with open water views appearing throughout the drive.

The highway’s combination of natural settings and local points of interest creates a clear path through the islands from the mainland to the end of the road.