Worth a DetourNatureScenic DrivesRoad trips

Overseas Highway

Florida

A road that island-hops 113 miles across the sea, from mainland Florida to Key West, over 42 bridges.

Photo: United States Department of Transportation · Public domain

The Overseas Highway follows Henry Flagler's old railway, destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. It's among America's most unusual drives, crossing turquoise water with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf on the other.

The Seven Mile Bridge is the highlight, with the old bridge beside it open to walkers.

Best Time
December to May
Time Needed
1–3 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
Starts in Florida City, about an hour south of Miami.

What to See

2 of 4 are free
Free30 minutes

Seven Mile Bridge

One of the world's longest bridges when it was built. Walk the old span to Pigeon Key.

Half a day

John Pennekamp Coral Reef

America's first undersea park, in Key Largo.

2 hours

Bahia Honda State Park

White sand and views of the old rail bridge.

Free15 minutes

Mile Marker 0

The end of US 1, in Key West.

Know Before You Go

  • It's one lane in each direction for much of the way, so expect traffic on weekends.
  • Book Key West in winter well ahead.
  • Addresses use mile markers.

Where to Stay

Stay in Key Largo, Islamorada or Key West.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Florida list.