There are a lot of uniquely wonderful places to visit when traveling through the Keys or while ‘Key-hopping’, as they say here.
The Florida Keys stretch over 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida into both, the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Forty-two bridges that connect all the islands make your drive beautiful and scenic. The Florida Keys are best known for fishing, boating and snorkeling. Not only that, but they are also full of rich history, originally being part of the Flagler’s Over-Seas Railroad from Miami to Key West. Here are some of the must-see locations when taking a road trip through the Florida Keys.
There are two ways to enter the Keys:
The first is the 18-Mile stretch that starts in Florida City with a straight shot down to Key West. Another, lesser known but more scenic, is the Card Sound Road (toll road). Right before the toll area you can find a restaurant called “Alabama Jack’s” – a convenient place to stop and grab a bite to eat while enjoying the waterfront view. Card Sound Road has several small bridges where people pull off to the roadside to go fishing. Turn right when you get to the stop sign at the end of it to take a trip through Key Largo. While there, stop at the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Road Trip through the Florida Keys Well Loved Places:
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Open daily from 8 AM until sunset. Leashed pets and bicycles are welcome. Expect insects no matter the time of the year and always use mosquito repellent.
Stay on the pathways! There are poisonwood and manchineel trees throughout the hammock, both of which have allergenic properties.
It’s a good spot to get out and stretch your legs after a long drive from Miami.
Florida Keys Visitor Center
Get your pictures in the giant lounge chairs!
Molasses Reef
An amazing snorkel and diving location where you can see the Christ of the Abyss statue.
African Queen
History and movie buffs can cruise on the African Queen, the steamboat featured in the 1951 film by the same name starring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
History of Diving Museum
The Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs, and oral history related to the History of Diving.
Rain Barrel Village
Betsy the Lobster
Take a selfie with Betsy the Lobster! Then, stroll through the tropical gardens and step into the intimate studios to browse the best in handmade crafts, contemporary artwork, beachwear, home goods and Florida Keys-inspired souvenirs.
Robbie’s Marina
Feed Tarpon
Home of the world-famous tarpon feeding! During this stop you can discover exciting things to do. Whether you want to hand-feed massive tarpon, seek some thrills with the water sports or stock up on handcrafted souvenirs at the fun local shops, Robbie’s has something for everyone.
Dolphin Research Center
Home of the original Flipper
The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is a dolphinarium on Grassy Key, Florida.
The 90,000-square-foot series of saltwater lagoons is home to several dolphins, California sea lions and birds of different species. The Dolphin Research Center has dolphin shows for all to enjoy throughout the day and a splash playground for the hot days.
Havana Jack’s Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar
Home of the best Chicago thin crust pizza!
Havana Jack’s is a breath of fresh air at the water’s edge. This large tiki bar & outdoor-indoor restaurant is sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean. Unique in every aspect, from location to menu, this place is far from the traditional restaurant. Large screen TV-s for watching sports and live music every night add spice to the wonderful Happy Hour menu and drinks.
Havana Jack’s is located on Key Colony Beach right next to Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort, in case you decide to stay for a night. Sit and relax by the water while you eat and enjoy a game.
Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Seven Mile Bridge
Scenic views
It’s a great place to take photos and enjoy the blue water. Pull in and have a picnic by the water’s edge. While traveling over the Seven Mile Bridge you will see “Fred the Tree”. Wave ‘hi’ as you pass by.
Bahia Honda State Park
This is one of the many state parks you can visit when traveling through the Florida Keys. This park offers multiple beaches, campsites for RV-s and tents, snorkeling, bicycling, bird watching and much more. Take a walk along the original A1A to the top of the bridge and take a glimpse of the entire island with a bird’s-eye view of the water below.
Key Deer
Miniature White Tail Deer
On the Island of Big Pine, you will find the National Key Deer Refuge. Take your time when traveling as the miniature White Tail deer cross the road.
Blue Hole
Fresh and saltwater pond
An abandoned rock quarry that was used for nearby road fills while building Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad. It contains mostly fresh water and is used by various wildlife in the area, such as birds, snakes, alligators, key deer and green iguanas. It is part of the National Key Deer Refuge. The small hiking trail is perfect for taking your time to enjoy nature.
Southernmost Point & Buoy
Southernmost Point
The buoy was established by the City of Key West in 1983 as a tourist attraction. The large painted buoy is 18 feet (5.5 m) above sea level and is located at the corner of South- and Whitehead Streets. As indicated on the buoy, Cuba is roughly 90 Miles (140 km) south of this point in Key West. It is a great location to take pictures.
Looking for more places to explore check out our blog Attractions in the Florida Keys.