RoadAtlas
Overseas Highway — United States — Scenic
North America

Overseas Highway

United States

In short: Overseas Highway is a 230 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Florida City, Key Largo, Islamorada.

Distance
230 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

US-1 leaves the Florida mainland and drives 230km over 42 bridges across the Florida Keys, the highway that goes to sea. Turquoise flats on both sides, pelicans on every railing, and America's most southerly point at the end.

Practical notes
US-1 is fully paved and suitable for any vehicle, but traffic can crawl through the Keys in peak winter and holiday periods. Hurricane season can bring closures, flood-prone sections, and gusty bridge conditions, so check forecasts and fuel up before long stretches.
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Stops along the route

Florida City — Departure — Overseas Highway — United States
Departure
Florida City
The last mainland town. US-1 crosses Card Sound Bridge and the islands begin, the first of 42 bridges and open water stretching to Cuba.
Hotels
Key Largo — City — Overseas Highway — United States
City
Key Largo
The first Key and dive capital of the continental US. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park protects the only living coral reef in the country.
Hotels
Islamorada — City — Overseas Highway — United States
City
Islamorada
The Village of Islands: world-class sportfishing, roadside stone crab shacks, and tiki bars with sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Hotels
Key West — Arrival — Overseas Highway — United States
Arrival
Key West
Mile 0 of US-1, 90 miles from Cuba. Hemingway's house, Duval Street's bars, and Mallory Square's nightly ceremony of applauding the sun into the Gulf.
Hotels

Things to Do

Seven Mile Bridge — Landmark — Overseas Highway — United States
Landmark
Seven Mile Bridge
Nearly 11km across open water, the longest of the 42 bridges. The original Flagler Railroad bridge runs parallel, abandoned and elegant.
Bahia Honda — Nature — Overseas Highway — United States
Nature
Bahia Honda
The best beach in the Keys: silver sand beneath the old railway bridge, snorkelling on a reef just offshore, tarpon in the channel below.
Rain Barrel Village — Artisan Market — Overseas Highway — United States
Artisan Market
Rain Barrel Village
An eclectic collection of art studios and shops in Islamorada, marked by a giant lobster sculpture.
Dolphin Research Center — Wildlife Sanctuary — Overseas Highway — United States
Wildlife Sanctuary
Dolphin Research Center
A non-profit facility in Marathon offering interactive experiences with dolphins and sea lions.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum — Historic Site — Overseas Highway — United States
Historic Site
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Explore the former residence of the famed author in Key West, home to numerous six-toed cats.

Where to Eat

Harriette's Restaurant — American Diner — Overseas Highway — United States
American Diner
Harriette's Restaurant
A cozy diner in Key Largo known for its fluffy pancakes and hearty sandwiches, offering a nostalgic dining experience.
Morada Bay Beach Café — Seafood — Overseas Highway — United States
Seafood
Morada Bay Beach Café
Beachfront dining in Islamorada with fresh seafood and stunning sunset views over Florida Bay.
Alabama Jack's — Seafood — Overseas Highway — United States
Seafood
Alabama Jack's
A rustic, open-air spot on Card Sound Road famous for its conch fritters and live music.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Overseas Highway drive?

The Overseas Highway covers 230 km from start to finish.

How long does the Overseas Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Overseas Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Overseas Highway?

The recommended season for the Overseas Highway is Nov–Apr.

Where does the Overseas Highway start and end?

The Overseas Highway runs from Florida City to Key West.

What are the main stops on the Overseas Highway?

The Overseas Highway passes through Florida City, Key Largo, Islamorada.

Can I drive the Overseas Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Overseas Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Overseas Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Overseas Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Overseas Highway safe to drive?

US-1 is fully paved and suitable for any vehicle, but traffic can crawl through the Keys in peak winter and holiday periods. Hurricane season can bring closures, flood-prone sections, and gusty bridge conditions, so check forecasts and fuel up before long stretches.

What scenic tier is the Overseas Highway?

The Overseas Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.