Summary
- History of Diving Museum, Islamorada
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
- Theater of the Sea, Islamorada
- Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada
- Dolphin Research Center, Marathon
- Crane Point Hammock, Marathon
- Turtle Hospital, Marathon
- Pigeon Key, Marathon
- Bahia Honda State Park, Bahia Honda Key
- National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key
- Hovercraft Tours, Key Largo
- The African Queen, Key Largo
The 150-mile drive from Miami to Key West takes approximately 3.5 hours and is an essential experience for any traveler. However, instead of rushing straight to Mallory Square and mile marker zero, you can enjoy numerous fascinating stops along the way. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the most remarkable attractions as you travel along the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys, arranged in the order that you’ll encounter them while driving south.
History of Diving Museum, Islamorada
Address:
82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036-3600, USA
Phone: +1 305-664-9737
If you enjoy diving, the History of Diving Museum is a must-visit. This museum features fascinating exhibits, including vintage diving helmets and a historical overview of SCUBA diving over the past 200 years. Moreover, the museum highlights South Florida’s underwater treasure hunting, making it an insightful stop for any diving enthusiast. Located at mile marker 83 (Bayside).
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Address:
93600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, USA
Phone: +1 305-852-4486
Situated at mile marker 93.6 (Bayside) in Tavernier, this center focuses on rehabilitating injured birds and safely returning them to their natural habitat. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe the bird patients along the boardwalk and in the surrounding waterways.
Theater of the Sea, Islamorada
Address:
84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
Phone: +1 305-664-2431
This marine animal park provides an engaging experience with daily performances featuring dolphins, sea lions, and parrots, as well as opportunities to swim with these marine creatures. Though general admission grants access to shows and a boat ride, special activities incur additional costs. This attraction can be found at mile marker 84.5 (Oceanside).
Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada
Address:
77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
Phone: +1 305-664-8070
Robbie’s Marina epitomizes the ‘Old Keys’ roadside charm, complete with the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, a flea market, art showcases, dive and fishing charters, and rental opportunities for boats. Furthermore, for a small fee, you can feed wild tarpon off the marina dock. Located at mile marker 77.5 (Bayside).
Dolphin Research Center, Marathon
Address:
58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050-6019, USA
Phone: +1 305-289-1121
At this nonprofit facility, visitors can engage in dolphin encounters and attend classes on dolphin training or research. It also houses a variety of bottlenose dolphins, providing enriching interaction opportunities. This center is located at mile marker 59 (Bayside).
Crane Point Hammock, Marathon
Address:
5550 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050-2713, USA
Phone: +1 305-743-9100
Discover Keys history at this nonprofit museum and nature center. Explore scenic nature paths and tour the historic Adderley House, which stands as the oldest surviving house in the Keys. The museum also features an interactive children’s activity area, making it family-friendly. Located at mile marker 50 (Bayside).
Turtle Hospital, Marathon
Address:
2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050-2232, USA
Phone: +1 305-743-2552
Guided tours at this facility introduce visitors to its important work in rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles. Highlights include a 100,000-gallon turtle tank where you can observe these majestic creatures. The facility is located at mile marker 48.5 (Bayside).
Pigeon Key, Marathon
Address:
1090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Phone: +1 305-743-5999
Historically, Pigeon Key served as a work camp for Flagler Railroad workers. Today, visitors can reach this small island by walking, biking, or taking a tram from the Marathon end of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. With one admission price covering museum access, ferry rides, and guided tours of the workers’ barracks, this attraction also invites visitors to snorkel from its beaches. Located at mile marker 47 (Bayside) beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Bahia Honda State Park, Bahia Honda Key
Address:
Florida 33043-3517, USA
Phone: +1 305-872-2353
While Key West boasts a vibrant atmosphere, it lacks exceptional beaches. Fortunately, Bahia Honda State Park offers some of the finest beaches in the area. In addition to relaxing on sandy shores, the park attracts snorkelers, campers, and nature lovers, with rental cabins available. Activities like bird-watching, biking, and boating are also popular. The park is located at mile marker 37 on Bahia Honda Key, with entry fees varying based on group size and vehicle type.
National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key
Address:
30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, USA
Phone: +1 305-872-0774
The National Key Deer Refuge encompasses 84,000 acres of forests and wetlands, providing habitat for about 800 Key Deer, a unique stunted subspecies of white-tailed deer. Visitors can hike various nature trails while enjoying the beautiful scenery and observing local wildlife, including the Blue Hole — a flooded former quarry located near the park’s visitor center. This refuge is found at mile marker 30 (Oceanside) in Big Pine Key.
Hovercraft Tours, Key Largo
Hovercraft Tours provides an exhilarating way to explore Blackwater Sound and Lake Surprise, gliding over the water on a cushion of air. This rare experience is suitable for all ages, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the Upper Keys from a unique perspective. The vessel, Lady Hawke, can reach speeds of up to 32 knots and navigate shallow areas where traditional boats cannot. Tour durations range from 15 minutes to two hours.
Departures take place near the Caribbean Club at Mile Marker 104.
The African Queen, Key Largo
Address:
99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037-4324, USA
Phone: +1 305-451-8080
The iconic African Queen riverboat, famous from the film featuring Bogart and Hepburn, is back in service after extensive renovation and offers daily canal cruises around Key Largo. This historic site, originally built in 1912, provides a fascinating glimpse into maritime history while offering scenic excursions, including dinner cruises and private charters.
