The Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway
4.5
About
This scenic 113-mile-long highway is a part of U.S. Route 1 and connects the entire length of the Keys over 42 bridges.
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- LAW64Tonbridge, United Kingdom1,780 contributionsFascinating driveWe drove from Key Largo to Key West, spent some time in Key West and then drove back to Key Largo in a day. Reading some of the reviews I can see that we were fortunate not to be held up in traffic from any accidents. Most of the road is single lane only and the traffic was all going at a steady speed. We made sure not to drive back in the dark as most of the road is unlit. I had always wanted to do this drive - it was beautiful in parts but also in parts was a bit tacky and you could have been driving down any normal lane with commercial units on either side. But it is great to have experienced it. You don't get much notice where there is a pull off place to admire the view so you might want to research best places to stop and then be careful to give yourself enough time to get off the highway.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 11, 2024
- Travel25346533585939 contributionsGet a Convertible Rental Car. The Drive is Infinitely BetterWe did this Drive from Miami to Key West as part of an Anniversary Vacation. Don't cheat yourself. Drive slow and watch for small Beach Signs along the way. Most Important, get a Convertible Rental Car to enjoy this Adventure to the Fullest.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- GoVols79Chattanooga, Tennessee3,918 contributionsOverseas HighwayOur family loved driving the Overseas Highway down to Key West. We thought the entire drive was over bridges and narrow islands where you could see the water from both sides but actually much of the trip through the islands looks as if you are driving through any Florida beach town. The seven mile bridge was definitely a highlight and we stopped to walk some of the pedestrian bridge. Other places we stopped included John Pennekamp State Park, Snooks Bayside and the Fish House in Key Largo, Rain Barrel Village, Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory and Robbie’s in Islamorada.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 20, 2024
- Elley65Cary, Illinois12 contributionsScenic! Had a great time driving it in a 2024 Mustang Convertible!Had a great time! Stopped at the end and walked the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key and back. No shade so do early in morning. Take water with you. Can look over into water- we saw Stingray, sharks, pelicans.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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635
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130
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42
Shawni_and_Buck
Dubuque, IA6,166 contributions
Mar 2019
This was our second time driving the overseas highway as we went this time with our friends and teen boys, and we wanted them to have this experience as well. Plan for lots of time to enjoy the road and sites along the way and still be in Key West (or wherever you are spending the night) before dark. Starting early morning and leisurely making your way South will give you a little taste. If you really want to explore, pick an overnight place part of the way and then again in Key West (Islamorada is a favorite of ours where you can usually find some reasonably priced rooms or splurge at one of the resorts - FYI: Book any rooms you need in the area far in advance and know The Keys are expensive). The Overseas Highway is just one of the many, many things we love about this area. We would definitely recommend this drive and would do it over and over again ourselves as there is so much to see along this stretch.
**When we last did this drive, there was still damage from Irma, which was so sad to see.
**When we last did this drive, there was still damage from Irma, which was so sad to see.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldFloridaGuy
Lakeland, FL40 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
In the interest of full disclosure, if you expect to make good time driving the Overseas Highway you will be disappointed and frustrated. My strong advice: Relax, enjoy the spectacular views and immerse your psyche in the island vibe. For the most part, the highway—US Highway 1—is 2-lane and runs through all the island towns in the Keys, meaning that the traffic feels more like local traffic than open highway driving. The many bridges offer the most dramatic views of the endless expanses of beautiful Caribbean waters. Along the way are numerous parks, picnic spots and historic sites to visit. The highway is well-maintained AND well patrolled by Monroe County deputies. Though most damage from Hurricane Irma has been repaired, the toll the storm exacted on the mangroves and other vegetation—particularly in the Lower Keys—is still apparent.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil J
Shakopee, MN117 contributions
Mar 2020
What a great drive....speed limit is 45 mph and very few spots to pass anyone so allow plenty of time. Those who have fear of high bridges or narrow roads....fear not as this is an easy road to drive.....spoken from someone who hates high bridges over big expanses!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann K
13 contributions
Feb 2020
This drive was on my bucket list. A great drive and lots of fun on the road down. We played at many stops on the way through as many Keys as possible. Great trip. Do your homework and find fun little places to stop.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWHillValley
Seffner, FL200 contributions
Jan 2020
Kind of hard to review a 7 mile bridge. Depending on the day you go over it, it can be a different experience. What do I mean? Time of day and the way the sun shines on the water will give you a different view. Everyone needs to try it once.
Recommendation to people who are flexible with the day you travel across. Try weekdays/off-season. If you are going to Key West and not going for a special event, check on what may be going on. Traffi backs up a lot. Weekends and busy times with events cause more traffic on all the keys. Limited sections have passing lanes.
Recommendation to people who are flexible with the day you travel across. Try weekdays/off-season. If you are going to Key West and not going for a special event, check on what may be going on. Traffi backs up a lot. Weekends and busy times with events cause more traffic on all the keys. Limited sections have passing lanes.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunshineFL221
Boynton Beach, FL218 contributions
Dec 2020
Basically this was the reason for our trip - to drive the overseas highway. The route itself was not as well "labeled" as I would have liked so I recommend picking up a guide book or app. We used the GyPSy App which uses your GPS location to provide narrative and knows if you stay on course or take a side trip. It was wonderful. I usually doze when my husband drives but I stayed awake the who tri. It starts by the MIA airport and goes all the way to and through Key West. We made a few stops but noted others for a future trip. On the return trip we wanted to stop at a state park. Three were full but you didn't find our until you turned in and got to the ranger station. It would have been nice to have additional advanced notice.
I had just finished reading a historical novel callled Last TRain to Key WEst and so it was fun to see the sites mentioned in the book.
I had just finished reading a historical novel callled Last TRain to Key WEst and so it was fun to see the sites mentioned in the book.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heywoodya
Wenatchee, WA138 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The last time I visited the Florida Keys was in 1969. A lot has changed since then, but the scenery is still pretty amazing. This Overseas Highway drive should be on your bucket list, even if you just want to make the trip to Key West, turn around and come right back. The best drive is south in the late afternoon to catch one of the amazing Florida sunsets.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidelberg_Mike
Dallas, TX58 contributions
Aug 2020
Although I am glad we chose to land in Miami and drive to Key West, the drive is more demanding than it appears. To get from the airport and out of the urban area takes a long time due to traffic lights every few blocks on Route 1. After that, the single-file driving will get to you after a few hours. Despite only being 110 miles it takes considerable time to get to Key West. I would recommend a full day be reserved for the drive in order to be able to make stops and fully appreciate what all the route has to offer.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LittlePaint
Urbandale, IA745 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The colors of the water on both sides of the highway are mesmerizing... Stop, get out, and soak them in.
The old bridge was cool to see and they are currently doing some restoration work on it, including painting the beams. I hope some is left in it's current condition, though. It's beauty comes from it's history.
Stressful... I drive a 25' motor coach. Not huge, but a challenge to get on and off the highway during heavy traffic.... Even if you're not trying to cross a lane of traffic. Don't be in a hurry, and you'll be fine.
The old bridge was cool to see and they are currently doing some restoration work on it, including painting the beams. I hope some is left in it's current condition, though. It's beauty comes from it's history.
Stressful... I drive a 25' motor coach. Not huge, but a challenge to get on and off the highway during heavy traffic.... Even if you're not trying to cross a lane of traffic. Don't be in a hurry, and you'll be fine.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim
Tampa, FL13 contributions
Jul 2020
We've had friends take the ferry from Ft. Meyers t Key West. I will always drive from central Florida. The Overseas Highway offers amazing views and the colors of the water is beautiful. The traffic typically moves and when it slows, it's still worth it.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! I would love to NOT rent a car for our trip to there Keys. But I would like to travel from Islamorada to Marathon for a day, Key West for a day and Key Largo for a day. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get around without a car?
Written January 2, 2022
That's going to be kind of hard to do I don't know if you can get ahold of Uber or a taxi we always get to our destination and then rent scooters especially down in Key West there's no parking four cars anywhere
Written January 3, 2022
Traveler72
Franklin, Tennessee
Hi,
I plan to rent a car and drive from the Miami airport to key west and back. I have a few questions. Would you purchase your own sun pass or pay $9/day from the rental company? We plan to stay 2-3 nights at oceans edge and 4-5 nights in key largo at a resort.
Also, would you suggest making the drive from key west back to key largo on Saturday or Sunday?
Thanks!
Written June 20, 2020
You can purchase the sticker-type (cannot be moved between vehicles) SunPass for $5.00. When you set up your SunPass account, they credit you $5.00 in tolls, so it is virtually free. Simply remove the SunPass from the rental car when you return the vehicle and cancel your online account. Frankly, $9 per day is a rip off. SunPass can be purchased at thousands of locations and all toll road rest areas.
Written June 24, 2020
How long is the drive from Miami? Thx
Written October 13, 2019
Took us about 3 hours each way. It is one lane in each direction and the highest speed limit is 55. Passes though many island towns with traffic lights. Not the drive for someone in a hurry. So plan for a minimum of 3 hours. Holidays are slower.
Written October 16, 2019
What are best stops at overseas highway while going to key west and coming back to Miami for photography.
Written July 13, 2019
Crane point in Marathon is a great place for pictures and sunset pictures on Bahia Honda old bridge is breathtaking
Written July 26, 2019
We are renting a car in Miami and driving down to Key West. The car rental charges for every day we have a Sun Pass. Are there any tolls that I need to worry about? Some sites say I need to take the Turnpike before I get on the Overseas Highway. Please advise. Thanks!!
Written March 14, 2019
You need to have the SunPass to go down the FL turnpike extension (HEFT) to Homestead. After Homestead you will be on US1 (South Dixie Highway) which has no tolls all the way to Key West. The toll-free option from Miami would be US1 (South Dixie Highway) from Miami to Key West. Be aware that the speed limit, for the most-part) is 45mph from Homestead to Key West.
Written March 16, 2019
The speed limit through the Keys is anywhere from 35mph to 55mph. Remember this is a long drive going through areas of population to others of almost no population. It’s a highway over the ocean. Some areas have two lanes going each way and others are one lane each way. It will take you almost three hours to drive through the Keys. Parts are picturesque beautiful and others are desolate nothingness and others strips of shopping centers with tourist offerings.
Written November 1, 2018
shayden111
Lake Elsinore, California
10/2/18 can I drive my 40 ft. Long RV to Key West?
Written October 2, 2018
Hi, would you recommend this route for a new driver? I have a license but have had it only for 2 weeks and never driven on the freeways before but driven on plenty of non-city highways with speed limits 65mph.
Midwestern girl visiting a big traffic filled city so its got me nervous.
Written August 31, 2018
Generally not a busy road, unless it is a holiday. Speed limit is at most 55. Passes through many small island towns. Beautiful drive and easy to get distracted. Good idea to plan to stop from time to time to enjoy the scenery, rather than risk getting into an accident. Overall about as much traffic as a secondary highway in the Midwest...just slower.
Written September 21, 2020
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