Florida Keys Scenic Highway

The first undersea park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling.

Rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced. Provides or locates a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released and educates the public on the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species. Sanctuary sits on five acres of bay front with a variety of habitats, flora, fauna and over 100 birds.

In 2002, the Key Largo community rallied to sink the 510-foot retired Navy ship as the backbone of a new reef ecosystem six miles offshore.

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Beach is handicap accessible.

A 90 minute, fully narrated, sight seeing tours operation out of Key West with twelve stops for on/off re-boarding.

Formed of Key Largo limestone, fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. After the railroad was built, the quarry was used until the 1960s to produce exquisite pieces of decorative stone called Keystone. Today, visitors can walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls to see cross sections of the ancient coral and learn about the quarry and its operation, an important part of Florida's 20th century history. Samples of the quarry machinery have been preserved at the park. Visitors can enjoy the natural attributes of this island while strolling five short self-guided trails. The Visitor Center features educational exhibits about the history of this site.

Over a span of forty years, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer acquired one of the world’s largest collections of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessory gear, plus memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. Their passion took them to virtually every corner of the world and the Museum’s collection now represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history. As their research evolved and collections grew, the Bauers were inspired by the idea of using their collection—which had become one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world—as the basis for a museum to share their knowledge and passion for diving history with the public.

Take a walk back in time through our 63 acres of hardwood hammock. Crane Point Museum & Nature Center is a non-profit organization in Marathon, Florida in the heart of the Fabulous Florida Keys featuring a museum of natural history and beautiful nature trails throughout a 63-acre hardwood hammock. This nature reserve contains evidence of pre-Columbian civilization and was once the site of an Indian village. Fish pedicures, geocaching, plant nursery, birding, Marathon Wild Bird Center and more.

Featuring an award-winning beach and historic bridge, Bahia Honda State Park at mile marker 37 in the Florida Keys has become a favorite destination for visitors to our island paradise. The park, encompassing over 500 acres and an offshore island offers some of the best snorkeling and beachcombing in Florida. The concession service provider offers a complete gift shop, snack bar, kayak rentals and daily snorkeling tours to the fabulous Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.

Extensive collection of artifacts from 17th century shipwrecks, such as the Henrietta Marie, Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita.[1] Also included are the shipwrecks and artifacts of The Santa Clara, a Conquistador-era galleon (1564), The Guerrero & Nimble. A rotating gallery exists on the second floor of the museum and is currently displaying an exhibit or artifacts belonging to Cuban Rafters, Balseros, who arrive to Key West in hand-crafted vessels. Terrestrial archaeological sites include The African Cemetery of Key West, located on Higgs Beach.

The Center features over 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits including a mock-up of Aquarius, the world's only underwater ocean laboratory. Colorful marine artwork depicting the deep sea, coral reef, and mangrove shoreline decorates the outside wall of the Center. Explore exhibits interpreting the ecology of Keys' habitats, from the upland pinelands through the hardwood hammock and beach dune. Travel down to the mangrove shoreline, where you can enter the sea to learn about the seagrass flats, hardbottom, coral reef, and deep-shelf communities. Stop in the Center’s theater to catch “Reflections of the Florida Keys,” a short film on the diverse ecosystem of the Florida Keys by renowned filmmaker Bob Talbot. Be sure to check out the Mote Marine Laboratory Living Reef exhibit, which includes a 2,500-gallon reef tank with living corals and tropical fish and other displays that highlight the coral reef environment.

Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for ten years. During that time, he wrote seventy percent of his lifetime works. Visit this National Historic Landmark, Literary Landmark and recognized by the Library of Congress for its importance in U.S. History. Grand Architecture, Lush Gardens, Educational Tours, Book Store/Gift Shop and the world-famous Poly dactyl (six-toed cats).

Starting on U.S. Route 1 near Jewfish Creek, where the byway separates from the mainland Florida. As you approach Key Largo, stop at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Explore the 30,000 gallon aquarium or experience marine life via a glass-bottom boat tour. For those who want to get even closer to these astonishing marine creatures and reefs, take a scuba or diving excursion!

Continue for about 16 miles along Route 1 to the town of Islamorada for a true feel of life on the Keys. History lovers will enjoy a trip to the History of Diving Museum or the Indian Key State Historic Site. If you’re interested in fishing, this town has many opportunities for exciting water excursions.

As you drive along the byway, stop in one of the many key towns such as Layton, Key Colony Beach, and Marathon for a taste of the Keys. Keep an eye out for some of the Key’s specialities such as Key West Pink Shrimp, Conch Fritters, Stone Crabs, Hogfish, Key Lime Pie, and more.

After a filling lunch, discover the famous Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon. The bridge connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys and was among the longest bridges in the world when it was built. Although cars now use a new bridge, be sure to stop at the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which is one the National Register of Historic Places with it’s world famous fishing pier, jobbing, and walking route.

The byway continues from the Seven Mile Bridge for 38 miles to Key West. Enjoy stunning sites of the Atlantic Ocean along the way and uncover the unrivaled beauty of the Florida Keys. If you are a fan of museums, be sure to stop by the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum, the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers’ Quarters Museum, and the Schooner Western Union Maritime Museum at Key West’s Historic Seaport. As the day comes to a close, head to the Mallory Square Dock for the nightly Sunset Celebration, a classic Key West Attraction featuring musicians, arts and crafts, jugglers, psychics, and more.