Florida Keys Highway Length

The overseas highway is the spine of the florida keys the lifeblood of a 113 mile chain of islands to which three million visitors flock every year most by car bus or recreational vehicle.

Florida keys highway length. The florida keys overseas highway is 113 miles in length joining the mainland of florida starting in florida city just south of homestead to key west. Tropical fish crabs jellyfish sea birds and other animals make their home in the mangroves so be on the lookout for local wildlife on your eco adventure. Here s what to expect. September to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds.

The florida keys are open but restrictions apply. The highway is florida s only all american road a distinction awarded by the federal highway. The keys were originally inhabited by the calusa and tequesta tribes and were charted by juan ponce de león in 1513. There are hundreds of islands also called keys that make up the.

The scenic overseas highway is. The florida keys scenic highway florida s only all american road stretches 110 miles across the alluring islands of the florida keys conjures up many imagines in the minds of its travelers palm trees swaying in the tropical breezes miles of ocean vistas recreational adventures to delight and enchant and an island culture unparalleled in the world. The florida keys highway starts at the southern tip of florida near miami and continues from key largo to key west. Key is derived from the spanish word cayo meaning small island for many years key west was the largest town in florida and it grew prosperous on wrecking revenues.

Learn about the geology of the florida keys and the region s coastal environment as you paddle shallow back country waters with a guide. How to get around. If you drove directly from key largo to key west it would take you roughly 2 5 hours traveling distance of 100 miles. In 2009 the overseas highway was named an all american road by the national scenic byways program administered by the federal highway administration.

110 miles and 43 keys. The keys highway is the only all american road in florida. The first key you ll hit along the overseas highway is key largo if you re in need stretch your legs stop at the florida keys overseas heritage trail spanning mile markers mm 54 5 to 58 5 bayside the eight foot wide grassy key bikeway is landscaped and furnished with a split rail fence as well as bollards to prohibit automobile access. The designation was announ.

It s the highest recognition possible under the national scenic byways program established by the u s. Route 1 us 1 through the florida keys to key west large parts of it were built on the former right of way of the overseas railroad the key west extension of the florida east coast railway completed in 1912 the overseas railroad was heavily damaged and partially destroyed in the 1935 labor day hurricane.