The 150-mile, 3.5-hour drive from Miami to Key West is something that every traveler should experience at least once, but there's no need to jet straight through to Mallory Square and mile marker zero when there's so much to see along the way. Here are some of the best stops to make as you follow the Overland Highway through the Keys, listed in the order that you will encounter them on your drive south.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Tavernier
Located at Overland Highway mile marker 93.6 (bayside) in Tavernier, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is dedicated to rehabilitating injured birds and returning them to the wild. Visitors can visit the 'patients' along the center's boardwalk and in the nearby waterways.
Theater of the Sea, Islamorada
Sort of a down-home Sea World, this marine animal park offers daily performances (such as dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows) as well as an opportunity to swim with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. General admission covers the shows and a bottomless boat ride; "swim-with" activities are extra, as is the four-hour snorkel adventure tour. Located at mile marker 84.5 (oceanside) in Islamorada.
History of Diving Museum, Islamorada
If you like diving -- and for many people, snorkeling and scuba are the main attractions on a Florida Keys visit -- then you'll love the History of Diving Museum. Exhibits include antiques and artifacts relating the story of undersea exploration -- including vintage diving helmets -- a display on the 200-year history of SCUBA, and a special focus on South Florida underwater treasure hunting. Located at mile marker 83 (bayside) in Islamorada.
Robbie's Marina, Islamorada
'Old Keys' style roadside stop features the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, a flea-market, occasional art shows and other events, dive and fishing charters, tours and boat rentals, and the opportunity (for a small fee) to feed some wild tarpon off the marina dock. Located at mile marker 77.5, bayside in Islamorada.
Dolphin Research Center, Marathon
Nonprofit center offers dolphin encounters as well as classes on becoming a dolphin trainer or researcher. Interact with a resident population of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Located at mile marker 59 (bayside) in Marathon.
Crane Point Hammock, Marathon
Visitors to this nonprofit museum and nature center can learn about Keys history, explore nature paths, and tour the Marathon Wild Bird Center. The historic Adderley House was built by Bahamian immigrants in 1903 and is the oldest surviving house in the Keys outside Key West. The museum includes a children's activity center. Located at mile marker 50 (bayside) in Marathon.
Turtle Hospital, Marathon
Guided tours introduce visitors to this working animal hospital and rehabilitation dedicated to saving sick and injured sea turtles, including loggerheads, hawksbills, green, leatherhead, and Kemp's Ridley turtles. A highlight is the 100,000-gallon turtle tank, formerly a hotel swimming pool, where you can see turtles large and small being cared for. Located at mile marker 48.5 (bayside) in Marathon.
Pigeon Key, Marathon
Once a work camp for Flagler Railroad workers, Pigeon Key is located under a segment of the Old Seven Mile Bridge and can be reached by walking, biking, or taking a tram from the Marathon end of the former railroad bridge. Pay-one-price admission to the small island includes museum admission, ferry rides, and tours of the railway workers' barracks. Visitors can snorkel off the island's beaches. Located at mile marker 47 (bayside) beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon.
Bahia Honda State Park, Bahia Honda Key
Key West is known for many things, but great beaches isn't one of them. Fortunately, some of the best beaches in the country is located relatively close by, at Bahia Honda State Park. In addition to sunbathing on sandy shores, the park is popular with snorkelers and campers -- it even has vacation cabins for rent. Birding, biking and boating are other options for visitors. Located at mile marker 37, on Bahia Honda Key. Fee for entry based on number of people in party and vehicle type.
National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key
800 diminutive Key Deer -- a stunted subspecies of white-tailed deer -- inhabit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, an 84,000-acre wildlife refuge that includes forest, wetlands, and other wilderness areas. Visitors can hike nature trails and observe the deer and other wildlife, including those inhabiting the Blue Hole -- a flooded former quarry -- near the park's visitor's center. Located at mile marker 30 (oceanside) in Big Pine Key.
Image courtesy of Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau
By Robert Curley, About.com Guide
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