Why is the Overseas Highway so well travelled?
For many travelers, the journey to the Florida Keys is just as memorable as the destination itself. Stretching more than 100 miles from mainland Florida to Key West, the Overseas Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Every year, millions of visitors travel this famous route to experience turquoise water views, island towns, and the feeling of driving across the ocean.
But what makes the Overseas Highway so special? Here’s why so many people make the drive through the Florida Keys.
The Overseas Highway follows part of the original route of the Overseas Railroad, a groundbreaking railway project completed by industrialist Henry Flagler in the early 1900s. After the railroad was severely damaged by a hurricane in 1935, parts of the old rail system were transformed into the highway travelers use today.
What makes the road unique is how it connects island after island through a series of bridges stretching across the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf waters. In many areas, it feels like you’re driving directly over the sea.
The route officially begins in Florida City and continues all the way to Key West, crossing dozens of islands along the way.
The biggest reason people drive the Overseas Highway is simple: the scenery is unforgettable.
On one side of the road, you’ll see the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. On the other, calm Gulf waters stretch toward the horizon. Depending on the time of day, the water can shift between deep blue, emerald green, and crystal-clear aqua.
The drive also offers:
Unlike many road trips, the Overseas Highway feels like part of the vacation rather than just transportation.
"People don't take trips, trips take people." –John Steinbeck
One of the most famous sections of the drive is the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. For several minutes, drivers are surrounded almost entirely by open water.
The bridge has become an iconic Florida Keys landmark and is one of the most photographed parts of the route. Seeing the old railroad bridge running alongside the modern roadway adds even more character and history to the experience.
For many visitors, crossing the Seven Mile Bridge is the moment when the trip truly starts to feel special.
Another reason travelers love the Overseas Highway is that each section of the Keys has its own personality.
Driving the highway allows visitors to experience all of these destinations in a single trip.
The Overseas Highway isn’t meant to be rushed. Along the route, travelers can stop for:
Many visitors turn the drive into a full-day adventure rather than heading straight to Key West.
For road trip lovers, the Overseas Highway offers something rare: a combination of tropical scenery, engineering history, and island culture all packed into one route.
It’s not just about reaching the Florida Keys, it’s about experiencing the journey itself. Whether you’re driving for the ocean views, stopping at waterfront restaurants, or simply enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, the Overseas Highway remains one of the most unforgettable drives in America and staying in a vacation rental for.
For many travelers, driving through the Overseas Highway once is never enough.