The one-of-a-kind Florida Keys Scenic Highway connects the world-famous island-hopping Florida Keys along U.S. 1 to Mile Marker 1. Surrounded by the majestic Atlantic Ocean and the gentle turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Highway takes you through some of the nation's most spectacular scenery featuring palm trees, tropical beaches, sandy roadsides and the amazing views of sunrise, sunsets and sparkling stars. Along the way you'll be crossing forty-three bridges over the sea, including the stunning Seven Mile Bridge, one of the highest points in the Florida Keys, with spectacular views. The route also boasts over 20 shore- and sea-based light stations and lighthouses, some in place since the 1800s. A road trip down Florida Keys is a great opportunity for adventure-seekers to explore underwater archaeological sites and enjoy world-class fishing, diving, water sports, and tropical atmosphere.

There are some interesting cities to explore along the 106.5 miles of Florida Keys with plenty of places to buy food, gas up and stay overnight. Make sure you stop in Key Largo for some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys. In Islamorada you'll discover why it is known as the sport fishing capital of the world. The heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon, offers many great vacation resorts. Big Pine Key is a great place to visit to enjoy great boating or diving and snorkeling at Looe Key. Be sure to check out a host of sites and attractions in Key West, the Southernmost Point in the continental USA.

This route is loaded with cultural, historical, natural and recreational attractions and points of interest. If you like museums, you can visit Lighthouse Museum & Keepers Quarters Museum, the Natural History Museum at Crane Point Hammock MM 50., or one of the shipwreck museums. If you're up for some adventure, you may want to dive shipwrecks in the island waters under the supervision of experienced tour guides. Don't forget to check out the State parks that lie near the byway, one of them, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is America's first undersea park. Glass bottom boat tours are available here on the "Spirit of Pennekamp," the park's glass bottom catamaran. There are also tones of places along this route that offer great reef snorkeling or diving opportunities.