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The Florida Keys & Key West Travel Guide – Things to Do In the Upper Keys and Lower Keys
Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key |The Dolphin Research Center |John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park |Bahia Honda State Park – MM37 |Seven Mile Bridge MM40-47 |Theatre of the Sea – MM84.5 |National Key Deer Refuge |The Dry Tortugas National Park of the Florida Keys |Seaplanes of Key West
For assistance in planning Florida Keys activities you may contact us at concierge@oceankey.com.
Whether you choose to fly to Key West or enjoy the scenic drive, just the travel experience on your way to the Florida Keys and Key West alone is an adventure. We have compiled a Florida Travel Guide below with links to web sites and information on points of interest for planning the perfect Florida Keys Vacation. If you choose to drive, there are many unique and beautiful sites to visit along the route in Florida from Miami to Key West. The main road is US1, which runs through all of South Florida and stretches from Miami to Key West. It is about a 130 mile drive... The first Key south of Miami is Key Biscayne; the next major Key is Key Largo, starting at Mile Marker 106, with US1 ending at the Post Office in Key West at Mile Marker 0.
US1 in the Upper Keys and Lower Keys in Florida is also known as The Overseas Highway, and locations are sometimes marked and classified by the name of the Key, and the Mile Markers, with the numbers decreasing as you head south through the upper keys and lower keys to Key West, increasing as you head North to Miami, with Mile Marker 0 ending at the Post Office in Key West.
As you travel through the Florida Keys, you will find that most locals will give you directions in terms of the Key and Mile Marker location on US1. If you see a location with say MM59 that means traveling either North or South on the Overseas Highway, around MM (Mile Marker) 59 would be the location of The Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key.
Below are some interesting and fun places to visit along US1 between Miami and Key West that are of interest.
Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key, Florida
Don’t forget to visit our sister Noble House Hotels resort, the exclusive award winning luxury island resort known as Little Palm Island in Little Torch Key! It is a must see! Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is the quintessential island paradise. Whether arrival is by yacht or seaplane, this all inclusive resort welcomes you to one of thirty thatched-roof oceanfront bungalow suites. Set in the Florida Keys but evoking a South Pacific isle feel, nary a distraction is allowed - no televisions, telephones nor children. Find every activity that your heart desires from exciting water sports or beachside respites, indulgent dining or spa experiences and relax to your soul's content. Visit the web site at www.littlepalmisland.com.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
28500 Overseas Highway
Little Torch Key, FL 33042
Phone: 800.343.8567
The Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center
58901 Overseas Highway MM59
Grassy Key, FL 33050-6019
USA
(305) 289-0002 (program reservations)
(305) 289-1121 (offices)
The DRC is one of the first dolphin research facilities ever built to learn and study about almost every thing concerning the bottle nosed dolphin. You can even “Get Wet with a Dolphin”. Reservations are required, and details can be obtained by calling the program reservations number above for details. Visit the Dolphin Research Center web site at: http://www.dolphins.org/
Bahia Honda State Park – MM37
Located in the shadow of The Seven Mile Bridge, is Bahia Honda State Park. Whether your visit here is short or long, dry or wet, it will not soon be forgotten. Bring your bathing suit and that book you’ve been wanting to read, and relax at what Conde Nast in 1992 called the “best beach in the continental US”. Camping is also available, along with other activities.
You can visit the Bahia Honda Park web site at: http://www.bahiahondapark.com/
Seven Mile Bridge MM40-47
The Seven Mile Bridge is another scenic place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of The Florida Keys it occupies. As you drive over its tallest point, you have just experienced the highest point in the Florida Keys. With plenty of places to park and sightsee all it has to offer, it is also a nice scenic relaxing break in the 106 mile drive between Key Largo and Key West.
The Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry
240 Margaret Street
Key West, FL 33040
Telephone: +1 800 634 0939
This national park, which is made up of seven islands located almost 70 miles, 112.9 km, west of Key West, is the farthest-at-sea national facility in the continental US and home to the historic Fort Jefferson. A 100 foot catamaran called 'The Yankee Freedom II', will take you on a round trip visit to the Dry Tortugas National Park. The Yankee Freedom II features twin bow observation pulpits and a main deck large enough to walk around, plus an air-conditioned cabin with galley and bar. Dine on a complimentary breakfast on board and a complimentary picnic buffet at Fort Jefferson. Your journey includes a free, guided tour. This is an all-day event, departing at 8am and returning about 5:30pm. Visit the Fast Cat Ferry website at: http://www.fastcatferry.com/index.htm
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 102.5
Key Largo, FL 33037
Hours: 8a-5p M-Su
The Website for the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park gives you a complete overview of all the activities available with your visit. From picnicking, camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, to glass bottom boat tours, you can experience a living coral reef and its surroundings, and the wildlife and sea life it supports. To see all the activities, go to the John Pennekamp Park web site at:http://www.pennekamppark.com/
Theatre of the Sea – MM84.5
U.S. 1 at MM 84.5, Islamorada
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm (ticket office closes at 4pm). Reservations a must.
Telephone: 305/664-2431
THEATER OF THE SEA is an educational and entertaining marine animal park where performances are up close and personal and marine animals live in natural saltwater lagoons. We offer several animal interaction programs enabling guests to get up close and personal with our dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. Visit the Theatre of The Sea web site at: http://www.theaterofthesea.com/
National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge
28950 Watson Boulevard
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Hours: Dawn-dusk M-Su
The National Key Deer Refuge is located on Big Pine Key. Location: The refuge is located 100 miles southwest of Miami and 30 miles northeast of Key West, FL along U.S. #1. Headquarters is on Big Pine Key in the Big Pine Key Plaza off Key Deer Boulevard. Visit the Key Deer in their natural habitat. You can also visit the National Key Deer web site at: http://www.fws.gov/nationalkeydeer/
The Dry Tortugas National Park of the Florida Keys
The Dry Tortugas National Park of the Florida Keys, is another memorable Florida Keys experience, but is only accessible to visit by plane or boat. If you left your plane or boat at home, below are a few ways to get to see the Dry Tortugas National Park, along with the Dry Tortugas National Park home page on the web site athttp://www.dry.tortugas.national-park.com/
Seaplanes of Key West
Seaplanes of Key West fly daily to
Dry Tortugas National Park and Historic Fort Jefferson.
For more information, visit the Sea Planes of Key West website at:http://www.seaplanesofkeywest.com/