🛣️ Driving the Florida Overseas Highway and the Best Key Lime Pie
Sunset View of the Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon, Florida
Highway 1, known as the Florida Overseas Highway, goes from the Florida mainland all the way to Key West. This remarkable 113-mile stretch of road is sometimes only bordered by a strip of sand on either side as it makes its way down to the Southernmost point of the U.S.
The Seven Mile Bridge in the Middle Keys offers views of aquamarine water as far as the eye can see. The best way to enjoy this roadway is by going slow, taking a few days to do the drive, and stopping along the way to soak in the food, drink, and local culture.
🥧 The Great Key Lime Pie Debate
Don't forget to order the Key Lime Pie for dessert. You cannot drive the Overseas Highway without participating in the search for the perfect slice. Nearly every roadside shack and five-star resort claims to serve the "World’s Best," but there is a deep culinary divide you need to know about before you order. Toppings generally fall into three camps: pillowy meringue, fresh whipped cream, or—for the absolute purists—none at all.
I love the meringue topping. There is something about the way a toasted, airy meringue cuts through the tartness of the lime that makes it the superior choice in my book. If you’re a whipped cream traditionalist or purist, we might have to agree to disagree! I’ve sampled my way from Key Largo to Key West to find the ultimate slice, and I’ll reveal my winner at the end of this journey.
🗝️ Key Largo: The Gateway to the Keys
Key Largo is the second busiest town in the Florida Keys after Key West, and the entry point into the Keys. Known as a world-class destination for scuba diving, it sits right at the edge of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Playa Largo Resort and Spa, An Autograph Collection Hotel
Our first stop was Playa Largo Resort and Spa. This is an Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott. Expect a higher price point, but the amenities are worth it. We spent two days here simply relaxing poolside. Similar to much of the Keys, there isn’t a traditional "natural beach" here, but the pool and bay views are stunning. Natural beaches don’t really exist in the Keys because the islands are built on ancient coral reefs, making the shorelines rocky. Also, the protective third-largest barrier reef in the world, which is great for diving, blocks the large waves needed to build up sand on the shoreline.
Beach at Playa Largo Resort and Spa, Key Largo, Florida
The Fish House
For a meal that comes with a side of fame, head to The Fish House Restaurant and Seafood Market. It was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and it lives up to the hype. Everything is "dock-to-table" fresh. The Fish House claims to have the authentic Florida Keys version of the Key Lime Pie—graham cracker crust, creamy, sweet, tart key lime filling, topped with lightly browned meringue. It’s our favorite spot in Key Largo, and we always start or end a trip to the Keys with a visit to The Fish House.
Quiescence Diving Services
While this trip wasn't focused on diving, as scuba divers, we can’t visit "The Diving Capital of the World" without acknowledging the water. If you do decide to get on the water, Quiescence Diving Services is the operator to go with. Unlike the massive cattle boats you see elsewhere in Key Largo, Quiescence focuses on smaller boats and a highly personalized experience.
⚓ Islamorada: History and Treasure
Islamorada is the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," and home to the History of Diving Museum and the best souvenir shopping on the Overseas Highway.
History of Diving Museum
As we drove south, we stopped at the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada. It’s packed with history, from a replica of Edmond Halley’s 1691 diving bell to modern scuba gear.
A highlight is the "Parade of Nations" exhibit. It features a massive, floor-to-ceiling wall of diving helmets from over 25 different countries. Seeing the evolution of these "heavy metal" suits really puts modern diving into perspective! Don't miss the "Treasure Room", which is filled with silver bars and artifacts recovered from Caribbean shipwrecks.
Diving Helmets, History of Diving Museum, Islamorada, Florida
Diving Helmet Selfie, History of Diving Museum, Islamorada, Florida
Pro-Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, ask about their scavenger hunt. They have miniature divers hidden throughout the exhibits that keep the kids occupied while you read the history. This is a great stop for anyone—scuba diver or not—to learn about the incredible quest to explore the undersea world.
The Lobster Trap Art Gallery
If you want to bring the spirit of the Florida Keys home with you, the Lobster Trap Art Gallery in Islamorada is a mandatory stop. This isn't your typical souvenir shop. The store’s vibe is art gallery meets rustic wharf. Even if you aren't looking for artwork, it’s worth a walk-through just to see the creative ways they’ve repurposed the tools of the lobster trade into fine art. The Lobster Trap Art Gallery is iconic for its unique gifts and local art—many pieces are framed in wood from actual lobster traps salvaged directly from the local fishing industry. It’s the perfect place to grab a piece of the Keys to take home.
Lobster Trap Art Gallery, Islamorada, Florida
Morada Bay Beach Cafe
For that "toes in the sand" experience, stop here at Morada Bay Beach Café. It’s a beautiful Mediterranean-style bistro set on a white sand beach with leaning palm trees. It’s the ultimate spot for a sunset drink. They also claim to have a Key Lime Pie that is “Hands Down Best In The Keys” with whipped torched French meringue.
🎣 Marathon: The Deep Sea Fishing Hub
Marathon, Florida, is a renowned deep-sea fishing hub in the Florida Keys, offering abundant charters to chase big game, including mahi, grouper, amberjack, and sailfish, making it an ideal destination for serious anglers.
Isla Bella Beach Resort
We stayed at the Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, and it was easily the most luxurious stay of our trip. This is an all-suite hotel with huge rooms and floor-to-ceiling ocean views. We took kayaks out for a morning paddle through the mangroves and saw sharks and dolphins right off the resort. The pool, restaurants, and amenities at the resort were fantastic. If you want to splurge, this is the spot.
Isla Bella Beach Resort from the Water, Marathon, Florida
Kayaking from Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon, Florida
Pool at Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon, Florida
Keys Fisheries
For an authentic Middle Keys meal, head to Keys Fisheries. It’s a rustic, walk-up window style spot famous for the "Lobster Reuben." It’s unpretentious and exactly what a Keys fish house should be.
🌉 The Seven Mile Bridge: Driving on the Ocean
Just past Marathon lies the Seven Mile Bridge, arguably the most iconic stretch of the entire Florida Overseas Highway, and one of the most famous spans in the U.S. This engineering marvel was originally dreamed up by Henry Flagler in the early 1900s for his "Overseas Railroad," and among the longest bridges in existence when originally built.
Driving across this roadway today is the quintessential American road trip experience. Because the bridge sits so low to the water and stretches for miles without a hint of land, you truly feel like you are gliding across the sea itself. To your right is the Gulf of Mexico, and to your left is the Atlantic Ocean—two shades of blue meeting on the horizon.
Look to the side, and you’ll see running parallel to the modern highway is the historic "Old Seven" with its rusted tracks and weathered concrete. It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight, especially when you see the gap where the bridge was "broken" to allow boat traffic.
Try to time your crossing for either golden hour or a clear, sunny midday. At noon, the sun is directly overhead, turning the water into the famous Florida Keys turquoise.
Sunset View of the Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon, Florida
Stock Island: The Local Secret
Just before you cross the final bridge into the heart of Key West, pull over at Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island. This is where you’ll find that authentic, "Old Key West" vibe. This legendary local hangout is literally tucked away in the middle of a working shipyard, where you’ll dine under a massive tiki hut, surrounded by lobster traps and sailboats, with the scent of salt air and fresh seafood in the breeze.
You can't leave without trying their namesake—the World Famous Hogfish Sandwich. Paired with a strong pour or a local brew, it’s the ultimate "island time" experience. But make sure you save room! Hogfish Bar & Grill also serves an Award-Winning Key Lime Pie. It’s the perfect end to a salty, savory meal—tart, creamy, and served with that laid-back Stock Island attitude. It’s unpretentious, breezy, and easily one of the coolest stops on the entire Overseas Highway.
🏝️ Key West: The End of the Road
We finished our journey at the Ocean Key Resort and Spa, located at "Zero Duval Street." This plantation-style hotel is right on the waterfront, and its central location made it incredibly easy to walk to almost everything. It was the perfect "home base" right in the middle of the action.
Key West is a "Southern party town" and a total shift from the quiet luxury of Marathon. Coming from the serenity of Isla Bella, the noise and energy were a bit of a shock. Most visitors come for the bars and live music, but Key West also offers unique culture and history.
The Florida Keys Wildlife
One of the first things you’ll notice is the local wildlife. Key West chickens wander the streets and bars with total confidence—remember, they have the right of way! Then there are the iguanas, which are everywhere in South Florida. During a cold front, keep an eye on the trees! Iguanas can go catatonic when temperatures drop and may fall right out of the branches. Watch your head!
Key West Chicken at Blue Heaven, Key West, Florida
Florida iguana, Playa Largo Resort and Spa, Key Largo, Florida
What to See & Do
Southernmost Point Buoy, Key West, Florida
The Southernmost Point Buoy: Taking the requisite photo at the red, white, and black buoy is a must-do. Standing there, you’re only 90 miles from Cuba! Note: The original site of the buoy, South & Whitehead Streets, is undergoing major repairs to its seawall and plaza, aiming for a late 2026 reopening. A replica buoy has been temporarily placed at 1499 Duval Street for photos.
The Harry S. Truman Little White House: Located on a Navy submarine base, this was an unexpectedly fascinating site. Harry Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, spent a lot of time in Key West, as it offered privacy and security unavailable in other vacation spots. The house is lovingly restored, making you feel like you’ve stepped back into 1940s Key West.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: Fisher was a renowned undersea treasure hunter. The museum is packed with artifacts and treasures salvaged from Caribbean shipwrecks—you can even buy an ancient coin in the gift shop.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: This is widely considered the best beach in Key West, with the clearest snorkeling—the real draw is the history. This Civil War-era fort served as a vital Union stronghold and Navy blockade point. Walking the red-brick corridors, you’ll see the nation’s largest collection of Civil War seacoast cannons. These massive guns were actually discovered buried within the walls in the 1960s and have since been excavated and restored. It is an immersive piece of American military history sitting right on the edge of the Atlantic.
📍 3 Things We Missed (But You Shouldn't!)
With only three days, it’s impossible to see everything in Key West. Here are a few spots that fit the "History & Luxury" vibe of our itinerary that is on our list for the next trip.
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum: Perhaps the most famous house in Florida. You can tour the studio where he wrote A Farewell to Arms and meet the famous six-toed (polydactyl) cats that still rule the property.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: A glass-domed tropical paradise. It’s a serene, quiet escape from the noise of Duval Street, where hundreds of butterflies fly around you.
Key West Shipwreck Museum: To complete the "maritime trilogy" with Mel Fisher and the History of Diving Museum, head here. You can climb a 65-foot lookout tower for a panoramic view of the entire island and the harbor.
🍴 Where to Eat in Key West
Key West dining is an art form, and these three stops were the highlights of our time in the Southernmost City.
Blue Heaven
This was hands-down the best place to eat in Key West. Located in the historic Bahama Village, Blue Heaven is the definition of "Key West Funky." You dine outdoors in a lush, whimsical courtyard where roosters and cats wander between the tables. It has a storied history—once home to a bordello and a boxing ring where Ernest Hemingway reportedly refereed matches. We went for brunch—the lobster benedict and homemade banana bread are legendary. They are also famous for their "Mile High" Meringue Key Lime Pie. The meringue is so tall it looks like a cloud, and it is a masterpiece for any meringue lover.
Latitudes on Sunset Key
For a true "fine dining" getaway, you have to visit Latitudes. It is located on the private island of Sunset Key, accessible only by a short, 5-minute boat journey from the Opal Key Resort & Marina.
This is the most upscale dining experience in Key West. It’s quiet, secluded, and features one of the only true white sand beaches in the area. We had a spectacular lunch under the palms. Whether you're there for the fresh Yellowtail Snapper or a Wagyu burger, the "toes in the sand" setting makes everything taste better. It is the perfect place to celebrate the end of a long road trip.
Rosé and Lunch, Latitudes, Sunset Key, Florida
Kermit’s Key Lime Shop
You can't talk about Key West without mentioning Kermit’s. We stopped here for a takeaway pie to see what the hype was about. While the shop is packed with every Key Lime product imaginable (from salsa to soap), the pie itself is a solid, traditional choice. It was quite good, though for a meringue lover like me, it didn't quite dethrone the top spot. However, if you're looking for a unique treat, try their Frozen Key Lime Pie on a Stick—dipped in dark chocolate.
🚗 5 Essential Tips for Your First Overseas Highway Drive
Mile Marker 0, Key West, Florida
If this is your first time heading south, there are a few "unwritten rules" of the Keys that will make your trip much smoother:
Learn the "Mile Marker" System: Addresses in the Keys are almost always given as a Mile Marker (MM). They start at MM 113 in Key Largo and count down to MM 0 in Key West. If a spot is "Bayside," it’s on the right as you drive south; "Oceanside" is on the left.
The "18-Mile Stretch": This is the segment of US-1 that connects the mainland to Key Largo. It is a two-lane road with zero services. Gas up and use the restroom in Florida City before you start!
Respect the Speed Limits: Especially in Big Pine Key (the Key Deer refuge) and small towns. The limits drop quickly and are strictly enforced. Don't let a ticket ruin your vacation vibes.
Pack Your Patience: There is only one road in and one road out. If there is construction or an accident, traffic will stop. Turn up the Jimmy Buffett, grab a water, and relax—you’re on island time.
Follow the Sun: Try to time your drive across the Seven Mile Bridge for midday or "Golden Hour." The colors of the water are most vibrant when the sun is high, turning the ocean into a literal neon turquoise.
🏆 The Final Verdict: The Best Key Lime Pie
Runner Up, Key Lime Pie, Blue Heaven, Key West, Florida
After 113 miles of "research," from Key Largo to Key West, the trophy goes to The Fish House in Key Largo. Between the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives restaurant approval and that piled high, perfectly toasted meringue, it simply couldn't be beaten.
While Blue Heaven in Key West is a very close runner-up for it’s atmposhere and the perfect balance of tart and sweet, The Fish House delivers the slice I’ll be dreaming about until my next trip down the Overseas Highway.
💡 Final Thoughts on the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are less of a destination and more of a state of mind. Transitioning from the quiet, upscale luxury of resorts like Isla Bella to the quirky, rooster-filled streets of Key West is what makes the Overseas Highway so special. Whether you are there for the history or the treasure, or just to settle the meringue vs. whipped cream debate, there is truly no other road trip like this in America. It’s a place where time slows down, the water stays turquoise, and there is always another slice of pie waiting at the next mile marker.
Sunset in Key West, Florida
💬 The Overseas Highway is famous for its 'island time' vibe—if you were planning this trip for the first time, would you prefer the quiet luxury of the Middle Keys, the historic energy of Key West, or maybe it’s all about the pie? Let me know in the comments!
