Sleep Underwater After Driving The Road To Key West

The drive along Florida’s Overseas Highway is an iconic journey, a ribbon of asphalt seemingly suspended over turquoise waters. While the destination of Key West is a renowned draw, the stops along the way offer a rich tapestry of experiences, each with its own unique character and appeal.

Key Largo Oceanfront Adventures

Key Largo, often called “The First Key,” holds a certain cinematic allure, partly thanks to the classic film that shares its name. Visitors can step back in time at the beachfront Caribbean Club, a bar that served as a filming location and continues to offer live music and its signature Key Lime Pie Rum Punch. This spot is a gateway to the unique history and atmosphere of the region.

For an experience quite unlike any other, Jules’ Undersea Lodge offers overnight stays in an underwater bedroom. Reaching the lodge requires scuba diving, though certification is not a prerequisite. This unique accommodation provides an unparalleled opportunity to sleep surrounded by marine life, with meals, including pizza, delivered directly to the undersea room. The lodge is also associated with marine science research, adding an educational dimension to this unusual stay.

History buffs can also seek out the “African Queen,” the actual steamboat used in the Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn film. Anchored at Marina delrsquo;s Marina del Mar, this historic vessel offers scenic tours through the Port Largo Canals and out into the Atlantic. Before departing Key Largo, a visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is highly recommended. As the nation’s first underwater preserve, it provides opportunities for exploring nature trails, enjoying beaches, and experiencing the abundant marine life through snorkeling or diving.

Islamorada Angler’s Paradise

Islamorada, a collection of islands known as the “Village of Islands,” is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts. With opportunities to rent boats, hire guides, and access a wide array of fishing equipment, anglers can pursue species like sailfish, marlin, tuna, and tarpon. The area hosts high-stakes tournaments, drawing professional anglers from around the world, but also caters to recreational fishing with plentiful charter options.

Dining establishments like the Green Turtle Inn are known for their willingness to prepare a guest’s catch, offering a truly fresh seafood experience. For a more luxurious stay, the Cheeca Lodge and Spa provides oceanfront suites and direct access to fishing from its 525-foot pier. The lodge’s Atlantic’s Edge restaurant also offers to cook freshly caught fish prepared to guests’ liking.

Beyond fishing, Islamorada offers significant appeal for divers. The waters surrounding the keys are dotted with numerous reefs, providing excellent opportunities for exploration. Divers can also venture to the wreck of the Eagle, a substantial wreck suitable for experienced divers, lying between 70 and 100 feet deep. A historical treasure, the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve, contains the remains of a Spanish galleon from the 1730s, resting at about 15 feet, making it accessible even for snorkelers.

Duck Key Resort Relaxation

Located roughly halfway between Miami and Key West, Duck Key is home to Hawks Cay Resort, a sprawling property designed in a Caribbean style. This resort offers a range of amenities, including private villas, opportunities for dolphin encounters, various water sports, and fishing excursions. Recent additions also include pickleball courts with clinics for those looking to learn the popular sport.

The resort, which began as the Indies Inn in the 1950s, has been revitalized and now stands as a primary destination on the tranquil Duck Key. Renting a golf cart during a stay is recommended for exploring the key’s secluded viewpoints, observing the lush floral displays, and embracing the relaxed atmosphere. The resort’s amenities provide a self-contained vacation experience, making it an ideal stop for those seeking a leisurely break.

Big Pine Key Natural Escape

Big Pine Key, situated just a 30-minute drive from Key West, offers a distinctly different environment characterized by its significant natural beauty. Much of the island is protected land, home to national wildlife refuges and a marine sanctuary that also encompass nearby Lower Keys such as Looe Key and Big Torch Key. This focus on conservation makes Big Pine Key an ideal location for those who enjoy camping, RVing, or staying in unique accommodations like Airstream trailers.

The area is noted for its dark skies, providing exceptional views of the Milky Way, a stark contrast to the bright lights of major cities. Campgrounds like Big Pine Key Resort offer essential amenities such as bathrooms and hookups, ensuring a comfortable camping or RV experience while surrounded by natural beauty. This location appeals to visitors seeking a genuine escape and a connection with the unspoiled environment of the Keys.

Little Torch Key Ultimate Escape

For a final stop that represents the pinnacle of luxury and seclusion, Little Palm Island Resort and Spa on Little Torch Key offers an unparalleled getaway. This exclusive resort is situated on a tiny island accessible only by boat or seaplane, which can be arranged from Little Torch Key itself. The adult-only environment, free from phones and televisions, encourages a complete disconnection from the everyday world.

This resort has consistently received accolades from prestigious travel publications, recognized for its exceptional service and relaxing ambiance, making it a top choice for couples seeking a high-end retreat. The significant nightly rate reflects the exclusive experience and the meticulous attention to detail provided to guests. It stands as a secluded haven, offering a tranquil conclusion to the journey down the Keys.

Each of these stops offers a distinct facet of the Florida Keys experience, enriching the journey from Miami to its southernmost point.