Mile Markers: 112- 91…sounds about right. Key Largo!!
Keep heading south and off the main land and you'll get there, Key Largo.
At the end of the Florida turnpike is route 1; keep going on the “18-mile” stretch (MMs 126-108) of the Overseas Highway
(US-1) that brought you in from Florida City,
or
the scenic, back-roads route along
Card Sound Road (MM 126.5 heading south, MM 106.5 heading north).
If you came
in on US-1, if you have a bit of extra time, take Card Sound Road when you go to leave- especially if there is traffic. You be glad you did!
Just 25 miles longer, You’ll see the Florida Keys of yesteryear as you
navigate past old fishing shacks; spot birds and other wildlife in and around
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; There is a $1.00 to pay at the Card Sound Road toll on your way in, or out of the Keys.
As you journey into Key Largo on the 18-mile stretch you may
spot a variety of birds and other wildlife. This area is bordered by the
Everglades National Park, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and other
waterways that are teaming with life. You may catch glimpse of a great blue
heron, a roseate spoonbill, or any number of interesting critters such as the
river otter and Everglades mink. You may also want to keep an eye out for
alligators, or giant non-native Burmese pythons- which have recently begun to
inhabit the area (scary stuff!). Continuing your drive you will venture over
the recently revamped Jewfish Creek Bridge (MM 108), which offers an
unobstructed view of Lake Surprise and opportunities to see large ospreys
nesting high above the water (oceanside).
Please remember to ALWAYS be alert
when travelling this stretch of road into Key Largo. While the scenery is
indeed alluring, the drive can be dangerous. Wait for designated passing zones
when trying to pass slower vehicles, and always pay close attention to oncoming
traffic. Measures have been taken to make this section of road safer, but every
year more travelers are killed here than anywhere else in the Florida Keys. So
be patient, relax, and enjoy the fact that you’re only minutes away from
paradise.
Now that you’re here, you may be interested to know that Key
Largo is the first and largest island in the Florida Keys chain. It is believed
to have been named by Spanish explorers who dubbed the land “Cayo Largo,” or
“long rock shoal” after making note of the rocky shoreline on their journey to
discover the fountain of youth.
Over the years many ships have met their fate on the jagged barrier reef
that lies just below Key Largo’s Atlantic waters. For that reason, Cayo Largo
was once a notorious hangout for “wreckers” who preyed on the misfortune of
passing vessels that weren’t equipped with today’s modern navigational
luxuries. Wreckers would head out and “salvage” gold and treasure from sinking
ships after they crashed into the sharp reef- sometimes even shining a signal
light to “bait” the captains off course and into the reef, leading them to
believe it was a lighthouse guiding them towards safe passage.
Today, Key Largo is known as the “Dive Capital of the
World,” thanks to the phenomenal underwater diving and snorkeling opportunities
provided by the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United
States. And, because of the ships which now rest on the sea bottom, offering a
sanctuary to a variety of aquatic tropical plants and animals. Key Largo is
home to the world’s largest artificial reef, the USS Spiegel Grove, an
“intentionally” sunken 510-foot Navy vessel; and John Pennekamp State Park (MM
102.5-O), where you’ll find the nation’s first underwater dive park.
key-largo-kayaking-toursIn addition to attracting divers,
Key Largo is a popular destination for anglers looking to target bonefish or
permit on the flats; tarpon, snook and redfish in the backcountry; and
sailfish, dolphin, snapper, grouper, and other hard fighting species offshore
and at the reef. Eco-friendly tourists can kayak through parts of Everglades
National Park; shoppers can get their fill at one of the many outlet stores
located along US-1, and those craving a cold drink and a tasty meal, can
indulge at one of a number of gourmet restaurants that serve waterfront
cocktails and fresh seafood cuisine.
Below we have listed a few of our favorite attractions,
restaurants and accommodations that “us locals” recommend to OUR FRIENDS.
Remember, these are our unbiased opinions, not just a directory like you’ll
find on other sites!
Our Favorite Things to Do in Key Largo:
*
Fish for bonefish in the shallows, or head offshore to reel in the big game
fish.
*
Dive the USS Spiegel Grove- a 510-foot ship wreck which was sunk in 2002.
*
Enjoy a day at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5-O) - Take a
snorkel, SCUBA, or glass bottom boat trip; or, have a picnic lunch, take a
refreshing swim, and explore the park wildlife as you walk along one of the
many nature trails.
*
Kayak through the backcountry and Everglades National Park.
*
Visit Humphrey Bogart’s African Queen (MM 100-O).
*
Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove (MM 99-O).
*
Spend an afternoon at Harry Harris Park (92.5- O) - there’s a swimming beach,
fishing areas, and a public boat launch.
Other Key Largo Mile Markers include:
*
MM 106-B Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
*
MM 103.2-B Silent World Dive Center
*
MM 99.8-B Key Largo Post Office
*
MM 91.3-B Mariner’s Hospital
*
MM 91.3-B Tavernier Cinema
*
MM 91 Tavernier Creek Bridge (entering Islamorada)
