Overseas Highway

Henry Flagler extended his railway to Key West across open water between 1905 and 1912, an undertaking widely called a folly at the time. The Labor Day hurricane of 1935, one of the strongest to hit the United States, destroyed long sections and killed hundreds including many veterans working on a relief project; the railway was never rebuilt, and the state bought the right of way and put a road on the surviving bridges. Today's highway runs about a hundred and thirteen miles on forty-two bridges, of which Seven Mile Bridge is the longest - the current span opened in 1982 beside the old one, part of which is now a walking and cycling route. Mile markers count down to zero at Key West.

What you actually see

• Forty-two bridges - carrying the road across open water.
• Seven Mile Bridge - the 1982 span beside the 1912 original.
• The old railway piers - visible alongside for much of the route.
• Mile markers counting down - to zero at Key West.

When to go

December to April; summer is hurricane season. A full day each way.

Honest expectations

It is a two-lane road with limited passing and heavy traffic in season - the drive takes far longer than the distance suggests. Evacuations close it during hurricanes. Fuel and food are expensive on the keys. The scenery is repetitive over long stretches.

Nearby

Key Largo is at the north end; Key West at the south.