Overseas Highway - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 1105

stand of virgin forest in which exposed coral formations dot the landscape, along with
palms, marshes, mangrove swamps, and the occasional wild orchid. Among the rare an-
imals found in this wilderness are saltwater crocodiles, scarlet ibis, pelicans, and roseate
spoonbills; even the endangered Florida panther has been spotted here. Or take the direct
route—stayonRte.1andenjoythe18-milestretchthatconnectsKeyLargowiththemain-
land. A 65-foot-high bridge, completed in 2011, provides vists of Key Largo, Florida Bay,
and even a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Key Largo
Some30mileslongbutaveraginglessthanamileinwidth,KeyLargoisthelongestofthe
Florida Keys. For a revealing look at its geologic underpinnings, slow at near mile marker
103.6onRte.1,whereanexceptionallyfineexpanseofcoralhasbeenexposedonthebank
of a man-made channel.
Though tourist facilities and commercial development are much in evidence along the
highway, here as elsewhere in the keys the sea is never very far away. At Key Largo the
most notable marine attraction is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation's first
underseapreserve.Inadditiontohordesofbrightlycoloredfish,thereefishometothrongs
of sea stars, sand dollars, sea anemones, crabs, and sponges. Tours by glass-bottom boat
are available, and the more adventurous can snorkel and scuba dive in the seas of this un-
derwater wonderland. The park also featurs 3,221 acres of uplands, including a visitor's
center, beaches, and 47 camp sites.
3. Islamorada
Stretching from Plantation Key through Lower Matecumbe Key, the Islamorada area is
renownedasacenterforsportfishing.Amongitsotherattractions istheTheateroftheSea,
a marine park at mile 84.5 that features performing dolphins and seals.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, boats depart from Robbie's Marina near
mile 77.5, for excursions to the wilds of nearby Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site,
where the virgin forest includes such exotic species as strangler figs, pigeon plums, and
gumbo-limbo trees. Tours also visit to Indian Key State Historic Site, a lonely 11-acre is-
let that served as a bustling county seat until it was devastated during an Indian rebellion
in 1840. Self-guiding walks lead through the ruins of the town, where tropical plants now
flourish.