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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
160003 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Welcome to Key Largo
Well hello there, and a mighty warm welcome to Key Largo! You've just arrived at the very top of the fabulous Florida Keys, and this sign isn't just a marker; it’s your official entry into paradise. We proudly call ourselves the 'Diving Capital of the World,' and trust me, that's not just a catchy slogan – it’s a promise of what awaits just offshore. This long stretch of land, originally known as 'Cayo Largo' by early Spanish explorers, literally means 'Long Key.' It perfectly describes our island, which runs a good 30 miles, making us the largest in the Upper Keys. Before the Spanish, indigenous tribes like the Calusa and Tequesta knew these waters well. Imagine them navigating these very same channels centuries ago! The real game-changer for us, though, was the completion of the Overseas Highway in 1938. Before that, getting down here was a true adventure, mostly by sea. Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, completed in 1912, brought the first wave of easy access, but the devastating 1935 Labor Day Hurricane destroyed much of it. The highway, built partly on the old railbed, opened the floodgates for tourism, allowing folks like yourselves to discover our unique blend of laid-back charm and exhilarating natural beauty. So, take a breath of that salty air; you're not just in Key Largo, you're in a place where turquoise waters meet lush mangroves, and every day holds a new adventure. Whether you're a seasoned Keys veteran or a first-timer, get ready to explore, relax, and maybe even find your new favorite fishing spot or snorkel site. We’re thrilled to have you.

Read More

  https://www.fla-keys.com/key-largo/
Place #2
Distance: 3.55mi , Attraction : America's First Underwater
Map Pin
102956 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Just ahead is the sign for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which we've been driving alongside for a few minutes now. Head on in and explore if you'd like! This isn't just any park; established in 1960, it holds the incredible distinction of being the first underwater park in the United States, and frankly, it's a national treasure. Why? Because it protects a significant portion of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to John Pennekamp himself, a tireless Miami newspaper editor and conservationist who championed the cause of preserving these delicate ecosystems for future generations. His vision saved this 70-nautical-square-mile area from over-harvesting and destruction, ensuring that the vibrant world beneath the waves could thrive. Whether you're a seasoned diver, a curious snorkeler, or someone who prefers to stay dry, Pennekamp offers unparalleled access to this aquatic wonderland. You can hop on one of their famous glass-bottom boat tours, which provide a fantastic window into the reef without getting wet, or grab a kayak or paddleboard to explore the serene mangrove trails. But for the true spectacle, you've got to get in the water. Beneath the surface, you’ll discover a kaleidoscope of colorful corals, from brain and star corals to sea fans swaying in the gentle currents, all teeming with an astonishing array of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. And for those venturing deeper, keep an eye out for the 'Christ of the Abyss' statue, a truly iconic underwater landmark. It’s a place where history, conservation, and breathtaking natural beauty come together, reminding us of the preciousness of our oceans. So, whether it’s your first time or your tenth, Pennekamp always has something new to reveal.

Read More

  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Welcome to Key Largo
Map Pin Place 2 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Map Pin Place 3 Historic African Queen Boat
Map Pin Place 4 Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Map Pin Place 5 Theater of the Sea
Map Pin Place 6 History of Diving Museum
Map Pin Place 7 Robbie's of Islamorada
Map Pin Place 8 Anne's Beach
Map Pin Place 9 The Dolphin Research Center
Map Pin Place 10 The Turtle Hospital
Map Pin Place 11 Old Seven Mile Bridge
Map Pin Place 12 Bahia Honda State Park
Map Pin Place 13 National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center
Map Pin Place 14 Sugarloaf Key Perky Bat Tower
Map Pin Place 15 Naval Air Station Key West
Map Pin Place 16 Welcome to Key West
Map Pin Place 17 Mallory Square
Map Pin Place 18 Duval Street
Map Pin Place 19 End of US-1
Map Pin Place 20 Green Parrot Bar
Map Pin Place 21 Hemingway's Historic Home
Map Pin Place 22 Continental USA's Southernmost Point



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