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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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How to take a UCPlaces tour
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Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
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When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
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Related travel ideas and destinations for you to explore

Best Self-Guided USA Scenic Drives: Audio Tours & 1-Day Itineraries

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 22 stops, covering top attractions such as Welcome to Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Historic African Queen Boat, Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Theater of the Sea.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Welcome to Key Largo (Address: 160003 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!