The best beach bars, hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on a drive down Florida’s Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West.

A drive down Florida’s Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West offers the perfect blend of eccentric bohemia and chic joie de vivre. As the mile markers decrease, Old Florida charm sharpens into focus. Strip malls hawking beach sundries and snorkeling tours along the upper reaches of U.S. 1 give way to dazzling turquoise flashes as the road becomes more bridge than highway. The route south is festooned with the Keys’ ubiquitous kitsch — a giant, spiny lobster presides over a local arts village, lipsticked manatees clutch mailboxes, and hand painted mermaids tempt passersby with the promise of sunset cocktails.

You could drive the 113-mile stretch in a little over three hours, but why would you want to? Road trips, especially one as iconic as this, are all about the stops along the way. So put the top down and cue Jimmy Buffet. Here’s our guide to the best the Florida Keys has to offer.

Key Largo

Ease yourself into the Keys’ laidback vibe just south of Homestead with a detour onto Card Sound Road. A stop into Alabama Jack’s is a must, especially if you’re a first-timer. The scrappy, waterside seafood shack has been the Keys’ unofficial welcome wagon since 1947 and serves some of the best conch fritters around. Live music and the line of Harleys outside add to the honky-tonk scene.

With your internal clock synced to island time, cruise over Card Sound Bridge and into Key Largo where you’ll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at mile marker 102.5. Explore the park’s prolific marine life and a portion of the 360-mile Florida Reef Tract — North America’s only living coral barrier reef — on a guided snorkeling tour. Or rent kayaks and head out for a paddle through miles of mangrove-lined wilderness trails.

Key Largo is at the epicenter of sustainability efforts in the Florida Keys, especially when it comes to reef health. At the Coral Restoration Foundation, researchers are rearing and planting corals in undersea nurseries. For a unique experience, snorkelers and divers looking to add an eco-tourism stint to their travels can assist scientists with outplanting and reef monitoring at active restorations sites.

After a day of sea and sun, check into the breezy Baker’s Cay Resort, a lush retreat tucked into a secluded setting with gorgeous Florida Strait views. The resort partners with local environmental organizations to create eco-friendly guest programming. It was also the first resort in the Keys to join Reef Relief’s “Skip the Straw” campaign.

Islamorada

You could easily spend a few days hopping around the string of tiny islands that make up Islamorada and while you do, The Moorings Village is the perfect place to call home.

Built on a former coconut plantation, the resort is home to eight private cottages nestled amidst tropical landscaping just steps from the Atlantic. Eight-hundred palm trees dot the property, and there’s no shortage of hammocks for lounging beneath the verdant fronds.

Grab a paddleboard and head out for an ocean jaunt, watch the world go by from the cool shade of your porch, or while away a few hours by the gorgeous pool. If you can tear yourself away, single-speed beach cruisers are available for a pedal around town. Check out the galleries around the corner in the Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District — every third Thursday is the district’s evening art walk — or pop into the beer garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company for a hyper-local tasting flight.

Robbie’s Marina, one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic landmarks, sits on the tip of Lower Matecumbe Key, about five miles south at mile marker 77.5. The epitome of the archipelago’s barefoot affability, Robbie’s is a waterside shantytown of sorts that includes an outdoor marketplace, a marine sports outpost, and the Hungry Tarpon restaurant, named for the school of enormous silver fish that have been circling the docks for decades. Seven bucks will get you a bucket of bait and admission to the dock, and feeding the leaping, thrashing creatures provides a memorable diversion.

Afterwards, head out for an eco-tour through Islamorada’s pristine waters with Captain Sam Zeher or just chill dockside with one of Robbie’s Trailer Trash Bloody Marys, complete with a beef-jerky straw.

When the dinner hour beckons, shake the sand from your toes and head to Pierre’s, an elegant plantation-style house with a wide verandah overlooking Florida Bay. A few miles north at Marker 88, the chef serves the kind of super-fresh seafood one would expect to find in the sportfishing capital of the world. Tuck into cracked coconut-crusted shrimp and fresh Florida lobster on the outdoor patio with a glass of fruity Chardonnay — for a relaxed joint, Marker 88 has an excellent wine list. At either spot, the famous Keys sunset is guaranteed to put on a memorable show.

Marathon

Even before Hemingway’s old man took to the sea, the Keys were a saltwater angler’s paradise, legendary for big game like sailfish, wahoo, and blue marlin. Though pulling a trophy fish from the ocean can be a thrill, sometimes the best part of casting a line is eating your catch later.

One of the best ways to do so is on a hook-and-cook adventure at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, a pocket-sized island about 20 miles south of Islamorada. When it comes to relaxation, the resort offers a stunning adults-only enclave called Oasis Cay.

Get out onto the water with lifelong conch (i.e., Florida Keys native) Captain Dave Perry, who has been fishing the Keys for decades and runs charters out of the Hawks Cay Marina with Captain Justin Brunk. In addition to blue water hunting, the two specialize in fishing the reef for snapper and grouper, fish that can later be blackened, grilled, or fried for a hyper-local meal at Angler and Ale, the resort’s dockside restaurant.

Connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys, the Seven-Mile Bridge is a highlight of any Keys road trip and driving it feels like being immersed in an ocean-themed movie. But before you do, take a ferry out to picturesque Pigeon Key for a dose of Keys history.

In the early 1900s, Florida tycoon Henry Flagler envisioned an Overseas Railroad linking mainland Florida to Key West. The project was nicknamed Flagler’s Folly — no one believed his ambitious plan would come to fruition — yet, despite naysayers, the rail line was finished in 1912 complete with the engineering marvel that became the Seven-Mile Bridge. During the railroad’s construction, more than 400 workers lived on Pigeon Key, which is now listed on the National Historic Register. Tours of the tiny island leave three times daily from the Pigeon Key Visitor’s Center and offer a deep dive into the story of the railroad, its ill-fated demise, and the scenic highway travelers drive today.

The Lower Keys

Take a detour for some beach bliss at Bahia Honda State Park, a 524-acre swath of nature tucked between the Atlantic and the Gulf. Don’t forget to drop by Sandspur Beach, long considered one of the best in the Keys.

On Big Pine Key, stop into the new Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, which features exhibits spotlighting the Keys’ four wildlife refuges including the nearby National Key Deer Refuge. Established in 1957, the refuge protects approximately 9,200 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys that serves as habitat for endangered Key Deer. Stick to the speed limit around here — the diminutive creatures have been known to dart into the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

About 30 minutes south, you’ll find authentic, Old Keys spirit on the docks of Geiger Key Marina at The Fish Camp. Founded by local restaurateurs Michelle and Bobby Mongelli, also behind the well-loved Hogfish Bar and Grill on nearby Stock Island, this open-air tiki bar and seafood joint claims to be on “the back side of paradise,” which certainly feels accurate when you’re sitting waterside with a plate of succulent Key West pink shrimp and a cold beer. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is legendary.

Head out to explore the labyrinth of waterways around Stock Island on a guided kayak tour with Lazy Dog Adventures. Trips leave from a tiny inlet on Cow Key Channel and wind through the mangrove tunnels and saltwater creeks hugging the edge of the Atlantic. The vibrant ecosystem provides a habitat for manatees, sea stars, tropical fish, and all kinds of shorebirds — many of which you’ll encounter while paddling through the Keys’ backcountry wilderness.

Key West

Key West exudes the same anything-goes bonhomie it did back in the day of rumrunners and speakeasies — only now it’s infused with a shot of modern flair. Colorful conch cottages line the streets of Old Town, swank cocktail salons mingle with celebrated watering holes on Duval, and feral fowl give new meaning to free-range as they strut along the sidewalks crowing with carefree abandon. It also has an eclectic mix of top-rated hotels to suit every traveler.

Find respite from the downtown bacchanalia at the Parrot Key Hotel and Villas. The entire property breathes Old Key West charm. Walkways edged with white-picket fences wind through tropical gardens past hidden swimming pools and quaint, two-story clapboard bungalows. Bright-blue Adirondack chairs sit on covered porches, hammocks swing beneath shady palms, and ceiling fans spin lazily overhead at The Grove, the resort’s new open-air restaurant. Parrot Key’s complimentary shuttle delivers guests throughout the day to either a private beach club at Smathers Beach or to the heart of Old Town. For a DIY adventure, a fleet of single-speed beach cruisers invites exploration.

At four miles long and two miles wide, Key West is made for biking. Pedal through dappled sunlight along Whitehead Street to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Inside, passionate docents supply a glimpse into the profound yet tragic genius of one of the Lost Generation’s most colorful characters. Pay further tribute to Papa at the Hemingway Rum Company, which produces the award-winning Papa’s Pilar, named for the author’s beloved fishing boat. The company’s flagship headquarters, housed in a former tobacco warehouse, is part distillery, part tasting room, and part museum. Find a spot at the bar and sample delicious, dark and blonde Solera-blended rums amidst all variety of Hemingway-themed ephemera.

When the sun starts to set, climb aboard Danger Charters’ elegant, three-masted schooner for a wine-tasting sail that offers a polished alternative to the nightly circus — think fire juggling acrobats and hoop-jumping cats — at Mallory Square. Or take a quick jaunt on the private ferry to Sunset Key for a gastronomical adventure overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Latitudes, the signature restaurant at Sunset Key Cottages. There, you’ll dine on yellowtail, grouper, or cobia by the light of tiki torches with your toes in the sand. Innovative cocktails, crisp white tablecloths, and dreamy island views round out a memorable evening.

Here’s everything you need to know before traveling on Amtrak.

Riding the rails — it’s a beloved experience that many prefer to plane or car travel. There are no security lines and no traffic, plus the benefit of wider seats and more legroom. But among those who don’t travel Amtrak regularly, it’s common to hear complaints about ticket fares, the lack of luxury offerings more commonly seen with air travel, as well as the boarding and exiting frenzies famous in places like New York’s Penn Station and Washington, D.C.’s Union Station.

We can dispel some of these myths. With a little advance planning and some well-trod intel, you can enjoy the best that train travel can offer in a way that works for your budget and peace of mind. Read on for our Amtrak tips, then get ready to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Plan Ahead

Many people think of train travel as a last-minute getaway option (and they should, last-minute fare deals are out there — more on that below), but planning ahead will always work to your advantage. “The more in advance you make your travel decision, the better off you are,” says Marc Magliari, a spokesman for Amtrak. “Your best chance to get the lowest price is to book as far in advance as possible.”

Booking your trip at least three to four weeks before you depart can give you drastically lower fares, often 50 percent less than what you’ll see within two weeks of your departure and return dates. Magliari also notes that sleeping compartments for overnight trains often sell out farther in advance — so bear that in mind for long trips.

Know About Discounts

Magliari recommends that travelers head to the deals section on Amtrak’s website before purchasing a ticket. There, you may find offers for 25 percent off a trip on Acela, the high-speed business class train on the Northeast corridor, or reduced fares for getaways to New Orleans or Miami.

You don’t have to wait for special offers, either. Amtrak has standing discounts for children, who get half-price fares from age two to age 12 (infants under two ride for free), senior travelers, active military personnel as well as veterans, and more. Select these options when booking, and you’ll regularly get a percentage off of a standard fare.

Check Out a Station Lounge

Though station lounges aren’t quite up to par with some of the luxury offerings that airlines are investing in, Amtrak does have several types of private lounges for Acela Express First Class passengers, sleeping car passengers, Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus, and Select Executive members.

With free beverages and snacks, internet access, and TVs, as well as attendants who can help you with your trip, they’re a great way to spend time before departure. Magliari also notes that this is an area Amtrak is investing in — there are new options for buying day passes to lounges, too.

Make Use of Red Cap

Carrying bags? You’ll want to opt for Red Cap service, a free baggage handling service available at 12 major stations nationwide. Most travelers don’t realize Red Cap is available to all travelers. Look for the people in uniformed red shirts, show them your ticket, and they’ll escort you and your bags to your train, allowing you to board early. You can pick where you want to sit, and they’ll stash your bags for you; upon arrival at your destination, a conductor can set up a Red Cap for you when you de-board. Note: though this is a free service, tipping is recommended — especially during heavily trafficked times, like the holidays.

Consider the Quiet Car

Several lines on Amtrak reserve one Quiet Car per train — an entire car where all passengers adhere to a blissful library-like atmosphere, eschewing cell phone use, keeping conversation to a minimum, and politely donning headphones for their devices. If you don’t want to talk to your seatmate or hear someone else’s music the whole ride, this is the car for you.

Join the Rewards Program

If you’re interested in taking the train more than a handful of times a year, Amtrak Guest Rewards quickly becomes worth it. You earn two points for every dollar you spend on Amtrak or with partners like Hertz, Hilton Hotels, and more. You can redeem points for Amtrak reward travel (beginning at just 800 points), hotels, car rentals, and gift cards. Once you hit certain levels, like Select and Select Plus, you get more perks (upgrade coupons, lounge access), and your reward point earnings increase even more. Bonus: unused points won’t expire until there hasn’t been any qualifying activity for 24 months, giving you plenty of time to redeem them.

Here’s a look at seven of the most stunning deserts in the world that redefine what “empty” really means.

Ask any person who has walked in a desert, and they’ll tell you that it is one of the most humbling human experiences. The endless stretches of sky overhead and the grainy sand beneath are a reminder of the triviality of existence, leaving visitors with a mix of feelings. From dazzling dunes and salt flats to surreal rock formations and starlit skies, deserts are nature’s most poetic paradoxes. Over the years, they have also become the hotspots for adventure sports like “Thar Bashing” and taking bumpy camel rides. Here’s a look at seven of the most stunning deserts in the world that redefine what “empty” really means.

1. Sahara Desert, Africa

The world’s largest hot desert stretches across 11 countries and is often described as an ocean of sand. Its golden dunes, some rising over 500 feet, glow like molten gold at sunrise. Beyond its cinematic beauty, the Sahara is home to nomadic tribes, ancient petroglyphs, and surreal oases that seem to appear like mirages. Interestingly, the desert expands by nearly half a mile every month due to climate change — a reminder that its vastness is still growing.

How to reach: Fly to Marrakech, Cairo, or Tunis, and book desert tours that offer dune bashing and overnight camping under the stars.

2. Atacama Desert, Chile

Known as the driest place on Earth, the Atacama surprises visitors with flamingo-filled salt lakes, pink sunsets, and crystal-clear night skies that attract astronomers from around the globe. Some parts of this desert haven’t seen rain in decades — NASA even tests its Mars rovers here because of its otherworldly terrain.

How to reach: Fly to Calama, then drive to San Pedro de Atacama — the gateway to this mesmerising desert.

3. Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib, believed to be over 55 million years old, is one of the oldest deserts on Earth. Its iconic red dunes at Sossusvlei shift colours from gold to crimson through the day, making it a photographer’s dream. The orange hue of the sand actually deepens with age — the older the dune, the richer its colour — giving the desert a timeless beauty

How to reach: The nearest airport is Windhoek; from there, guided safaris take you into the heart of the Namib.

4. Wadi Rum, Jordan

Also known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum’s dramatic sandstone cliffs and wind-carved canyons have served as Mars in several Hollywood films. The desert is a masterpiece of nature’s sculpting — and it was once home to T.E. Lawrence, of Lawrence of Arabia fame. Today, it remains one of the most breathtaking backdrops for adventure seekers and stargazers alike.

How to reach: From Amman, take a 4-hour drive south or book a desert camp experience near Petra.

5. Gobi Desert, Mongolia & China

The Gobi may not have endless dunes, but its vast plains, mountain ranges, and fossil-rich cliffs are no less stunning. Once part of the ancient Silk Route, this desert tells tales of traders, dinosaurs, and shifting civilisations. It was here that fossilised dinosaur eggs were first discovered — a scientific treasure hidden within the sands.

How to reach: Fly to Ulaanbaatar and drive south through guided tours that include nomadic stays.

6. White Desert, Egypt

The White Desert is unlike anything you’ve seen — its chalky rock formations, shaped by centuries of wind erosion, rise like ghostly sculptures across a pale landscape. Under moonlight, these formations glow silver-white, creating an almost lunar ambience that’s both eerie and enchanting

How to reach: Take a 5-hour drive from Cairo to Farafra Oasis, then continue with a local guide.

7. Thar Desert, India & Pakistan

Vibrant and full of life, the Thar proves that deserts can dance with color. Camel fairs, folk music, and golden dunes define this Great Indian Desert, making it one of the most culturally rich arid regions in the world. It’s also the most densely populated desert — home to villages that thrive amid the sand

How to reach: The nearest city is Jaisalmer, well-connected by road, rail, and air from major Indian cities.

Sun, sand, and secrets of Asia

Asia is home to some of the world’s most stunning islands, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities. From pristine beaches and turquoise waters to lush jungles and vibrant local traditions, these islands cater to all kinds of travelers. Some islands are known for adventure activities like surfing, diving, and hiking, while others provide a peaceful retreat for relaxation and wellness. Whether you are seeking luxury resorts, hidden lagoons, or unique cultural experiences, Asia’s islands present a wide spectrum of options that make every trip memorable.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia, is a top destination for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and natural beauty. Known for its iconic rice terraces, ancient temples, and vibrant art scene, the island also offers stunning beaches, surfing spots, and luxury resorts. Visitors can experience local ceremonies, explore traditional villages, and enjoy world-class wellness retreats.

Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its overwater villas, crystal-clear lagoons, and rich marine life. It is ideal for travelers looking for privacy, romance, and immersive underwater experiences like snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui combines tropical scenery with modern comforts. Visitors can relax on palm-lined beaches, explore waterfalls, or visit the Big Buddha temple. The island is also popular for wellness retreats, vibrant nightlife, and local markets such as Fisherman’s Village.

Siargao, Philippines

Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, also offers tranquil lagoons, hidden rock pools, and diverse dive sites. The island appeals to adventure seekers and those looking to connect with nature in a quieter, less crowded environment.

Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa, located in southern Japan, is known for its subtropical climate, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. The island is also famous for its long-lived residents, traditional festivals, and opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring historical sites.

Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe, sometimes called the “Maldives of Thailand,” features white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Part of a national marine park, the island is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying a quiet tropical escape.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, offers a mix of pristine beaches, dense forests, and lively local culture. Key attractions include Sao Beach, Phu Quoc National Park, and the bustling night market in Duong Dong. The island combines natural beauty with opportunities for relaxation and cultural exploration.