Overseas Highway Highlights: Planning Your Scenic Drive to Glunz Ocean Beach

If you're charting a Florida Keys road trip, these Overseas Highway Highlights will help you see the best views, stop at the most photogenic pull‑outs, and arrive at Glunz Ocean Beach relaxed—not rushed. South of Miami, U.S. Route 1 becomes the world‑famous Overseas Highway, a 113‑mile ribbon of road that links 44 islands with 42 bridges on the way to Key West. This guide maps out memorable bridges, historic stops, and practical tips so you can make the most of every mile before reaching Key Colony Beach at Mile Marker 53.5.

Why the Overseas Highway is unforgettable

Quick facts to frame your drive:

• It’s the scenic continuation of U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys.
• Total length through the Keys: 113 miles across open water.
• Engineering icons: 42 bridges that connect 44 islands.
• Expect endless ocean views, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, charming island communities, and iconic photo ops.
• The Seven Mile Bridge—linking Marathon to Little Duck Key—is among the most famous highlights anywhere on the route.

For a deeper dive into the structures you’ll cross, see Discover the Iconic Bridges of the Florida Keys: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/discover-the-iconic-bridges-of-the-florida-keys/

How to enter the Keys: choose your mainland approach

Two scenic options

1. 18‑Mile Stretch (via Florida City)

   • The direct, traditional entrance to the Keys that leads straight to Key Largo.
   • Great if you want to start logging miles on U.S. Route 1 quickly.

2. Card Sound Road (toll road)

   • A quieter, more laid‑back alternative with small bridges and waterside views.
   • Convenient stop: “Alabama Jack’s” sits right before the toll area—perfect for a casual waterfront bite before you merge back toward Key Largo.

First nature break: Key Largo

• Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park offers a peaceful trail stop amid native habitat. It’s an easy way to stretch your legs early in the trip before the marquee bridges begin.

Overseas Highway highlights before Key Colony Beach (MM 53.5)

You’ll reach Glunz Ocean Beach in the Middle Keys, so think of the journey in segments. Aim for a blend of long‑view bridge crossings, short scenic stops, and a few historic spots that tell the story of Henry Flagler’s original Over‑Seas Railway.

Bridge views and easy fishing pull‑outs

• Many Overseas Highway bridges have designated areas or nearby parking for shore anglers. Bridge fishing is a Keys tradition and a great way to pause for scenery even if you don’t cast a line.
• Popular spans for anglers include Channel 2 and Channel 5, Long Key Bridge, Bahia Honda Bridge, and the pedestrian‑friendly “Old Seven” section by the Seven Mile Bridge.
• Planning to fish? Read Why Choose Bridge Fishing in the Keys: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/why-choose-bridge-fishing-in-the-keys/ and our Best Bridge Fishing Spots guide: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/fishing-from-bridges-in-the-florida-keys/

The Seven Mile Bridge: the signature drive

• The Seven Mile Bridge is both an engineering marvel and a bucket‑list crossing with sweeping views in all directions.
• The modern bridge runs parallel to a historic segment of Flagler’s railway. A restored portion—known as “Old Seven”—lets pedestrians and cyclists reach Pigeon Key for history and classic Keys scenery.
• Even if you’re staying in Key Colony Beach, consider continuing a bit past the resort to experience this bridge and then circling back.

Learn more about the Keys’ most iconic spans: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/discover-the-iconic-bridges-of-the-florida-keys/

Bahia Honda: postcard‑worthy stop

• Near Bahia Honda State Park, the old and new bridges pair with turquoise water for remarkable photos. It’s a favorite pause for travelers chasing the Overseas Highway’s best colors and angles.

Marathon’s marine‑life moments

• The Middle Keys around Marathon offer family‑friendly attractions, including the Turtle Hospital and the Dolphin Research Center. These are easy tie‑ins to your route as you approach Key Colony Beach.

For more Middle Keys ideas, explore our area guide to Key Colony Beach: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/discover-the-best-of-key-colony-beach-florida-keys/

Your destination: Glunz Ocean Beach in Key Colony Beach (MM 53.5)

Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort sits on the quiet island of Key Colony Beach—just off U.S. Route 1—so you’ll have instant highway access without the noise of through traffic. It’s a peaceful residential enclave that puts the ocean front and center the moment you arrive.

Guests enjoy:

• A rare private sandy beach.
• Oceanfront suites and villas.
• Two oceanfront heated pools and hot tub.
• Kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach activities, plus complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles to explore at your own pace.
• Walkable island dining and entertainment.

Only passing through on a road trip? Day beach passes are available so you can relax by the beach and pool between stops.

Oceanside dining next door

• Havana Jack’s Oceanside, located right beside the resort, serves fresh seafood and Caribbean‑inspired dishes with tropical cocktails and live entertainment—indoors or out, overlooking the water.

Discover how this stretch of U.S. Route 1 became a legendary drive—and why Key Colony Beach is perfectly positioned in the Middle Keys: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/the-ultimate-florida-keys-road-trip-driving-u-s-route-1-and-the-overseas-highway/

Quick answers for trip planning

Use these concise, snippet‑ready answers to plan confidently:

• How long does it take to drive the Overseas Highway? About 4 hours without stops from Miami to Key West, though many travelers take a full day to explore.
• What mile marker is Key Colony Beach? Mile Marker 53.5 on the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1).
• What’s the most famous bridge on the route? The Seven Mile Bridge between Marathon and Little Duck Key.
• Where can I stay near U.S. Route 1 that’s quiet and oceanfront? Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort on Key Colony Beach offers a secluded setting just off the highway with a private sandy beach and oceanfront amenities.
• Can I fish without a boat? Yes—bridge fishing is accessible all along the Keys. When you stay at Glunz, you can also fish right from the resort’s beach; guests have landed mangrove snapper, grunts, and even the occasional tarpon.

Practical takeaways and tips

Make your Overseas Highway Highlights trip smooth, scenic, and sustainable.

Timing and pacing

• Start early to catch the soft morning light; plan one signature sunset stop.
• Allow generous time for bridge pull‑offs, short walks, and photo breaks.
• Expect to spend a full day (or more) if you want to enjoy multiple highlights en route.

Photo and viewpoint strategy

• Prioritize long bridge crossings (Seven Mile, Long Key) for panoramic views.
• Use designated parking or fishing areas; never stop on active bridges or shoulders where prohibited.
• Keep a microfiber cloth handy to clear sea spray from phone and camera lenses.

Comfort and safety

• Pack water, sun protection, and light layers; coastal breezes can shift quickly.
• Choose mineral‑based, reef‑safe sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every two hours or after swimming to protect both your skin and the Florida Reef Tract.

Fishing on the way

• Bring basic tackle if you’d like to cast from popular bridge areas.
• Review our bridge fishing tips and spots before you go: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/why-choose-bridge-fishing-in-the-keys/ and https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/fishing-from-bridges-in-the-florida-keys/

When you arrive at Glunz Ocean Beach

• Check‑in is 4:00 PM; check‑out is 11:00 AM.
• Complimentary parking is available for registered guests.
• For safety and cleanliness, outside food, coolers, glass items, speakers, tents, boats, and jet skis are not permitted on the beach, pool, or resort grounds.
• A Key Colony Beach ordinance prohibits all motorized vessels within 250 feet of shore, so boats and jet skis may not operate directly in front of the resort’s private beach.
• Questions? Call 800.321.7213 or (305) 289‑0525, or email info@glunzoceanbeachhotel.com.

Bonus: Add context to your drive

Round out your itinerary with these related reads from our blog:

• The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip: Driving U.S. Route 1 and the Overseas Highway: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/the-ultimate-florida-keys-road-trip-driving-u-s-route-1-and-the-overseas-highway/
• Discover the Iconic Bridges of the Florida Keys: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/discover-the-iconic-bridges-of-the-florida-keys/
• Why Choose Bridge Fishing in the Keys: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/why-choose-bridge-fishing-in-the-keys/
• Discover the Best of Key Colony Beach, Florida Keys: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/discover-the-best-of-key-colony-beach-florida-keys/
• The History of Key Colony Beach: A Small Island With a Big Story: https://glunzoceanbeachhotel.com/the-history-of-key-colony-beach-florida-a-small-island-with-a-big-story/

Conclusion: Make every mile count—and then unwind oceanfront

The Overseas Highway Highlights come to life when you slow down for bridges, savor short nature stops, and connect with the Keys’ railroad‑to‑roadway history. Plan a few standout pull‑offs, add an iconic crossing like the Seven Mile Bridge, and time your arrival at Mile Marker 53.5 to enjoy a calm, oceanfront welcome at Glunz Ocean Beach.

Ready to turn your plan into a getaway? Book your stay at Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort in Key Colony Beach for private sandy beach time, oceanfront suites and villas, two oceanfront heated pools and hot tub, and easy access to everything the Middle Keys offer. Call 800.321.7213 or (305) 289‑0525 to book direct for the best rates and special requests.