The Abroad Freeway, a marvel of engineering, connects mainland Florida to the Florida Keys, culminating in Key Largo. This scenic route presents breathtaking ocean views and entry to a novel tropical ecosystem.
This journey gives not solely a handy passage to Key Largo but additionally an immersive expertise of the pure fantastic thing about the area. Traditionally, this route changed the Abroad Railroad, considerably impacting the accessibility and growth of the Keys. It opened up the world to tourism and commerce, remodeling the native economic system and making the once-remote islands a readily accessible vacation spot.
Additional exploration will element key features of this route, together with notable landmarks, journey ideas, and the ecological significance of the encircling surroundings.
1. Scenic Ocean Views
The scenic ocean views are a defining attribute of the drive from Miami to Key Largo. These vistas should not merely a backdrop to the journey; they’re an integral a part of the expertise, remodeling a easy commute right into a memorable immersion into the great thing about the Florida Keys.
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Turquoise Waters and Numerous Marine Life
The Abroad Freeway presents glimpses of the colourful turquoise waters that encompass the Keys. These clear, shallow stretches reveal glimpses of numerous marine life, together with coral reefs, fish, and infrequently, bigger marine animals. Observing these pure wonders from bridges and causeways provides a novel dimension to the drive.
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Ever-Altering Seascapes
Because the street winds by way of the islands, the ocean views shift and evolve. From expansive open water vistas to extra intimate views of sheltered bays and inlets, the consistently altering surroundings retains the journey participating. Every curve within the street presents a brand new perspective on the encircling seascape.
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Bridges as Viewing Platforms
The quite a few bridges that comprise the Abroad Freeway supply elevated vantage factors, creating distinctive alternatives for panoramic ocean views. These buildings not solely facilitate journey but additionally function viewing platforms, permitting vacationers to understand the vastness and fantastic thing about the encircling waters.
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Photographic Alternatives
The gorgeous surroundings gives ample alternatives for images. Designated scenic overlooks alongside the route supply protected and handy areas to cease and seize the great thing about the Florida Keys. These pictures function lasting reminders of the distinctive coastal surroundings and the memorable journey.
These mixed parts elevate the drive from Miami to Key Largo from a easy switch to a scenic expertise. The ocean views grow to be a core part of the journey, enriching the journey and creating an enduring impression of the pure fantastic thing about the Florida Keys. They provide a preview of the distinctive surroundings that awaits guests in Key Largo and past.
2. Historic Abroad Freeway
The Historic Abroad Freeway is intrinsically linked to the journey from Miami to Key Largo, serving as the only real vehicular route. Initially constructed because the Abroad Railroad within the early twentieth century by Henry Flagler, this engineering marvel was later tailored for car use following a devastating hurricane in 1935. The freeway’s existence straight permits the trendy drive, remodeling what was as soon as a difficult sea voyage right into a readily accessible street journey. This accessibility has had a profound impression on the event of the Florida Keys, facilitating tourism and financial progress. For instance, the convenience of journey afforded by the freeway has made Key Largo a well-liked vacation spot for weekend getaways and prolonged holidays, contributing considerably to the native economic system.
The freeway’s historic significance provides one other layer to the modern driving expertise. Touring this route means traversing a bit of historical past, a testomony to human ingenuity and resilience. The remnants of the unique railroad, seen in sure sections, supply a tangible connection to the previous, reminding vacationers of the world’s wealthy historical past and the transformative impression of the freeway’s development. Understanding this historic context enhances the appreciation for the trendy journey, permitting vacationers to attach with the area on a deeper stage. The Abroad Freeway is not only a street; it is a residing museum, chronicling the event of the Florida Keys.
Appreciating the essential position of the Historic Abroad Freeway gives a richer understanding of the trendy drive from Miami to Key Largo. It highlights the historic significance of the route, underscores its impression on the area’s growth, and enriches the journey expertise. Recognizing the freeway as greater than only a street, however an important artery connecting the mainland to the Keys and a testomony to engineering ingenuity, enhances any journey alongside this iconic stretch of roadway.
3. Roughly 1-hour drive
The “roughly 1-hour drive” designation for the Miami to Key Largo route signifies extra than simply journey time; it represents a important issue influencing the area’s accessibility and enchantment. This comparatively brief length transforms Key Largo from a distant island vacation spot into an simply reachable extension of the mainland, fostering each tourism and commuter site visitors. The proximity afforded by this brief drive permits for handy day journeys, weekend getaways, and even common commutes for work or leisure. For example, residents of Miami can readily entry Key Largo’s leisure alternatives, similar to diving, snorkeling, and fishing, with out requiring intensive journey preparations. Equally, Key Largo companies profit from a bigger buyer base drawn from the close by metropolitan space.
Nonetheless, the “roughly” qualifier warrants consideration. Whereas optimum circumstances permit for a one-hour transit, varied components can considerably impression journey time. Seasonal site visitors fluctuations, significantly throughout holidays and peak vacationer seasons, can result in substantial delays. Street development or accidents can even disrupt site visitors movement, extending the length of the drive significantly. Due to this fact, relying solely on the “1-hour” estimate can show problematic. Prudent vacationers account for potential delays by consulting real-time site visitors updates and incorporating buffer time into their schedules. This proactive strategy mitigates the chance of missed appointments, connections, or different time-sensitive engagements. For instance, people touring to Key Largo for a scheduled dive journey could be sensible to permit additional journey time to keep away from lacking their departure.
In conclusion, the “roughly 1-hour drive” serves as a defining attribute of the Miami to Key Largo connection, considerably influencing the area’s accessibility and growth. Whereas the brief distance beneath supreme circumstances fosters comfort and connectivity, the potential for delays necessitates cautious planning and practical expectations. Understanding the nuances of this journey time part contributes to a extra knowledgeable and finally, extra gratifying journey expertise.
4. Key Largo’s Pure Magnificence
Key Largo’s pure magnificence serves as a main motivator for the drive from Miami. The attract of pristine seashores, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious tropical vegetation attracts guests in search of respite from city environments and immersion within the pure world. This intrinsic connection between the vacation spot’s inherent magnificence and the journey itself positions the drive not merely as transportation, however because the gateway to a novel ecological expertise. The anticipation of encountering Key Largo’s famend pure sights transforms the drive into an integral a part of the general expertise, heightening the sense of arrival and enhancing the appreciation for the vacation spot. For instance, vacationers anticipating a snorkeling tour in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park expertise the drive because the preliminary section of their nature-focused journey.
Moreover, glimpses of Key Largo’s pure magnificence grow to be obvious in the course of the drive itself. The Abroad Freeway traverses quite a few bridges and causeways, providing panoramic views of the encircling turquoise waters, mangrove forests, and verdant islands. These intermittent previews additional improve the anticipation and create a way of immersion within the pure surroundings even earlier than reaching the ultimate vacation spot. This visible journey primes guests for the immersive pure experiences awaiting them, making the drive itself a part of the general appreciation of Key Largo’s ecological treasures. Take into account the traveler catching sight of a pod of dolphins or a wading fowl in the course of the drive these fleeting encounters improve the understanding of the wealthy biodiversity attribute of the area.
In essence, Key Largo’s pure magnificence is just not merely a vacation spot attribute; it’s interwoven with the expertise of the drive from Miami. The attract of the pure surroundings serves as a main motivator for endeavor the journey, whereas glimpses of the panorama in the course of the drive itself improve the general expertise. Recognizing this interconnectedness permits for a fuller appreciation of each the journey and the vacation spot. It emphasizes the significance of preserving these pure sources, not just for their intrinsic worth but additionally for his or her position in enriching the customer expertise and sustaining the area’s tourism-based economic system.
5. Potential Visitors Congestion
Potential site visitors congestion presents a big consideration for the drive from Miami to Key Largo. Whereas the route’s recognition contributes to the area’s financial vitality, it additionally introduces the potential for substantial delays, impacting journey occasions and general customer expertise. Understanding the components contributing to congestion and implementing methods to mitigate its results are essential for a clean and gratifying journey.
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Seasonal Fluctuations
Visitors quantity on the Abroad Freeway fluctuates considerably with seasonal tourism patterns. Peak seasons, similar to main holidays and winter months, usually expertise elevated site visitors density, resulting in potential bottlenecks and prolonged journey occasions. Conversely, the low season typically permits for smoother site visitors movement. Recognizing these seasonal differences permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and modify their schedules accordingly. For instance, guests touring throughout peak season may contemplate departing earlier within the day or exploring different transportation choices.
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Weekend Inflow
Weekends regularly witness a surge in site visitors as residents of Miami and surrounding areas flock to the Florida Keys for brief getaways. This inflow can contribute to elevated congestion, particularly throughout Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Vacationers ought to anticipate this predictable sample and issue potential delays into their weekend itineraries. Checking real-time site visitors circumstances earlier than departure can present beneficial insights and inform route planning.
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Particular Occasions & Native Actions
Native occasions, festivals, and standard actions in Key Largo can even contribute to site visitors congestion. Occasions just like the annual Key Largo Boat Present or vacation celebrations draw giant crowds, impacting site visitors movement within the space. Consulting native occasion calendars and planning journey round these potential congestion factors may also help reduce delays. Choosing different modes of transportation, similar to ride-sharing companies or public transportation, the place accessible, will also be helpful.
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Accidents & Street Development
Unexpected occasions like accidents or street development can considerably disrupt site visitors movement, resulting in surprising delays. These incidents, whereas unpredictable, can impression journey occasions considerably. Monitoring real-time site visitors reviews and using navigation apps that present updates on street closures and incidents may also help vacationers navigate round affected areas and reduce disruptions.
In abstract, recognizing the potential for site visitors congestion on the drive from Miami to Key Largo is crucial for efficient journey planning. By understanding the contributing components and implementing mitigation methods, vacationers can reduce disruptions and guarantee a smoother, extra gratifying journey. This consciousness permits guests to concentrate on the sweetness and leisure alternatives that await them in Key Largo, quite than the stresses of navigating congested roadways.
6. Varied Pit Stops Out there
The provision of assorted pit stops alongside the drive from Miami to Key Largo considerably enhances the journey’s comfort and suppleness. These stops cater to a variety of traveler wants, from fundamental requirements like gasoline and restrooms to alternatives for eating, purchasing, and exploring native sights. Understanding the sorts of pit stops accessible permits vacationers to plan their journey extra successfully and maximize their general expertise.
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Gasoline Stations and Comfort Shops
Often spaced fuel stations and comfort shops alongside the Abroad Freeway guarantee drivers can keep ample gasoline ranges and entry important provides. These stops present not solely gasoline but additionally restrooms, snacks, drinks, and fundamental automotive provides. This available infrastructure reduces journey anxieties related to working low on gasoline or encountering surprising car wants, significantly essential given the restricted entry to sources as soon as on the Keys.
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Eating Institutions
A various array of eating institutions, starting from informal seafood shacks to upscale waterfront eating places, punctuate the route. These choices cater to numerous tastes and budgets, permitting vacationers to take pleasure in a leisurely meal whereas taking within the scenic views. Some notable examples embrace Alabama Jack’s, a historic landmark identified for its informal environment and recent seafood, and Sundowners, providing upscale eating with panoramic sundown views. These culinary experiences improve the general journey and supply a style of native flavors.
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Purchasing Alternatives
The drive gives alternatives for purchasing at varied shops, together with memento retailers, artwork galleries, and native markets. These stops supply vacationers an opportunity to buy souvenirs, items, and native merchandise, including one other dimension to the journey expertise. For instance, the Rain Barrel Artisan Village, a group of distinctive retailers and studios, gives a platform for native artists and craftspeople. Such stops supply a tangible connection to the area people and supply alternatives to help native companies.
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Scenic Overlooks and Parks
Designated scenic overlooks and parks alongside the Abroad Freeway present alternatives for vacationers to pause and recognize the pure fantastic thing about the Florida Keys. These stops supply gorgeous panoramic views of the ocean, mangrove forests, and surrounding islands. Examples embrace the Islamorada Founder’s Park, providing seaside entry and leisure services, and the Anne’s Seashore boardwalk, supreme for birdwatching and having fun with the tranquil environment. These pauses improve the journey by providing moments of reflection and reference to the pure surroundings.
The number of pit stops alongside the drive from Miami to Key Largo transforms the journey from a easy transit right into a multi-faceted expertise. The provision of gasoline, meals, purchasing, and scenic pauses enhances comfort, gives alternatives for exploration, and contributes to a extra gratifying and memorable journey expertise. By using these sources successfully, vacationers can personalize their journey and totally recognize the distinctive choices of the Florida Keys.
7. Bridge Tolls
Bridge tolls symbolize an unavoidable monetary part of the drive from Miami to Key Largo. The Abroad Freeway, the only real vehicular route connecting the mainland to the Keys, incorporates a number of toll bridges. These tolls contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of this important infrastructure, guaranteeing its continued performance and security for the substantial quantity of site visitors it accommodates. Understanding the toll system and incorporating related prices into journey budgets is crucial for anybody planning this journey. Ignoring this facet can result in surprising bills and probably disrupt journey plans.
Traditionally, tolls have performed an important position in financing the development and subsequent upkeep of the Abroad Freeway. Following the devastation of the Abroad Railroad by a hurricane in 1935, changing the remaining infrastructure right into a roadway required vital funding. Tolls served as a devoted income stream, enabling the transformation of this important transportation hyperlink and its continued operation. At present, the collected tolls contribute not solely to routine upkeep but additionally to important upgrades and enhancements, guaranteeing the freeway’s long-term viability within the face of environmental components and rising site visitors calls for. For instance, toll revenues have funded current initiatives geared toward enhancing bridge resilience in opposition to hurricane harm, a important consideration given the area’s vulnerability to excessive climate occasions.
In sensible phrases, drivers using the route ought to anticipate a number of toll factors and put together accordingly. Whereas money cost choices might exist at sure areas, digital toll assortment techniques, similar to SunPass in Florida, supply a extra seamless and sometimes discounted passage. Buying a SunPass transponder or using a suitable out-of-state transponder simplifies the toll cost course of, decreasing delays at toll plazas and probably reducing general prices. Failing to account for these tolls can lead to administrative charges and issues, significantly for guests unfamiliar with the digital tolling techniques. Due to this fact, pre-trip planning concerning toll cost strategies is very advisable to keep away from surprising prices and guarantee a smoother journey expertise.
8. Automobile rental choices
Automobile rental choices symbolize a important part for a lot of endeavor the drive from Miami to Key Largo. Public transportation choices to Key Largo are restricted, making private autos the dominant mode of transport. Consequently, guests flying into Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) typically depend on automobile leases to entry the Florida Keys. The prevalence of rental automobile businesses at MIA and within the surrounding areas displays this demand, offering a readily accessible answer for these requiring transportation to Key Largo. Selecting an acceptable rental automobile includes a number of components, together with price range, passenger capability, and baggage house. For instance, a household touring with diving tools would require a bigger car than a solo traveler. Understanding these wants and choosing an applicable car considerably impacts the consolation and comfort of the drive. Moreover, rental automobile businesses supply varied insurance coverage choices, together with Loss Harm Waivers and Supplemental Legal responsibility Insurance coverage. Evaluating these choices and choosing applicable protection safeguards in opposition to potential monetary liabilities in case of accidents or harm.
The choice course of itself deserves cautious consideration. On-line comparability instruments facilitate evaluating costs and car choices throughout completely different rental businesses. Reserving upfront, significantly throughout peak vacationer seasons, can safe higher charges and guarantee car availability. Moreover, understanding the rental settlement’s phrases and circumstances, together with mileage limitations, gasoline insurance policies, and extra driver charges, prevents surprising prices and issues. For example, some rental agreements might impose surcharges for driving throughout state strains or exceeding specified mileage limits. Ignoring these particulars can result in surprising bills upon returning the car. Upon arrival on the rental company, completely inspecting the car for any pre-existing harm and documenting it with the company consultant protects in opposition to potential disputes concerning legal responsibility for harm incurred in the course of the rental interval.
In conclusion, automobile rental choices are integral to accessing Key Largo from Miami for a lot of vacationers. Cautious consideration of particular person wants, diligent analysis, and a radical understanding of rental agreements contribute to a clean and cost-effective expertise. Understanding the significance of automobile leases inside the broader context of the Miami to Key Largo drive permits knowledgeable decision-making and enhances the general journey expertise, permitting guests to concentrate on having fun with the vacation spot quite than navigating transportation logistics.
9. Respect Velocity Limits
Respecting velocity limits kinds a important part of protected and accountable driving on the Abroad Freeway from Miami to Key Largo. This scenic route traverses a novel surroundings characterised by numerous wildlife, fluctuating site visitors patterns, and particular bridge designs, all necessitating adherence to posted velocity limits. Velocity restrict observance minimizes the chance of accidents, protects the fragile ecosystem, and contributes to the general security and pleasure of all street customers.
The Abroad Freeway’s trajectory by way of ecologically delicate areas necessitates cautious driving. Dashing will increase the chance of collisions with wildlife, similar to Key deer, a federally endangered species endemic to the Florida Keys. Diminished speeds improve driver response time, mitigating the probability of such encounters and lessening the severity of potential impacts. Moreover, adherence to hurry limits on bridges minimizes stress on these buildings, a lot of which characteristic distinctive designs and historic significance. For instance, the Seven Mile Bridge, an iconic landmark, necessitates managed speeds to take care of its structural integrity and guarantee driver security. Exceeding velocity limits on these bridges will increase the chance of accidents, probably inflicting vital harm and disruption to site visitors movement.
In conclusion, respecting velocity limits is just not merely a authorized obligation however a basic facet of accountable driving on the Abroad Freeway. This observe protects wildlife, preserves infrastructure, and enhances general street security. Understanding the connection between velocity restrict observance and the distinctive traits of the drive from Miami to Key Largo permits for a extra knowledgeable and conscientious strategy to navigating this scenic route, contributing to the preservation of the surroundings and the protection of all street customers. Ignoring velocity limits undermines these essential aims and will increase the chance of adverse penalties for each drivers and the fragile ecosystem of the Florida Keys.
Regularly Requested Questions
This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the drive from Miami to Key Largo, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable journey planning.
Query 1: What’s the typical drive time between Miami and Key Largo?
The drive usually takes roughly one hour beneath optimum site visitors circumstances. Nonetheless, components similar to seasonal differences, weekend congestion, and unexpected incidents can considerably impression journey time. Incorporating buffer time into journey plans is advisable.
Query 2: Are there tolls on the Abroad Freeway?
Sure, a number of toll bridges exist alongside the Abroad Freeway. Using digital toll assortment techniques, similar to SunPass, is usually advisable for seamless passage and potential value financial savings in comparison with money funds.
Query 3: What are the automobile rental choices at Miami Worldwide Airport?
Quite a few automobile rental businesses function at MIA, providing a variety of car choices to swimsuit various wants and budgets. Advance reserving is advisable, significantly throughout peak vacationer seasons, to safe most popular autos and probably higher charges.
Query 4: What are some advisable stops alongside the way in which?
The route presents numerous sights, together with scenic overlooks, state parks, eating places, and distinctive purchasing alternatives. Islamorada Founder’s Park, Anne’s Seashore, and the Rain Barrel Artisan Village symbolize a couple of notable examples.
Query 5: What wildlife could be encountered in the course of the drive?
The Abroad Freeway traverses ecologically delicate areas, and drivers ought to concentrate on potential encounters with wildlife similar to Key deer, varied fowl species, and marine life seen from bridges. Sustaining protected speeds and adhering to site visitors laws minimizes dangers to each wildlife and drivers.
Query 6: What are the velocity limits on the Abroad Freeway?
Velocity limits range alongside the route and are clearly posted. Respecting these limits is essential for security, significantly on bridges and thru areas with excessive pedestrian or wildlife exercise. Legislation enforcement actively displays velocity restrict compliance.
Cautious consideration of those regularly requested questions enhances preparedness for the drive from Miami to Key Largo. Proactive planning contributes to a safer, smoother, and extra gratifying journey, permitting vacationers to totally recognize the distinctive features of this scenic route and the vacation spot it serves.
For additional particulars concerning particular sights, lodging, or actions in Key Largo, please seek the advice of devoted journey guides or native tourism sources.
Suggestions for the Drive to Key Largo
Cautious planning enhances the expertise of touring the Abroad Freeway to Key Largo. The following tips supply sensible steering for a smoother and extra gratifying journey.
Tip 1: Examine Actual-Time Visitors Circumstances: Consulting site visitors apps or web sites earlier than departure gives perception into potential congestion or delays. This enables for proactive changes to departure occasions or route planning, minimizing disruptions.
Tip 2: Make the most of Digital Toll Assortment: Utilizing a SunPass transponder or suitable out-of-state gadget streamlines toll funds, decreasing delays at toll plazas and probably providing value financial savings in comparison with money funds. Pre-trip acquisition or setup is advisable.
Tip 3: Pack Necessities: A well-equipped car contributes to a cushty and stress-free journey. Important objects embrace water, snacks, sunscreen, a first-aid equipment, and any obligatory medicines. These provisions tackle potential wants in the course of the drive, significantly in areas with restricted companies.
Tip 4: Plan Gasoline Stops Strategically: Whereas fuel stations can be found alongside the route, planning gasoline stops strategically ensures uninterrupted journey and avoids potential delays as a consequence of low gasoline ranges, particularly when touring throughout off-peak hours or late at evening. Checking gasoline costs alongside the route can even contribute to value financial savings.
Tip 5: Enable Ample Time: Whereas the drive is often brief, components similar to site visitors, stops for sightseeing, or restroom breaks can prolong the general journey time. Permitting ample time ensures a extra relaxed journey and minimizes the chance of dashing, contributing to safer driving practices.
Tip 6: Be Aware of Wildlife: The Abroad Freeway traverses ecologically delicate areas. Sustaining applicable speeds and remaining vigilant for wildlife, significantly Key deer, reduces the chance of collisions and protects the native fauna. Avoiding distractions whereas driving is essential in these areas.
Tip 7: Respect Velocity Limits: Observing posted velocity limits ensures the protection of all street customers and contributes to the preservation of the distinctive surroundings surrounding the Abroad Freeway. Velocity restrict enforcement is lively all through the route. This consciousness promotes accountable driving and minimizes the chance of accidents.
Tip 8: Guide Lodging in Advance: Particularly throughout peak season, reserving lodging in Key Largo beforehand is essential. Final-minute searches can lead to restricted availability or increased costs. Pre-booking secures most popular lodging and contributes to a smoother journey expertise.
Adhering to those ideas contributes considerably to a seamless and gratifying driving expertise from Miami to Key Largo, permitting vacationers to concentrate on appreciating the scenic magnificence and leisure alternatives that await them.
With these issues addressed, one can embark on the drive from Miami to Key Largo ready and able to totally expertise the journey and vacation spot.
Drive from Miami to Key Largo
The drive from Miami to Key Largo presents greater than only a path to a vacation spot; it presents a novel journey expertise. This evaluation explored important sides of the journey, together with the historic significance of the Abroad Freeway, potential site visitors issues, the significance of respecting velocity limits, and the ecological richness surrounding the route. Understanding these parts permits vacationers to strategy the drive knowledgeable and ready, maximizing each security and pleasure.
The accessibility afforded by this comparatively brief drive has profoundly impacted Key Largo’s growth, fostering financial progress and tourism. Nonetheless, accountable journey practices, together with adherence to site visitors laws and environmental consciousness, stay essential for preserving the fragile ecosystem and guaranteeing the continued accessibility of this distinctive vacation spot for generations to return. Cautious planning and knowledgeable decision-making remodel the drive from Miami to Key Largo right into a memorable prelude to the experiences awaiting within the Florida Keys.
