The Abroad Freeway, a marvel of engineering, connects mainland Florida to Key Largo, the primary and largest island within the Florida Keys. This scenic route affords breathtaking ocean views and entry to a singular ecosystem. Touring this route sometimes includes traversing a portion of U.S. Route 1, a serious north-south freeway on the japanese coast of the USA.
This roadway performs an important function within the area’s financial system, supporting tourism and offering essential transportation hyperlinks for residents and companies. Traditionally, the Abroad Freeway advanced from the Abroad Railroad, a outstanding feat of development accomplished within the early Twentieth century. The prevailing infrastructure permits for handy journey between the mainland and the islands, contributing considerably to the Keys’ accessibility and improvement.
Additional exploration of this vital transportation artery will embody detailed info on journey occasions, noteworthy landmarks, potential challenges, and obtainable facilities alongside the route. Subsequent sections may also handle sensible concerns for planning a easy and gratifying journey.
1. Scenic Ocean Views
The Abroad Freeway, the route connecting Miami to Key Largo, affords an unparalleled visible expertise: expansive ocean vistas. These scenic ocean views usually are not merely incidental to the journey; they’re an integral a part of the driving expertise. The freeway traverses quite a few bridges and causeways, inserting vacationers straight above the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. This proximity to the water supplies uninterrupted panoramic views, showcasing the colourful marine ecosystem and the pure great thing about the Florida Keys. Examples embody the Seven Mile Bridge, an iconic stretch providing seemingly countless ocean horizons, and the vistas surrounding Pigeon Key, a small island accessible by way of a historic bridge.
The impression of those scenic views extends past mere aesthetics. They contribute considerably to the attract of the Florida Keys, drawing guests and enhancing the general journey expertise. This visible immersion within the coastal surroundings distinguishes the drive from a typical freeway journey, reworking it right into a memorable a part of a Key Largo trip. Moreover, the readily accessible ocean views present alternatives for observing marine life, from playful dolphins to swish seabirds, including an academic dimension to the journey.
In abstract, the scenic ocean views inherent to the Miami to Key Largo drive are a defining attribute of the journey. They improve the area’s tourism enchantment, contribute to a singular journey expertise, and provide alternatives for engagement with the pure world. Recognizing the importance of those views fosters a deeper appreciation for the fragile steadiness of this coastal ecosystem and encourages accountable journey practices. This understanding finally enriches the expertise for all who traverse this iconic freeway.
2. Historic Abroad Freeway
The “Miami to Key Largo drive” is inextricably linked to the Historic Abroad Freeway, a good portion of U.S. Route 1. This freeway is not merely a highway; it represents a outstanding feat of engineering and a vital element of the area’s historical past and accessibility. The unique Abroad Railroad, accomplished in 1912, served as the inspiration for the present-day freeway. Following extreme hurricane injury in 1935, sections of the railroad have been repurposed and reworked into the roadway we all know immediately. This transformation demonstrates adaptation and resilience within the face of pure disasters, highlighting the freeway’s very important function in connecting the Keys to the mainland.
A number of authentic bridges from the railroad period, such because the Lengthy Key Bridge and the Bahia Honda Bridge, stay integral elements of the Abroad Freeway, including historic significance to the trendy journey. These buildings provide tangible hyperlinks to the previous, showcasing the ingenuity and ambition of early Twentieth-century engineering. Driving throughout these historic bridges supplies a singular perspective on the evolution of transportation within the area. Moreover, the existence of the Abroad Freeway has facilitated the event and progress of the Florida Keys, reworking beforehand remoted islands into accessible vacationer locations and thriving communities.
Understanding the historic context of the Abroad Freeway enhances the expertise of driving from Miami to Key Largo. It transforms a easy highway journey right into a journey by time, connecting vacationers to the area’s wealthy previous. This consciousness underscores the significance of preserving historic infrastructure and recognizing its affect on present-day journey and regional improvement. Appreciating this historic context contributes to a extra significant expertise and fosters a deeper connection to the distinctive character of the Florida Keys. This understanding finally reinforces the worth of preserving and celebrating the legacy of the Abroad Freeway.
3. Roughly 60-mile drive
The “Miami to Key Largo drive” encompasses an approximate distance of 60 miles. This seemingly easy metric holds vital implications for planning and executing the journey. Understanding the gap permits vacationers to estimate driving time, gas consumption, and general logistical concerns. Whereas 60 miles may recommend a comparatively quick journey, the distinctive traits of the Abroad Freeway require a nuanced understanding of journey time estimations. Components reminiscent of site visitors congestion, significantly throughout peak seasons and holidays, can considerably impression the precise length of the drive. For instance, a seemingly simple 60-mile drive can simply prolong to a number of hours below heavy site visitors circumstances. Moreover, incorporating deliberate stops at points of interest, eating places, or scenic overlooks alongside the route will naturally enhance the general journey time. Subsequently, precisely assessing the gap serves as a vital place to begin for efficient journey planning.
The sensible significance of understanding the 60-mile distance extends past preliminary estimations. It informs choices relating to car alternative, contemplating components reminiscent of gas effectivity and passenger consolation. As an illustration, vacationers may go for a extra fuel-efficient car for this predominantly freeway drive. Furthermore, understanding the gap permits for strategic planning of relaxation stops and refueling factors, significantly for these much less accustomed to longer drives. This proactive strategy minimizes potential disruptions and contributes to a smoother, extra gratifying journey. Moreover, acknowledging the gap permits vacationers to realistically assess their itinerary, making certain sufficient time for actions at their vacation spot and mitigating potential time constraints. This consciousness facilitates a extra relaxed and fulfilling journey expertise.
In abstract, recognizing the “Miami to Key Largo drive” as an roughly 60-mile journey affords sensible benefits for vacationers. Precisely assessing this distance facilitates knowledgeable decision-making relating to logistics, time administration, and general journey planning. This understanding permits vacationers to anticipate potential challenges, reminiscent of site visitors congestion, and proactively implement methods for mitigating disruptions. Finally, appreciating the 60-mile distance as a key element of the “Miami to Key Largo drive” contributes to a extra knowledgeable, environment friendly, and gratifying journey expertise.
4. Key Largo, gateway to the Keys
Key Largo’s designation because the “gateway to the Keys” is intrinsically linked to the Miami to Key Largo drive. This drive represents the first entry level for guests touring by automobile to the Florida Keys archipelago. Key Largo, being the primary and northernmost island within the chain, features because the entry level and preliminary introduction to the Keys’ distinctive surroundings and tradition. This geographical positioning establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: the drive facilitates entry, and Key Largo, by advantage of its location, turns into the preliminary vacation spot and the gateway for exploration of the remaining islands. For instance, guests arriving from Miami Worldwide Airport sometimes lease a automobile and embark on this drive, making Key Largo their first cease earlier than venturing additional south to Islamorada, Marathon, or Key West.
The significance of Key Largo as a element of the Miami to Key Largo drive lies in its function as a transition level. It affords a gradual shift from the mainland’s city surroundings to the island’s laid-back ambiance. This transition permits guests to acclimate to the Keys’ distinctive tempo and tradition. Key Largo supplies a variety of facilities, together with lodging, eating places, and dive retailers, catering to guests’ preliminary wants upon arrival. Moreover, its proximity to each Miami and different Keys’ islands makes it a strategically advantageous location for exploring your entire archipelago. As an illustration, guests can simply embark on day journeys to close by islands like Islamorada for world-class fishing or discover John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, conveniently situated in Key Largo, for snorkeling and diving experiences.
Understanding Key Largo’s function because the gateway to the Keys enhances the general expertise of the Miami to Key Largo drive. It permits vacationers to understand the island’s significance past a mere stopping level, recognizing its operate as a vital hyperlink between the mainland and the rest of the archipelago. This understanding informs sensible choices relating to lodging, itinerary planning, and exploration of the encompassing areas. Recognizing Key Largo’s transitional function additionally permits guests to raised put together for the distinctive traits of the Keys, fostering a smoother and extra gratifying journey expertise. It emphasizes the island’s significance inside the bigger context of exploring the Florida Keys, enriching the general journey and inspiring accountable exploration of this delicate ecosystem.
5. Potential site visitors congestion
Potential site visitors congestion represents a major issue influencing the Miami to Key Largo drive. This congestion is not merely an occasional inconvenience; it is a predictable and recurring phenomenon with tangible penalties for journey time and general journey planning. The Abroad Freeway, the only vehicular route connecting the mainland to the Keys, experiences concentrated site visitors movement, significantly throughout peak seasons, holidays, and weekends. This focus ends in vital slowdowns and delays, generally extending a sometimes one-to-two-hour drive to a number of hours. A number of components contribute to this congestion. The restricted capability of a two-lane freeway struggles to accommodate the inflow of automobiles throughout peak intervals. Moreover, accidents, highway closures, or drawbridge openings can exacerbate current congestion, creating bottlenecks and additional delays. As an illustration, a single accident on a key bridge may cause site visitors to again up for miles, impacting journey occasions all through the Keys. Furthermore, particular occasions or festivals held in Key Largo or different Keys’ locations can create localized site visitors surges, including one other layer of complexity to the drive. The convergence of those components underscores the significance of contemplating potential site visitors congestion as an integral element of the Miami to Key Largo driving expertise.
The sensible implications of potential site visitors congestion are substantial. Vacationers should account for potential delays when planning itineraries, allocating enough buffer time to keep away from lacking scheduled actions or connections. Relying solely on estimated journey occasions with out contemplating congestion can result in vital disruptions. For instance, vacationers planning to catch a sundown cruise or a flight from Key West may miss their scheduled exercise on account of unexpected site visitors delays on the Abroad Freeway. Moreover, prolonged intervals in site visitors can contribute to driver fatigue and frustration, negatively impacting the general enjoyment of the journey. Subsequently, incorporating potential site visitors delays into journey plans turns into essential for a easy and stress-free expertise. Using site visitors monitoring apps or web sites earlier than and throughout the drive supplies real-time updates and permits for changes to routes or schedules. Furthermore, contemplating various transportation choices, reminiscent of bus providers or ride-sharing, can generally mitigate the impression of site visitors congestion. Adopting a proactive strategy to managing potential site visitors delays equips vacationers with the instruments and methods to navigate the Miami to Key Largo drive successfully.
In abstract, potential site visitors congestion presents a major consideration for anybody endeavor the Miami to Key Largo drive. Recognizing this potential and understanding its underlying causes permits for proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making. By incorporating site visitors concerns into journey methods, people can mitigate potential delays, reduce frustration, and finally improve the general enjoyment of their Florida Keys expertise. Failing to deal with this important side can result in vital disruptions and compromise the standard of the journey, underscoring the significance of acknowledging and getting ready for the realities of site visitors congestion on the Abroad Freeway.
6. Various journey occasions
Journey occasions related to the Miami to Key Largo drive exhibit appreciable variability, necessitating cautious consideration when planning a journey. This fluctuation in journey time isn’t a minor element however a vital issue impacting schedules, itineraries, and the general journey expertise. Understanding the weather contributing to this variability permits for proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making, minimizing potential disruptions and maximizing enjoyment of the Florida Keys expertise.
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Site visitors Congestion
Site visitors quantity on the Abroad Freeway fluctuates considerably. Peak seasons, holidays, and weekends typically expertise heavy congestion, dramatically growing journey occasions. A typical drive, estimated at roughly one to 2 hours below excellent circumstances, can simply prolong to a few or 4 hours or extra during times of heavy site visitors. This underscores the significance of checking real-time site visitors circumstances earlier than embarking on the drive and contemplating various transportation choices throughout peak intervals.
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Accidents and Incidents
Unexpected occasions reminiscent of accidents, disabled automobiles, or regulation enforcement exercise may cause vital delays on the Abroad Freeway. Given the restricted various routes, even minor incidents can result in substantial backups, impacting journey occasions unpredictably. Monitoring site visitors reviews and using navigation apps with real-time incident updates can present helpful info and help in making knowledgeable choices about route changes or various plans.
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Drawbridge Openings
A number of drawbridges alongside the Abroad Freeway open repeatedly to accommodate marine site visitors. These openings, whereas important for maritime navigation, may cause short-term however vital delays for vehicular site visitors. Consulting drawbridge schedules and incorporating potential ready occasions into journey plans might help mitigate disruptions. Actual-time bridge standing info is usually obtainable on-line or by navigation apps, permitting vacationers to anticipate and plan for these intermittent delays.
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Time of Day
Journey occasions can range considerably relying on the time of day. Commute hours, each within the morning and night, are inclined to expertise elevated site visitors quantity, particularly in areas nearer to Miami. Selecting off-peak journey occasions, when possible, may end up in considerably shorter and fewer irritating drives. Contemplating departure occasions strategically can reduce publicity to hurry hour site visitors and contribute to a extra environment friendly and gratifying journey.
These components, influencing journey occasions between Miami and Key Largo, underscore the need of versatile planning and lifelike expectations. Recognizing the inherent variability of this drive permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices, reduce potential frustrations related to delays, and finally contribute to a smoother, extra gratifying Florida Keys expertise. Proactive planning, knowledgeable by real-time site visitors info and consciousness of potential contributing components, empowers vacationers to navigate the inherent variability of this distinctive coastal drive successfully.
7. Important Florida Expertise
The “Miami to Key Largo drive” embodies a necessary Florida expertise, extending past mere transportation to embody a singular immersion within the state’s pure magnificence and cultural character. This drive affords a tangible connection to Florida’s id as a coastal paradise, showcasing the colourful ecosystem of the Florida Keys and offering entry to a particular island life-style. The Abroad Freeway itself, with its breathtaking ocean views and historic significance as a repurposed railroad, represents a landmark achievement in transportation infrastructure and stands as a testomony to human ingenuity in adapting to pure challenges. This mixture of pure magnificence, engineering marvel, and historic context contributes to the drive’s standing as a necessary component of the Florida expertise. For instance, traversing the Seven Mile Bridge, surrounded by the huge expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, supplies a visceral sense of connection to the marine surroundings and embodies the quintessential Florida Keys expertise.
The significance of the “Miami to Key Largo drive” as a element of a necessary Florida expertise stems from its accessibility and the distinctive alternatives it affords. In contrast to some distant pure wonders, this expertise requires no specialised gear or intensive planning. A easy drive affords rapid entry to breathtaking vistas, historic landmarks, and the colourful cultural tapestry of the Keys. This accessibility broadens the enchantment of the Florida expertise, making it available to a variety of people and households. Moreover, the drive affords a versatile framework for experiencing the Keys, accommodating numerous pursuits and journey kinds. Whether or not one seeks a soothing scenic drive, an exploration of historic websites, or an immersion within the Keys’ vibrant ecosystem, the “Miami to Key Largo drive” serves as a vital place to begin and a connective thread all through the journey. As an illustration, vacationers can incorporate stops at state parks, wildlife refuges, or native eating places alongside the route, customizing their expertise to match particular person preferences.
Understanding the “Miami to Key Largo drive” as a necessary Florida expertise enhances the general worth and significance of the journey. It transforms a easy commute right into a significant encounter with the state’s distinctive character, fostering a deeper appreciation for its pure magnificence, historic context, and cultural richness. This understanding encourages accountable exploration of the fragile ecosystem and promotes engagement with the native communities. Moreover, recognizing the drive as an integral a part of the Florida expertise elevates its standing past a mere logistical necessity, reworking it right into a cherished reminiscence and a defining attribute of a Florida Keys journey. Nonetheless, challenges reminiscent of site visitors congestion and the potential for environmental impression underscore the necessity for accountable journey practices and sustainable tourism initiatives to protect the integrity of this important Florida expertise for future generations.
8. Quite a few Sights En Route
The “Miami to Key Largo drive” affords greater than only a technique of reaching a vacation spot; it presents a chance to discover quite a few points of interest enriching the journey. These points of interest, strategically situated alongside the Abroad Freeway and within the surrounding areas, cater to numerous pursuits, enhancing the general journey expertise and offering insights into the area’s distinctive ecosystem, historical past, and tradition. Understanding the supply and number of these points of interest permits vacationers to remodel a easy commute right into a multi-faceted exploration of the Florida Keys.
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Pure Wonders
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, situated in Key Largo, affords world-class snorkeling and diving alternatives, permitting guests to immerse themselves within the vibrant coral reefs and numerous marine lifetime of the Florida Keys. Different pure points of interest embody the Everglades Nationwide Park, accessible by way of a detour from the principle route, and numerous smaller parks and preserves showcasing the distinctive wildlife of the area. These pure wonders present alternatives for schooling, recreation, and appreciation of the fragile ecological steadiness of the Keys.
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Historic Websites
The Abroad Freeway itself holds historic significance, incorporating remnants of the unique Abroad Railroad. Historic bridges, such because the Lengthy Key Bridge and the Bahia Honda Bridge, function reminders of the area’s wealthy previous and the engineering marvels of the early Twentieth century. The African Queen Canal Cruise, situated in Key Largo, affords a glimpse into Hollywood historical past and the world’s connection to traditional cinema. These historic websites present context and depth to the journey, connecting vacationers to the wealthy heritage of the Florida Keys.
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Household-Oriented Leisure
Theater of the Sea, situated in Islamorada, supplies interactive experiences with marine mammals and different wildlife, providing instructional and entertaining alternatives for households. Quite a few marinas and water sports activities rental services alongside the route present alternatives for kayaking, paddleboarding, and different leisure actions. These family-friendly points of interest contribute to a well-rounded journey expertise, catering to a broader vary of pursuits and age teams.
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Culinary Delights
The “Miami to Key Largo drive” supplies entry to a various array of culinary experiences. Recent seafood eating places, native markets providing Key lime pie and different regional specialties, and roadside meals stands contribute to a singular gastronomic journey. Exploring native culinary choices provides a flavorful dimension to the drive, offering a style of the Keys’ distinctive tradition and traditions.
The quite a few points of interest accessible alongside the “Miami to Key Largo drive” remodel the journey from a easy transit expertise to a wealthy exploration of the Florida Keys. These numerous choices cater to a variety of pursuits, enhancing the general journey expertise and offering alternatives for engagement with the area’s pure magnificence, historical past, and tradition. Strategic planning, incorporating visits to those points of interest, maximizes the worth of the drive and contributes to a extra memorable and fulfilling Florida Keys journey. Moreover, recognizing the range and accessibility of those points of interest permits vacationers to personalize their itineraries, making a tailor-made expertise reflective of particular person pursuits and journey kinds.
Steadily Requested Questions
This FAQ part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the journey from Miami to Key Largo, offering readability and sensible info for potential vacationers.
Query 1: What’s the typical driving time between Miami and Key Largo?
Beneath excellent site visitors circumstances, the drive sometimes takes between one and two hours. Nonetheless, site visitors congestion, significantly throughout peak seasons, holidays, and weekends, can considerably prolong journey time. Actual-time site visitors monitoring is really helpful.
Query 2: What’s the major route for driving from Miami to Key Largo?
The Abroad Freeway (U.S. Route 1) serves as the first and solely vehicular route connecting Miami to Key Largo and the remainder of the Florida Keys.
Query 3: Are there tolls alongside the route?
No, there are at present no tolls on the Abroad Freeway between Miami and Key Largo.
Query 4: What are some really helpful stops alongside the best way?
Advisable stops embody John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling and diving, the historic Lengthy Key Bridge for scenic views, and numerous eating places providing recent seafood and native specialties.
Query 5: What are the potential challenges related to this drive?
Site visitors congestion poses a major problem, significantly throughout peak intervals. Accidents, drawbridge openings, and inclement climate can even impression journey occasions. Advance planning and real-time site visitors monitoring are essential for mitigating these challenges.
Query 6: What kind of auto is really helpful for this drive?
Whereas any car can technically make the journey, a cushty, fuel-efficient car is really helpful. Contemplate an SUV or minivan for bigger teams or these with intensive baggage. Gasoline effectivity is advantageous because of the distance and restricted refueling choices alongside sure stretches of the Abroad Freeway.
Cautious planning and consideration of those incessantly requested questions contribute considerably to a smoother and extra gratifying driving expertise from Miami to Key Largo. Understanding potential challenges and obtainable sources permits vacationers to anticipate potential points and maximize their time exploring the Florida Keys.
The following part supplies important ideas for planning a seamless journey to Key Largo, encompassing suggestions for lodging, eating, and leisure actions.
Ideas for a Clean Journey from Miami to Key Largo
Cautious planning enhances any journey expertise. The next ideas present helpful insights for optimizing a highway journey from Miami to Key Largo, specializing in maximizing enjoyment and minimizing potential disruptions.
Tip 1: Verify Actual-Time Site visitors Situations
Consulting real-time site visitors knowledge earlier than and throughout the drive helps one anticipate potential delays and make knowledgeable choices about departure occasions and various routes. Quite a few apps and web sites present up-to-the-minute site visitors info for the Abroad Freeway.
Tip 2: Plan for Gasoline and Relaxation Stops
Gasoline stations and relaxation areas are much less frequent alongside sure stretches of the Abroad Freeway in comparison with typical mainland highways. Guaranteeing sufficient gas and planning relaxation stops contributes to a extra snug and fewer irritating journey, significantly for longer drives.
Tip 3: Pack for Assorted Climate Situations
Florida’s coastal local weather might be unpredictable. Packing layers of clothes, together with gentle rain gear and solar safety, ensures consolation no matter climate fluctuations. Checking climate forecasts earlier than departure permits for knowledgeable packing choices.
Tip 4: Pre-book Lodging and Actions
Key Largo is a well-liked vacation spot, significantly throughout peak seasons. Pre-booking lodging and desired actions, like snorkeling excursions or fishing charters, ensures availability and avoids potential disappointment upon arrival.
Tip 5: Contemplate Weekday Journey
Site visitors congestion tends to be much less extreme on weekdays in comparison with weekends. Choosing weekday journey, when possible, may end in a smoother and sooner journey. This permits for extra time at one’s vacation spot and reduces potential stress related to heavy site visitors.
Tip 6: Be Conscious of Drawbridge Schedules
A number of drawbridges alongside the Abroad Freeway open repeatedly for marine site visitors. Consulting drawbridge schedules upfront and incorporating potential ready occasions into journey plans minimizes disruptions and permits for lifelike time administration.
Tip 7: Pack Snacks and Drinks, Particularly for Households with Kids
Having snacks and drinks available ensures consolation, significantly for households touring with youngsters. This reduces the necessity for frequent stops and mitigates potential restlessness throughout the drive.
Implementing the following pointers contributes to a extra seamless and gratifying journey from Miami to Key Largo. Proactive planning minimizes potential disruptions, maximizes journey time effectivity, and enhances the general expertise of exploring the Florida Keys.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and affords last suggestions for experiencing the distinctive magnificence and cultural richness of Key Largo and the encompassing areas.
Conclusion
This exploration of the Miami to Key Largo drive has highlighted its multifaceted nature, encompassing sensible concerns, historic context, and inherent alternatives for experiencing the distinctive character of the Florida Keys. From understanding potential site visitors congestion to appreciating the historic significance of the Abroad Freeway, knowledgeable planning is essential for a easy and gratifying journey. Key Largo’s function because the “gateway to the Keys” underscores its strategic significance, providing a transition level from the mainland’s city surroundings to the islands’ laid-back ambiance. The supply of quite a few points of interest en route transforms the drive itself into an enriching expertise, showcasing the area’s numerous ecosystem, historical past, and tradition.
The Abroad Freeway represents greater than a mere transportation route; it embodies a connection to Florida’s pure magnificence and the colourful cultural tapestry of the Keys. Cautious consideration of the components influencing journey time, coupled with proactive planning and utilization of obtainable sources, empowers vacationers to navigate this iconic route successfully. This understanding fosters a deeper appreciation for the fragile steadiness of the Keys’ ecosystem and encourages accountable exploration of this distinctive vacation spot. Finally, the journey from Miami to Key Largo affords a gateway to an unforgettable Florida Keys expertise, inviting exploration and appreciation of a very outstanding area.
