The Overseas Highway, the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 and sometimes called the Highway That Goes to Sea is a modern wonder. The road, that follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 by Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad, stretches from Miami to Key West.
The railway ceased operation after severe damage to the infrastructure in a 1935 hurricane. Construction of the highway began in the late 1930s. Its foundation included some of the original railway spans as well as the coral bedrock of individual keys and specially constructed columns.
When it was completed in 1938, the highway marked the beginning of an incredible adventure for the North American motorist who travel 113 miles of roadway and cross 42 bridges to travel from Miami to the southernmost point in Key West. In 1982, 37 bridges were replaced with wider spans, including the well-known Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
In 2002 the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail was added, which includes the Grassy Key Bikeway. Spanning mile markers (MM) 54.5 to 58.5 bayside, the eight-foot-wide Grassy Key Bikeway is landscaped and furnished with a split-rail fence as well as bollards to prohibit automobile access.
The Heritage Trail is a paved recreational path along old Flagler railroad bridges and the Florida Department of Transportation right-of-way that features crossways between bayside and oceanside. Stretching from MM 106.5 to MM 0, the trail includes interpretive trailheads designating attractions and other public areas on and off U.S. Highway 1 – as well as benches, an art bicyle rack and a limestone column sign with an Overseas Heritage Trail map.
Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. However, drivers should allow time to experience the natural beauty of the ever-changing scenery of the seas and wilderness bordering the roadway, and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

Two years ago this spring my wife and I and another couple left our homes in Georgia and headed South down the Florida coastline on the Pacific side all the way to Alligator alley,and then straight across the bottom of Florida to Miami. We picked up U.S.1 and rode all the way to Key West. First of all Ive got to say there's nothing like traveling on a Goldwing and we definitely let the big dog eat, day after day we burnt the hi-way and the big wing just took it in stride. But back to my point, there is no road any better or more awe inspiring than the road from Miami to Key West, if you ever get the chance to take the trip on a motorcycle, do it, their is nothing better in my opinion, I love riding in the mountains and I really love the Blue Ridge Parkway but nothing compares to the beauty of the road to Key West. I plan on doing it again one day and I look forward to that day. I hope you enjoy the article below and if you ever get the chance take this ride you'll remember it forever.