Lighthouses

Question

How many lighthouses can you drive to or see from the road driving from Key Largo to Key West? And are there places to stop to take pictures?

Answer

Driving the scenic route along US-1 from Key Largo to Key West gives you the opportunity to see several historic lighthouses, though not all are directly accessible by road. Some can be driven up to, while others are visible from certain points along the Overseas Highway.

Here’s a breakdown of the main lighthouses you can see or drive to along the Keys:

Alligator Reef Lighthouse (Islamorada area): Offshore, accessible only by boat, but can be seen from certain points near Matecumbe Key.
American Shoal Lighthouse: Far offshore and not visible from the road.
Faro Blanco Lighthouse (Marathon): Active lighthouse you can drive to; located at the Faro Blanco Resort. Visitors can walk near the grounds and take photos from the outside.
Key West Lighthouse: Located in Key West near the southern tip. You can drive right up, park nearby, and even climb to the top for panoramic views. This is the most accessible and photo-friendly lighthouse on the route.

Photo opportunities:

Faro Blanco Resort (Marathon): Grounds allow for pictures of the lighthouse with the marina and ocean in the background.
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum: Plenty of space for photos, both of the lighthouse and the historic buildings around it.
Overseas Highway viewpoints: Some pull-offs along US-1 give scenic ocean views where you may glimpse offshore lighthouses or capture shots of bridges and surrounding waters, especially near Marathon and Lower Keys.

In summary, along the drive from Key Largo to Key West, the most accessible lighthouses are Faro Blanco in Marathon and the Key West Lighthouse. While others exist offshore, they are primarily seen from the water. Planning a few stops at resorts, parks, or public pull-offs along the highway allows you to take memorable photos of the lighthouses and the surrounding ocean scenery.