The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile highway that connects U.S. Route through the Florida Keys to Key West. Large parts of it were built on the former right-of-way of the Overseas Railroad, the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway, which was heavily damaged and partially destroyed in the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. After being unable rebuild the destroyed sections, the roadbed and remaining bridges were sold to the state of Florida for $640,000. Since the 1950s the Overseas Highway has been refurbished into a main coastal highway between the cities of Miami and Key West, offering travelers an exotic roadway through a tropical savanna environment and access to the largest area of coral reefs on the U.S. mainland. Be careful of wildlife and stay safe!

Length	113 miles
States	1 – Florida
Astronomy Sites	5 (4 along route, 1 adjacent)

Astronomy Sites

Curry Hammock State Park

Curry Hammock State Park is the largest undeveloped parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key. With a size of 1000 acres, Curry Hammond State Park provides a lovely opportunity to enjoy 28 spacious campsites, beautiful sunrises, beach access and great recreational opportunities. There are lovely opportunities for viewing the Milky Way and do stargazing in the park and is highly recommended.

Bahia Honda State Park

Florida State Parks summarizes it well, “During the day most folks are gazing upon the beautiful water or swimming in the sapphire waters, but the night time will offer you a chance to discover the night sky above. Campers and overnight marina guests are encouraged to wander up the Old Bahia Honda bridge, walk the shorelines, or just lay back in their lounge chair and take in the astonishing night sky.” This site is a great for campers to view the Milky Way and stars, which is a must visit! It is important to note that the park closes at sundown, so this opportunity is available only to overnight guests.

It is located more than 100 miles from Miami, has low light pollution, and one of the only places in the US where the Southern Cross constellation can be seen.

Long Key State Park

Roughly an hour from mainland Florida, Long Key State Park introduces you to the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife of the Florida Keys. There are a plethora of wonderful outdoor recreation activities such as hiking and snorkeling. Plus the park has minimal light pollution and is an excellent place for viewing the night sky. 

Dry Tortuga National Park

When the park is open, visitors can camp out nearby for just $15 and enjoy the bright stars and ocean sounds, It’s possible to see the core of the Milky Way with the naked eye, and the best time to view it is late summer. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the few naturally dark areas in the country according to the National Parks Service, offering a rare camping experience free of artificial light. Dry Tortugas has a primitive campsite, so you’ll need to bring your own gear plus food and water for your overnight stay. Being able to sleep under and view amazing galaxies and stars is truly an unforgettable experience.

Everglades National Park

Although not located on the Overseas Highway, Everglades National Park is close to the end of the mainland and start of the highway, making it a great attraction for night sky viewing. This particular park offers one of the clearest views of the night sky to be seen anywhere in South Florida. There are two campgrounds with running water available here for those who’d like to stay the night. It’s one of the best places around if you’d like to sleep under a sky full of stars. Best viewed on a clear and moonless night and far from sources of light pollution, the Milky Way is our local galaxy. Each month around the time of the new moon, Everglades National Park offers superbly dark conditions that are ideal for viewing the Milky Way. On a dark night and in a dark place within the park, look to the south to find the Milky Way. During the winter season, rangers offer a variety of nighttime programs, including new moon stargazing events, at which telescopes may be available for viewing the night sky. The public is welcome, and reservations are not necessary.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Located on the mainland closer to Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve is about 2 hours away and is another option for astronomy. Due to its remoteness, there are a plethora of astronomy options.

Camping/Lodging

Along the Overseas Highway, there are a plethora of camping and lodging options, ranging from state parks to hotels and motels. These wide variety of options means that there will probably be some options available to those visiting in this range, but some sites do fill up faster than others. It is best recommended to book early.

Everglades National Park

There are a number of ground sites, beach sites, and elevated camping platforms available in various locations in the park. Most of the wilderness camping sites are accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, though a few may be reached by hikers. It is important to note that a wilderness camping permit is required for all wilderness campsites and issued the day before or day of your trip at either the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers. The Flamingo campground is one of two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park. Long Pine Key campground is open seasonally November-May.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

At the top of the keys and the top of the Overseas Highway, near Everglades National Park the State Park has 47 full-facility sites for both tent and RV campers are available. Restrooms and hot showers are easily accessible.

Bahia Honda State Park

The cost of camping is $36 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RVs. The utility fee does not apply to tent camping, as the utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer.  The costs for cabin camping between May 1 – Oct. 31 is $120 night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee. Between Nov. 1 – April 30, cabin costs are $160 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee. Includes water and electricity. There are 6 cabins and 79 camping spots that be reserved 11 months in advance of your arrival date.

Long Key State Park

Located in the Florida Keys, the park’s hike-in, tent-only campsites are sited along the Atlantic Ocean. Each tent site comes equipped with a picnic table, grill and hammock stand; there are no electric or water hookups. Restrooms with cold outdoor showers are available to campers. Well-behaved pets are welcome in the campground. Please call the park for details.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and make sure to view our other unique astronomy roadtrips such as this one for more places to view astronomy when on a roadtrip.