US 1 is used to travel the islands of the Florida Keys. Locations along the highway are expressed by Mile Marker numbers. The zero Mile Marker is found in Key West at the Monroe County Courthouse. Mile Marker numbers continue to increase until they pass through the Monroe County line at Mile Marker 112 north of Key Largo. Look for small green signs with white numbers posted at each mile along US1 (these used to be the original mile posts installed along the old railroad bed).

MM 126-108

Dubbed the 18-mile stretch, this two-lane expanse tries the patience of most drivers the first time through. This area seems to insulate the Florida Keys from the hustle of big city life. Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the no-hurry atmosphere of the Keys.

MM 108-106

Vacationers first encounter the Florida Keys at Key Largo. This key, nearly 30 miles long, is the largest of the Florida Keys. Whether you approach the island from SR905 (Card Sound Road) or US1, you'll be welcomed by cheerfully waving dive flags (red rectangles split diagonally by a white stripe). Known as the "Sport Diving Capital of the World", millions of visitors travel to Key Largo each year to take advantage of the wondrous diving opportunities presented by the only living coral reefs in the continental US. They are located a few miles offshore and run the entire length of the Florida Keys. Cross Jewfish Creek Bridge near Lake Surprise at MM108.

MM 106-104

At MM106.5, US1 and SR905 merge. On the bayside, Blackwater Sound is the body of water you'll catch glimpses of as it extends to MM103. The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Keys Visitor Center is located at MM106 and offers detailed literature on Key Largo and the rest of the Florida Keys.

MM 104-103.5

You'll cross the Marvin D. Adams Waterway at around MM103.5.

MM 103-100

The world-famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at MM102.5, established in 1960, protects a 78-square-mile portion of this fragile and beautiful underwater wonderland. Tarpon Basin begins here on the Gulf side and extends to MM101 where it connects to Buttonwood Sound and beyond, about MM98.5 At MM100, Key Largo offers a unique attraction for movie buffs; visit the African Queen from the movie of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Also, the Thayer IV, from the film, "On Golden Pond" is on display. The 1948 thriller, Key Largo, brought film greats Lauren Bacall, Lionel Barrymore and Edward G. Robinson to the Keys. Segments of PT-109 were also staged on Key Largo shores. Today, the Keys are the objects of increased interest by moviemakers. Keep your eyes open and you may see one of several new movies being filmed here this year.

MM 100-92

Make an appointment to swim with the friendly dolphins at the Dolphins Plus Research Center, located near MM99.5. This research center is studying the dolphin's role in therapy situations with handicapped and disabled individuals.

MM 92

Tavernier Creek to Plantation Key: At MM92.5, you will find the turnoff for Harry Harris County Park. At this park, you will find a picnic area and playground, as well as a small tidal pool and beach, both of which are available to the public.

MM 92-85

Tavernier was first settled by the Bahamian farmers from Key West in the 1860's. Beginning as a fishing and farming village, it became a pineapple and coconut plantation and fruit grove after Flagler's railroad arrived. A packing house sits near the railroad tracks, recently restored as part of the Historic District, where exotic produce was prepared for shipping. More than 50 structures have been authenticated as early as the 1900's era.

Just south of a modern shopping center at MM91, Tavernier Creek separates the islands of Key Largo and Plantation Key, so named for the pineapple plantation located there in the late 19th century. Crossing to Windley Key, you are entering Islamorada.