Guide To Seven Mile Bridge (& What You Can See On The Way) (2024)

The Florida Keys are a famous sunshine state destination—chock full of both laidback towns and world-renowned vacation getaways, there’s truly something for everyone on a classic Keys vacay to the Sunshine State.

And one of the main things that make the keys such a fun destination is the area’s variety; travelers can settle down in a spot like Key West for a week-long getaway, or spend a trip traveling throughout the keys to experience a bit of distinctive flavor in the many stops along the way. For example, planning a trip from the Lower Keys to the Middle Keys (or vice versa) is a snap—all due to the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

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About The Seven Mile Bridge

The longest bridge connecting the Florida Keys, the original Seven Mile Bridge was also the longest bridge in existence at the time of its construction in the year 1900. Once known as the Knights Key Bridge, the ‘old’ Seven Mile Bridge is no longer used for vehicular traffic but is instead a pier and pedestrian/cyclist route that just reopened as of January 2022 after extensive renovations. The ‘new’ bridge was completed in the early 1980s and runs parallel to the old bridge. Running from the west end of Marathon FL to the Lower Keys, Seven Mile Bridge has even been added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its massive span and ubiquitous presence connecting the Florida Keys.

Road Trip: Seven Mile Bridge

A trip across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge may only take a matter of minutes, but there’s plenty to see along the way. While there is no stopping on the bridge, there are areas where visitors can visit and access whether by ferry, on foot, or by bicycle. The following itinerary is a sample of fun things to see and do in the areas surrounding the Seven Mile Bridge and can be customized depending on available time.

Note: The following itinerary is designed as a one to a two-day getaway that begins in Marathon, Florida, and ends in Key West. However, the trip could be easily customized, depending on the time. It can also be traveled vice versa from Key West to Marathon--after all, the Seven Mile Bridge runs both ways!

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See The Sights In Marathon

The city of Marathon is set on a total of 13 islands in the Middle Keys—and its location makes it an ideal spot for some of the best water sports around, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It’s also a great introduction to any road trip on the Seven Mile Bridge.

• Start at the Marathon Visitors Center to pick up some maps and some tips for exploring the area, visitors say that the staff is especially helpful with advice and recommendations for dining, lodging, and attractions
• Grab a bite at one of Marathon’s delicious waterfront restaurants such as Burdine’s Waterfront Marina Bar & Grill or the famous local food truck Irie Island Eats
• Those who want to stretch their legs before hitting the road will want to stop at the Crane Point Nature Area, a great spot for scenic views, local wildlife viewing, and hiking trails. Don’t forget to visit the nearby museum and take a trolley tour around the botanical gardens
• Visit lovely Sombrero Beach a lovely place to have a picnic and scope some stellar views

• Rent a bike and explore the area on two wheels

Things To Look For: The Seven Mile Bridge

Just the act of driving across the Seven Mile Bridge is impressive—its span, its views, the Old Bridge lingering in the background. And while there is nowhere to stop on the new bridge, there are things to look for while crossing.

• Fred The Tree is an Australian pine tee growing out of the historic Seven Mile Bridge. Beloved of both locals and tourists alike, Fred is a sturdy symbol of survival for an area plagued by destructive hurricanes—in fact, the tree even survived Hurricane Irma in 2017

• Park in Marathon and take the ferry and guided island tour to lovely Pigeon Key, now only accessible via boat—though there is a 60-passenger tram connecting Marathon and Pigeon Key opening in Spring 2022, making the area even more accessible. Ferry $15 for adults; $12 for children
• Access the newly reopened section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge and rollerblade, bike, or stroll across the historic span 65-feet above the Atlantic
• After arriving in Key West, check out another hidden FL gem before heading back to Marathon—the beautifully eerie Geiger Key Beach. Accessible via US 1 from Key West, the sandy beach is private, with an almost ghostly, abandoned feel only heightened by its mysterious driftwood structures and abandoned canoes. A great place for a photo op, or to just spend a quiet moment before heading back across the Seven Mile

The iconic Seven Mile Bridge has long been an epic span connecting the Middle and Lower Keys—essentially two bridges in one, the newer portion is exclusively for vehicles, while the older one has recently been reopened as a pedestrian’s paradise (and a great place to snap some Insta-worthy shots!) And while the drive across this historic bridge is relatively uneventful, there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding areas—from hidden gems to quirky, offbeat attractions. Whether by bike, foot, or car, crossing the Seven Mile Bridge is still an epic way to travel through the Keys, and remains an important part of local lore and history to this day.

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