A well-known bridge in Florida, with its great history of development, popularized the Seven Mile Bridge in Monroe County Florida, United States. The seven-mile bridge is 6.79 miles wide and joins the middle and lower keys of Florida as part of the Overseas Highway. This spot is one of Florida’s famous attractions. You can be one of the witnesses of Florida history, and can go for the adventure like hiking, biking, and rollerblading, with stunning photography. Arriving in Florida, then a must-visit, so do not miss it to go there. In this further guide, we will have the relevant details of the Seven Mile Bridge, Florida.
About the Seven Mile Bridge in Florida
History & Background
Someone says that a big project with a delightful aim takes time to build; even after facing a lot of problems, they succeed. Something like that happened when the construction was going on. It was not developed completely because of a sudden hurricane during the construction. But after that, it also gets built and completed with their aim. And now, there are two Seven-mile bridges, i.e., the old one and the modern one. Further, we will understand by differentiating between the old and modern 7-mile bridges.
| Basics | Old Seven Mile Bridge | Modern Seven Mile Bridge |
| Builder | The Original Bridge was designed and built by Henry Flagler and Clarence Ceo. | The modernly designed Bridge was designed by Figg and Muller Engineers, AND built by Misener Marine Construction. |
| Construction Period | The construction period is from 1909 to 1912. | The Construction Period is from 1978 to 1982. |
| Development Purpose | The main reason for development is to join the Florida Keys to the mainland by rail. | The main reason for development is to overcome the automobile traffic on overseas highways |
| Florida Keys Connection | The Old Seven-Mile Bridges of Florida connect the middle and lower keys | The modern Seven-Mile Bridges of Florida connect the Knight Key to Little Duck Key of Florida. |
| Activities to do | Walking, cycling, fishing, and taking photographs of its astonishing views from the bridge can be enjoyable. | Biking, walking, and taking a scenic drive can be enjoyable. |
Location & Distance
This wonderful place,i.e, Seven-Mile Bridges, was located at the west end of the city of Marathon, Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is a wide bridge that covers 6.765 miles and is at most 36000 feet in length. It is the portion of the seashore highways that joins both the Middle Keys and the lowest keys. Up to 4 km by walking, 2 km to Pigeon Key, and 2 km on the way back, and relish its aesthetic views. At the older Seven-Mile Bridge can do activities like hiking, running, except by bike; you cannot use any vehicle. The modern Seven Mile Bridge can be explored by driving vehicles, like vans, cars, cycles, etc, & it takes around 10 minutes to reach, at a speed limit of between 40 and 55mph. For a group travel, you can book our Florida charter bus to experience the Seven Mile Bridge travel journey, and view it from the side.
The Scenic Drive Experience
Starting the Drive
To explore the old Seven Mile Bridge, the best starting point is from the north side of Knight Key. After starting it in between, you will see the Pigeon Key, which is 2 miles away from the starting point. Exploring by walking or biking, you watch the wildlife, the astonishing view of the sunset, and take photographs there too. While walking, you can reach the endpoint at Little Duck Key. The Modern Seven Mile Bridge can be explored by driving. It is especially constructed for reducing traffic, so it makes way for visitors to explore. To avoid traffic and crowds, a sunrise drive is perfect for you. At this time, parking spaces are also available.
What You Will See
Both Seven Mile Bridges are parallel to each other. Stand at one side and enjoy the aesthetic view from both sides of the bridge, and see marine life, like dolphins, sharks, rays, birds, and turtles, and you can go fishing and boating under the Seven Mile Bridge. Also, watch the penguins at Pigeon Key. You feel amazed to catch this and also capture it by clicking photographs.
Driving Tips
The old Seven Mile Bridge does not allow any vehicles to drive for exploring except for bikes. You can walk, jog, and use a bike on this side to learn more. In the Modern Seven Mile Bridge, you do not face such a problem; you can explore this spot while driving, as it mainly serves to reduce traffic on overseas highways. The limit speed for driving is between 40mph and 55mph. At the peak time, from November to April, and on holidays and weekends, you get a crowd and get more traffic. So, try to visit early in the morning and at sunset. Remember, there is no stopping point on the bridge, except in an emergency.
Photo Guide: Best Spots & Tips
Best Photography Spots
If you want the Best Photography, then you can visit the old Seven Mile Bridge of Florida, on the pedestrian side, stand out there where you can get some amazing clicks with stunning views. Another one is Knight Key (Marathon side), where you can go early in the morning to get some amazing shots of sunrise with a view of flying birds over the bridge. Little Duck Key side, where you can arrive at sunset time to get some astonishing clicks.
Golden Hours
For visiting the seven-mile bridge, both sunrise and sunset are best. Choose that time which is suitable for you. Visiting early in the morning with fewer crowds at sunrise will give you the vibrant views of the blue ocean from the bridge side for photography. And in the later sunset time, you can also visit that too, as it gives you amazing views of the sunset. And for photography, it’s best. Weather conditions vary here. Sometimes the weather is slightly cooler, and the sky is clear from August to October. Sometimes the weather is sunny in May to June, and sometimes the weather is moody, like in between March and May. Visit a time that is sustainable for you.
Drone Photography Tips
Flying drones over the seven-mile bridge is allowed, but follow the legal considerations too. You are required to obtain authorization from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), such as through LAANC(Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). Don’t fly a drone over any traveling vehicle or close to people, as it’s not allowed.
Photography Gear Recommendations
For Photography, always prefer a digital DSLR Camera for the best photo shots. Prefer a Wide-Angle lens Type to capture the gorgeous views of the bridge and the nearby surroundings. And use lightweight tripods for stability and exposures. Always carry extra camera batteries and bags of camera equipment. While shooting from your smartphone always clears your camera lens for better clicks.
Nearby Attractions of the Seven Mile Bridge
Pigeon Key
While visiting the Seven Mile Bridge, you must see the famous Florida Keys, i.e, Pigeon Key. It’s located in Marathon, Florida. This historic island covers 5 acres & is listed under the National Register of Historic Places. You can access the Pigeon Key from the old Seven Mile Bridge of Florida. Visiting the penguin is worth it for all age groups, as it’s a spot where you can have a picnic with your dear ones. Also, you get a chance to explore the penguin museum and gift shop, enjoy boating, fishing, and look at flying bird species. Snorkeling And Swimming are also allowed, and come under the most enjoyable activities of Florida’s Keys. It gives you photogenic scenery, and that’s best for shots, too. So those who are curious to visit must visit and enjoy the activities.
Bahia Honda State Park
There is a Famous park nearby, by Seven Mile Bridge, which you can explore, well-known as Bahia Honda State Park. This Park is located on the ocean side of Bahia Honda Key, Florida, United States. The Bahia Honda State Park covers the 500 arches and is the best place for snorkeling and beachcombing. At this estate, you can go ahead with several activities like boating, hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, biking, camping, and watching the sunset. While enjoying, you also watch some bird species flying in the sky and at the ocean side, look at wildlife like dolphins, turtles, and fish, and capture their activities in cells. So, do visit this place too.
Marathon Key Attractions
At the marathon, three attractions that you must go to, i.e., the Dolphin Research Center, the turtle hospitals, and their restaurants. Visit these spots and see how they work as caretakers of sea lions and dolphins. The main goal is to offer shelter time to time, take care of wildlife like dolphins and sea lions in the Dolphin Research Center and turtles at the Turtle Hospital, launch educational programs, and make people aware of wildlife. And for restaurants, visit the most famous Castaway Waterfront Restaurants and Sushi bars, cafes are available near the seashores, so you can enjoy your food there.
Safety Reminders for Drivers and Walkers
At the old Seven Mile Bridge in Florida, only bikes are allowed at a limited speed, and no other vehicles are allowed, so don’t come with vehicles like cars or vans. While driving on the modern Seven Mile Bridge at a speed of 55mph, only that much is allowed; avoid distractions and follow all the rules. Walkers are advised not to walk at night on the bridge, as it is dangerous, and check the weather while they are walking or driving.
Final Tips for Travelers
Perfect Time of Year to Visit
The Best and perfect time for tourists to visit this place is during the Dry season, i.e, between November and April, Early in the morning. With the smaller crowd, pleasant weather, and accessible parking, you can enjoy yourself with your dear ones freely.
What to Pack for a Photo Drive
The must-have things you should keep in your bag are your camera with its bag, battery and adaptor, lenses, and a tripod, for amazing clicks. And with this, you always keep sunscreens, sunglasses, plenty of water, insect repellent, and essentials that you require.