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Scenic Drives in Florida
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
U.S. Route 17
U.S. Route 17 (also known as the Coastal Highway) is a north-south United States highway. The highway spans the southeastern United States and is close to the Atlantic Coast for much of its length. The highway's southern terminus is at Punta Gorda, Florida, at an intersection with U.S. Highway 41. Traveling north, US 17 joins up with US 50 in Paris, Virginia, and the northern terminus of US 17 is in downtown Winchester, Virginia. This is also the point at which the portion of US 50 called the Northwestern Turnpike begins. Though U.S. Route 1 is generally considered to be the highway that runs alongside Interstate 95, US 17 runs parallel to I-95 for much of its extent, and even shares the same route for short spans in Fredericksburg and Ridgeland.
Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley (also known as Everglades Parkway) is a section of Interstate 75 (State Road 93) and State Road 84 extending from Naples on the west coast of Florida to Weston on the east. First opened in 1969, most of the highway traverses the Everglades. The name was given by the American Automobile Association during planning; they believed it would be a useless road, an "alley for alligators." However, since alligators often frequent the waterways beside the road, the nickname has a somewhat literal meaning.
It was originally built as a toll two-lane freeway connecting the two coasts of Florida, and was later connected to Interstate 75 as an east-west continuation of the highway, which otherwise ran north and south. It is still a toll road, with automobile drivers paying $2.50 when traveling west on the road. Before the completion of its re-engineering, Alligator Alley was signed as State Road 84. It is now I-75, but it still has a concurrency with SR 84; I-75 and SR 84 split again in Naples. Today, Alligator Alley is one of only two sections of Interstate 75 that has a toll.
Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 127.5-mile (205.2 km) long road carrying U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys. 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. Completed in 1912, the Overseas Railroad was heavily damaged and partially destroyed in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. The Florida East Coast Railway was financially unable to rebuild the destroyed sections, so the roadbed and remaining bridges were sold to the State of Florida.
The entire roadway of the Overseas Highway was substantially rebuilt in the 1980s. In recent years, Pigeon Key was used by the University of Miami as an oceanography laboratory, but current efforts to restore the buildings on the island have resulted in the establishment of a railroad museum there. The newer Seven Mile Bridge does not have direct access to Pigeon Key; people going there must walk on 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of the original Seven Mile Bridge from its northern end on Knight's Key, or take a shuttle bus, to reach the island.
In 2001, the Monroe County commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails, and the Florida Department of Transportation entered into a Memorandum of understanding to create the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. The trail will be a world-class, multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facility that will traverse the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West. Upon completion, the FKOHT will include an integrated system of educational kiosks, roadside picnic areas, scenic overlooks, fishing piers, water access points, and bicycle and jogging paths. The development of the trail will provide a mechanism for the preservation and use of the historic Flagler Railroad Bridges, 23 of which still exist and are mostly intact. Several alternatives exist for trail alignment, including cutting down the 22-foot (6.7 m) wide 1940's era roadway to its orignal 12-foot (3.7 m) spandrel width, or using the 22-foot (6.7 m) wide roadway as is, particularly in multi-use areas. In all cases, original bridgework will be repaired or rebuilt, and the breaks created during the 1980s fishing pier conversion will be reconnected. Where the original roadway no longer exists, the trail will be temporarily cantilevered on the side of the current US 1 highway bridge, until new 12-foot (3.7 m) wide trail bridge sections can be built. The new sections will be built to match the historical character of the original bridges.
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Florida National Parks
From NPS.gov
Big Cypress National Preserve Ochopee, FL
The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida’s southwest coast. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther.
For the general visitor Big Cypress National Preserve provides a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This protected area is the back yard for the millions of residents and visitors in South Florida. Oasis Visitor Center and General Preserve Information (239) 695-1201
Biscayne National Park Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.
Snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and superb opportunities for wildlife watching are just a few of the many activities here. From late December to May, special activities like Family Fun Fest, guided canoe tours and the Discovery Series lectures can enhance your understanding and appreciation for the largest marine park in the National Park System.
Summers are generally warm, with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are typically mild and dry, but windy. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared with rainwear at any time of year. Visitor Information (305) 230-7275
Canaveral National Seashore Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, FL
Situated on a barrier island along Florida's east coast, inviting park highlights include pristine, undeveloped beach, dunes and lagoon offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails.
Whether your outdoor preferences include swimming, surfing, sunbathing, backcountry hiking, or some of the best surf fishing in Central Florida, you'll find it along Canaveral National Seashore's 24 miles of undisturbed beach. Soak up the sun with other park visitors, or relax in quiet solitude amid tranquil surroundings, where only the sound of gentle ocean waves is heard. Spend the day, and join a million annual visitors who have discovered the natural beauty of this undeveloped recreational paradise.
The Eldora Statehouse is the best remaining example of earlier life along Mosquito Lagoon. It is located in Canaveral National Seashore's Apollo district, and is open year round.
Summers are hot & humid. Mid to upper 90's. Watch for sudden thunderstorms and lightning. Winters are mild (60's-70's). Short periods of cold weather occur during January and February.
Contact our visitor information center at 386-428-3384 x10 for further information.
Everglades National Park Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL
Everglades National Park, largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world.
One of the best ways to experience the Everglades is to get out into it for an extended visit. With 156 miles (251 km) of canoe/kayak and walking trails and 47 designated wilderness campsites opportunities for solitude are abundant.
The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may create near freezing conditions. Average temperatures in winter - High 77°F (25°C); Low 53°F (12°C). Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90°F (32°C) and humidity over 90%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and mosquitoes are abundant. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June-November. Tropical storms or hurricanes may affect the area. Average Rainfall: 60 inches (152 cm) per year.
The rainy season is June through October (mosquito season coincides with the rainy season). Visitor Information (305) 242-7700
Gulf Islands National Seashore Gulf Breeze, Florida and Ocean Springs, Mississippi , FL,MS
Beautiful beaches, historic forts and recreational opportunities are plentiful. Open year-round, the Seashore is in Mississippi and Florida.
Gulf Islands protects a number of historic fortifications that represent the nation's coastal defense. Take a tour when you visit the Seashore. New, universally-designed exhibits opened at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center. For information call 850-455-5167.
Attending a guided program in Mississippi or Florida, camping, cast netting, fishing, picnicking, boating, birding, swimming, hiking, exploring the historic forts and walking on the beach are popular activities. Your safety is important while visiting the Seashore.
Fort Pickens Campground's "Loop A" is open for tent camping only. Access to this campground is by foot, bike, or boat. Visitors can enjoy primitive island camping in Mississippi and Florida. The Mississippi barrier islands are accessible only by boat and there are changes in the use of personal watercraft (PWC).
The Seashore is sunny and warm most of the year. June through September are the most humid months and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Visitors should be prepared with rain gear and appropriate clothing. Park Headquarters, Florida (850) 934-2600 | Mississippi District (228) 875-9057 ext. 100.
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