Imagine walking on a bridge where on each side you see blue-green ocean: on one side the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other the Gulf of Mexico. Open only to pedestrians and cyclists, the historic Seven Mile Bridge is a wonderful way to experience Old Florida. The Florida Keys are famous for sportfishing and panoramic views when driving the new Seven-Mile Bridge, built in 1982. However, before this engineering marvel was ready to host thousands of cars every day, the old railroad bridge built through Henry Flagler reigned supreme. This bridge, constructed in the early 1900s, was used until 1935, when a hurricane devastated the area and destroyed the bridge. The bridge was reconstructed in 1938 so visitors could again traverse it to get to Key West. From 1938 onward, this ensured the growth and prosperity of Marathon, the last key before the bridge. Marathon prides itself on being more authentic and pristine than the more developed and tourist-oriented Key Largo and Key West.

After a five-year restoration, the 2.2 mile stretch of the Old Bridge leading to the diminutive Pigeon Key, which housed the workers back in at the turn of the 20th century, is open again to the public. Now visitors can once again walk, bike, roller blade and in spring of 2022, ride in a 60-passenger tram to go visit Pigeon Key and learn about its rich history. If you would like a taste of the real Florida Keys, don't miss the opportunity to visit this iconic bridge, featured in some famous movies such as True Lies and James Bond's Licence to Kill.