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The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary (Best Stops!)

June 10, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

If you are looking for a guide to the ultimate Florida Keys road trip itinerary, we have you covered with all the best places to stop!

We have put together an epic itinerary for a road trip to Key West from Miami . Trust us when we say we have picked out the best stops along the way! We have you covered with activities, things to do, as well as hotel and tour suggestions!

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Key West!

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

• Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Eco Tour (Top pick!)
• Schooner Sunset Sail (2 hours)
• Reef Snorkel From Key West (Includes breakfast and mimosas)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great way to see the city)

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

• Margaritaville Beach House Key West (Modern mid-range)
• Blue Marlin Motel (Affordable in downtown)
• Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool)
• Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!)

You can make the trip your own by choosing stops that best fit your personal interests. Or if you want a personalized trip experience checkout our e-book for amazing personalized touches on the best stops! Take as little or as much time as you have. You can do a quick day trip if you don’t mind a quick-paced trip, a weekend get-a-way, or spend a week leisurely visiting all the stops linked below! 

To adventuring outdoors at state parks, to going offshore to visit Dry Tortugas national park, to snorkeling the only living US coral reef, to fun stops for families and adults like where you can spot the Key Deer or feed tarpon, to visiting Key West and all the best beaches along the way, trust us this itinerary for the best road trip to the Florida Keys that is action-packed!

Before you plan your trip, make sure to check out The Best Times To Visit The Keys where we break down each month and talk all things weather!

How long does the Florida Keys road trip take?

If you were to drive non-stop from Miami to Key West on your Florida Keys road trip the 165 miles journey would take you just over 3 hours. Meaning you can decide the perfect amount of time to spend on your Florida Keys drive from Miami!

How long should you take on your Florida Keys itinerary?

You could make it a day trip, a weekend trip, or a week-long trip! The choice is yours! We have put together a list of the best places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West. Stop at one, or stop at all, meaning you can put together your very own trip curated to your own interests and travel style.

OR take the guesswork out of your itinerary, and purchase our ebook that helps you plan your own trip, with unique itineraries and bonuses! You can purchase it here:   https://floridatrippers.com/florida-keys-itinerary-planning-ebook/

Best time of year to road trip the Florida Keys

Anytime! The average temperature year-round ranges from 73 to 83 degrees for the Florida Keys! And the sunshine state has an average of 270 sunny days a year, meaning there is no wrong time to plan a trip!

There are plenty of festivals throughout the year or head to the southernmost points of the US for the holidays! Just remember that hurricane season does run from June to November, meaning you might have to be a little flexible on your plans if a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards the Florida Keys or Miami!

Best stops on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary:

Downtown miami.

The first of our epic places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West is Downtown Miami . If you flew into MIA airport, this will be the perfect spot to explore, grab a bite to eat, visit a museum such as the Frost Museum of Science or Perez Art Museum or take a relaxing stroll along the water before heading south on your drive.

In this energy-filled town, you are sure to find plenty to explore, and perhaps take in an NBA or MLB game. If you are on a romantic getaway we have you covered with the best date nights in Miami as Miami is a city that comes alive after dark!

Biscayne Bay National Park

Who doesn’t love free Florida keys road trip stops? Biscayne Bay National Park is one of the best National parks in Florida , and it’s free to enter! On your second stop, we take you away from the busy city to explore nature. Visitors will be transported to the turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs found in this national park. Over 95% of this national park is covered by water!

The activities here range from guided eco-adventures, fishing, and boating to paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving the shipwrecks just offshore to just relaxing! While exploring, you can always take a  boat cruise  through the docks and sail over Biscayne Bay.

The Everglades, are the second National Park on this itinerary for the Florida Keys! We have a list of all the best things to do in the Everglades for those wanting to spend more time here!  At over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide countless activities and ways to explore this very unique ecosystem.

If you are up for an adventure, an airboat ride is a perfect way to see areas of the Everglades only seen by water. But there are plenty of biking and hiking trails ( or take a ranger-led tour) if you prefer to stay on land. Keep your eyes sharp the Everglades is a habitat for endangered and rare species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida panther.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp is one of the most magical of the Florida state parks and is located in the Key Largo at MM 102.5. This is a scuba divers’ dream destination for those driving in the Florida Keys and looking for a place to stop! It is actually the first undersea state park in the entire US!! It protects the only living reef in the United States, and as such is an underwater lovers’ paradise.

While here you can explore the over 70 nautical miles of beautiful coral reefs, hike along the pine trees, or snorkel along the mangroves and shoreline. We highly recommend this as one of the stops along with your Florida Keys Road Trip from Miami!! You can also book a glass bottom boat ride to see the tropical fish and the reef without having to get wet!

Key Largo is a great place to stop for the first day when road tripping the Florida Keys. There is so much to do here in Key Largo! Known as the “Dive Capital of the World,” you will find beautiful beaches with pristine waters. While it does in fact boast those things, there’s a whole island of adventure waiting for you at MM 102.

There are plenty of beaches to explore, an offshore shipwreck and coral reef, explore water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking or charter a boat for some fishing! Plus, there are tons of amazing restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood on your visit.

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in the Florida Keys! Windley Key State Park is a historic site that doubles as a geological area that is formed by fossilized Key Largo Limestone. The entrance fee is $2.50 a person is a perfect way to spend a full day or even just a few hours it makes for an inexpensive stop on a Florida Keys road trip! It is located at MM 85.5.

It is important to note that the park is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, but open Thursday through Monday. You can take one of the five self-guided tours throughout the quarry that Henry Flagler used to build his railroad or experience it at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

This is one of the best and most iconic stops on the famous Florida Overseas Highway!

Islamorada is located about 1.5 hours ( 79 miles) south of Miami at MM 88 and makes our list of the best small beach towns in Florida. The best part is that Islamorada is almost the halfway point between Miami and Key West!

There are six islands that make up Islamorada and are connected via US1. Known as the sports fishing capital of the world, there are also tons of amazing restaurants, gorgeous national parks, and tons of activities.

Make sure to check out some of the Best Islamorada Restaurants for your trip!

You can check out our full list of things to do in Islamorada here! From visiting the Theater of the sea to swimming with dolphins to a fishing charter, history of the diving museum, state, and national parks, and more!

Peak season is in December through May and the best part is you are surrounded by Gulf on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other! This is truly home to some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys!

Visit Robbie’s Waterfront to feed the tarpon

Robbie’s is probably one of the most well-known stops on your Key West road trip. Located at MM 77 to you can spend a few hours here enjoying lunch and then feed the school of over 100 massive tarpons for $2.50 per person. Kids and adults alive love to partake in feeding the fish and watching the seagulls try and catch the fish here. Fish buckets are $4.50.

The restaurant is open from 6:30 am for a sunrise breakfast until 9 pm for after dinner cocktails. Robbies also has a party boat fishing charter that leaves twice a day and includes everything you need for a fun day on the ocean. As well as sunset catamaran charters.

Dolphin Research Center

The Dolphin Research Center is located at MM 59 ( about 2 hours south of Miami), and has been providing sanctuaries to dolphins since 1984. The center’s mission is to promote education and communication between marine mammals and humans.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, admission is $28 for adults and $23 for children. Admission includes observing the dolphins and sea lions in training sessions and interacting with each other.

In addition to the educational experiences offered, you can book a dolphin encounter where you can get up close and personal with dolphins in the water. Or even paint with a dolphin experience or a VIP trainer for the day.

The Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is located at MM 48.5 in Marathon, Florida. Since 1986, the mission at the Turtle hospital has been to rehabilitate turtles and educate the public about turtles. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm tours run every 30 minutes.

If you love Marathon, make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Middle Keys!

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children. This is one of the educational Florida Keys road trip ideas. Over the 90-minute educational experience, you will watch a presentation on sea turtles, get a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, and finally the chance to feed the turtles.

Reservations can be made online!

Don’t forget to check out some of the best restaurants in Marathon Key!

Drive or walk the 7 Mile Bridge

When driving the Florida Keys the 7 Mile Bridge is located at MM 42 in Marathon. This is the bridge that connects the middle keys with the lower keys. For those who want to continue their road trip, you will have no choice but to drive over the new 7-Mile Bridge that was finished in 1982. IT is the longest bridge in the state of Florida.

But for those who want to get out stretch their legs, and smell the salty ocean breeze why not walk the old bridge or a portion of it? This bridge is important historically as it made a land route from Miami to Key West.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is one of our favorite places to stop on the way to Key West. Located at MM 37, about 30 miles north of Key West. We have put together an entire post on all the tips for visiting Bahia Honda . It was Henry Flagler who spent $30 million to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s that turned Bahia Honda State Park into a tropical paradise.

Make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Lower Keys in addition to Bahia Honda!

Bahia Honda State Park costs $8 per car to enter and is the place to stop if you love palm-lined beaches, clear water, and just activities like snorkeling, camping, and swimming at one of the three beaches from sunrise to sunset!

Although make sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays because it can reach capacity.

This is truly one of the Best Beaches In The Florida Keys and you must check it out!

National Key Deer Refuge

For those looking to get up close to the Key Deer only found in the lower keys, the National Key Deer Refuge is the place for you! What makes the key deer unique is that there are only about 800 left that can only be found on Big Pine Key . This small dog-like deer is only 2 ½ feet tall and weighs just 90 pounds.

This is a free activity to spend an hour or so, visiting the visitors center and learning all about the key deer. Established in 1957, at MM 30.5 it aims to protect species of animals such as the key deer and 20 other endangered species and plants.

Please note it is against the law to feed, touch, or hunt the key deer.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is the only stop on this Florida Keys road trip guide that is only accessible by private or  chartered boat tour ,  chartered seaplane  tour, or the  Yankee Freedom Ferry . 

If you want to add this stop to your Florida Keys road trip we highly recommend booking your dates as early as possible! The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven small islands 80 miles off the coast of Key West. Located in the Gulf of Mexico its iconic red brick Fort Jefferson transports visitors back in time. You will be in awe of how beautiful the water is, and how remote this national park truly is!

For those into camping and stargazing , this is your place! Just remember you must pack everything in and out with you! Check out  our guide  to avoid the big mistakes plus tips when visiting  Dry Tortugas National Park !

Key West is as far south as you can drive on this Florida Keys itinerary! At MM 0, you will find the southernmost point of the continental US! There are so many things to do here in Key West! Don’t let the party atmosphere scare you away from visiting. There are historical sights like Ernest Hemingway or Truman winter home, beaches, amazing restaurants , and plenty of activities to enjoy after the sun sets.

We have an entire post dedicated to the best tours in Key West from those craving adventure to laid-back food and walking tours!

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the hidden gems on this Florida keys driving itinerary. You will be mesmerized by the gorgeous blue water inviting you in for a swim or snorkel. Plus, the beach area is super instagrammable!

It is also the southernmost  state park  in the continental US and has our vote as one of the  best Florida Keys state parks! The cost to enter per car is $6.50 and is open from 8 am-5 pm daily.

Built in the 1840s, as a series of forts to protect the southern coast after the conflict of the War of 1812 and used during the Civil War and Spanish American War, it was named after US President Zachary Taylor.

Smathers Beach

The last stop on your Florida Keys driving guide is Smathers beach ! This gorgeous white sand beach is the best beach to go for those looking for real sand, as most beaches in Key West are pebble or rock. The imported white sand is the perfect place to relax and swim or snorkel in the water. All of the usual facilities are present here like parking and showers. 

The last stop on our Florida Keys road trip is the perfect place to relax and unwind before your drive back to Miami!

Where to stay on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

Key west marriott beachside.

For those looking to stay in Key West, we highly recommend staying at Key West Marriott Beachside , like we did on our last trip to the area! But have also put together a list of the best luxury hotels in Key West.

 The resort is located on the oceanfront with a large pool as the centerpiece of the resort. At the hotel’s marina, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Plus, there is a complimentary hotel shuttle downtown multiple times daily meaning you don’t have to bother with trying to find parking. This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In Key West!

Many of the balconies are oceanfront allowing you to relax and enjoy a sunset or ocean breeze from your town room!

Check Rates:  Booking.com

We give Bakers Cay resort in Key Largo a 10/10! Located just over an hour from Miami, this could be the perfect spot to spend your first night on your Florida Keys road trip! This cool and unique hotel features gorgeously appointed rooms with ocean views!

There are tons of activities that the resort provides including snorkel, boat, and dive tours! The property also features two large pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Resorts In The Florida Keys ! There are some really epic resorts featured for couples, families, and more.

Check Rates: Booking.co m

Cheeca Lodge and Spa

Cheeca Lodge and Spa is located in Islamorada, one of the cutest small towns in Florida! It is located 15 minutes from the local airport or just a 1.5-hour drive south of Miami. A stay here means relaxing in a lush tropical paradise surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean. This is truly one of the best luxury hotels in Florida!

The property features a golf course, restaurants, pools, sea kayaks and bicycles for guests to use, Camp Cheeca for children, and an ocean-front bar! The rooms here are luxurious with all the amenities one could want and balconies to enjoy the ocean view or golf and lagoon views.

Check Rates: booking.com

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Marathon is just over 2 hours (114 miles) from Miami making it the perfect place to stop for the night on your Florida Keys vacation itinerary. Don’t let the resort and yacht club scare you the property is reasonably priced averaging $230 a night!

The resort is on the water and features modern rooms, with a gorgeous pool and onsite restaurant. It is easy to spot by its historic lighthouse right on the bay.

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Perfect 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary (Miami to Key West Drive)

Are you looking for the perfect Florida Keys road trip itinerary? We got you! We enjoyed an epic 5 days driving from Miami to Key West (and back) passing through destinations like Key Largo and Marathon on this leisurely Florida Keys drive.

The Florida Keys is without a doubt one of the best paradise and road trip destinations in the United States, the epitome of the “American Dream vacation,” with its azure waters, breezy tropical sunsets, colorful buildings, and plenty of places to have a cold drink on a hot Florida day.

We have put together a suggested itinerary on how to spend your Florida Keys road trip and Miami to Key West drive based on our own experiences to help you plan an incredible vacation. You can easily adjust some of the activities on this itinerary to customize it for yourself if you’re interested in different options as we picked our highlighted activities and Florida Keys road trip stops based on our own experiences!

We wanted to highlight some of the best natural activities to do including businesses and organizations that have efforts in protecting and helping their community and environment. You can read more about the sustainable Florida Keys activities in our other guide.

Your Florida Keys road trip itinerary starts and ends at the Miami International Airport (MIA) since this is the best airport to fly into to enjoy the best stops on the Miami to Key West drive. Although, since we don’t spend any time in Miami, you can technically refer to this as a Key Largo to Key West drive since Key Largo is just 60 miles from Miami and the beginning of your journey.

Use this guide to help you plan your Florida Keys road trip and picture yourself cruising down a long and winding coastal road with the sun shining bright overhead, casting sparkling reflections on the crystal clear waters below. 

As you make your way through the Florida Keys down to Key West on a road trip, you’ll encounter an endless array of breathtaking views and exciting experiences that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. 

From exploring the charming seaside towns like Islamorada and Key West featured on this Florida Keys itinerary to embarking on thrilling water sports adventures like snorkeling and jet skiing, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found along this beautiful stretch of scenic highway. 

You may even catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife, from majestic manatees lounging in shallow bays to playful dolphins leaping out of the waves and sea turtles who call these warm waters home. 

And let’s not forget about food! The Florida Keys are home to some truly amazing cuisine, from fresh seafood caught right off the coast to mouthwatering key lime pie!

So whether you’re seeking adventure or looking for some much-needed R&R, a road trip through the Florida Keys has something for everyone. Get ready to soak up all that this stunning destination has to offer – your next unforgettable adventure awaits!

Table of Contents

Things to know before visiting the florida keys, day 1: miami to key largo, day 2: around key largo and islamorada, day 3: drive to key west with stops along the way, day 4: key west activities, day 5: key west to marathon.

Before embarking on your Florida Keys road trip and Miami to Key West drive here are a few things to know before you go to help you plan a great trip.

• Highlights on this Florida Keys road trip itinerary from Key Largo to Key West include:
• Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (the first protected underwater preserve in the US)
• Driving on the Seven Mile Bridge
• Get close to birds of the Florida Keys at Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
• Feed Tarpon Fish and get on the water at Robbie’s of Islamorada
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum + its collection of polydactyl cats in Key West
• Sampling the flavors of the Florida Keys on a food tour in Key West
• Visit the Southernmost Point of the Continental US!
• Visiting historic landmarks and nightlife in Key West
• Visit Sea Turtles at a rescue and rehabilitation center
• Relaxing on beaches next to some of the most beautiful water in the US!

Renting a Car For Your Florida Keys Drive

We recommend preparing for your rental car in advance for Miami International Airport (MIA). Getting to the car rental places at the airport is easy. 

Once you collect your baggage you follow the signs to the MIA Mover that takes you to where the car rentals are.

We recommend booking your car rental in advance with Expedia.

Before purchasing car insurance be sure to check with your credit card company to see if it already included in your perks. If you do have rental car insurance coverage with your credit card, be sure to check to see if you need to have a letter from the credit card company proving your insurance so you don’t end up getting pressured into buying the insurance you don’t need on the spot.

Some rental car companies require this letter proving coverage from your credit card company which is easy to get with a phone call but you need to come prepared.

Florida Keys Road Trip Mile Markers

On your drive to Key West you’ll be driving along what is known as the Overseas Highway , a 113-mile route that takes you from Key Largo to Key West. Much of the Overseas Highway was actually built on a former railroad and has seen the wrath and damage of hurricanes over the years. By the 1950s this had become the popular route to drive from Miami to Key West and embark on a Florida Keys road trip!

Another interesting fact, once you start your Florida Keys road trip itinerary and drive from Miami to Key West you will notice that there’s alot of talk about Mile Markers . These Mile Markers indicate the location or address in reference to the number of miles north of Key West’s Mile 0.

As the address numbers get smaller, this indicates the further south you’re going closer to Mile Marker 0.

For example, the first stop on our itinerary is Kona Kai Resort Gallery & Botanic Gardens. Their address is 97802 Overseas Hwy. Their street number indicates they are 97.8 miles away from Key West.

Once you get to Key West you can take your photo with the famous Mile Marker 0. These Mile Markers can also indicate how far of a drive it is between your planned stops.

With Google Maps now you don’t need to calculate the Mile Markers yourself but it’s a fun little tidbit of knowledge to know on your drive from Miami to Key West.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

The Florida Keys can be hot and the sun is strong down here! This goes without saying, but you need to come prepared with sunscreen. If during your Florida Keys road trip, you plan on getting in the water we urge you to use reef safe sunscreen. Did you know that most sunscreens are filled with chemicals that are toxic and harmful to the environment?

Two harmful chemicals often found in sunscreen are oxybenzone and octinoxate that contribute to coral bleaching. Other harmful chemicals include petrolatum and titanium dioxide.

Shockingly, finding reef safe sunscreen along your Florida Keys road trip isn’t so easy and may require multiple stops, so we urge you to come prepared with your own. We have picked out a few you can purchase online in advance to prepare for your trip below.

Many reef safe sunscreens require a bit more time to ‘apply’ as there is often zinc in the sunscreen, and some even leave a faint white appearance after applying to your skin. We found Thinksport to be one of the easier reef safe sunscreens to apply. Also, if you apply a small amount at a time it’s much easier to apply!

When’s the best time to visit the Florida Keys

The best time to visit the Florida Keys is in the winter months, this is the most popular time because the weather is the most comfortable and people are escaping their cold weather homes to visit one of the best warm winter vacations in the USA .

The spring months are a good time to visit the Florida Keys before the temperatures get too hot and humid and there are way fewer crowds and lower room rates than in the popular winter months.

Hurricane season is between June and November so its a gamble to travel during this time.

Be sure to also check out our guide for the best places to stay in the Florida Keys to help you plan your trip!

Back to the Top

On your first day on the Miami to Key West drive, we are recommending you stop at Key Largo to explore the northern Keys extensively. We have recommended where to stay as well as some great activities to enjoy.

We recommend spending some time in Miami before your trip, even if it’s just an afternoon. We recommend checking out the colorful Miami neighborhood of Wynwood if you only have time for one stop!

Kona Kai Resort Gallery and Botanic Gardens

Address: 97802 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

(~ 63 miles or 1 hour 15 minutes drive from MIA to Key Largo)

Our first stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a place for rest and relaxation in paradise. There’s nothing more taxing on the body than flying and we like to take it easy on days that involve flights because they suck so much of our energy out of us.

Start your Florida Keys itinerary at Kona Kai Resort Gallery and Botanical Gardens in Key Largo made up of individual cottages on the waterfront. We are recommending using this resort as your base for the next two nights as we explore our days 1 & 2 Florida Keys itinerary attractions.

This boutique property not only has individual charming, beachy cottages for its guests located in a botanic garden but also a gorgeous waterfront location perfect for catching a sunset.

You will find little lizards and iguanas running around the botanic garden as you make your way to the beach on the walkway. The small botanic gardens here are actually one of only two frost-free tropical botanic gardens in the continental US!

With your stay, you get free access to kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and paddle boats . There’s also a pool and hot tub for swimming. Along the water, you can find a dock for sunbathing, sunset watching, and hammocks under the swaying palm trees to relax.

Each of the cottages at Kona Kai Resort Gallery and Botanical Gardens comes with a fully equipped kitchen, so if you do like to cook on vacation you have this option but there are plenty of incredible seafood restaurants nearby.

We recommend spending the first afternoon after flying and driving relaxing by the waterside here with your drink of choice before kicking off the rest of your Florida Keys road trip. Book Now on Booking.com

Dinner at Sundowners

Address: 103900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

One of the most popular spots in Key Largo for dinner and sunset is Sundowners restaurant. The restaurant has a full bar and a menu full of local fish dishes located right on the water in the Florida Bay. 

This is only a 15-minute drive from Kona Kai Resort, so we ate dinner here before sunset and made it back to Kona Kai’s quiet dock for a more romantic sunset!

On day 2 of our Florida Keys road trip we recommend continuing to explore the northern Keys including Key Largo and Islamorada before continuing the road trip to Key West.

Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Address: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

One of our favorite highlights and first stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary involves some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys! The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater preserve in the United States protecting the Florida Keys barrier reef, the only reef system in the continental US.

John Pennekamp State Park includes mangroves you can walk through, seagrass beds, beaches to hang out on,  and the underwater barrier coral reef system you can witness by snorkeling.

Visitors can enjoy walking through the mangroves on a trail, hanging out on the beaches, snorkeling, scuba dive, and kayak. This is a protected area with wildlife, so you will definitely see iguanas basking in the sun, fish, and perhaps even crocodiles just by hanging out around the coastline near the visitor’s center.

We highly recommend reserving a snorkeling tour in advance for one of their multiple snorkeling tours throughout the day. The snorkeling here is very popular and during peak season you will definitely need a reservation.

We went on a snorkeling tour to the Key Largo dry rocks where you can snorkel among the coral reef with tropical fish and visit the Christ of the Deep underwater statue, a 4,000 lb bronze statue placed underwater in 1961. 

You can snorkel right up to the statue as the hands reaching above his head are just a few feet below the surface of the water. However, we highly recommend not touching the statue as there is fire coral all over the statue which you will be sorely sorry if you touch.

You can spend a bit of extra time exploring the rest of the park before or after your snorkeling trip before heading off to the next suggestions on our Florida Keys itinerary. 

Bring Your Own Reef Safe Sunscreen

Remember at the beginning of this Florida Keys road trip guide where I mention reef safe sunscreen? Shockingly, the visitor center didn’t sell reef safe sunscreen on our visit so you will need to come prepared yourself and plan in advance.

We have picked out a few you can purchase online in advance to prepare for your trip. You can see our suggestions earlier in this guide for the Florida Keys road trip itinerary.

Lunch at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Address: 99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo (the second location is just further south by maybe 2 minutes)

A local restaurant everyone loves and worth a stop on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. This kitschy joint has two locations just down the road from one another, we recommend trying to stop at the original location at 99336 Overseas Highway unless they are too full and you’re starving.

The original location is much smaller and has the old-school charm to it that made it a local favorite. Inside you will find license plates covering the floor to ceiling on the walls donated by guests who visit. This just goes to show how popular of a place this is that people plan to visit with their own license plate to decorate the restaurant!

The menu offers everything from seafood to comfort food and the Florida Keys’s signature dessert, key lime pie!

This restaurant gained so much popularity they were forced to open a second location down the street. This building itself was made for Instagram painted in pastel pinks and other fun colors. This location is much larger and better for bigger groups or if the line or wait is too long at the original.

We highly recommend saving room for dessert and getting a slice of their key lime pie!

Beer Tasting at Florida Keys Brewing Company

Address: 81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada

We love our beer and couldn’t do a perfect Florida Keys itinerary without stopping at least one of the breweries in the area. The Florida Keys Brewing Company is the first brewery in the north Keys and is a perfect place to stop for a cold refreshing beer on a hot day and our first stop on your drive to Key West in Islamorada!

They have a gorgeous tropical beer garden with fans outside that’s a great place to hang out in the early evenings or inside their colorful tasting room where there is a huge selection of their beer to try on tap.

We recommend trying a flight of beer so you can sample a few different of their specialty beers. They have quite an assortment and many infuse some tropical ingredients that are unique to the Florida Keys.

Something we love about this brewery is they often have a limited edition beer on tap that goes towards a local cause. During our visit they had a Double Hibiscus Kolsch made with local honey. Part of their sales go towards the nonprofit organization the Mote Marine Laboratory who is working on the Florida Keys disease outbreak known as the Coral Tissue Loss Disease that has coral mortality rates of 80% putting their reefs at risk of extinction.

We love that they are using their beer and the love of beer to help support local causes. It’s not often you get to drink for a cause! 

Sunset and Dinner at Morada Bay Beach Cafe

Address: 81600 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Our last stop for the day on our Florida Keys road trip is at Morada Bay Beach Cafe . This is the perfect place to unwind after a fun day in the Florida sun and have a delicious meal right along the water under a canopy of palm trees swaying in the tropical wind.

This restaurant and hotel has a gorgeous location right on the water and is the perfect place for a sunset. Dine with your toes in the sand or if it’s too hot you can sit in the indoor area with a waterfront view.

The atmosphere here is inviting and a fun place to enjoy a gorgeous slow sunset over dinner. They have a great variety of fresh seafood dishes. Stick around and enjoy a drink on the sand too.

This location was also used as a filming location for the television series, Bloodline .

After spending a few great days in the northern Florida Keys we recommend making a few stops on your drive to Key West on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary including lunch that doubles as a place for some great water activities before arriving to Key West.

Along your drive from Key Largo to Key West on the Overseas Highway you will cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge that’s completely surrounded by water. The famous Seven Mile Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world, spanning seven miles across open water from Marathon to Little Duck Key.

The original bridge which you can see running parallel to it was the most famous because of its narrow lanes passing over a large body of water. It was a dangerous road that required alot of attention when crossing it and has a 2.2-mile section that is now only open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The modern bridge is much safer for vehicular traffic and is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience to drive along a road like this where you’re surrounded by gorgeous blue water below.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

Address: 92080 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier

Continue your Miami to Key West drive on the Overseas Highway stopping at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center . This is a family-friendly activity where you get to see and experience all kinds of wild bird species while your visit helps fund this wild bird rehabilitation facility to help release injured birds back into the wild.

There are two different facilities here, the Mission Wild Bird Hospital where they accept injured birds and rehabilitate them for release, and the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary where the injured birds who couldn’t fully recover and thrive in the wild have their new permanent loving forever home.

The Mission Wild Bird Hospital is for staff only but there is an education center and gift shop here. We highly recommend visiting The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary to see all kinds of wild bird species that now call this a forever home. The birds you find here are ones that were injured and couldn’t fully rehabilitate and thrive in the wild on their own.

You can learn a bit about each of the birds here including their name and the backstory of how they ended up here.

There is no set admission for visiting the Wild Bird Sanctuary, but they do recommend a $10 donation per person, or what you can give. This facility and program is a completely nonprofit organization and they keep helping birds from donations from visitors.

We personally fell in love with Booby. He is a masked booby bird who had a bold personality during our visit. It turns out he is a little local celebrity because a few years back the Florida Keys Brewing Company had a limited edition beer named after him and a portion of the proceeds come back to help fund the Wild Bird Center.

What’s great about visiting stops like this along your Florida Keys road trip is that just by visiting you are helping the cause and rehabilitation for animals by paying a small fee.

There are all kinds of interesting birds who are here that you’d probably have a very slim chance seeing in the wild, we highly recommend this stop on your Miami to Key West drive.

Lunch and Outdoor Activities at Robbie’s of Islamorada

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Our next stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary includes another local favorite spot! Robbie’s of Islamorada not only has a great restaurant to eat at but they have all kinds of water activities to enjoy as well as an outdoor shopping market full of fun finds and local souvenirs. 

Depending on your arrival time we recommend getting lunch first at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant. This waterfront restaurant and bar is in a prime location on Lower Matecumbe Key. We recommend the fish tacos!

While you’re eating you can’t help but notice the people gathering on the dock feeding the tarpon fish. Grab a bucket of small fish and feed the giant tarpon right in the water outside the restaurant! Don’t worry, you won’t be feeding and befriending fish that they serve at the restaurant. No one eats tarpon fish because they are too bony.

The whole backstory and legend of the tarpon fish feeding tradition here goes back decades. The owner of Robbie’s saw an injured tarpon fish where its jaw had been sliced open from a hook. He and his friend stitched him up and took care of him in a tank until he was able to be released back into the water. They called him Scarface because of the big gash in his jaw.

When they released Scarface he didn’t just go away and live on his own, he left and came back with a ton of his friends and now they still feed them. Or that’s at least what they claim the legend to be.

If you still have more time for fun in the sun here you can always check out parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, or just shop around before finishing the drive from Key Largo to Key West.

Drive and Settle in to Key West

Continue your Florida Keys road trip by making your final stop at Key West. Depending on what time you arrive we recommend checking in to your hotel first.

We stayed at the Perry Hotel Key West . This location is a bit outside of where all the action is in Key West, but the hotel property is gorgeous and located right on the water. They have Vespa scooters for rent, a free shuttle that goes to downtown Key West, or since you have a car on your Florida Keys road trip then you have the option to drive yourself.

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If you prefer to stay closer to town and walking distance to everything we recommend trying one of the gorgeous properties available. Southernmost Beach Resort is a beautiful 4-star hotel located near the southernmost point of the continental US marker!

Dinner at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery

Address: 301 Whitehead St, Key West

After completing your Key Largo to Key West drive and are continuing on your Florida Keys itinerary, we recommend getting settled into your hotel then heading out to enjoy dinner at this historic location/great restaurant and brewery!

First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery is located in the building where the first PanAm international ticket was sold and the birthplace of Pan American World Airways in 1927.

You can see traces of aviation history here if you look closely as well as artifacts around the restaurant deor. They have their own beers on draft here and a delicious menu of seasonal dishes.

We loved the canopy garden seating in the evening too as it had a tropical atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re really on vacation.

A Florida Keys itinerary wouldn’t be complete without spending at least an entire day enjoying all the incredible things to do and see in Key West . We are going to list some of our favorite activities to enjoy on Key West to pick and choose what you’d like to see.

All of these attractions we mention in this guide are within walking distance from one another. If you find yourself tired of walking you can always use the free Duval loop shuttle to get you close to all the locations you’d want to visit.

The Hemingway Home and Museum

Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West

Easily one of my favorite stops on our entire Florida Keys road trip was the Hemingway Home and Museum . Did you know that Ernest Hemingway spent 10 years of his life here in Key West? His old home is now a museum open to the public, but it’s not just the prolific author’s home that attracts visitors.

The Hemingway Home is famous for having its collection of polydactyl cats who live here to this day. During Hemingway’s years in the house, he started with one cat with extra toes and in its peak had between 50-60 cats on the property.

To keep the tradition alive, the museum keeps that many polydactyl cats on the property where they live their lives like the royalty they are at one of the most famous and nicest houses in Key West.

The cats are as much of the history of this house as Hemingway himself. I could have spent all day here!

There are 30-minute guided tours often, but you don’t need to join one to enjoy the property. The admission is $14 for adults and $6 for kids, be sure to bring cash as they do not take credit cards.

Forgot cash? There are ATMs near the Hemingway House & Museum at 724 Duval Street and another at 1075 Duval Street.

If you’re a huge Hemingway fan, check out this Hemingway’s Life and Local Food Walking Tour which takes you to various landmarks that were important to Hemingway in Key West while eating local specialties along the way!

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West

Another great stop in Key West is the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory . What looks like a house on the outside is actually a butterfly conservancy and tropical garden with little critters from birds to butterflies. 

Walk through the tranquil tropical gardens while witnessing some of the most beautiful tropical creatures who are inside.

There are also two rescued flamingos who call this conservatory home that are a treat to see up close in person!

General admission tickets are $15 with lower rates for seniors, military, and kids, children under 3 get in for free. Keep in mind the last admission is at 4:30 PM so plan your visit to this awesome Florida Keys attraction accordingly.

Southernmost Cultural Food & Walking Tour

If you’ve followed our blog long enough you know how we feel about food tours. We LOVE THEM! This is one of the best ways to try a bunch of different local dishes/restaurants and learn the history of where you’re visiting.

The Key West Food Tours journey is 3 hours long stopping at some of their favorite local spots to eat from Cuban cuisine to a great rum bar with a history dating all the way back to the prohibition.

This is a great way to spend lunch during your Florida Keys itinerary stop in Key West, be sure to secure a reservation in advance. They also offer cocktail tours if that’s more up your alley!

Southernmost Point of the Continental US

Address: 1400 Whitehead St, Key West

A road trip to Key West wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA! This is one of the most popular photo spots in Key West at the Southernmost Point Buoy.

You’ll surely see a line here waiting to get a photo unless you come early in the morning. This spot signifies the southernmost point in the continental United States, but if you are a person who really likes to focus on technicalities, the actual southernmost point is located a few blocks over on private property and is inaccessible to visitors.

Walk down Duval Street

Easily the most iconic street in Key West is Duval Street. This is where you will find tons of bars and shopping in what feels like the Bourbon Street of Key West.

This commercialized street connects the Southernmost Point to Mallory Square with plenty of places to stop along the way if you want to drink, dine, or shop.

A few highlights on Duval Street include:

• Grabbing a drink at bars like Hog’s Breath Saloon or Green Parrot Bar
• Explore the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
• Join a Key West haunted pub crawl tour through Duval Street
• Ride the famous Conch Train which takes you through historic stops like Duval Street while learning about the history of Key West and its attractions!
• Embark on the Ghosts of Key West walking tour on Duval Street and learn the haunting history of Key West and see Robert the Doll!

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

This waterfront square is another great stop in Key West on your Florida Keys road trip. There are outdoor and indoor shops, museums, and waterfront outdoor entertainers who gather here. This scene gets lively in the evenings, especially during peak season and is a fun place to gather.

Along the water from two hours before sunset until sunset is known as the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.  This is when all the performers come out and where many gather to enjoy the sunset together. It’s actually an official thing here!

And while you’re here, if you’re interested in shipwrecks and the treasures on old ships, check out the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum which is located right here too, this museum is filled with treasures found from shipwrecks off the Florida Keys and Key West!

Truman Little White House

There are many famous historic homes in Key West, you’ll notice this as you’re walking around and see a plaque for many different houses explaining who lived there and why it’s a historic landmark. One of the most famous, besides the Hemingway Home is the Truman Little White House .

This was the winter home for Truman during his presidency. Truman wasn’t the only US president who used this house though, Taft, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Carter, and Clinton all used this home during their presidency as well used as a facility and a vacation home.

There is a museum inside if you wish to learn more, if not this is just a fun stop while wandering Front Street, one of the most gorgeous streets to walk down filled with historic homes and lush greenery.

The Key West road trip section is now complete, now that we spent time doing all the spectacular activities offered here we recommend spending your last days making your way back up to Miami for your departure and complete your Florida Keys road trip itinerary with more fun stops along the way.

We stopped in Marathon which is an hour north of Key West and another beautiful place to stop on your Florida Keys itinerary.

You can spend the morning in Key West and head towards Marathon around lunch time. This would also depend on what time your appointment is at the Turtle Hospital. If you’ve had enough of Key West we recommend scheduling in some extra downtime relaxing at the resort we recommend staying at in Marathon.

Breakfast at Blue Heaven

Address: 729 Thomas St, Key West

Don’t leave Key West just yet, you need to try one of the most famous brunch spots in the Florida Keys. Blue Heaven is located on the best foodie street in Key West, Petronia Street (and the corner of Thomas Street) and is a crowd favorite.

This place is steeped with island history from being a place where Hemingway himself attended the boxing matches, being a brothel, to a cock fighting location. While this place is far from that today, you can still see traces of its history if you look closely, it is said you can see the peep holes in the building for those who used to come for the brothels.

This jungle garden hang out spot gives you the chance to eat with the sand beneath your toes without being on the beach. They have a full bar and serve up some tasty Floridan-Caribbean dishes for brunch including lobster benedict and shrimp grits!

Turtle Hospital 

Address: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

The Turtle Hospital is one of the best stops and most popular stops on a Florida Keys road trip. This turtle hospital treats injured endangered sea turtles who are brought to the facility. This is where they are rehabilitated and released back in the wild or if not, they are looked after the rest of their lives here.

The Turtle Hospital does require a reservation to join a 90-minute guided tour teaching you about the endangered species you’ll witness in the Turtle Hospital, see the facility where they are treated, and see the open tanks of water where the sea turtles are living until they are healthy again to be released back in the water.

Your admission goes to funding this nonprofit facility and if you wish to donate more you can. We recommend calling a few days in advance or in peak season maybe even a few weeks in advance to make sure you can grab a spot on the tour.

Call the Marathon Turtle Hospital to reserve your spot on a tour (305) 743-2552

Lunch at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Address: 1406 Ocean View Ave, Marathon

Our next stop on our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for a meal is a restaurant that is doing something great for the local marine environment at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar . During recent years, non-native lionfish have been threatening the marine environment off the Florida Keys.

The lionfish is native to Indo-Pacific waters and it’s a mystery how they found themselves here in the Florida Keys. They are an invasive species that are capable of causing the extinction of native plants and animals. The spines on the lionfish are venomous and can sting. This makes them have very few predators. In addition, they have a very rapid reproductive rate and they eat alot.

The lionfish were quickly wiping out young populations of fish which were damaging to the entire biodiversity of the area. Local fishermen are doing what they can to hunt the lionfish and serve it on menus because its actually a quite delicious fish to consume.

However, that is also difficult because the only way you can really hunt lionfish is by spearfishing in deeper waters making it a hard fish to hunt in large quantities.

Castaway’s owner John fishes himself for lionfish that are served in the restaurant as sushi rolls. This is not only a great way to try lionfish but to help the local biodiversity in the waters here in the Florida Keys.

They offer dozens of beer on tap, an extensive sushi menu, and a regular seafood menu to choose from. This is a great stop for slow lunch right on the water and we recommend trying the lionfish while you’re here!

Relax at Isla Bella Beach Resort

Our final stop on our Florida Keys Road trip itinerary is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce on all the good times you had on your vacation. The incredible waterfront Isla Bella Beach Resort is the perfect place to do it.

Their waterfront villas are gorgeous and comfortable, a great way to pamper yourself before the end of your trip. There are several pools on the property as well as beachside cabanas you can hang out and relax in.

The views here are incredible and relaxing. There’s also a beachside bar with slightly overpriced drinks, but you’re paying for the location here! And an Italian restaurant on site.

If you don’t want to stick around for dinner they do offer bicycles you can borrow from the property to explore anything nearby.

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The Florida Keys are known as a chain of islands off the southern tip of Florida famous for its scenic drive to Key West across many bridges and oceanside highways, crystal clear blue water, marine life, water sports, and famous food like key lime pie. The Florida Keys are a very popular warm winter vacation spot in the United States.

An ideal amount of time for a Florida Keys road trip would be a minimum of 5 days and even better with a full 7 days so you can add in more stops and outdoor excursions to your trip.

The best time to visit the Florida Keys is in the winter months from December through February after hurricane season has passed in November, this is the most popular time because the weather is the most comfortable. The spring months of March and May are also great time to visit the Florida Keys as there are fewer crowds and you can find better deals on hotels.

Hurricane season in the Florida Keys is typically June through November.

The drive from Miami to Key West is 159 miles (256 kilometers) and takes approximately 4 hours to drive nonstop over the Overseas Highway.

The Overseas Highway is 113-miles long and starts in Key Largo and ends in Key West, it takes 2.5-3 hours to drive the entire Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the perfect 5 day Florida Keys road trip and Miami to Key West drive guide. If you found it helpful consider bookmarking for later or sharing on Pinterest below.

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Florida Keys Itinerary: The Ultimate 5-Day Trip

Oh the Florida Keys…

Full of so much natural beauty, rich history, and no shortage of great activities, there are many great ways to experience this unique destination. Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, heck you could easily spend a week in Key West alone! But in our opinion, the best way to experience the magic of the Florida Keys is too see them all by taking a road trip.

Behold, our ultimate 5-day itinerary through the Florida Keys!

DAY ONE: MIAMI to ISLAMORADA

When travelling to The Keys, you’ve got several options to get there including flying to Miami International, Key West International, as well as several cruise options from other locations in Florida. We arrived early in the morning in Miami, rented a car, and drove about an hour and a half south to the top of The Keys.

Our first stop on our Florida Keys itinerary was John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Located just past Key Largo,  John Pennekamp  is the first undersea park in the US and covers roughly 70 square miles of mangroves, coral reefs, and wildlife. We were truly impressed with how well managed the park is and the passion that the park employees have for protecting and sharing its natural wonder.

They offer various activities such as snorkeling, scuba, glass-bottom boat tours, as well as boat and kayak rentals. We opted for the snorkeling tour, which takes you on a half-hour boat ride out to the reef. During the boat ride, our tour leaders Doug and Dean did a great job of providing us with background on the park, what types of wildlife we might see out there, a safety briefing, several great nautical jokes, and even a snorkeling lesson for those who were first-timers.

At the reef, we saw countless tropical fish, colorful coral, someone even saw a sea turtle! We also got to check out the famous “Famous Christ of the Deep” statue, which was super cool to see. Overall this was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, we can’t say enough about how great our guides were!

After working up an appetite snorkelling we checked into our room for the night at The Fisher Inn Resort to freshen up for dinner. Very recently renovated, the Fisher Inn is a modern, stylish and comfortable place right on water with various activities and boat access available. We loved what they’ve done with the place! An ideal spot to stay in Islamorada.

FLORIDA KEYS ITINERARY DAY TWO : ISLAMORADA to KEY WEST

An unassuming spot right off the highway, Robbie’s offers an eclectic mix of outdoor shops, food vendors and, our personal favorite, tarpon feeding. For those who don’t know, tarpon are MASSIVE sport fish that are spectacular to see swimming around and launching out of the water. What’s also cool about them is that they don’t have teeth, so you can buy a bucket of fish and feed the giants hanging out by the dock at Robbie’s.

It’s a bit adrenaline-pumping at first as these huge mouths come out of the water snatching the fish right out of your hands, but it’s unlike anything else. We liked it so much we got another two buckets of fish! Just watch out for the pesky pelicans 😛 Oh, and we saw a manatee come right up to the edge of the dock! It was wild.

After watching these giant creatures feed for so long, we started to get hungry ourselves, so we went for brunch at Robbie’s Marina restaurant, The Hungry Tarpon . A fantastic spot with amazing breakfast, we opted for the “alligator reef” Mexican scramble and the lobster frittata with hollandaise sauce (OMGGG wow!).

If you’re spending any time in Islamorada, Robbie’s Marina and The Hungry Tarpon are an absolute must.

We departed Robbie’s around noon and made our way down to Key West.

Upon arrival in Key West, we checked in to our home for the next three days,  The Southernmost Beach Resort . An absolutely immaculate resort, we could not have imagined a better place to stay in Key West. Located at the quiet end of Duval Street, The Southernmost Beach Resort features fantastic rooms, beaches, pools, and bars and is the perfect spot for couples or families looking to stay in a more tranquil part of Key West. They also offer bike rentals which we found to be the best way to get around Key West.

We stayed in the historic and beautiful La Mer House, in a gorgeous King room. Our house hosts made us feel extremely welcome and made sure that we had an exceptional stay. La Mer and Dewey house offer an exclusive breakfast spread every morning, and relaxing, delightful refreshments every afternoon. There was always a delicious selection of cheeses, deli meats, fresh fruit, and sweets, as well as a made-to-order chef’s special at breakfast. This is was a great time to recharge and relax, as well as socialize with our hosts and the other guests.

After our afternoon refreshments, we headed to the docks to hop aboard The Wind & Wine Sunset Sail with Danger Charters . Note: we were able to call and book this tour just a few hours in advance, but for most tours, it is recommended to book most tours 24 hours in advance to guarantee a spot, especially during the busy seasons.

Contrary to what you may assume from the name, Danger Charters offers an exceptionally relaxing sunset sail. What’s unique about them is that they offer a wine tasting while you sail! We sampled 8 different wines and various gourmet appetizers as we sailed and enjoyed the sunset. The crew was exceptional, ensuring that we were always taken care of, sharing interesting tidbits and anecdotes about The Keys, and engaging in great conversation. They also offer craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks for any non-wine drinkers.

The sunsets of Key West are truly spectacular and we would recommend seeing at least one of them from a sunset cruise.

FLORIDA KEYS ITINERARY DAY THREE:  THE DRY TORTUGAS

On day three, we checked off a bucket list item, The Dry Tortugas! Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is famous for its spectacular waters and its prize historic feature, Fort Jefferson.

You can explore Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas via a day-trip offered by Yankee Freedom . Trips depart from Key West daily aboard a large 250 passenger ocean-going catamaran that takes about 2 hours to make the crossing. Be warned that if there are strong winds, the seas can get quite rough, so be sure to check current conditions and take any necessary precautions to prevent motion sickness.

Along the way, the wonderful staff provided us with information on the geography and history of the area. Our lead guide, Hollywood, talked about the dynamic nature of the Tortugas and the key roles that they played for sailors in the early years of the US. He also pointed out some real-life treasure hunters who were searching for the remaining $600,000,000 treasure of two Spanish Galleons that went down in the area.

About an hour and half into the crossing, Fort Jefferson appears on the horizon. As you approach this immense structure in the middle of nowhere, one question comes pops into everyone’s mind, “Why on earth is this thing here??” Well, Hollywood explained everything once inside the fort, but you’ll have to visit yourself to find out 😉

Fort Jefferson is chilling. As you walk the moat around it or view the spectacular waters from atop its three story high roof, you really appreciate how much work went into building this spectacle and imagine what life would have been for fort dwellers. I can’t speak highly enough about how incredible exploring the fort and the islands was, and I’d love to go back and camp on the island for a night or two next time. Imagine the stars!

After a few hours exploring the Dry Tortugas, we reboarded the Yankee Freedom III and made our way back to Key West.

We made it back just in time to catch the sunset from  Bistro 245 at Margaritaville Resort . As I mentioned before, Key West sunsets cannot be missed!

Bistro 245 is right next to sunset square and the upstairs bar is a great place to get a view above the crowds and enjoy the end of the day with a margarita in hand. The crowds tend to leave once the sun goes down, but make sure to stay a little longer as the best part of the sunset usually happens 10-15 minutes  after  the sun goes below the horizon.

For dinner on day three, we hopped in the car and drove up to a local favorite,  Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar . Their aptly anointed “American coastal comfort food” features gourmet takes on the classics and fresh seafood all in a great location that earned them OpenTable’s 2018 Diners’ Choice Award for best ambiance. We highly recommend the crab beignets (uhh, yes please!!) and the black grouper.

FLORIDA KEYS ITINERARY DAY FOUR:  BREAKFAST OF A LIFETIME

Latitudes  is an absolute treat. Located on Sunset Key –  just a 6-minute complimentary ferry ride across from Key West – Latitudes and its executive chef Jerry Crocker offer a “work of art” menu that incorporates fresh locally sourced fish and tropical fruits, all in a spectacular setting. (If Sunset Key sounds familiar to you, it could be because Oprah rented out every cottage on the island one time for her friends and family).

Latitudes offers an exceptional menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you go for breakfast, treat yourself to the lobster benedict, you will not regret it.

After breakfast, we puttered around Sunset Key before hopping back on the ferry to Key West.

We spent most of the day exploring the streets of Key West. We walked the boardwalks, biked up and down Duval Street, checked out the quaint architecture, and then relaxed on the beach at The Southermost Beach Resort.

Following afternoon refreshments at the Resort, we made our way back to the piers to board our second sunset sail, this time with  Sebago . Aboard Sebago’s large catamaran you’ll find friendly staff, lots of deck space, bottomless beer, margaritas and sangria, plus a cash bar. We made a bunch of new friends while out on the water and although we prefer the Danger Charters experience, Sebago definitely provides a good economical option.

Upon arriving back at the dock we headed down the boardwalk and popped in for dinner at Turtle Kraals, another Key West classic. We sat outside up top with a great view of the marina and enjoyed a couple of key lime margaritas with delicious conch fritters, ribs, and ceviche.

FLORIDA KEYS ITINERARY DAY FIVE:  KEY WEST TO MARATHON

Key West, it’s been great! Time to work our way back.

After a superb breakfast at La Mer House, we said goodbye to our gracious hosts and headed north. We headed up to  Lazy Dog  where we had rebooked our kayak excursion from earlier in the week.

Kayaking through the mangroves is without a doubt the best way to see them. We were able to see all kinds of marine life (PLUS super cool iguanas!) and paddle through channels where mangroves were literally growing above our heads. The pace of the tour was relaxing and our guide, Lindsay, was friendly, knowledgeable, and ecologically responsible.

We came off the water, bid adieu to the fantastic Lazy Dog staff and made our way up the highway to our destination for the night,  The Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort  in Marathon.

We had worked up an appetite kayaking and so it was the perfect time to check out their on-site restaurant,  The Butterfly Cafe . Remember how I mentioned above about the Yellowtail Snapper? Well, this is where we discovered its magic.

Yellowtail Snapper is a Florida Keys speciality, so as per the chef’s recommendation, we both had it at The Butterfly Cafe, and it was game-changingly delicious.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the incredible grounds of the Resort. We hung out on the beach, grabbed a drink at the Tiki Bar, and putted on the putting greens (Lauren won). They also have kayaks and jet skis to take out, but we had already had our day out on the water. Tranquillity Bay is a fantastic place to stay for families and couples alike as their beautiful multi-bedroom units provide full kitchens, balconies, and plenty of amenities.

For our last dinner in The Keys, we went to  The Lighthouse Grill  at Faro Blanco Resort. They offer a flight of local craft beers and amazing seafood – the scallops with Boursin risotto was absolutely fantastic. Although we went for dinner this would be a great place for happy hour to catch the sunset and enjoy the goings on of the marina.

The next morning, we woke up and made our way back to Miami airport, from where we flew home. On your way back, make sure to take the highway 1 route, as our GPS suggested the backroads, which was a lot of stops and starts on one-way roads.

Overall, our trip to  The Florida Keys  exceeded our expectations. It’s hard to find a place with so much beauty, history, and great things to see and do. You can do as little or as much as you want, and have an incredible time. When we go back – which we surely will! – here are some of the things on our list that we didn’t have time for this time around: hire a fishing charter for the day, visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, check out the craft breweries, visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and so much more! If you’re looking for a full list, check out our other blog of  9 epic things to do in the Florida Keys.

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Florida Keys Road Trip: One-Week Itinerary (2023)

10/15/2023 by Nicole Edwards 1 Comment

Are you looking for the complete Florida Keys adventure? I spent about four months exploring from Key Largo to Key West on my sailboat and have put together the perfect one-week itinerary.

The Keys are a beautiful place to spend a solo vacation . It only takes about 2.5 hours to drive the 100 miles from end to end. This is a strip of paradise though, so it can be quite expensive. Here’s what I recommend in regards to saving money, places to go, things to do, and where to stay:

Table of Contents

Getting There and Transportation

There is an international airport in Miami and one in Key West , so technically, you could get a one-way ticket to Miami and then leave from Key West (or vice versa). This is 100% personal preference. I recommend you rent a car if you are only visiting for a week. But everything is totally doable if you go for the “ bus and bike ” option and take the pedestrian portion of the historic Overseas Highway. I believe most people will fly into Miami though, so let’s start from there.

Also consider time of year. Hurricane season may not be the best time to visit, and the summers can be quite hot and sticky, but this is a great spot for March , April , May , and November .

The Florida Keys are by no means cheap, but it’s still possible to visit on a budget if you do your research.

If you’re on a budget, like I was, even the more affordable hotels can really tear a hole in your wallet. Just in accommodations, you are looking at $1,200 for the week. So definitely click on our links to accommodations to learn about cheaper places in the area to stay, like camping in parks or sleeping on a boat. Most hotels include parking, so keep in mind that almost all lots, especially in Key West, are paid.

On top of that, expect to spend about $20 at a restaurant, and if you get a drink, tack on another $10. You will spend half as much, though, if you shop at grocery stores and picnic on the beaches (I will go into this in more detail). Most state parks have a small admission fee (around $2.50 for a pedestrian or $5 for a vehicle). Museums will be around $15-$25 (though there are some free ones!). A majority of the partial-day tours and excursions will be around $100. Full-day activities could be closer to $500.

You can save money if you bring your own snorkeling gear and fishing equipment and stay at hotels that offer complimentary use of kayaks or a discount on boat rentals.

The itinerary below starts in Key Largo, but you can start in Key West instead and reverse it.

Day 1: Arrive in Key Largo

Try to arrive in Key Largo just before lunch and then get a morning walk in at the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, located on the northern tip of the island. From there you can swing over to the grocery store called Publix to grab one of its famous Pub Subs and maybe a picnic lunch for tomorrow ( you can also order online ). Then eat your sandwich at Cannon Beach or Far Beach in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

After lunch, it’s time to get out on the water! There’s plenty of snorkeling off the coast of Key Largo, which is called the diving capital of the world for a reason. But one sight you can’t get anywhere else in all the Florida Keys is the Christ of the Abyss statue, so I’d recommend you do that! (Note: You need to use only reef-friendly sunscreen anytime you are near or in the water.)

Christ of the Abyss is a statue at the bottom of the ocean, about 25 feet down. It honors the lives of those lost at sea. If you want go in a tour to see the statue , you have to be able to hold your breath for at least 30 seconds and be a competent swimmer. If Christ of the Abyss isn’t for you, check out this article for some more Key Largo snorkeling .

By this point you’ll probably be pretty tired, though there’s still a lot of things to do in Key Largo . If you can, go ahead and drive the twenty minutes to the town on Key Largo called Tavenier. This will stage you for the next day. A good place to stay in Tavernier is Atlantic Bay Resort , as kayaks and bikes there are complimentary. If this doesn’t work for your schedule, check out our list of recommended Key Largo areas and hotels here.

Day 2: Explore Tavernier on Key Largo

If your hotel has kayaks, spend the morning out on the water exploring the mangroves and bird-watching. Then hop on a bike and head over to the Harry Harris Park (or another of Key Largo’s beaches ), where you’ll get some gorgeous ocean views. When your food is all settled in your stomach, bike the three miles to the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary and spend the rest of the day there. Before you move on to Islamorada, stop in the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory to get a treat for the road.

You’ll want to make it to Islamorada tonight, where I recommend staying at Sunset Inn , which offers fishing charters.

Day 3: Islamorada

Welcome to Islamorada, the sportfishing capital of the world! Bright and early in the morning, it’d be appropriate to head out on a fishing charter . You’ll likely spend a good bit of the day casting a line, so enjoy it, and hopefully you’ll catch your dinner! If you didn’t catch a fish for dinner, you can always go to Robbie’s Marina where there is also a fun opportunity to feed the tarpon.

In the afternoon, definitely check out the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

If you opted to bike the Florida Keys, you can take a break from the pedals and explore with Freebee , a free electric-vehicle transportation service.

In the evening, head back to your hotel, because tomorrow there’s just a bit more to discover, included below.

Day 4: Islamorada to Marathon

In the morning, try to get out to Indian Key by kayak . It’s a beautiful ghost island, and you’ll likely have the entire place to yourself. If you’re just not up for the trip, you can go to Rain Barrel Village for a souvenir (they have Key West items probably for cheaper than on Key West itself!) and the Hurricane monument. Then enjoy a picnic lunch at the Library Beach Park.

Islamorada has some beautiful reefs. I went to Hen and Chickens and felt like I was swimming in an aquarium. For this reason, I highly recommend you take the afternoon and explore Islamorada’s underwater world!

After your snorkeling excursion, hop back in the car and head to Marathon for the night. I suggest staying at Captain Pip’s Marina and Hideaway because you get 10% off a boat rental. But there are plenty of other places to stay in Marathon if something else suits your fancy. 

Day 5: Marathon to Big Pine to Key West

Today is the day that you should do something a little outrageous. If you’ve never rented a boat before, definitely do it. Go out to the local sandbar or visit the rocky shallows of Gilligan’s Island (you’ll want to go at low tide). If you’ve always wanted to take a plane tour, you’ll have beautiful views of the 7-Mile Bridge and the rest of the Florida Keys. Or, if you are dying for more adventure, you could visit Keys Cable Park or go parasailing.

On the other hand, if you haven’t made it to a beach yet, I’d say that Marathon has some of the most beautiful ones in all the Keys (my favorite is Coco Plum). There’s also fishing , snorkeling , and dolphin and whale watching . Whatever your heart desires, take this day to get it done.

For more inspiration, read our top 29 things to do in Marathon here .

Big Pine Key

Try to leave Marathon by 2pm because there are some things you should see and do around Big Pine Key , like Bahia Honda State Park and the Calypso Bridge.

Then, specifically around 4pm, head to the National Key Deer Refuge. This protects the smallest species of North American deer, native only to the Florida Keys. I say 4pm because that’s when the deer come out to forage for food. The refuge is drivable and bikeable, and while you look for deer, you can also head to the blue hole, which is within the refuge. It’s the only freshwater lake in the Florida Keys and is home to two alligators.

For dinner, hop over one street to get to the famous No Name Pub. The pizza is supposedly to die for (I was craving a burger, and it hit the spot).

After dinner, it really is best if you take a night drive to Key West, about 45 minutes from Big Pine. That way, you’ve got the entire next day to get to know this quirky and southernmost Florida Key.

To get the true Key West experience (you’ll notice as soon as you arrive that there are hundreds of boats anchored in the harbor), you should stay on a sailboat !

I get that this is not for everybody though. A centrally located and affordable land-based pick for this one-week itinerary would be the historic Casablanca Hotel with its Irish pub. You can find more hotels and areas to stay in here.

Day 6: Key West

By this time you’ve had a chance to go kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling, check out some beautiful beaches and state parks, and get some Florida Keys souvenirs. This means that you can save Key West for all things unique to Key West! There’s a lot to do here , and it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but there are a few things you must do before you leave. Here’s what I recommend:

First thing in the morning, get a cup of Cuban coffee (you’ll need it) and then explore Key West. You can do a self-guided tour on foot, by bike, scooter, or golf cart. Or you can take one of Key West’s guided tours (if this is your first time here, I recommend this). While you’re exploring, take a picture at the Southernmost Point and Mile Marker 0.

After you get the lay of the land, pick a museum of interest (my favorite was the Turtle Museum). There are so many to choose from — you can find a list of my top Key West museums here.

When you’re done with the museum, grab a bite to eat and then head to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Here you can see the old fort, get a spectacular aerial view of the ocean, and lounge on the beach until your sunset cruise !

After your cruise and if you’re up for it, head out to Duval Street. You can grab a drink at one of Key West’s many bars to get a taste of the thriving nightlife. And then crawl into bed for a good rest for your last day in the Florida Keys.

Day 7: Key West and then home

If you spent yesterday on land, I recommend you spend most of your last day on a water excursion . My favorite was discovering the islands in the backcountry (particularly Boca Grande), spotting dolphins, snorkeling, and relaxing. In the afternoon, you can check out an art gallery, then buy a slice of that famous Key Lime pie.

Then it’s probably time to embark on the 4-hour drive back to Miami. If you’re flying out of Key West, however, you can head straight to the airport and catch your flight home.

I hope this itinerary balances out the activities and sights on both land and sea, and helps you plan your trip. One week is just enough time to experience the best of what each Florida key has to offer. It’s also a great opportunity to discover some places you’d like to visit again.

What are you looking forward to most?

About Nicole Edwards

Nicole is a single-handed sailor sailing the world and sharing her journey on her YouTube Channel, Sailing Artha. She prefers the type of travel that gets her into nature, and she actively seeks out farm and trash pick-up volunteering opportunities.

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Pure Spritiual Healing says

10/18/2023 at 10:33 pm

Your one-week Florida Keys road trip itinerary for 2023 is a well-crafted adventure guide that ensures a delightful journey through this picturesque region.

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27 Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys, From Wildlife Encounters to Key Lime Pie Tastings

Adventure awaits in this tropical island paradise.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

There are few vacation destinations in the United States more tropical and laid-back than the Florida Keys . This sunny, palm tree-dotted paradise extends 120 miles off the southeast coast of Florida and is a treasured spot for snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, and experiencing the Sunshine State’s most barefoot and breezy vibes. It’s also the site of some of my most treasured childhood memories — and my destination of choice as an adult in need of regular breaks from reality.

Keep in mind that when people talk about going to the Keys, they can mean any number of places: Key Largo, which is the northernmost key and closest for those driving from Miami , or Key West, which is more than two hours away, or Tavernier, Islamorada, Marathon, or any other key in between. Key West is perhaps the most popular among tourists, with its own airport and plenty of attractions and top-rated hotels .

Ready to explore one of Florida's top destinations ? Here are 27 of the best things to do in the Florida Keys.

Related: How to Take the Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

Eat at The Fish House.

You can’t go to the Florida Keys without eating your fill of fresh fish. Even if you're not a seafood lover, you will get a new lease on life after one bite of the mahi Matecumbe at The Fish House , one of the last spots that still buys from local commercial fishermen and filets all fish right on the premises.

Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada.

Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images

If you’ve ever wanted to come face to face with a fish twice your size, pay $2.50 to hand feed the tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada . It’s one of those thrilling, only-in-Florida activities sure to liven up your scrapbook. If you just want to eat lunch at the restaurant here, that's fine, too — you'll get a heaping side of entertainment.

Eat Key lime pie.

What apple pie is to America, Key lime pie is to the Florida Keys, so don’t leave without treating yourself to a slice. My favorite is the ice-cold, graham-cracker-crusted, whipped-cream-topped rendition at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen , which has two locations in Key Largo. Belgian chocolate-coated, frozen Key lime pie on a stick is also delectable, and you can find it at Kermit’s and Mattheessen’s in Key West.

Eat a sloppy joe at Sloppy Joe’s.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Since 1933 — when it conveniently opened on the exact day Prohibition was repealed — Sloppy Joe’s has been a Key West institution. Chow down on the combo of ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices known as The Original Sloppy Joe Sandwich while you enjoy live music, dancing, and people-watching.

Learn about local history.

Paul Harris/Getty Images

The Keys played an important role in American history, and you can get a glimpse of that history at places like Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park , a National Historic Landmark where you can take a narrated tour and see Civil War cannons, and the Truman Little White House , Florida’s only presidential museum, where you can tour what served as the winter White House of Harry Truman from 1946 to 1952. The VIP White Glove Tour at the latter museum even includes a ride in one of President Truman’s classic limousines.

Attend a festival or two.

Handout/Handout/Getty Images

Floridians like to party, as evidenced by the state’s abundance of festivals all year long (among other things). Head to Key West for Key Lime Festival , Mango Fest , or its most famous event, Fantasy Fest , an annual 10-day street party with every flavor of revelry.

Go deep-sea fishing.

Ever wanted to reel in a massive tuna or hook a feisty sailfish? Or maybe you dream of catching your own snapper, grouper, or wahoo? The Keys is a great place to live out your deep-sea fishing dreams, as the ocean’s full of fish and there are many charters available for both half-day and full-day fishing excursions.

Go snorkeling.

SKashkin/Getty Images

If you leave the Keys without sinking below the surface of its aqua-blue waters, you haven’t really been to the Keys. There are tons of great snorkeling spots around the islands, whether you swim offshore from a beach or book a chartered trip to take you out to any of the hundreds of gorgeous, fish-filled coral reefs or shipwrecks.

Go scuba diving.

If there’s anything better than snorkeling in the Keys, it’s scuba diving in the Keys. In fact, Key Largo considers itself the “Dive Capital of the World” thanks to its plethora of easily accessible dive sites, including colorful coral reefs and historic shipwrecks. You will also find the third-largest living barrier reef in the world here. Book a half- or full-day dive charter to see what all the fuss is about. Not certified? You can book a one-day introductory course or even get open-water certified in three days at Rainbow Reef Dive Center in Key Largo.

Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.

ovidiuhrubaru/Getty Images

You’ve never been to a national park like Dry Tortugas National Park , 70 miles from the mainland and 99 percent underwater. Its isolated and hard-to-reach location (you can only get here by seaplane or boat) is part of the appeal, as are its incredible blue waters and historic fort.

Go camping.

MargaretW/Getty Images

Camping is a good way to save money in the Keys, and it’s a fun way to experience another side of this breezy paradise. Bahia Honda State Park is one of the best places to camp in Florida and has both primitive campsites and RV sites with water and electrical hookups.

Find No Name Pub.

Chicago Tribune / Contributor via Getty Images

No Name Pub , with its offbeat nature and unexpected location, is indeed “a nice place if you can find it,” as its motto promises. With nearly 100 years of history to its name, this Big Pine Key staple remains little-known and tricky to find. As you search, keep your eyes peeled for the super-cute, super-small endemic Key deer.

Drink Cuban coffee.

With only 90 miles separating Key West from Cuba, it’s no wonder the Keys have some of the best Cuban coffee. Check out Morita’s Cuban Cafe in Cudjoe Key or the famous Cuban Coffee Queen in Key West. Pro tip: Cuban Coffee Queen’s tiny Margaret Street outpost is adorned with the famous “Greetings from Key West” mural, if you're looking for iconic photo opportunities.

Take a photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.

swissmediavision/Getty Images

Cuban coffee in hand, hop on down to the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. , an anchored concrete buoy that marks the lowest latitude of the contiguous North American states. There’s always a line, but no one will believe you went to Key West without a photo in front of this landmark (and Mile Marker Zero on Whitehead Street).

Pet cats at The Hemingway Home and Museum.

John Burke/Getty Images

The Florida Keys has some of the zaniest history in America, and it’s on full display at The Hemingway Home and Museum, the residence of the great American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. While the studio, garden, and home itself are interesting, the colony of six-toed cats who live in and around the house — mostly descendants of Snow White, a cat gifted to Hemingway by a ship captain — is the main attraction.

Try local brews at Islamorada Beer Company.

Courtesy of Islamorada Beer Company

If you’re a fan of cold beer, kick back at Islamorada Beer Company , the only brewery and distillery in the Keys. You’ll find more than 60 brews, plus swag, cocktail tastings, and a pet-friendly beer garden at this craft beer haven. The Key lime coconut ale is especially refreshing.

Watch the sunset.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

With a narrow strip of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Florida Bay down the entire length of the Keys, you can expect killer sunsets from just about anywhere, but Sunset Grille & Raw Bar in Marathon, which overlooks the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, has made a name for itself as one of the best sunset-watching spots in the Keys.

Order conch fritters.

sbossert/Getty Images

Floribbean fare is exemplified in the humble conch fritter, a Bahamian specialty of fried sea snail that most folks agree is downright delicious. Outside the Bahamas, there’s no better place to eat conch fritters than the Conch Republic, which is the name that the “micronation” of Key West gave itself when it jokingly seceded in 1982.

Live the high life at Little Palm Island.

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Luxury island living is epitomized on Little Palm Island , the only private island resort in America — otherwise known as heaven on earth. With a restaurant, spa, pool, and plenty of activities to keep you busy (or not), it is four acres of island bliss with fifteen thatched-roof bungalows. They each have a copper soaking tub and ocean views, of course.

Run, bike, or roller blade the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

After a multi-year restoration, a pedestrian-only stretch of bridge parallel to the modern-day Seven Mile Bridge and the Florida Keys Overseas Highway reopened for people to walk, bike, or roll 65 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

Snorkel to see Jesus.

Image Source/Getty Images

No snorkel spot in the Keys is better than John Pennekamp State Park , home not only to some of the best reefs in the Keys but also the underwater Christ of the Abyss , a statue of Jesus by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti that’s submerged 25 feet beneath the sea.

Swim with dolphins.

LagunaticPhoto/Getty Images

While I’m usually not a proponent of captive animal interactions, the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key is one of the places doing it right. This “dolphinarium” is a nonprofit research and education facility with 90,000 square feet of saltwater lagoons housing bottlenose dolphins and a few California sea lions. The center has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and studying whales, dolphins, and manatees since 1984.

Stay at the only underwater hotel in the United States.

The Keys is full of unique places to stay, but Jules Undersea Lodge at Key Largo Undersea Park is in a class of its own. Located 30 feet underwater on the ocean floor, this one-of-a-kind overnight stay requires a scuba dive to reach and includes a dinnertime pizza delivery.

Adopt a reptilian friend at the Turtle Hospital.

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, a fully functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles, is the largest of its kind in the country. The public can take guided tours, browse the gift shop, and even “adopt” a patient to support its rehabilitation and (hopeful) eventual release.

Climb a lighthouse.

With six historic lighthouses in the Florida Keys, including Key West Lighthouse , sinking below the surface of the sea isn’t the only change in perspective worth experiencing in the Keys. Don't get actual lighthouses confused with Alligator Reef Lighthouse, though — that's actually a favorite snorkeling spot.

Experience old Florida at the Caribbean Club.

Courtesy of Caribbean Club

Dating back to 1938, the Caribbean Club is the oldest bar in the Upper Keys. While its live music, sunsets, and Key lime pie rum punch are memorable, it was the 1947 filming of Humphrey Bogart movie "Key Largo" that cemented this spot's legendary status. It was a set piece again recently, too, for the Netflix original series Bloodline .

Wander among butterflies at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.

CelsoDiniz/Getty Images

At the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory , visitors experience tropical magic as they walk among hundreds of flying butterflies and exotic birds — there's even a couple flamingos. Around 50 to 60 different species of butterflies from around the world call this glass-domed habitat home.

Related Articles

Florida Keys Road Trip: Stunning And Affordable Things To Do

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: January 3, 2022  - Last updated: February 27, 2024

The very first question we were asked upon getting home was “What are the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids?” Apparently the Florida Keys have a reputation of being a destination for adults that just want to part and go fishing. I had no clue. And the Florida Keys are way more than that. We spent a week exploring and digging into the many towns and islands and have plenty of amazing ideas, truly the best things to do with kids on your Florida Keys vacation .

As we go through, you’ll see that we’ve got a good mix of nature and cultural activities. The Florida Keys are actually pretty historic, especially Key West, and their history is even tied in with Saint Augustine (our hometown). And when it comes to nature, there are countless ways to experience the beautiful sights and wildlife.

After much consideration and questions from people, I’ve decided that I need to publish our 7 day itinerary for a Florida Keys road trip, both just how we did it and suggestions to make it your own. I’ve shared about HOW to plan a Florida Keys vacation and our favorite places to kayak in the Florida Keys , but these are our picks for the best things to do for a week in the Florida Keys.

Of course spending time on or in the water is one of our top picks for things to do in the Keys, but how you go about it will have a huge impact on your experience. And there are lots of wonderful, unique cultural activities to enjoy in Key West and all the way up to Key Largo along your Florida Keys road trip.

Before you hit the road, get a copy of my book: The Road Trip Survival Guide !

How Many Days to Spend in the Florida Keys

I’m going to start here because we’ve gotten a lot of questions about how long a Florida Keys road trip should take. While there’s no straightforward answer, the drive to Key West and back up to Miami should be given at least a minimum of four days. The Key West drive is awesome and you’ll enjoy it from start to finish!

We recommend six to eight days for a comprehensive road trip through the Florida Keys. This will give you time to drive Key West and really explore, time to enjoy the fun in the Middle Keys, and plenty of time for experiencing nature in the Upper Keys and Key Largo.

If a Florida Keys road trip is a must and you don’t have a lot of time, you can easily drive from Miami down as far as Islamorada and enjoy the fishing village culture and some of the best key lime pie in the Florida Keys.

“Are there beaches in the Florida Keys?”

We’ve gotten this question a lot too. In short, yes, there are beaches in the Florida Keys that you can easily add to your road trip plan, but they aren’t like the Gulf Coast beaches or Daytona Beach . 

Many of the beaches in the Florida Keys, and in particular Key West’s beaches, are man-made or supplemented by additional sand-fill. This doesn’t make them icky, but they just aren’t as long and picturesque as what you’ll find in mainland Florida.

Florida Keys beaches are still great stops for relaxing or getting your feet wet, and some, like the beach at Pennekamp State Park or at Sombrero Beach on Marathon, are wonderful for swimming. Beach time will always be one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys, whether it’s for ten minute or a few hours.

Best Things to do in the Florida Keys

When it comes to unique things to do, the Florida Keys takes the cake… or the pie. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature buff or really into history, the Florida Keys will keep you engaged and entertained. 

Our family is very much into wildlife and outdoor experiences, so that’s what we focused on. Don’t think for a moment though that we didn’t make ALL THE STOPS on the Miami to Key West drive, because we did! And yes, we’ve got as many street art and mural stops as we could do, including artist Wyland’s Whaling Walls (my favorite!)

Here are our top picks for things to do in the Florida Keys, and then our complete road trip plan and itinerary follows directly after.

Key Largo Things to Do

Key Largo is the first island you hit when you start your Florida Keys road trip and the drive to Key West. It’s the largest of the Keys and has a ton of green space. I love Key Largo because it feels like the most chill and quiet of the island chain.

The wonderful thing about Key Largo is that despite all the green space and State Parks, there are also lots of restaurants hidden among the marinas and neighborhoods. Good food and relaxing fun are everywhere. You’ll never be at a loss for things to do on Key Largo.

Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

What a beautiful walk in the woods! Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is very different from other Florida State Parks in that it’s a trail system with exhibit placards talking about the many plant types throughout the hammock (coastal forest). The 2.4 mile trail is shady and full of birds and butterflies.

Note : pay for admission in advance through the website or bring cash. This is one of the only places in the Florida Keys with poor cell service, so if you don’t have cash and didn’t pay the State Park fee in advance, you could get into trouble (even if it’s unlikely).

Visit Whaling Wall #95: Keys to the Seas

We love murals and Wyland is my favorite mural artist. His works can be found all around the world, including Victoria BC and Seattle . Stopping at the Wyland Whaling Walls in the Florida Keys is one of the best things to do, both for photos and to appreciate amazing art.

This first set of murals is in the center of the Overseas Highway on Key Largo. The HUGE piece of art surrounds all four sides of the building (a dive shop and yoga studio) and showcases manatees, rays, sharks, sea birds, fish and divers. It’s my favorite of the murals in the Florida Keys.

Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is famous for its Chris of the Abyss feature, a sunken sculpture which can be visited by divers and snorkelers, but there’s much more! Pennekamp is one of our favorite places to kayak in the Florida Keys, with a wonderful paddling trail and crystal clear water. This is one of the best places for kayaking in South Florida .

When it comes to snorkeling, you can either snorkel just off the main beach (great with kids) or you can do one of the tours out to the reef. The tour is several hours and should be booked in advance to ensure a spot. 

Note : tours can be booked within the State Park or through external vendors. Depending on the tour type you want, you can book private or group expeditions to the reef . THIS TOUR is our top pick for snorkeling out on the reef at Pennekamp .

There are lots of picnic areas and shady places to relax at John Pennekamp State Park, so bring a lunch and enjoy yourself. An afternoon here is one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys and a must-stop along your Florida Keys road trip.

Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

We discovered the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center randomly. We had to pull over really quick for something and BOOM! There it was! I’m so glad we did. We visited the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center and Sanctuary on our first afternoon in the Keys.

We were able to learn about the many birds we’d be seeing on our Florida Keys road trip, including the masked boobie, which became a favorite to spot out on the water.

Note : the Wild Bird Center on Key Largo operates off donations, so feel free to donate and share your stop on social media to support their efforts!

Activities in Islamorada and the Middle Keys

Continuing the Florida Keys road trip southward on the drive to Key West, Islamorada comes up next. It’s a town / collection of keys that stretches from Plantation Key to Lower Matecumbe Key. Islamorada is where you’ll find the world famous Robbie’s of Islamorada, some gorgeous paddling spots, and delicious key lime pie. So many things to do in Islamorada and the Middle Keys!

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

So many of the best things to do in the Florida Keys are found in unique state parks. While Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park may not strike you as the most thrilling activity, if you’re a geology geek like me you’ll enjoy it.

The exposed fossilized reef is fascinating, and the exhibits do a good job explaining how the Florida Keys were formed. Another highlight at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is bird watching. Again, our family geeks out about bird watching, and the habit here is perfect for smaller birds found in the Keys.

History of Diving Museum and Murals

Again, you can’t go wrong with cool murals when they’re easy stops on your Florida Keys road trip. The History of Diving Museum is a neat spot to visit with kids interested in the undersea world. Collections of gear and stories make for a good afternoon stop if the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans, or if you just want to enjoy this slice of Florida Keys history.

Nearby you’ll also find the Keys History and Discovery Center. Again, a great place to learn about the Florida Keys’ past, but we’ll always choose being in nature over being inside. Great exhibits though!

Kayak to Lignumvitae Key State Park

Kayaking in the Florida Keys is so easy to add to your road trip plan, especially if you have your own kayaking gear with you. If you don’t though, there are lots of places to rent along the way, including near Lignumvitae Key State Park . Launching your kayak for a 2.5 mile round trip paddle is a great way to break up the drive from Key Largo to Key West, and as a bonus you can paddle under the Overseas Highway a bit.

Once on the small key, there is a visitors center, nature trails through the tiny forest, and a few nice spots to relax. Keep an eye on the weather if you plan on kayaking out to Lignumvitae Key as you do have to cross a little over a mile of open water between your launch site on Indian Key Fill and the state park.

Relax at Anne’s Beach

What a wonderful beach stop! With parking areas at both ends, Anne’s Beach is a collection of tiny beaches surrounded by low mangrove forests. There are a number of picnic platforms and shelters along the quarter mile boardwalk, or you can set up your relaxation spot in one of the many beach coves. Google Maps link here

Note : these beach areas are NOT your standard Florida beaches, but are small, shallows with very calm, still waters. The area is great for relaxing and wading, but it’s not a place for swimming and body surfing.

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

The Overseas Highway is a feat of engineering, to be sure. One of the best things to do in the Florida Keys as you proceed along your road trip route is to stop at the many historic markers. In the Middle Keys, there are large, iconic portions of the old Overseas Highway that you can either walk on, paddle under, or just appreciate from the shore. Following the route is the Overseas Highway Heritage Trail .

The Channel 5 Bridge is one of those great places to stop along your drive to Key West. At the southwest end of the bridge is a parking area and a long stretch of the old bridge you can walk. It’s beautiful and gives a great view of the turquoise waters of the Keys.

Nature Trails and Kayaking at Long Key State Park

Hurricane Irma several damaged a lot of the Florida Keys, including Long Key State Park . Rangers and crew have worked hard and gotten most of the park open again, including the unique nature trails that wind through Long Key State Park.

This is also a great place for paddling as the water around Long Key State Park is very calm and shallow. The habitat is ideal for spotting sea turtles and all sorts of fish. Snorkeling isn’t great here because of all the seagrass, but that’s what makes wildlife viewing great for paddlers.

SUP at Duck Key around Hawks Cay

In one of the longest stretches of bridge and narrow islands you’ll find Duck Key. Mostly occupied by the Hawks Cay Resort , Duck Key is beautiful and quiet. Here you’ll find paddling trails and calm waters perfect for enjoying standup paddleboarding (SUP). And if you can be on Duck Key at sunset, it’s gorgeous.

Rent one from Sole Watersports on Duck Key or bring your own and head into the shallows along the bridge or east along the island. Watch for nurse sharks and barracuda as you paddle along.

When you’re done, visit Angler & Ale for one of the best meals in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re going for fish tacos or burrata, you’ll love this wonderful restaurant. Also, their key lime pie is awesome, topped with toasted meringue.

Kayaking at Curry Hammock State Park

We’ve noted Curry Hammock State Park as one of the best places to kayak in the Florida Keys because of its mangrove tunnels and wildlife. Kayak rentals are limited within the park, so either bring your own or rent some (delivery available from Curly’s Coffee & Marina ).

The paddling trail is clearly marked and has options for both easy kayaking as you watch iguanas in the trees, or you can go through the mangrove tunnels and onto the open water. Watch for horseshoe crabs, spotted eagle rays, manatees, dolphins and more all around Curry Hammock State Park . We love it here and it’s a must-stop on your Florida Keys road trip.

Things to do on Marathon and the Lower Keys

Marathon is actually quite the Island (and connected keys) for regular life. If we were ever to move to the Florida Keys, we’d choose Marathon to live out our days. There are wonderful things to do on Marathon and lots of restaurants too.

Sombrero Beach: the best beach in the Florida Keys

There aren’t a lot of beaches in the Florida Keys that are great for waves and swimming, but Sombrero Beach on Marathon is perfect for it. The beach park has a great playground and the sandy area has lots of space to spread out.

Sombrero Beach faces the open ocean, so there are actual waves here. The swimming is pleasant, but it’s not a snorkeling beach due to the clarity of the water. If you’re looking to add a nice beach day to your Florida Keys road trip, this is THE spot for it.

Marathon Turtle Hospital

A meaningful place to stop, the Marathon Turtle Hospital is one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids. Touring the Turtle Hospital, you’ll learn all about the different species of sea turtles that call the Keys home. More importantly, you’ll see first hand how things like pollution and human behavior have impacted the sea turtle population.

Between the hospital area where surgery is performed and the many turtle tanks, it’s quite the experience. We saw hawksbill turtles, loggerhead, green sea turtles, Kemp’s Ridley and even a few leatherback sea turtles. Our kids learned a lot and were so happy to support the efforts of the Marathon Turtle Hospital operation. This is a very different experience than the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island or any other we’ve visited. Very unique thing to do!

Fishing Charters out of Marathon

We’ve always been very hesitant to go fishing with the kids because we don’t need to catch fish to live. We did go out fishing in Marathon so the kids could learn about where our food comes from. It was a great experience.

Heading out to the southeast towards the Sombrero Key Lighthouse, we fished for yellowtail snapper and grouper. We had success and afterwards took our fish to Robbie’s up in Islamorada for a Hook and Cook lunch.

Find a Marathon Key fishing charter here!

READ THIS – “How Much Does a Fishing Charter Cost?”

Fishing in the Florida Keys is quite the costly activity, so be sure that you or your family really wants to experience fishing in the Florida Keys. In addition to the base fee for a fishing charter, there may be additional fees. Gratuity is not just appreciated, but may be mandatory on top of the cost of the charter. While you should always plan to tip your guide for any tour, some fishing charters in the Florida Keys have a policy of charging guests who book if they do not tip 20% on the total cost of their trip . This is a fine print policy with some companies.

Depending on the type of Florida Keys fishing charter you book, shallow or deep see / half or full day, you may be spending from $400 to $1600. A shallow water (20-40 feet depths or so), half day fishing charter in the Florida Keys will run a minimum of $350 plus gratuity. To go further out and have more time and more services included will start around $700 plus gratuity.

Note : you may be able to find some Florida Keys fishing charter deals online or even just visiting the marinas, but you should still expect a few hundred dollars price tag for the experience.

Visit Whaling Wall #87: Florida’s Radiant Reef

Once upon a time, this same wall had a different Wyland mural titled Sperm Whales and Florida Keys Reef , but it’s since been painted over with the current feature. Florida’s Radiant Reef is a gorgeous mural, a Whaling Wall, showing humpback whales, sharks, fish and more. 

This beautiful mural is in the parking lot of a K-Mart (not so glamorous) so there is plenty of space to pull over and admire it. Google Maps link here

Tip : another beautiful mural to admire on Marathon is at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital. This awesome undersea mural by Yoslan O’farrill is also easily accessible with parking. Google Maps link here

Crane Point Hammock Museum and Whaling Wall #27: Minke Whales

Yes, there’s yet another Wyland mural on Marathon to check out. Located on the Crane Point Hammock Museum , Minke Whales is a small mural but beautiful. While you’re there, check out the actual museum and nature trails too!

Adjacent to the Crane Point Hammock Museum is the Marathon Wild Bird Center. The goal of the Marathon Wild Bird Center is rescue, rehabilitation and release. Those that cannot be released often find homes in the sanctuaries of the Keys.

Hammerhead Sharks at Bahia Honda State Park

One more stop to make before you get to Key West (or on the drive as you head north again) is at Bahia Honda State Park . Bahia Honda is beautiful and one of the most unique views in the Florida Keys. Have some beach time or walk along the old, broken bridge to nowhere. Visit April/May and watch in the channel below as hammerhead sharks migrate past Bahia Honda. Who knew that the shark migration would be one of the coolest things to do in the Florida Keys?!

Note : seeing hammerhead sharks is never a guarantee, but this is the best way to see them (and the safest) besides diving with professionals. Sharks are always in the waters around the Lower Keys, but April/May is the best time to see them here at Bahia Honda.

You can also visit the south side of the old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge for some amazing views and great wildlife experiences. Kayaking here is doable from the state park if you paddle out aways to ensure you don’t get caught in the channel’s current. Kayaking in Florida’s state and National Parks is a wonderful way to experience a different side of the area, and that includes here in the Keys.

Visit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key

Did you know that there is a tiny, adorable deer that is endemic to the Florida Keys? It’s true! The key deer is a very unique creature in that it only grows to about three feet tall and less than 100 pounds! 

The National Key Deer Refuge has a visitor center for learning about this endangered species, and it’s surrounded by a protected refuge area. Since key deer are so small, you may not see them right away, but as the Forest Service rangers for recommendations for spotting them and you may see one of the most special residents of the Florida Keys.

Best things to do in Key West

Key West is such a cool city. Yes, it’s a city, it’s a small town, it’s its own republic. When you complete the Miami to Key West drive you are rewarded with one of the most beautiful communities in Florida. Yes, we love our hometown of Saint Augustine, but Key West is equally beautiful in a different way.

While Key West was used by shippers and smugglers for a long time and shifted control over the years, the city wasn’t plotted or built up until the 1820s. Much of the iconic Key West architecture was built in the 1880s and after. It’s a beautiful city to tour on foot.

Hotel recommendation: Laureate Key West all suites, all ocean views

Resort recommendation: Marker Resort Key West all suites, all ocean views

You’ll find that there are countless things to do in Key West. We’ve picked our favorite, for both their cultural and enjoyment factors. Add a few of these unique Key West activities to your Florida Keys road trip and you’ll have great memories for years to come.

Bucket List: Dry Tortugas National Park

This was our absolute favorite thing to do in Key West. We took the ferry out to Dry Tortugas National Park (a whole day adventure) and spent hours exploring old Fort Jefferson, snorkeling around the moat wall and walking the beaches. You need to read all about it to understand what a unique thing to do this trip is.

Check out our complete guide to Dry Tortugas National Park!

Sand Bar Adventure with Island to Island Charters

Of all the tours we’ve done in all the places we’ve been, going out through the sandbars and mangrove islands with Island to Island Charters has been our favorite. Spending the day exploring the waters of Key West with Captain Ally was remarkable. We got to swim and snorkel, saw sharks and spotted eagle rays, and then we hung out with dolphins. It was all amazing and all based on what sort of activities our family was interested in.

Hands down, this is the BEST experience for any family in the Florida Keys (and no, we get no commission from saying so.)

Visit Whaling Wall #52: Florida’s Living Reef

Located on the Waterfront Brewery Building at the Key West Bight (marina), this is one of the most vivid Wyland (and Guy Harvey) undersea murals I’ve seen. It’s jaw-dropping! The mural Florida’s Living Reef can be seen from the street, the roundabout, the parking lot, and the Marker Key West Hotel across the street. Google Maps link here

The giant manta ray in the mural is awesome. The many Wyland murals to see on a Florida Keys road trip are inspiring. Our kids love the art and have recreated their own versions, us adults are just in awe with each mural. Such amazing public art.

Ride the Conch Trail (tour)

One of the best things to do in Key West is to ride the Conch Train. Operated by Historic Tours of America (the do one in Saint Augustine too !) it’s a comprehensive tour of the historic old town and neighborhoods of Key West. You get to hear stories of the city, see some of the most famous sights in Key West (like the Southernmost Point), and you can get on and off in several places around town.

The Conch Train tour lasts about 75 minutes and covers a lot of ground. The best place to catch it is near Mallory Square and the Key West Aquarium. For the many tours we’ve done in many cities across the USA, the Conch Train is my favorite.

Book the Conch Train Tour here!

Eco-tour to Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly important as more and more people travel to new places. Add an eco-tour with Honest Ecotours to your Florida Keys road trip. We really like Honest Ecotours for a few reasons:

• The naturalists are well educated and deeply care
• The boat, the Squid, is fully eco-friendly (including solar power)
• The tour route and snorkeling is awesome
• Dolphins guaranteed

Honest Ecotours really does a wonderful job with kids and adults alike. They provide healthy, fresh snacks and are well prepared for even inclement weather days. They also do sunset cruises (which we haven’t done) and private voyages.

Explore the Historic Key West Town

The cheapest thing to do in Key West is to wander the historic town area. It’s beautiful and there are chickens everywhere. Parking downtown is a little expensive, but it’s worth it for the time you save and the ease of finding a spot. Once parked, enjoy the Mallory Square area, then walk through the Truman White House complex towards the Key West Lighthouse. 

Stop into Ernest Hemmingway’s House (and museum) and then enjoy a stroll past banyan trees and historic homes as you make your way to First Flight (brewery and restaurant) where the first PanAm Airways office was. Visit the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, hit up a few museums in the historic quarter and you’re done.

There are tons of wonderful stops to make along the way, and lots of key lime pie and martinis to enjoy as well. Walking Key West on foot is a great all day or afternoon activity and it’s the best way to see the city at your own pace.

Book a Private Guided Walking Tour or Key West Literary Tour here !

The Vintage Key West Aquarium

I’ll admit that the admission to the very small Key West Aquarium might not seem worth it initially, but it’s such a cool place. The interior feels like you’ve stepped onto Captain Nemo’s Nautilus, and the sharks in the middle of the aquarium are really cool.

Being a very old attraction, some of the features and design look like they’re from another time… which they are. It’s all very vintage. Pop outside for a wonderful living mangrove exhibit and enjoy the view from above.

Night Kayaking in Key West

We do a lot of kayaking tours and paddling on our own, but Night Kayaking Key West is a must-do, experienced kayaker or not. Heading through the mangrove tunnels and shallow coves around Key West, Night Kayaking gives you a totally new view of nature.

The kayaks have a plexiglass bottom and are outfitted with LED lights to see underwater. We saw sharks, lobsters, tarpon, sea hares and more. It was really a memorable experience and one of the most unique things to do in Key West.

Visit the Key West Lighthouse

I am such a sucker for lighthouses and the Key West Lighthouse is one of the prettiest. It’s one of the best things to do in Key West both as a sight and as a unique activity.

There is a museum on sight about Key West’s nautical history, and then you can climb the lighthouse tower as well. I love it!

Beaches in Key West

As I mentioned before, there aren’t a ton of beaches in the Florida Keys to visit on your road trip, but Key West has a few beach spots. The following are the easiest beaches to access with the best surroundings. They aren’t all natural, so it’s a mixed bag when it comes to sand and obstacles, but they serve the purpose of cooling off and relaxing when you visit Key West.

These are the best beaches IN Key West for relaxing or swimming:

• Rest Beach / Higgs Beach – right next to each other, south end of Key West
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – good beach for relaxing and snorkeling
• Smathers Beach – southeastern end

If you spend time at Rest Beach, there is a really cool pier that goes pretty far out into the water. The views are beautiful and there’s a fair amount of wildlife living along the pier structure. Check it out!

Doing a Florida Keys road trip isn’t typically a beach trip, but it’s all about the culture and other natural sights. Enjoy what you like, but we don’t recommend the Keys if you truly want a beach destination.

Roadside Stops Along the Miami to Key West Drive

In addition to Wyland’s Whaling Walls, there is a lot of wonderful art, both in the form of murals and sculpture. And yes, there are huge fake sharks and fish to stop and get photos with.

Tip : stop at the giant lobster in Islamorada for a great picture and shop for local crafts at Rain Barrel Village .

The best stops to make on the Miami to Key West drive though are at the small shops and cafes. Yes, you do need another coffee and another slice of key lime pi e. Easy, great coffee and snack stops along the Overseas Highway include:

• Midway Cafe, Islamorada
• Curly’s Coffee and Marina, Marathon (kayak rentals too!)
• Juice Paradise Cuban Cafe, Marathon (amazing pastries)

In addition to coffee stops, you’ll see lots of historic markers along the Overseas Highway. Stopping at a few of these gives great insights into everything from the old railroad to Key West and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, to the changing landforms and environment. Unless you have something scheduled somewhere, take your time enjoying your Florida Keys road trip!

7 Day Florida Keys Road Trip Plan 

For our Florida Keys road trip plan we work our way from Key West to Key Largo finding many unique things to do along the way. When we visit the Keys we try to leave time in our itinerary for extra beach visits or relaxing by the pool (required!), but we do have some pretty busy days.

Note : as you travel or build your own plan, leave yourself at least two hours each day for delays or longer dining experiences. Sometimes time passes faster than you like in the Keys.

A great road trip theme to do on the Miami to Key West drive is to seek out famous movie sights or food trucks/stands. As you use our road trip plan, add in elements you have heard about or discover in your own research to make the trip a truly unique vacation.

If you want to download our exact Florida Keys road trip itinerary, it’s at the end of this post .

Read our complete article “Best Key Lime Pies in the Florida Keys” for the top pie and cocktail picks along the Miami to Key West drive.

Day 1:  Drive to Key Largo

Since it’s likely that you’ve already had a long day of traveling by the time you reach the Florida Keys and are ready to start your road trip to Key West, we recommend spending your first day/night on Key Largo. Whether you’re driving from Orlando or just flew across the country, not over-extending yourself on day one is key to an enjoyable trip.

While on Key Largo, stroll through the subtropical forest at Key Largo Hammock State Park and then pay a visit to the Wild Bird Sanctuary (donations gladly accepted!). Spend some time relaxing at your hotel enjoying the pool or beach, and then have a great meal. Don’t miss the amazing Wyland mural in the middle of the Overseas Highway.

Where to Eat on Key Largo

We had several great meals on Key Largo. Thankfully, since there are so many wonderful places to eat, they all have to keep on top of offering unique dishes that are well prepared, so no bad meals. Mrs Mac’s Kitchen II was perfect for lunch with a wonderful blackened fish sandwich, and the Buzzard’s Favorite Catch of the Day sandwich at Buzzard’s Roost was equally good. For dinner, Skipper’s Dockside was excellent with our absolute favorite Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys.

Day 2:  Key Largo to Key West Drive

Enjoy breakfast on Key Largo or head southwest to Midway Cafe in Islamorada. Make stops at Anne’s Beach for a short relax or Crane Point Hammock to check out the low-growing hammock forest and birdwatch. Continue your Florida Keys road trip onto Key West and check into your hotel.

Enjoy the Key West Aquarium before hopping on the Conch Train tour. Hop off the tour if you like, but be sure you know where to catch it next. If you have time, spent some time at the Key West Lighthouse or Ernest Hemmingway’s house (depending on your interest and closing times). If you miss the Key West Lighthouse during daylight hours, visit at night for a beautiful sight.

Where to eat in Key West

We have had so many great meals in Key West that it’s actually very difficult to choose just a few. Our picks for where to eat in Key West are a combination of the best food and best dining experience (and always a fun location). For lunch, Fisherman’s Cafe in the Historic Seaport area has awesome seafood handhelds from a walk up window (then go sit in the square). Blue Heaven is another winner for lunch/dinner.

For dinner in Key West, our collective favorite is the Half Shell Raw Bar . It’s not all a raw bar, but that is an option if you’re into oysters. Their crab cakes and blackened fish were wonderful, and their key lime martinis took the cake. If you’re looking for a more quiet, unique atmosphere with wonderful chef-original dishes check out LL’s Test Kitchen at the Stock Island Yacht Club. And you can’t go wrong with the Conch Republic Seafood Company either, although it’s the most touristy of our picks.

Day 3:  Explore Key West Nature and History

Get on the water early for an ecotour out to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge with Honest Ecotours. Snorkeling above the sponge beds is really cool and the fish are beautiful. After you return, grab lunch and then head to Audubon House or Martello Tower and Rest Beach for the afternoon.

Grab a quick snack or beverage at Tavern N Town (at the Marriott Beachside Key West) before setting out on a Night Kayaking adventure. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, so you’ll have a late dinner, but it’s very worth the late night.

Day 4:  the Amazing Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is an all day trip and it’s a bucket list experience for many. Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is only accessible by ferry, seaplane or private sailing vessel. You’ll have breakfast on the boat and will be provided with a picnic lunch for your time at the National Park.

Book ferry passage to Dry Tortugas National Park here!

Dry Tortugas National Park includes Fort Jefferson, a crumbling island fortress, pristine beaches for snorkeling, and protected island full of conch shells and magnificent frigate birds. It’s a once in a lifetime, unique Florida Keys experience.

You’ll return to Key West around 5:30 pm, so either head to dinner or make your way to Mallory Square to the nightly Sunset Celebration with live music and everyone toasting to the setting sun.

Day 5:  Discover the Middle Keys

Start your drive from Key West early, after breakfast and head to Bahia Honda State Park for some kayaking or to walk the old, broken Bahia Honda bridge. Continue your Florida Keys road trip up to Marathon where you can do the Turtle Hospital tour and then relax at Sombrero Beach. 

After lunch, visit Curry Hammock State Park for kayaking through the mangrove tunnels and around Deer Key. For an easier paddle or SUP, head to Duck Key to paddle around the mangroves and Overseas Highway bridge. Check into your hotel and relax for a bit before heading to dinner.

Where to eat in the Middle Keys

Marathon and Islamorada are full of little cafes and waterfront dining. Breakfast and lunch spots are everywhere, with our favorites being Midway Cafe (Islamorada) and Juice Paradise Cuban Cafe (Marathon). Lunch at Robbie’s is THE THING to do (Thai style fish!) but nearly any waterfront dining will be good (they have to be because it’s such a competitive restaurant area). Keys Fisheries or Island Fish Company are also great choices in fun spots.

For dinner in the Middle Keys, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar (fun!) or the Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco are both good (love the hibiscus cocktail at Lighthouse Grill!), but our top pick is Angler & Ale on Duck Key . It’s Florida Keys dining at its finest in a fun, outdoor or indoor environment. While it may seem odd or not fancy, the tuna nachos were one of the best dishes we ate in all the Keys. And the jumbo lump crab cakes were delectable.

Day 6:  Florida Keys Fishing and Fun

Get up early to hit the water for a day of fishing. We recommend a half day trip, particularly if you have kids with you on your Florida Keys road trip. You’ll be back by noon or so, a little time to clean your catch and you’ll be ready to enjoy a hook & cook lunch in the Middle Keys.

After time on the water and a big lunch, you may need to just relax, so either hit up one of the beaches (Sombrero or Anne’s Beach) or enjoy pool time at your hotel. If you do still have energy, walk the nature trails or grab a kayak and explore around Long Key State Park until sunset.

Day 7:  Snorkeling and Beach Time

Seven days in the Florida Keys has been incredible with so many wonderful, unique things to do! Finishing off the Keys road trip with a bang, visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a day full of nature and adventure. Whether you head out on a snorkeling or diving tour to visit the coral reef or Christ of the Abyss dive site, or if you want to wade and snorkel at the beach, it’ll be a great day.

Bring your own or rent a kayak at the park office to get in one last paddling adventure. John Pennekamp State Park has a wonderful paddling trail through mangroves, crystal clear shallows and even the open water. Enjoy this last bit of time in the Florida Keys.

Download 7 Day Florida Keys Road Trip itinerary here!

WOW! What an incredible time! A Florida Keys road trip is a must-do for every nature lover and sun worshiper. Whether you’re an active family or a relaxed single person, you’ll find endless unique things to do in the Florida Keys, and you’ll fall in love with Key West.

If you have any questions about any of the recommendations for activities in the Keys, always feel free to leave a comment or send us a note. 

Be sure to check out our other articles about the Florida Keys, including How to Plan a Florida Keys Vacation , the Best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys , Best Places to Kayak in the Florida Keys and our guide to Dry Tortugas National Park . Enjoy!

Monday 4th of April 2022

Wanted to know more about the Middle keys murals, but could find little. Thank you so much for calling g out some great spots!

You are so welcome! And there are a few more beautiful ones that I found while driving through two weeks ago, so I'll be updating and adding more this week!

Friday 4th of February 2022

This guide was so helpful while planning our first trip to the Keys with our toddler and newborn - thank you! We loved stopping at Everglades National Park on our way from Miami, Thai fish fingers at Robbie’s, and our perfect day at Sombrero Beach. Thanks again!

I'm so excited to hear this! Thank you so much for sharing, and I'm glad you got some beach time. That's tricky to come by in the Keys. Thank you for following along and trusting our recommendations. :)

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Key West International Airport Guide

Driving From Miami to Key West

48 Hours in Key West

Things to Do in Key West

Things to Do in the Florida Keys

Best Beaches in Key West

Fishing in Key West

Best Key Lime Pie

Food to Try in the Florida Keys

Top Key West Restaurants

Your Trip to Key West: The Complete Guide

The nation’s southernmost city is filled with fun bars, restaurants, historic homes and museums, beaches, water sports and eclectic characters with stories to tell. A three-hour trip from Miami (you can also fly into Key West International Airport ), the drive to Cayo Hueso is anything but stressful when you’re surrounded by crystal blue, sparkling waters on both sides of the highway. A therapeutic drive forces you to slow down and will get you in the mood for what’s to come—boozing, cruising, and possibly some dolphin-watching. Use this guide to plan your trip including where to stay, what to do, when to go, and more

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Visit between March and May when the weather is milder for South Florida (think 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit and less humidity all around) and there aren't as many tourists.
• Language: English, though there are many native Spanish speakers.
• Currency: U.S. dollar.
• Getting Around: You can rent a car in Key West or use a rideshare app, but a pretty common and somewhat adventurous way to get around Key West is on a Vespa. Many hotels on the island have rental programs for guests, as do local tour companies.
• Travel Tip: If you’re not much of a scooter fan or even a bike rider, you can get around Key West perfectly fine on foot. Old Town is worth exploring at a leisurely pace, anyway. There’s a European-style (above ground) cemetery worth checking out and most of the restaurants, bars, and sights we’ve listed are easily accessible when you’re walking.   

Things to Do

Local bars stay open really late here, and most of them hire local talent to play originals, as well as covers of songs we all love. The Ernest Hemingway Home is a must-do, as is a photo at the southernmost point of the continental U.S.   , designated by an anchored concrete buoy. The well-known tourist attraction has been at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets since 1983 and is one of the most visited and photographed attraction in the Keys.

• You’ll likely end up on Duval Street at some point, where you'll find shopping, dining, and drinking galore.
• Mallory Square is where a daily Sunset Celebration takes place with live entertainment that includes fire breathers and artists of all sorts.
• If tours are more your speed, reserve a spot on the Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tour . Guides combine Key West history with some clever ways to make you scream, so this activity may not be suitable for children under the age of 13. 

Explore more attractions with our full-length article on the best things to do in the Florida Keys.

What to Eat and Drink

If you like seafood, you’re in the right place. It’s always fresh and always perfectly cooked. If you’d rather go fishing and present your catch at a restaurant, they’ll season and cook it for you. While you're in town you have to try a slice of Key lime pie. Some of our favorite restaurants in Key West include El Siboney (Cuban food), Eaton Street Seafood Market & Restaurant (go for the stone crabs), Half Shell Raw Bar (oysters, pelicans and the decor here will leave you wanting more) and Croissants de France (for a full-on carby French breakfast of crepes, fresh-baked pastries and French toast—with a side of eggs for balance).

When it comes to imbibing, the options are endless, but for craft cocktails, Caroline’s Other Side is a cozy, cool bar hidden in a Key West-style home. Breweries are abundant here, too. Waterfront Brewery and First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery are a couple; there are also rum distilleries (Key West First Legal Rum Distillery) and the down and dirty, good old bars that haven’t changed since they opened, like Sloppy Joe’s (one of Hemingway's favorite haunts   ), Green Parrot Bar, Capt Tony’s Saloon and El Meson de Pepe where you can dance nightly to salsa.

Explore our articles on the best restaurants in Key West , the best places to eat key lime pie in the Florida Keys and the most fun bars .

Where to Stay

Where do we begin? If you want to relax right outside town, there are some newly renovated and reopened hotels worth getting to know, like Havana Cabana, 24 North Hotel, the Perry Hotel Key West and the Gates Hotel. Smack in the middle of the downtown area, though, the possibilities are endless. La Concha Hotel & Spa serves up glamorous 1920s vibes (it opened nearly 100 years ago), Casa Marina Key West, a Waldorf Astoria Resort channels Old Hollywood but in Florida, and the Saint Hotel Key West, an Autograph Collection Hotel, feels dark and mysterious in all the right ways that New Orleans might feel dark and mysterious. Old school bed and breakfasts are abundant in the Southernmost City, too, and there’s something refreshing about booking the old-fashioned way and having bread baskets delivered to your door in the morning.

Explore the best camping spots in the Florida Keys , best hotels for tourists and everything you need to know about visiting the Keys in summer . 

Getting There

You can drive into town (there’s only one road on and off the island  ) or fly into Key West International Airport . While cars are helpful to get around, especially when traveling from one side of the island to the other, most areas are easily walkable. On the rare occasion you’re sailing around the world, or even just the state of Florida, you can dock nearly anywhere on the island. Some hotels give guests the option of parking their boat instead of a car.  

Money Saving Tips

Take advantage of parks and museums that are free of charge for all visitors. Walking, of course, is free, good for you, and a more affordable option than hopping in a rideshare car. If you and everyone in your crew is of legal drinking age, First Legal Rum Distillery offers free rum tastings, with the purchase of one shot glass per person. 

• The Children’s Animal Park has a petting zoo, which will delight kiddos of all ages. 
• The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is another fun and educational place to learn about local plant and animal species. 
• Higgs Beach is free to visit, too. Pack a blanket, a picnic, and lots of water, and spend the day soaking in the sun and saltwater. 

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15 Informative Tips for Planning a Florida Keys Trip You NEED to Know

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A Florida Keys trip is the ultimate holiday for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers and road trip enthusiasts. Having just returned from our own road trip from Key Largo to Key West, we have compiled the best tips to help you plan and organize your trip from what to see and how to budget for all the things you may want to do. A Florida Keys road trip sets the background for an amazing vacation, well worth adding to your travel bucket list.  Read on as we share our lessons learned to help you make the most of your visit. 

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What (& Where) are the Florida Keys?

A few of the main islands that you will have probably heard before include Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo.

How to Visit the Florida Keys

You may be wondering how exactly you can visit the Florida Keys if they are a collection of islands. The coolest thing about this area is that it is possible to drive from the top of the Keys all the way to the bottom via the Florida Keys Overseas HIghway which covers around 113 miles from mainland Florida to Key West. Thus, one of the best way to visit is to plan a Miami to Key West road trip that takes in all the best spots on your Florida Keys trip. 

Driving the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West will give you the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Along your journey you will cross 42 bridges connecting some of the most interesting islands in the United States, encompassing mangrove forests and even areas with pine trees. 

Getting to the Florida Keys

The best way to get to the Florida Keys is typically to fly either to Key West International Airport or to Miami International Airport. For most visitors, the best flight options will arrive to MIA which is the perfect base to begin your trip. If you are planning a Florida Keys road trip, you will also need to rent a car. I would recommend getting a smaller car as there are small parking lot areas, your boutique hotel might have limited parking areas and parking is tough in places like Key West. 

How Many Days in the Keys?

Planning your Florida Keys trip is never easy when it comes to deciding how many days you should stay in the Keys. If you want to move quickly, you could do it in as little as 3 days, but you would be missing out on a ton. Ideally, I would suggest at least 7 days but you could easily fill your days up to 10-12 days. 

When to Plan a Florida Keys Trip?

High season for Florida is typically in the winter months as it has the best temperatures and weather, however many families (like ours) visit in the summer which also is technically hurricane season. For the most part though, hurricanes typically really begin in mid August to the end of October. We visited in mid June and the weather was hot and humid with scattered storms most days. One of the best things about visiting the Keys even during hurricane season is you know you will have a few days warning, so you can usually adjust accordingly. That said, make sure to have travel insurance if you are traveling at this time to be prepared for cancellations.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Top 15 Tips for Planning a Florida Keys Trip

If you are planning a Florida Keys trip there are a few things that you should know before you go to help your trip go more smoothly. Below are our top tips that you should keep in mind during the planning phases of your trip. Rest assured by being prepared you will have a good time and know all the best ways to experience the Keys. 

Plan to Stay in Multiple Destinations

Even though the entire drive of the Florida Keys from Miami is only about 165 miles, it is highly recommended to stay in a few different places along the Keys to fully experience it all and to avoid driving back and forth every day on the 1 lane road. We recommend staying in Key Largo and Key West for sure. If you have more time on your trip, you could also stay between the two in Islamorada. The main islands that visitors tend to stay at include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West. Additionally, if you plan to spend any time at the national parks, you could also spend a night in Homestead outside of Miami. During our visit we stayed in Homestead, Key Largo and Key West which was perfect for the amount of time we had. If we had a few more days, I would have loved a stay in or around Marathon.

The Keys are Expensive

The Florida Keys are not a cheap holiday destination no matter how you cut it, but it is SO worth the expense in the end. From the endless amount of water activities and tours, to accomodation and eating out all of your meals it can really add up. There are ways you can save money if you plan far in advance and really budget and plan out the things that are most important for your visit.

Camping is an option all along the keys in the various state parks. These book out WELL in advance though so you must be prepared, but that is one of the best ways to really cut your costs on a trip to this area. Also cooking some meals at your hotel can help reduce costs, or looking for hotels that provide free breakfast. We had a full kitchen at our cottage in Key Largo which was amazing.

Tipping is Expected

One of the most important things to know when planning your Florida Keys trip is that tipping is the expected norm here in everything you do. When you start adding it up each day it becomes a lot, so it is important to really budget in this extra cost for all of your guided tours, water sport adventures and of course hotels and restaurants. Even buying a cup of coffee these days comes with an extra 18% or ore tip! This is a good thing to plan into your budget in advance. If you are taking a boat tour, the sea plane over to Dry Tortugas, a snorkel adventure, a taxi, etc you will be expected to provide a tip.

It is Hot & Humid

Bring Reusable Water Bottles

There isn’t a huge push in Florida to reduce plastic usage as they still provide plastic bags at shops and plastic water bottles are all over, but to help reduce plastics finding their way into the ocean, we highly recommend bringing your own reusable water bottles . And since it is so hot for much of the year, I would highly recommend you take something like a hydro flask that will keep your water cold all day! We would fill up our bottles with ice in the morning, add a little water and then could refill it as the day went on. And it makes the perfect souvenir collector to add your stickers to.

Beaches are Few & Far Between

Budget for Adrenaline Activities

Somehow we managed to snorkel every day of our visit to the Keys which was amazing, but it also wasn’t always cheap. Plan out the main water activities you would like to do during your visit and see if you can hit them all in one go. We really loved our day out with Fury Key West on their Ultimate Adventure H2.0. It included a quick banana boat ride, jet skiing, parasailing (see the video below for our experience!), a water playground and snorkeling in an all day boat trip. For $169, which also included breakfast and lunch this was a steal! It allowed us to try a lot of activities all in one day.  There are also great options for snorkeling right off the beach or piers in many places.

Try to Get in the Water Daily

On this note, make sure to spend some time under the water to see so much more of what is happening in the Keys! the diving and snorkeling here are really great as this is the world’s 3rd largest reef! The tropical fish and marine life are so beautiful and so abundant. We snorkeled every day and every dip under the water was a new adventure with something new and cool to see. It wasn’t always crystal clear water, but the visibility was pretty good most of the time. The Keys have everything from snorkeling off an electric boat to SNUBA for first timers. 

Bring ONLY Reef Safe Sunscreen

One of the most important factors to know when planning a trip to the Florida Keys is to bring only reef safe sunscreen with you if you plan to be in the water at all. As organizations are working hard to reduce the pollution in the waters, one of the easiest ways to help keep the coral reef alive and help restoration efforts is to make sure you are only using reef safe sunscreen. We love this brand , but you can also use this brand , which is easily available at most stores. To help reduce the amount of sunscreen we need to put on, we also always recommend wearing long sleeve swim shirts while on the water or in the water. 

Don’t Skimp on the Bug Repellent

The mosquitos are horrendous in some places and at certain times of year. During our June visit we were eaten alive at Biscayne National Park and the Everglades. For much of our visit in the Lower Keys and Middle Keys the mosquitos were minimal and were kept at bay with a quick spray. That said, if you are anything like us, make sure to come prepared. I typically spray our clothes with permethrin before going to a buggy place and get these bracelets for my son as he is a bug magnet. This time I forgot, so we had to purchase bug spray locally. Make sure to get sweat resistant as well as you will be sweaty most likely!

Pack Your Snorkel Gear

If you want to have the most flexibility in when and where you snorkel, consider bringing your own gear. It was great to have our own snorkel mask so that when an opportunity arose to snorkel we were prepared. While most tours do provide the gear, it is nice to know yours works well. In this realm, we also highly recommend bringing your own towels as none of the tours have them and you will need them all the time. We have several that we always bring on trips. Mine is this one which is large, doesn’t collect sand and dries overnight easily. My son has a quick dry towel, but also uses his Nomadix poncho as a towel and cover up. Lastly, we would recommend having a mesh lightweight tote to keep all your gear in to easily take from one place to another. 

Eat All the Key Lime

Yes, Key Lime Pie is really a big deal here and you will have the opportunity to try it at almost every restaurant. But what you really need to do is read up on it before you arrive so you can have a basic idea of what you are looking for in your pie slices. Some of the best places for key lime pie are in your regular restaurants, so you don’t have to always go out of your way to find some delicious treats. 

Eating Out is Expensive

Meals are expensive in the Florida Keys. Coming from Los Angeles, I wasn’t expecting to see prices as high as at home or even higher for what often felt like a mom and pop restaurant. While the food was always pretty amazing, it definitely wasn’t expected. If we got an appetizer and two main dishes with only water our meals were coming out to minimum $60. As such we tried to find more local places, chose appetizer sized plates more often and didn’t always eat fresh fish even though that is the best thing to eat here. That said, you will eat at some of the best restaurants without having to dress up or make reservations, so do make sure to pop into a few places! Our absolute favorite was The Fish House in Key Largo. 

Utilize the Florida Keys Website for Planning One of the best resources to plan your trip (besides us!) is the Florida Keys Visitor Website . Here you will find more information on where to eat, stay and things to do.

Take Time to Learn While Here

While a Florida Keys trip might be all about fun and adventure, there are actually some really great learning opportunities here as well. We highly recommend taking time to learn about the Coral Restoration work that is happening (and that you can volunteer to be part of if you are a diver!). Additionally, the Turtle Hospital is an amazing resource to find out all about the sea turtles that call the Keys home and how this one facility does so much to help them. If you visit, make sure to pick up one of their laminated cards to take out with you in case you see an injured turtle on your water adventures. 

Furthermore, if you are a book lover or history lover make sure to visit Ernest Hemingway’s House and if you have time the Key West Shipwreck Museum is also super cool and a must visit. Another great place to visit is Pigeon Key Island where you can learn about the old seven mile bridge and the workers who lived on this small island. While here you can also hop off the pier for some snorkeling! The Pigeon Key Tram is super cute and a great way to get out here if you don’t want to walk or if you don’t have your own bike to ride out. 

Take Guided Tours

Even though I have mentioned several times how expensive things can be on a Florida keys trip,  I will say that everytime we took a guided tour we were very happy with the money we spent. We learned so much more, saw so much more in the water and really enjoyed the day more by having someone to ask questions to. We loved so many tours we did, but the most educational tour we took was at Biscayne National Park. We did a snorkel and eco paddle tour where we learned about the history of the park, the ecology of the mangroves and saw some cool stuff under the water. 

Plan to Visit a National Park on your Florida Keys Trip

Biscayne National Park is another national park just at the top of the Keys about 20 minutes from Key Largo outside of Homestead. This national park is about 95% underwater. Here you have the option for snorkeling day trips, kayaking through mangrove forests and even sailing out to further islands. 

Lastly, not totally in the Keys, but close enough is Everglades National Park. For a quick visit, head to Royal Palms Visitor Center to see alligators and get a feel of what this park is all about. 

A Florida Keys trip is truly one of the best holiday destinations in the United States. It provides the feel of being out of the country with the Cuban culture, the chill vibes while also providing the ease of in country travel. I highly recommend putting the Florida Keys on your travel wishlist. There is so much to discover there, we are already planning our next visit.

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12 places you should visit in the florida keys.

Coral Restoration Ecotourism in the Florida Keys

By Dalia Colón

A road trip through the Florida Keys is its own reward: a 113-mile journey across islands with some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on. But amidst the topaz waters, diving pelicans and lush mangroves are a treasure trove of attractions that are educational, historical or just plain fun.

Here are a dozen of the best things to do in the Florida Keys, from top to bottom.

Two words: Underwater park. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the country… and the first place you should go when you arrive in the Florida Keys. There are endless ways to explore this aquatic attraction, including kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling or scuba diving and setting out on a glass-bottom boat tour.

The African Queen Canal Cruise is another fun way to explore Key Largo. Hop aboard the famed vessel—yes, it’s the one made famous by the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn—and embark on a 90-minute sightseeing cruise departing from Marina del Mar. Dinner cruises are also available. 

Theater of the Sea combines the pizzazz of a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction.

Theater of the Sea combines the pizzazz of a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction. Watch a sea lion show, hold a parrot and enjoy a bottomless boat ride. The park’s animal interaction programs—including swimming with dolphins—are sure to make a splash. (See what we did there?)

Although your vacation may last only a few days or weeks, the history of the Keys dates back thousands of years. Get up to speed with a visit to the Keys History and Discovery Center , located on the grounds of the Islander Resort. In addition to rotating exhibits, the museum’s permanent collection of photos and memorabilia highlights the area’s Native American life, shipwrecks and more with photos, models and artifacts.

Love dolphins? Do a deep dive into the life of the aquatic mammals at the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key, near Marathon. Watch the dolphin and sea lion shows, chat with trainers and cool off at the sprayground. For next-level fun, enroll your tween or teen in Dolphin Camp, or splurge on a Fantasy Dolphin Day to live out all your swimming-with-dolphins dreams.

BIG PINE KEY

Secluded Bahia Honda State Park , located on Big Pine Key, is home to more than 150 species of rare flora and fauna. But its three unspoiled beaches aren’t only for the birds; they’re also a great place for shelling, geocaching, snorkeling and other low-key activities. The park is also sought after for camping, with accommodations ranging from primitive camp sites to glamping cabins.

There’s no shortage of animal encounters in the Keys. But for one of the most peculiar, you’ll have to visit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. The endangered creatures stand no more than 32 inches tall and are found only in the lower Florida Keys, so hike, bike or kayak through the preserve and keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful creatures.

Pay your respects to one of Key West’s most legendary residents with a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . As you stroll through the gardens and pet the six-toed cats—descendants of the writer’s own pets—imagine the Nobel Prize winner working on manuscripts when he lived in the house during the most prolific decade of his career, the 1930s. In the bookstore and gift shop, take home a souvenir to serve as your own muse.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located on Duval Street, but it’s about as far away from the famous thoroughfare’s excesses as you can get. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or you just need someplace to catch your breath, a few hours inside this glass-enclosed conservatory surrounded by butterflies and birds should do the trick.

When the sun goes down, the fun heats up at Mallory Square , home of Key West’s nightly sunset celebration. Jugglers, tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, buskers and other colorful characters put on a family-friendly show for your entertainment—and hopefully, for your generous tips.

Sure, it’s touristy. But no visit to Key West would be complete without a photo op at the Southernmost Point . The oversized buoy landmark represents the lowest spot on the map of the Continental United States.

DRY TORTUGAS

Just when you thought the Keys were as remote as you could get, there’s Dry Tortugas National Park . This conglomerate of islands 70 miles west of Key West is accessible only by boat or seaplane. But not to worry; even if you don’t have your own transportation, you can ride the Yankee Freedom ferry from Key West to Garden Key and still explore the park’s historic Fort Jefferson; snorkel, dive or swim in the clear waters; enjoy breathtaking birdwatching; and pitch your tent under the stars.

For more fun things to do in the Florida Keys, check out fla-keys.com .

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Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Planner (Driving to Key West from Miami)

Taking a road trip through the Florida Keys is one of the best adventures you can have in the USA. The 110 mile stretch from Miami to Key West traverses the appropriately named Overseas Highway, crossing 42 bridges while taking you on a wild ride through one of the most picturesque, quirky and fun places in the USA.

While the drive to the Southernmost city in the United States only takes 4 hours to complete, you’d be at a total loss to miss the many stops along the way. Each island offers something different and sets the tone for your arrival into the fabled Key West, 90 miles north of Cuba.

Hold on to your hat, the Florida Keys is open for business and an epic road trip awaits you.

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys (Travel Guide)

Epic Miami to Key West Florida Keys Road Trip Guide

Table of Contents

Miami to Key West Road Trip Facts

• Distance from Miami to Key West – the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. The entire stretch of road is a paved highway.
• Miami to Key West drive time – if you were to drive straight through, the drive would take you on average of 4 hours. Something to note is that the Overseas Highway is a slower moving 4 lane highway, 2 northbound lanes, and 2 southbound lanes, with an average speed limit of 40MPH.
• Best time to visit the Florida Keys – the best season in between March and May as the weather is stable and the large crowds from the winter season have begun to disappear. You’ll also enjoy more reasonable prices. July is the hottest month averaging 86°F  ( 30°C ) and January is the coldest month averaging 70°F (21°C) . The most rain falls in September.
• The recommended number of days – our road trip lasted 6 days and we structured it with 2 nights in Key Largo while heading southbound, 2 nights in Key West and 1 night in Marathon while heading northbound. This said I would highly recommend that you extend your trip to a full 7-8 days giving you an extra 1-2 nights in Key West.

Don’t forget:   Miami and the Keys: destination touring map & guide (National Geographic Destination Map) . This will allow you to stop at all of those hidden gems along your drive. 

Rent a Car in Miami

Unless you’ve decided to drive from your hometown, you’ll be flying into the Miami International airport and be in need of a vehicle to start your Florida Keys road trip.

Be sure to make a rental car reservation before flying to Miami as all classes of rentals are in high demand and the chances of there being an affordable option available on arrival are slim.

The roads from Miami to Key West are paved and easily traveled, so it really comes down to preference for the type of vehicle you choose to rent.

We went with a mid-sized car for comfort and fuel economy but that’s not to say it wouldn’t be fun to rent a jeep or convertible for the drive.

Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? We use Discover Car Hire for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Car Insurance for Your Road Trip

Rental cars come with the minimum levels of liability insurance required by the state that is provided by the rental company.

While it meets the requirements, it is not enough coverage to have peace of mind or cover you in the case of a serious accident.

You have the option of purchasing an extended policy when you pick up your rental but also remember that a good travel insurance plan will also provide you with great car rental insurance.

Florida Keys Road Trip Highlights Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:  Above you’ll find a map of our highlights on the Miami to Key West drive in the Florida Keys. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places we mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version.

Can’t Miss Stops from Miami to Key West

Skip ahead to:, key largo – florida keys.

The closest Key to mainland Florida, Key Largo is an absolute gem with some amazing natural landscape to enjoy making it a fantastic first stop when heading form Miami to Key West on a road trip.

While it’s no Key West, this island is an absolute paradise bursting with local character and relaxing Caribbean vibes.

Not to mention, Key Largo is an icon having debuted in literature written by Ernest Hemmingway and a famous song by the Beach Boys.

Key Largo is a great place to explore the water. You will find several companies offering snorkel or diving adventures.

If snorkeling or diving is not your thing, you could instead book a Kayak or Paddleboard Eco Tour allowing you to explore the beautiful mangroves of Key Largo.

Traveling 68 miles from Miami it takes around 1 ½ hours to reach Key Largo, which is the perfect amount of driving for the first day.

This gives you time to arrive, find your hotel and get settled before heading off to dinner for a spectacular sunset on one of the islands many piers.

Plan the ultimate Key Largo Itinerary

Places to Visit in Key Largo

John pennekamp state park.

The majority of our time on Key Largo was spent exploring this stunning natural area.

We started our day with a boat trip out to the only living coral reef in the United States, where we spent 2 hours snorkeling in the waves. Book your snorkeling adventure today in John Pennekamp State Park.

Despite us having the privilege to snorkel and dive on some of the best reefs in the world, we found the reef here healthy and beautiful.

What stood out the most was the large populations of colorful fish, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

Back on land, we spent a couple of hours walking the trails in the park. The trails are well-groomed and easy to follow offering fantastic views of the ocean and thriving mangrove forests along the shore.

Entrance into the John Pennekamp State Park costs $8USD per vehicle (2-8 persons) and the park hours are 8 AM until sunset.

Snorkeling tours cost $29.95 for a 2.5-hour trip and run at fixed times 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM and 4:30 PM daily.

Getting Here:  the State Park entrance is located at Mile Marker 102.5 on the Oceanside of the highway.

Places to eat in Key Largo

• SUNDOWNERS : This is the place to be for sunset as they have a prime location on the water. Not to mention the flowing plates of seafood and tropical cocktails on offer. Even if you just come for drinks and appetizers, we enjoyed live music and a truly spectacular sunset. Hot tip: Be sure to make a reservation if you want to dine during sunrise.
• THE FISH HOUSE : Just as the name suggests, this is the place to go if you like fresh fish. The perfect place to grab lunch, this restaurant specializes in fresh local seafood including snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, Florida lobster and stone crab.
• MRS MAC’S KITCHEN : Fun and quirky, this is the place to meet locals while enjoying the perfect mesh of southern fare and island seafood. If the food isn’t enough to attract a visit, maybe the hundreds of license plates that decorate the interior of this eatery will draw you in for a look.

Places to stay in Key Largo

Kona Kai Resort – two words for this charming boutique property, simply paradise. Tucked away off the busy highway, this resort is an oasis of smartly decorated rooms, white sand, swaying palms, and salty ocean breeze.

Each room features a small apartment complete with a bedroom, sitting area, and kitchen. They offered continental breakfast and a variety of complimentary non-motorized water activities from their private dock.

We found the Kona Kai extremely comfortable and would recommend any length of stay while in Key Largo.

Islamorada – Florida Keys

What we loved about Islamorada was the complete change in vibe from Key Largo. They are so close together, yet offer such a different experience and feel. Islamorada has a less commercial feel to it and was a place we felt that we could connect with the local people of the Florida Keys.

Not to mention that the road leading both onto and off of the island offers a spectacular display of bright turquoise water with access from small pull-offs where white sand rolls gently into the water.

Spend some time here enjoying the water activities available. Islamorada offers a wide range of options, from guided fishing tours to local island brewery tours .

We used Key Largo as a base for exploring Islamorada, as the islands are very close together. This is a great option if you have a limited amount of time but still want to experience both islands.

It’s also nice to check into a place for 2 nights instead of 1, so we would recommend this approach.

Don’t miss a thing: Islamorada Itinerary

Places to Visit in Islamorada

History of diving museum.

Featuring one of the world’s largest collections of international diving helmets and artifacts, this museum is a must-stop for anyone who scuba dives, is fascinated with history or dreams of underwater exploration.

We were absolutely enamored by the layout of this museum, taking us through the entire evolution of diving from open bottom helmets to today’s popular SCUBA and everything in between.

I especially loved the display featuring the history of underwater photography and the chance to see the evolution of cameras, hard to believe how far we’ve come from Ikelite housings the size of briefcases to a GoPro.

Entrance into the History of Diving Museum costs $12USD for adults, $6USD for children 6-11 and free for children under 5. The museum hours are 10 AM to 5 PM every day of the week.

FLORIDA KEYS BREWING

Located in the heart of the Morada Way’s Arts and Cultural District we enjoyed an afternoon in the tasting room of this locally-owned brewery.

Owner Craig McBay, with his wife Cheryl, opened the doors to the Florida Keys Brewing Company in March 2015 as the first brewery to take up residence in the Florida Keys. We loved the sense of island life that they bring to their brews, featuring Key limes, citrus, hibiscus, and honey.

The Tasting House is open every day of the week from Noon to 10 PM.

ROBBIE’S

This place is an institution and no road trip from Miami to Key West would be complete without a stop to feed the Tarpon from Robbie’s pier.

Even if you can’t bring yourself to dangle your arm over the dock edge for the thrill of an up to 100-pound monster fish jumping up to retrieve the fish in your fingers, it is worth paying the $2.00 admission to watch the spectacle in person.

When you’ve had enough of the thrill, you’ll find that Robbie’s also offers a full market of locally made crafts to shop and quirky food stands to check out.

With public restrooms available, this is a great place to pull over and stretch your legs on your drive from Miami to Key West.

Admission to the Tarpon dock at Robbie’s cost $2.00 per person. Buckets of fish can be purchased for $3.00 each. Hours for visiting are 7 AM to 8 PM.

Places to eat in Islamorada

Sticking to the theme of a classic Florida Keys sunset, the Marker 88 is located on a pier facing the Gulf, complete with a white sand beach, music, and Caribbean vibe, it is THE place to watch the sunset in Islamorada.

Featuring Florida Keys inspired flavors infused into freshly caught seafood, it’s a delectable place to sip on a Hemmingway and watch the sun disappear on the horizon.

Places to stay in Islamorada

Cheeca Lodge : featuring 214 spacious rooms on 27 acres of lush garden, all lined with turquoise water and towering palms, this lodge is an oasis in paradise. The property also features a 525-foot pier, touting it as the longest in the Keys, which is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset or cast a reel. This Islamorada luxury resort offers snorkeling, sea kayaking, bicycling, scuba diving, and 3 first-class restaurants.

Casa Morada : this privately owned hotel offers 16 upscale suites giving an atmosphere that is private, peaceful and serene.  The highlight of the resort is Casa Morada’s spectacular private island which is accessed by a dramatic footbridge and features a freshwater pool, secluded cabana and the Sunset Gazebo bar with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Marathon – Florida Keys

Our stop in Marathon was a short one, as we used the island for a transit stop to break up the trip back to Miami from Key West.

We ended up leaving Key West in the early afternoon, around 2 PM and began driving north.

We stopped at the Bahia Honda State Park and then cruised into Marathon by 5 PM. This gave us enough time to settle into our room and head down to the water for one of the best sunsets we had during our road trip.

If you have the time, there is a great helicopter tour that leaves from Marathon. You get to fly over the city of Marathon, then along the entire length of the Seven Mile Bridge to the small island of Money Key.

Enjoy looking down into the clear blue water, full of marine life and colorful reefs.

Places to Visit in Marathon

Bahia honda state park.

Located before you arrive at Marathon when heading northbound on the Overseas Highway, this park is stunning and to think we almost drove right by without stopping makes us cringe.

What the park lacks in green vegetation it makes up for in endless expanses of white sand beaches. It also gives you access to hiking up on to one of the original bridges that were constructed from Miami to Key West.

Bahia Honda State Park did experience some damage when Hurricane Irma came through at the end of 2017 but rehabilitation efforts are in place and most of the park is still accessible.

Definitely make some time to pull into this state park, bring some drinks, snacks and plan some time just relaxing.

Entrance into the park is $8USD per vehicle (2-8 persons) and the hours are 8 AM to sunset every day of the year.

Places to eat in Marathon

BUTTERFLY CAFE

Located inside the Tranquility Bay Resort, this café offers an intimate and cozy setting with a wide array of food options.

Meshing together Italian fare with fresh seafood, it’s a great place to sit outside and enjoy the ocean air among tiki torches. Check out the menu here .

Places to stay in Marathon

Tranquility Bay Resort : This property is the kind of place you can check into for a week-long vacation and never leave from.

It’s huge, offering all the amenities you could imagine, multiple pools, a private white sand beach, towering palm trees, golf course and more.

The accommodation features spacious townhouse-style rooms laid out as 2 level apartments with a living area, full kitchen, upper and lower decks, multiple bedrooms and en-suite laundry. It’s a true home away from home.

Big Pine Key – Florida Keys

This part of the Florida Keys holds the essence of the island chain, an opportunity to step away from the commercialism and explore the wild side of Florida.

With most of the land being a protected preserve, it’s the perfect place to head into the uninhabited backcountry with a kayak and get up close with the nature that makes Florida such an American icon.

Of all the islands on our trip, Big Pine Key was the only one that showed any lasting damage from Hurricane Irma.

Unfortunately, this was the hardest-hit area and the storm pulled up a huge amount of mature mangrove forest in its path changing the face of the island.

Despite this, it is still gorgeous and totally worth a stop for a kayaking adventure , at the bare minimum.

Our Stops in Big Pine Key

Big pine kayak.

Bill Keogh has lived in the lower keys for two decades, meaning he knows the area better than anyone could imagine.

His daily kayaking eco-tours offer the opportunity to explore dense mangrove forests, learn about the balance of the local eco-system, see wildlife and all around enjoy a special day on the water.

If you have more time to spend and want to really get into the heart of the backcountry, Big Pine Kayak offers multi-day paddling trips that combine time on the water with camping.

Kayaking day trips on Big Pine Key cost $50USD and operate seven days per week. Bookings are essential to ensure availability, so be sure to plan ahead if you’d like to go on a kayak adventure during your Florida Keys road trip.

Places to eat in Big Pine Key

NO NAME PUB

The first time we read their slogan ‘a nice place if you can find it’ we knew we had to visit. Lucky for us, this little dive pub is located just down the road from Big Pine Kayak and about as local as you can get.

The high of your visit will be walking through the doors to discover the walls coated in hanging currency from around the world. Not one square inch of space has been left uncovered.

You’ll find typical pub food, generous portions, and friendly locals. Our recommendation? Try the Fish Dip.

Key West – Florida Keys

Glorious, iconic and legendary, this island at the end of the road lives up to its reputation.

For as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed about a road trip from Miami to Key West, to not only visit the amazing islands along the route but to arrive in Key West and partake in all the adventure there is on offer.

The dream finally came true this year and Key West didn’t hesitate to meet and exceed my expectations.

From the history to the exciting adventure on offer and everything in between, Key West is a place that every traveler should visit at least once in their lives.

An absolute must is escaping to the secluded islands and tropical beaches off the coast of Key West on this guided, full-day catamaran adventure to historic Dry Tortugas National Park .

History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will love this unique voyage on a luxurious, state-of-the-art catamaran.

Enjoy snorkeling (equipment provided) in the crystal blue waters and take in the military fort, national park, campground, sandy beaches and coral reefs that make this area special. Another bonus, breakfast, and lunch are included!

If you are looking for a day of more active water activities you have many great options to choose from. Key West offers a plethora of tours from a Sail, Snorkel & Kayak adventure to Shipwreck Snorkel & Wild Dolphin Encounter .

Plan the ultimate Key West Itinerary

Top adventures in Key West

Backcounty helicopter tour.

Hands down the most spectacular way to experience Key West is from above. The standard helicopter adventure takes you over and around the entire island before landing you back at the airport.

However, we would highly recommend a splurge on the Ultimate Experience tour that includes the standard and eco backcountry tours in an amazing 30-minute flight.

Flying away from Key West, over the massive reef that surrounds the island and out over a vast expanse of uninhabited islands was the highlight of our trip.

Not only is it absolutely gorgeous but the amount of marine life you can see from the air will have you second-guessing a swim later.

On the day of our flight, we saw several sharks including a massive Bull Shark that was easily 12 feet in length.

Helicopter tours with Air Adventures , the only helicopter tour operator on the island, leave from the Key West International Airport.

PARASAILING

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to take a road trip from Miami to Key West and go parasailing .

Call me crazy, but it was a fulfilling moment to be tethered from the back of a speed boat soaring 300 feet up in the air over the bright blue waters of the most southern tip of the USA.

We sailed high above the water with Fury Adventures and loved the fun staff and top-notch equipment. Parasailing trips last 1 hour and depart on the hour from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.

REEF SNORKELING TRIP

One of the things that make Key West appealing is the close access to the only living coral reef in the United States and there is no shortage of available boat tours that will take you there.

We booked a morning snorkel trip with Sebago Watersports and lucked out with perfect weather, meaning we were able to travel out to one of the most beautiful sections of the reef.

Not to mention, since Key West is a notorious party destination, the morning snorkel departure was only half full. This made for an amazing, uncrowded snorkeling trip .

Our hot tip, skip the drinks the night before and book a morning tour to really have an intimate experience with the Florida Keys reef.

SHIPWRECK MUSEUM

Not only is Key West a fantastic place to soak up the tropics but it is also an island that is rich in history.

During the times of pirates and colonization, many ships ran aground on the massive reefs off the shores of Key West. It became known as one of the richest places to plunder and salvage amongst ship crews.

As a result, many ships rest on its shores and the museum takes you through the history of the many shipwrecks fabled pasts. If you like pirate lore or are at all fascinated by the colonial days, this museum is worth a visit.

SMATHERS BEACH

The best beach in Key West is an obligatory visit. As you can imagine, it features stunning stretches of white sand that ease gently into warm Caribbean waters.

Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available on-site, as well as free parking access in a lot across the road from the beach entrance.

The most enjoyable aspect is the boardwalk-style access points that lead you through avenues of palm trees. Many food trucks also frequent the area so you could easily spend a full day here if you had the time.

Are you a beach lover? Check out these other Key West Beaches we love!

SOUTHERNMOST POINT

When you stand at this monument you can look out and know that you are exactly 90 miles from Cuba. You’re also at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States .

It’s a fantastic spot for an obligatory travel photo but keep in mind it’s probably one of the most popular things to do in Key West.

It’s best to arrive either first thing in the morning or in the evening as the lines in the middle of the day can go on for blocks. I am talking hours of wait time to have your chance at the buoy.

SUNSET AT MALLORY SQUARE

Watching the sunset in Key West is an obligatory activity and you haven’t done it right until you’ve attended the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. The iconic celebration takes place daily, starting two hours before sunset.

The square fills with people and vendors selling a variety of Key West nibbles like conch fritters, fresh-made guacamole, and coconut drinks. Not to mention the street performers. It is the perfect way to end the day.

If you are looking for something a little quieter, or maybe you just want to celebrate the sunset on the water, then booking a Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise is the tour for you.

Enjoy the peaceful calm of a late afternoon sail on a comfortable catamaran limited to just 14 passengers. Enjoy a great selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and a gourmet cheese buffet.

Then watch as the sun glistens and gently settles into the water, a perfect ending to a perfect day.

NIGHT KAYAKING ON IBIS BAY

We’ve never gone for a paddle in illuminated kayaks before, so this was something very unique for us to try in Key West.

The tour departs from the pier in front of the Stoned Crab restaurant next to the Ibis Bay Resort after sunset and spends the better part of 3 hours paddling around the Ibis Bay in search of marine life.

It is an eco-conscious tour and we found the guide to be both funny and informative. He pointed out a wide variety of marine life and we learned a lot about the eco-system of the waters that surround Key West.

The glass bottom kayaks with light illumination provided an interesting element and allowed us to see everything on the ocean floor as we passed by. If you’re looking for something unique and different, definitely give the night kayaking tour a try.

Best Places to eat in Key West

The stoned crab.

Simply put, this place is amazing and our favorite place to dine in Key West. Set on the pier at the Ibis Bay Resort, The Stoned Crab allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of Key West paired with the most amazing options of seafood one could wish for.

All of their seafood is locally sourced and at the end of each meal, you are presented with the cards of the fisherman that made your catch. It’s a unique aspect and an all-around enjoyable experience.

KERMIT’S KEY LIME SHOPPE

While you can certainly order a sandwich here, your primary reason to visit is their famous Key Lime Pie on a stick.

No visit to Key West, or the Florida Keys for that matter, would be complete without a visit to Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe . And it doesn’t stop at the pie, you’ll also find Key Lime salsa, chutney, taffy, jelly beans, tea, olive oil and well, you get the picture.

LUCY’S RETIRED SURFER BAR

What we loved about this restaurant was the location, away from the bars and busy piers on Key West. From the moment we were seated, we were able to relax and enjoy the quiet ambiance around us.

It’s a refreshing place to get away from the hustle of Duval Street and they serve a delicious variety of seafood, creative burgers and tropical island cocktails. Be sure to order a Shark Attack drink.

Places to stay in Key West

The Marker – featuring 96 guest rooms with private balconies, swimming pool, dining options, and onsite valet parking, The Marker blends the traditional architecture of the island with luxury. Notably, it is the only new hotel to be built in Key West in 20 years.

We loved our spacious room and found the location to be perfect for exploring more of the island on foot. The hotel is located roughly a 10-minute walk from Duval Street and it’s easy to hop right onto the boardwalk that follows the edge of the city.

One of America’s Best Road Trips

It’s undeniable that a road trip from Miami to Key West through the Florida Keys is a classic American road trip.

From the moment we arrived in Key Largo until we drove all the way down and back, we found ourselves immersed in unique American culture, stunning scenery and a place like no other in the USA.

Someone once told me, ‘you haven’t lived until you’ve road tripped through the Florida Keys’ and I have to admit, they were right.

Plan your own road trip: How to Plan A Road Trip in 10 Easy Steps

This post was made possible in partnership with  The Florida Keys & Key West . All opinions, recommendations, insane love for the Florida Keys and personal experiences are 100% mine, as always. 

More on Florida:

• Ultimate Florida Packing List
• Ultimate 3 Day Weekend in Miami Itinerary
• 13 Fun Things to Do in Panama City Beach
• 15 Fun Things to do in Kissimmee
• Ultimate USA Travel Guide
• 13 Best Cities to Visit in the USA
• 7 Exotic Places to Travel Without a Passport

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

24 thoughts on “Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Planner (Driving to Key West from Miami)”

Hi Lina My husband and I plus are 2 besties are doing this trip end of May!! Thanks for all your insight and suggestions!! I am really excited now after reading your reviews!!

Thanks, Nancy Moriarty Massachusetts

So much helpful information. Thank you very much for sharing this.

Love your post and pictures! Driving from Miami to the Keys in March. Thanks in advance

You’re welcome! Enjoy the trip, we love the Florida Keys!

Thank you for this wonderful article, I’d like to go ASAP😃!! Is it hurricane season now or could we do this road trip next week? Has covid closed all the places you mention?

Looking forward to hearing back from you, Thank you!!! Thank you Lina

Hi Monique, it is hurricane season but that doesn’t necessarily mean one will affect your visit! Pay attention to the weather forecasts and listen to locals and you will be fine. Enjoy, it’s one of our favorite places in the world! As for COVID, some things will be closed but others open. Expect limitations in sizes, hours and operation though. Also, be sure to wear a mask and physically distance yourself from anyone that is not traveling with you. Respect all posted mandates too. Have fun!

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this! I live in NJ and this is my dream to fly into Miami and spend the week exploring. I will definitely keep your post for when that day comes. Thanks again!

Our pleasure! Driving Miami to Key West is one of the best road trips in the USA and we wanted to create a guide to help people like yourself maximize their time exploring. We will have a free download of this information available soon so check back!

As a boy in the 1940’s, I spent a good deal of time in and around Miami and even travelled down to Key West a couple of times. This review mentioned the shipwrecks but not the Atocha museum, named after the ?1715 Spanish Treasure Galleon that was discovered with a lot of its treasure still aboard that is now on display in Key West. Robbie’s Tarpon farm on Islamorada is definitely unique and worth the visit, and a flock of semi-tame Pelicans is also on hand to compete with the tarpon for visitor handouts. I once caught a tarpon and a sailfish while deep-sea fishing; unfortunately, tarpons and barracudas and sailfish are exciting to fish for but basically inedible. Snappers and Groupers (big sea bass) and especially Pompanos are the fish to eat. In contrast to Orlando where everything at Disneyworld is artificial (though still fascinating), nearly everything in the Keys is REAL. Some kids (and adults) appreciate this subtle difference. Also in Orlando is Emeril’s Restaurant which defines southern gourmet food for me. Also, Emeril’s offered a red wine called Aalto which was memorably rich and flavorsome.

Great article! I’m wondering if flying into Miami, driving to Key West for 5 days then flying out of Key West is a good option? Thanks!

Glad you found the article helpful! It’s definitely an option to fly into Miami and out of Key West, but I will warn you, WAY more expensive. Nonetheless, worth pricing out.

Thanks! Looking forward to the trip, going in March. Your article helped a lot!

My husband and I are considering doing this Miami to Key West road trip this Feb 2020. Thanks for all of the recommended things to do and places to stay. This is an excellent starting point!

How exciting! It’s an amazing road trip (one of the best in America in my opinion!). So glad we could be a part of it and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have. 🙂

Why don’t reviewers put pricing in the review? 99% of travelers decisions are based on actuals dollars. At least these guys don’t have a bunch of ambiguous adjectives like cheap or inexpensive. But seriously why do most reviewers leave off pricing?

The reason that you do not see pricing in editorial is due to the fact that prices of lodging is constantly changing based on season and demand. Putting hotel prices in an article would be as pointless as including exchange rates.

Epic Miami to Key West Road Trip Guide it’s unreal !! Thanks a lot)

Glad you enjoyed it! Was an epic trip for sure. 🙂

WOW! that just looks amazing! I turned down a trip to Miami a few months ago, I suddenly regret that

Well, the Florida Keys and Miami are not created equally!! BUT you can access the Keys from Miami. lol Highly recommend a road trip through the Florida Keys at some point. Cheers!

This is a truly awesome road trip destination which I simply have to add to my bucket list, Lina and David. I would especially love to explore the John Pennekamp State Park as the scenery is breathtaking. How many days should I spend there?

One full day is enough for John Pennekamp State Park! I would recommend at least 7 days for exploring the Florida Keys. Cheers!

And I love the post! How beautifully you have described each and everything, looks like a perfect road trip. love the pictures!

It’s an amazing road trip, truly one of the best in the USA. Thanks for you kind words and hope you find yourself in the Florida Keys someday soon!

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14 Essential Travel Tips for the Florida Keys You NEED Before You Go

Here are my top travel tips for the Florida Keys to help you plan and make the most of your holiday in Florida. It’s an amazing place to be, but it helps to be prepared!

The Florida Keys offers beautiful beaches and lots of adventures. There’s so much to do and see in the Keys though, that you need to read my travel tips for the Florida Keys before you go.

I’ve answered all the main questions about the Florida Keys I’ve been asked over the years, and a few I’ve just made up that I thought you’d like to know. I want to help you have the best trip to the Florida Keys possible!

So, here are all my travel tips for the Florida Keys for you to enjoy.

Travel tips for the Florida Keys

If the answer to your question isn’t here, just let me know in the comments below. I love to give travel advice for the Florida Keys!

1. Where are the Florida Keys?

The Florida Keys are a series of tropical islands that are located off the southern coast of Florida. The islands begin about 15 miles south of Miami and continue for over 120 miles. Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo are a few of the most popular islands found in the Florida Keys.

2. How do I get to the Florida Keys?

The fastest way to get to the Florida Keys is definitely flying to the islands from one of the Florida airports – either Tampa, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. However, there is another option…

One of the most unique things about the Florida Keys is that it is possible to drive to the islands via the Florida Keys Overseas Highway which stretches 113 miles from the mainland of Florida well into the Keys.

Travelling on the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West will give you the opportunity to see some of the most varied and beautiful scenery in the state of Florida. The highway includes 42 bridges that cross the ocean between each island. It also travels through an area of water-rooted mangroves and another area populated by grand pine trees. 

This would be great as part of a longer Florida road trip – click the link to find out the top spots to visit. If you want travel tips for the Florida Keys, then driving there would have to be the number one!

3. What are the Florida Keys known for?

The Florida Keys are located on a coral cay archipelago. This makes the Keys an excellent place for diving and snorkelling. Hundreds of thousands of people travel to the Florida Keys every year to partake in the diving and snorkelling among the abundant wildlife in the coral reefs surrounding the Keys.

You’ll easily find diving companies and schools on almost every island in the Florida Keys. Each island offers its own unique underwater attractions that you can dive amongst including extraordinary reef formations and a variety of shipwrecks to explore.

In addition to recreational water activities, the Florida Keys are home to lots of unique attractions. Each island has its own arts and culture to experience but there is no shortage of arts, theatres, museums, and activities to check out in the Keys. 

4. Can I go diving in the Florida Keys?

Yes! Diving and snorkelling in the Florida Keys is also a great opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety or marine wildlife. These activities are some of the most popular in the Keys.

Divers in the area encounter angelfish, barracudas, groupers, moray eels, grunts, and damselfish as well as a plethora of other wildlife species. 

Activities like this 3-hour Key West Catamaran and Snorkelling tour are a great way to experience snorkelling in a safe way, with a company who knows what they’re doing.

“Enjoy a day exploring the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys on a luxurious catamaran. Go snorkelling in tropical waters, and try jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. – CATAMARAN TOUR ON GETYOURGUIDE (click for prices)

The most important travel tip for the Florida Keys is to get out on the water!

Watch my video for more fun ideas and travel tips for the Florida Keys

5. Can I go fishing in the Florida Keys?

The Florida Keys are also famous for the fishing opportunities that you can find on the islands. In fact, Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Islamorada’s location uniquely creates a wide diversity of fish that can be caught for sport.

In addition, the powerful Gulf Stream is located about ten to twenty miles off the shores of most of the islands in the Keys. This current brings seasonal fish to the islands such as sailfish, marlin, and tuna. 

There are a number of companies that provide fishing tours throughout the Keys. You can also use similar companies to engage in deep sea fishing outside of the Keys. If you’re fishing with one of these companies, you will not need a fishing license. However, a saltwater fishing license if required to fish independently in the Florida Keys.

READ MORE: The Best Festivals in Florida

6. What is the ‘Dry Tortugas National Park’?

Key West is home to lots of parks but probably the most famous is the Dry Tortugas National Park . The US National Park is made up of seven small islands surrounding Key West. Within the park is the historic Fort Jefferson which served as a prison during the Civil War.

Take the time to tour the fort and learn about the history of the area. The beaches in Dry Tortugas National Park are breathtaking with powdery white sand and crystal blue waters. They’re the perfect place to spend an afternoon on the beach. 

You can see the rest of the best beaches in the Florida Keys here .

7. How can I experience nature in the Florida Keys?

A variety of eco tours are offered throughout the Florida Keys, and there are some great tours available. Almost the entirety of the Florida Keys lies within the Everglade National Park. The tours offered through Garl’s allow for hiking, fresh water paddling, and saltwater paddling. It is one of the best ways to really see the wildlife and beauty in the everglades.

There are multiple locations throughout the Florida Keys that offer dolphin tours so that you can watch dolphins in the natural habitats. In some places you may even be able to touch, swim, and interact with dolphins. 

Check out these eco tours in the Florida Keys for more ideas…

• Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Eco Tour
• Key West: Eco Safari Tour with Snorkelling
• Key West Island Adventure Eco Tour

If you want to know more about what to do in the Everglades National Park , click that link!

8. What should I eat in the Florida Keys?

Since the Florida Keys are islands, plan to eat lots of seafood. The Keys have some specific seafood varieties that they are known for.

– Key West pink shrimp is one the most popular options in the Florida Keys. It is often described as sweeter than other varieties.

– Stone crabs are also popular in the Keys during the stone crab season which lasts from October 15 to May 15 every year.

– Fresh fish is also available year around.

There is no lack of amazing seafood restaurants throughout the Keys, in fact I’ve nailed down some of the best restaurants in the Florida Keys for your trip. Also, Key Lime Pie is a BIG deal here. Check out this Key Lime Piebicycle tour to make sure you get the best ones!

You want my travel advice for the Florida Keys? Eat as much as possible!

9. Are water sports available in the Florida Keys?

There are a variety of water sports and activities in the Florida Keys.

Boating, sailing, and kayaking are popular choices. There are designated areas where you can jet ski and ski. Parasailing is very popular in the Florida Keys as well. Whether you are fishing, diving, kayaking, or parasailing, there are tons of options for an adventure on the water throughout the Florida Keys.

Key West and Key Largo offer the widest variety of options to choose from.

10. What other activities in the Florida Keys are there?

Key West is one of the most popular and well-known islands in the Florida Keys. With lots of free and family-oriented activities, this island is a popular destination for family groups. 

You can spend a day in Key West , a month, or just do as some do, and go and live there!

There are loads of fun things to do in the Florida Keys .

Most people visit the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, the island is Islamorada, to partake of the fishing opportunities. However, Islamorada has a lot more to offer than just fishing. Check out the Theater of the Sea when you visit Islamorada. The Theater of the Sea is a unique marine mammal park that is made up of lush lagoons and beautiful tropical gardens. It is home to dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays, and alligators. The park is designed to let visitors get up close and personal with wildlife native to the Florida Keys. You’ll have the chance to swim with dolphins and sharks and meet sea turtles and alligators face to face.

The African Queen Canal Tour in Key Largo is a great choice. The African Queen is a historic vessel used in the 1951 movie of the same  name. Fans can now take a tour aboard the vessel through the Port Largo Canal and enjoy the views.

In addition to recreational water activities, the Florida Keys are home to lots of unique attractions. Each island has its own arts and culture to experience but there is no shortage of arts, theatres, museums, and activities to check out in the Keys. You can check  allcruisehotels  for accommodations if you’ll be staying to visit the sights before hitting the road.

READ MORE: Fascinating Florida Keys Facts to Know Before You Go

11. What can you do at night in the Florida Keys?

If you’re looking for Key West nightlife then click on that link to be taken to all the best options for your evening entertainment.

If you’re looking for something a little different, then this two-hour sunset sail with live music in Key West would be a great thing to do in the evening, and give a unique perspective on Key West.

“Experience the magnificent Key West sunset from the water on this all-inclusive sailing trip. Indulge in spectacular views, unlimited drinks and appetizers, and live music. Enjoy the perfect end to your day in the Keys.” –  TWO HOUR SUNSET SAIL on GET YOUR GUIDE (click to check prices)

12. Which island should I stay on in the Florida Keys?

Each of the islands that make up the Florida Keys is beautiful and have their own unique offerings. Choosing where to stay will be influenced on the kind of vacation you are seeking.

If you are looking for a safe, family friendly location, Key West is a great option and has a wide variety of accommodations to meet every budget.

Key Largo is also a great choice for families. Both islands have lots of attractions and activities.

If you are looking for a more leisurely stay, try Marathon which is home to multiple golf courses, marinas, and tennis clubs. Many of the most popular accommodations on Marathon are golfing and tennis resorts. Marathon is not quite as active and fast-paced as Key West and Key Largo but traveling to the other islands for a quick adventure is very easy.

While Islamorada does not have any golf courses, it is home to several small, intimate resorts. This island would be a perfect stay for a couple looking to get away for a while.

Read my post on where to stay in the Florida Keys for more tips and advice on where to be.

13. What else do the Florida Keys have to offer?

While the watersports, fishing, diving, and nature tours will fill the majority of your days, there are also several other options in the Florida Keys. Throughout the keys you will find beautiful spas where you can rest and relax. What better way to finish off an active day than with a relaxing hot stone massage? Whether you’re looking for body treatments, facials, or massage, there is no shortage of spa offerings on almost all of the major islands of the Florida Keys. 

Fitness is also a priority in much of the Keys. If you want to maintain your fitness routine while you are on vacation, you will be able to book yoga sessions on the beach, spin classes, or even pilates. There are fitness centres Key West and Key Largo where you can purchase daily or weekly memberships as well.

While shopping is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Florida Keys, locally-owned artisan shops offer lots of unique, hand-crafted shops. Throughout the Keys you will find beautiful jewelry, shell shops, and a plethora of souvenirs. Spend an afternoon perusing the local shop and see what kind of treasures you can find.

14. Buy some souvenirs

When you’re in Florida, you’ve got to pick up some souvenirs. Here are some of the best things to buy in Florida to remember your trip by. You’ll find them all across the Sunshine State.

The Florida Keys – something for everyone !

Whether you just want to relax on the beach or spend the day on the water, the Florida Keys has something for everyone. With a wide range of water activities, eco tours, beautiful scenery, and flavourful seafood, it is the perfect vacation spot to visit  this summer. 

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

10 Comments

Can’t wait to go to Florida Keys! Your travel tips, best restaurants and so much more are great! Would appreciate any and all Florida Keys travel info links you have. I am planning to go in late summer or fall of 2022. Thanks, keep me posted on your travel links!

Oh that’s great to hear. I’m glad to be of service! As you can see there’s loads of advice for the Florida Keys on this site – I’ve put it all out there, so enjoy!

Please send info of places to stay…the best!

Hi Sandy, ok, I will get on to that ASAP! There are some really great places to stay in the Keys!

@VickyFlipFlop, @LooeKeyReefResort is great!

Oh, thanks for letting me know. I’ll have to try it one day!

Excellent article. Planning a trip to the Keys with my daughter and granddaughter next year.

Don’t forget the Key West Express from Fort Myers to the bight in Key West.

Great company, beautiful trip by boat and you’re relaxed when you arrive.

Ok, good shout! I hope people read the comments and get your tip off!

There’s a food tour called Florida keys Food tour in Islamorada. Takes you to several of the best local restaurants, and art gallery, Fl Keys Brewery, and provides lots of history.

Oh that sounds like a great idea. I love a food tour to show a bit more of a destination. Also a great way to just eat a little bit of everything!

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Miami to Key West Drive: Florida Keys Stops, Stays + Map!

Visiting the Florida Keys is a classic U.S. vacation, with beaches, clear blue waters, and adventurous activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and camping.  One of the best ways to experience the Florida Keys is with a Miami to Key West road trip. Get tips on how to plan an itinerary that includes all the best of the Keys: quirky roadside stops, beautiful beaches, state and national parks, and waterfront bars and restaurants for sunset each night.

As far as road trips go, a Miami to Key West drive belongs on every bucket list.  You’ll follow the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 which spans the coral and limestone islands of the Keys and connects mainland Florida to Key West. 

Driving to Key West lets you discover all the best sights, eats, and adventures of the Florida Keys along the way.  Experience amazing snorkeling in Key Largo, kayak and relax on the sandy beaches of Bahia Honda State Park, and watch the spectacular sunset in Key West — plus so many more things in between!

In this guide, I’ll share all the tips you need to plan a Florida Keys road trip, with drive tips, must-see sights, restaurants, and other fun stops along the way.  I’ll also suggest how many days to spend in each location and advice on the best places to stay on your Miami to Key West drive.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

Pin this Miami to Key West Road Trip Planner for later!

In this guide to a miami to key west drive.

Planning Tips: When to Visit | How Long to Stay | Driving the Overseas Highway | Road Trip Map | Itinerary Overview  

Must-See Florida Keys Sights: John Pennekamp State Park | Bahia Honda State Park | Sombrero Beach | Turtle Hospital | Robbie’s | Duval Street | Key West Beaches | Hemingway House | Southernmost Point | Dry Tortugas National Park

Overnight Stops: Key Largo | Islamorada or Marathon | Key West

Miami to Key West Drive: Road Trip Planning

The Florida Keys is an archipelago of 800 tropical islands that stretches 120 miles off the coast of Florida. The Keys begin just south of Miami and continue to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas, one of the most remote U.S. National Parks. 

These vacation planning tips will help you make the most of your road trip adventure from Miami to Key West with quirky local spots, popular sights, and beautiful Florida beaches .

So get your road trip playlist and Instagram sunset captions ready — we’re going on a Florida Keys road trip!

In December I returned again to to the Upper and Middle Keys for a long weekend . See the Instagram Reel below of my Keys mini-road trip, and follow me for more adventures!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adrienne 🌎 Adventures + Photos (@thehaphazardtraveler)

The Best Time to Drive the Florida Keys

The Keys are one of the warmest and sunniest destinations in the United States, with average high winter temperatures of 75-80 degrees.  The best time for a Florida Keys scenic drive is between March and May, after the busy tourist season is over and when hotel rates are more reasonable. 

It’s best to avoid the peak hurricane season of August and September.

I just visited again in December and although we had some rain and clouds, the weather was warm and I got to do almost everything I wanted to!

The hottest months in the Florida Keys are July and August, with average high temperatures of 90 degrees.  June, August, and September are the months with the most rainfall.

Check weather averages for your visit on Holiday-Weather.com .

Transportation: Airports & Car Rental

The best airports to begin a Florida Keys road trip are the Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), about 30 miles north.  I recommend checking both – there are often direct flight deals for me from D.C. to Fort Lauderdale on United that make it worth flying in there.

Car rental is available at both airports and both have rental car centers attached to the terminal, which really helps with getting your adventure started!

If you’re short on time, it’s usually possible to rent a car one-way for an extra fee.  In this case, you would pick it up in Miami and return it at the airport in Key West (EYW), or vice-versa.  When I last checked rates, this added around $100 to the weekly price with most of the major companies.

Check car rental rates : Alamo | Budget | Hertz | Expedia

How Long to Stay for a Florida Keys Road Trip

How does a month sound?  But seriously, I’d recommend at least a week to see the best of the Keys.  It’s a great way to extend a budget trip to Miami .

You can save time on your Keys road trip by paying extra for your car rental and only making the drive one-way.  If you have a little less time or a few extra days, I’ll include other options in the itinerary below.

I’ve also just visited the Upper and Middle Keys on a long weekend! I flew into Fort Lauderdale (there are often great flight deals here) and stayed in Layton near Marathon, exploring everything from Key Largo to Bahia Honda.

Driving the Overseas Highway | U.S. Route 1

The Florida Overseas Highway spans 113 miles and 42 bridges, connecting the mainland of Florida from Miami to Key West. 

Actually the southernmost leg of U.S. Route 1, the Overseas Highway (or Highway 1) follows a trail which began in 1912 when Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railroad to Key West. This railroad route ran until 1935, when the Keys sustained extensive damage from the strongest hurricane to strike the U.S.

A new highway was built to replace it by the end of the 1930’s, which paved the way for the Keys to become the tourist destination they are today.  In the 1980’s, 37 bridges were replaced with wider, heavier spans, including the most famous portion of the road: the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.

Known as the “Highway That Goes to Sea,” the Overseas Highway is a scenic drive.  Most sections of the road are well-paved, although there is currently some overnight construction near Islamorada (December 2022 – but it didn’t impact my trip much).

Straight through, it would take 4-5 hours to drive from Miami to Key West for the 160-mile trip.  The total time depends on traffic, since parts of the road are still only two lanes.  But there are many sights and stops along the way, making it a perfect leisurely road trip to spread over several days.

Overseas Highway Mile Markers from Miami to Key West

Mile markers along the Overseas Highway are often used as address locators. The highway ends in Key West at mile marker 0.  Other stops: Key Largo is mile marker 102, Islamorada begins at 90, Marathon at mile 60, and the Seven Mile Bridge at 47.

Restrooms/Rest Stops on Your Road Trip

There aren’t any rest areas along the Miami to Key West road trip route, but there are many restaurants and convenience stores that have restrooms available.  If you stop at any of the state parks, you might need to pay an entrance fee.

There is a visitor’s center run by the Chamber of Commerce on Key Largo, and a commercial visitor’s center for Key West located on Big Pine Key.

Gas Stations & Supplies

There are gas stations every few miles along the route through the Keys. The longest stretches in between are perhaps 10 miles, so just keep an eye on your fuel gauge.

Grocery Stores

You’ll also find grocery stores and smaller markets through the Keys. Some of the main grocery stores are:

• Key Largo: Winn-Dixie and Publix
• Islamorada: Publix and The Trading Post, a 24-hour market across from the Cheeca Lodge. *Note that you can buy Key Lime Pie Lady brand goodies here late-night
• Marathon: Winn-Dixie and Publix
• Big Pine Key: Tom Thumb and Winn-Dixie
• Key West: Winn-Dixie and Publix

In case you forget sunscreen, bug repellent, motion sickness tablets, etc. there are several chain pharmacies throughout the Keys. The larger grocery stores have pharmacies, as well as:

• Key Largo: Walgreens and CVS
• Islamorada: CVS
• Marathon: Walgreens and CVS
• Big Pine Key: Walgreens and CVS

Florida Keys Catamaran All-Inclusive

Want to explore the Florida Keys in a totally different way? Check out this luxury Florida Keys catamaran sailing experience !

Miami to Key West Drive Map

The map below shows the best sights for your Miami to Key West drive.  To see details, click the arrow on the top left to view the different layers.  You can scroll to see the different categories – stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants.  You can also click each item on the map for more information.  Save the map by clicking the star after the map name – this will save it to your own Google Maps folder.

Miami to Key West Road Trip Itinerary & Stops

Use this overview to get an idea of the suggested number of nights for each destination, as well as must-see sights.  Keep reading for the full details on each step of the itinerary including more sights, restaurants, tours, and recommended hotels and Airbnbs.

Distance from Miami to Key West: 160 miles | Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours

Itinerary Length: 5-8 nights depending on selected sights & stays

Miami | Bonus South Florida Stop to Start Your Trip

Got extra time? If you haven’t visited Miami before, you should tack on a few days here at the start of your trip. Gorgeous beaches, non-stop nightlife, and luxe hotels have made it one of the most popular vacation spots in the U.S.

• Miami Beaches: Miami Beach has calm, crystal-clear water and soft sands, as well as cafes, sidewalk bars, and a boardwalk for strolling. South Beach is where the action is, with endless nightlife and celebrity-chef eateries. For a quieter spot, check out North Miami Beach, with its open-air bandshell and plenty of bars, restaurants and parks great for families.
• Wynwood Walls: Just minutes from Downtown Miami, this collection of giant wall murals covers six buildings. Wynwood Walls has become a famous Instagram spot thanks to famed artists from across the globe.
• Art Deco Historic District: Miami is famous for sleek, colorful architecture. But Miami is especially famous for its 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach. It’s located between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue
• Everglades National Park: If you want to explore this top 5 U.S. National Park, it’s best seen on a day trip from Miami or a a stop on your first day (turn south at Florida City). The 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve is made up of coastal mangroves and marshes home to hundreds of animal species. Here you can spot leatherback turtles, crocodiles, dolphins, and perhaps even the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.

Upper Florida Keys: Miami to Key Largo – 63 miles, 1 hour

Stay in Key Largo: 1-2 nights

Top Sights: Robert is Here | Alabama Jack’s | John Pennekamp State Park | Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Middle Keys: Key Largo to Marathon – 47 miles, 1 hour

Stay in Islamorada or Marathon: 2-3 nights

Top Sights: Diving Museum | Rain Barrel Village | Robbie’s | Turtle Hospital |Sombrero Beach | Bahia Honda State Park

Alternatively, you can combine the first two stops and use Islamorada as your base for exploring the Upper and Middle Keys.  Islamorada is only about 30 minutes from Key Largo and 35 minutes from Marathon.  I did this so that I could get a weekly vacation rental, and it worked out great.

I’ve also stayed in Layton, between Islamorada and Marathon, to explore the Upper and Middle Keys.

Lower Florida Keys: Marathon to Key West – 50 miles, 1 hour

Stay in Key West: 2-3 nights

Top Sights: Key West Lighthouse | Ernest Hemingway House | Key West Butterfly Conservatory | Duval Street | Smathers Beach | Mallory Square | Southernmost Point Marker | Dry Tortugas National Park

Key Largo | Miami to Key West Drive First Stop

Key Largo is the first stop on a Miami to Key West road trip, and is most famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling.  It’s accessible via U.S. Route 1 or the Card Sound Bridge – take the slightly longer Card Sound toll route if you want to stop at Alabama Jack’s bar.

Key Largo is also known for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. To the west on the mainland lies Everglades National Park.  Read on for the best things to do in Key Largo for your Miami to Key West road trip, as well as a variety of options for where to stay, including family-favorite Baker’s Cay resort .

Top Key Largo Sights

Robert is here | homestead, florida (mainland) fruit stand.

This family owned fruit stand has been around since the 1950’s and is located on the mainland of Florida. It all began when Robert’s dad, a farmer, set him up with a roadside table to sell cucumbers and a sign declaring “Robert is here.” 

Well, Robert is still here, and from those humble beginnings has built a fruit mecca and tourist destination.  In addition to hundreds of exotic fruit varieties, there’s an animal farm, kids’ play area, famous milkshakes (including key lime, of course), and a band on weekends.

Itinerary priority: Add if you have extra time and want a classic Florida experience.  It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh produce and also a good stop if you’re on a longer road trip.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034

Alabama Jack’s | Classic Key Largo Biker Bar

This biker/tiki/dive bar (yes, that’s a lot of slashes!) is found in the town of Card Sound.  It’s been around since the 1950’s and has become a traditional first stop in the Keys for many road trippers.  Alabama Jack’s has the reputation of the best conch fritters in the Keys, cold beers, and friendly service.

On the weekends the house band, Card Sound Machine, has played in the afternoons for over 30 years.  Alabama Jack’s closes at sunset, perhaps so you’re not carried off by mosquitoes from the nearby swamps.

Itinerary priority: Add this if you have extra time and want a classic quirky Keys experience.  Be sure to take the toll road headed out of Miami or Homestead.

Facebook | Google Maps | Address: 58000 Card Sound Rd, Key Largo, FL 33030

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park & Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-see as the first underwater state park in the U.S.  It includes 70 nautical square miles of the Atlantic. The famous “ Christ of the Deep ” statue is here, an 8 foot tall sculpture sunk 25 feet deep. 

You can also snorkel from the shore at John Pennekamp, canoe or kayak, or take a glass-bottom boat tour. Cannon Beach is one of the most popular spots.

The adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary extends 2,800 square nautical miles from Key Biscayne in the north down to Dry Tortugas.  Experienced divers can take an excursion to the artificial reef of the sunken USS Spiegel Grove.  

Itinerary priority: Must-see.  Key Largo is a world-class snorkeling and diving destination and one of the top sights on a Miami to Key West road trip.

Website | Google Maps | 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Tours: In December, I went on this half-day tour with Silent World Dive Center . They have a snorkel-only boat (which I prefer — you don’t have to wait for divers to get in and out of the boat with all their equipment), and the staff was super friendly, knowledgeable, and professional! More top-rated tour options with online booking: | Half Day Snorkeling | Private Snorkeling Tour | Half-Day Scuba Tour

African Queen Canal Cruise | Key Largo Excursion

Yes, that African Queen – from the 1951 movie starring Humprey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn!  Relocated from Africa and restored, the iconic boat now cruises the waters of Key largo offering canal and dinner cruises.  There are several departures daily, and on weekends you can take a dinner cruise with roundtrip transportation to the Pilot House Marina. 

Itinerary priority: A quirky addition for classic movie buffs.

Website | Address: 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary in Tavernier is a center for wildlife rehabilitation, and is home to over one hundred resident birds who cannot be returned to the wild.  See rescued hawks, owls, vultures, pelicans, gulls, songbirds, and more. Visitors can learn about the birds and the ecosystems of the Florida Keys.

Itinerary priority: This is a quick stop – less than an hour – interesting for nature and wildlife lovers.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 92080 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070

Where to Eat & Drink in Key Largo

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen   Iconic Key Largo favorite with kitschy decor, fresh seafood, and some of the best coconut shrimp and key lime pie in the Keys (try it yourself to see if you agree!).  There are two locations on the Overseas Highway – the first is the original and closes mid-afternoon. The second, a few blocks away, is larger and has more parking and seating.

Caribbean Club   Classic dive bar and Key Largo tradition with amazing sunset views

Pilot House Restaurant   Local favorite overlooking a marina with fresh seafood and a tiki bar vibe

Sundowner’s Key Largo Seafood eatery with a glass dining room and outdoor waterfront seating

Where to Stay in Key Largo | Top Accommodation Picks

Check out these top picks in the Key Largo area for your first stop from Miami to Key West.

Best Key Largo Hotels

$ Gilbert’s Resort | Budget waterfront stay with pool, private beach, tiki bar and views. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$ Sunset Cove | Rooms and cottages close to sights; some pet-friendly rooms, breakfast, kayaks, and private beach.  Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$ Coconut Palm Inn | Resort in Tavernier with rooms and suites, breakfast, and thoughtful service touches.  Pool, private beach, kayaks. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$$ Kona Kai | Luxury adults-only resort and botanical gardens in Tavernier. Spa, hot tub, heated pool, tennis in a spectacular setting. Check rates on Booking.com

Key Largo Vacation Rentals

Looking for more space or a local stay? Check out these Key Largo area vacation rentals.

Islamorada | Second Keys Road Trip Stop

Islamorada is a village made up of 6 of the Middle Keys, and the halfway point between Miami and Key West.  It’s known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” thanks to its bounty of options for professional fishing charters with experienced captains. 

There are many choices of mid-range to luxury resorts in Islamorada, as well as shopping, restaurants, sights and eco-experiences. 

During one of my Keys road trips, I stayed here as a base for exploring everything from Key Largo to Marathon.  Read on for the best things to do around Islamorada on your Miami to Key West road trip!

Top Sights In the Islamorada Area

Rain barrel village.

This quirky stop is a garden oasis with shops, galleries, and boutiques.  Spend a few hours and grab a snack at the local eateries too.  You’ll want to get a selfie with its iconic giant lobster named Betsy!

Itinerary priority: A fun stop, great for souvenirs and Instagram ops.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 86700 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

History of Diving Museum

For divers and adventurers, the History of Diving Museum is a cool stop for your itinerary.  Explore more than 4,000 years of diving history (yes, really) from breath-holding divers to early diving machines and helmets to the revolutionary invention of SCUBA.  Includes the world’s largest collection of diving memorabilia.

Itinerary priority: A well-done museum and a must-see for diving aficionados.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Robbie’s | Islamorada Restaurant, Bar & Activities

Robbie’s is a fun waterfront restaurant and bar with a bonus: from its dock, you can feed tarpon fish which grow up to 8 feet. The trick is avoiding aggressive pelicans and trying not to scream when the tarpons jump to snatch the fish!  Robbie’s is also a spot for booking local fishing charters and other excursions.

Itinerary priority: A great photo spot and place to book local tours.  If you’re afraid of fish bigger than you are, skip that part.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Holiday Isle Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn

Calling tiki bar lovers and cocktail connoisseurs! You’ll want to make a stop at the Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn to see where the Rum Runner was invented. 

Legend has it that in 1972, the bartender Tiki John was tasked with creating a cocktail to get rid of excess inventory.  He mixed banana liqueur, Meyers rum, brandy, and grenadine. And behold – the Rum Runner was born!

Itinerary priority: A must-see for tiki and cocktail connoisseurs. It’s been restored and the resort itself is very upscale; if you prefer your tiki bars a little less flashy, try nearby Lazy Days .

Website  | Address: 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Where to Eat & Drink in Islamorada

Florida Keys Brewing Company | Tasting room and beer garden with a fun vibe and pretty courtyard. Try a flight of local beers and get a growler to go. A must for beer lovers!

Morada Bay | Luxury dining at Pierre’s; casual fare at its Beach Cafe, perfect for drinks, dinner, and sunset on a white sand beach

Marker88 | This restaurant has been a Keys tradition since 1967, and offers beachfront dining and amazing sunsets

Lorelei Cabana Bar | Seafood Restaurant known for conch and stone crab chowders, mahi fish tacos, and gorgeous sunsets

Islamorada Brewery and Distillery | Distillery and brewery with a beer garden with food trucks and local music. Try their key lime pie frozen cocktail!

Where to Stay in Islamorada | Top Accommodation Picks

$ Sunset Inn  Trendy, family-friendly budget stay with pool, close to sights. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia  

$$ Lime Tree Bay Resort   Studios, rooms, and 2-3 bedroom suites, some with kitchenettes. Beachfront with pool and breakfast.  I loved my stay here – I had a studio with a kitchenette overlooking the water. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$ Islander Resort   Stylish resort with private beach, 3 pools, lanais, many amenities. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$$ Cheeca Lodge  Luxury resort with spa, golf course, pools, tennis, private beach. Plus there’s a 24-hour grocery store across the street. Check rates on Booking.com   |  Expedia

More Islamorada & Marathon Stays

Marathon | miami to key west drive stop.

The Florida Keys city of Marathon is made up of 13 islands, and is known for beaches, fishing, and a barrier reef. Marathon is a mini archipelago of its own.

Marathon is actually made up of East and West Sister’s Island, as well as a collection of smaller keys, like Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl, Little Crawl, Deer, Fat Deer, Long Pine and Grassy Key.

Find out the best things to do in Marathon for your itinerary, including turtle conservation, snorkeling and nature experiences.

Top Marathon Sights for Your Road Trip

Sombrero beach.

Sombrero Beach in Marathon is a calm public beach perfect for swimming.  There are restroom facilities here as well as picnic shelters with grills, and plenty of room to spread out on its long white sand beach. 

From April through October, loggerhead turtles nest here, so you might see some small areas roped off to protect the eggs.  

Itinerary priority: This is a great option for a beach day if you stay at a hotel that isn’t beachfront – bring a cooler with what you’ll need for the day, and pick out a spot to relax. I think it’s also one of the nicer beaches in the Keys, which are known for rocky rather than sandy coastlines!

Website | Google Maps | Address: Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL 33050

The Turtle Hospital 

This small non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles. Visit on a guided tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at their hospital facilities and see their turtle rehabilitation tanks close-up! 

The entrance fee and gift shop support their rescue efforts.  It’s very popular, so be sure to make a reservation.

Itinerary priority: This is a Florida Keys must-see. It’s a great family activity and unforgettable experience!

Website | Google Maps | Address: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge begins around mile marker 47 and connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. 

This is the most iconic portion of the Overseas Highway, frequently featured in movies about the Keys.  You’ll get spectacular views of turquoise water reaching all the way to the horizon.

A section of the old original bridge has been restored for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This is a great place to watch both sunrise and sunset. A parking lot on the southbound side also has a waterfront park with shelters for picnics.

This is a must-see, obviously, as there’s no other road to Key West!

Bahia Honda State Park | Bahia Honda Key

Bahia Honda is one of the islands of the Keys, and is home to a namesake state park.  It’s possible to visit here on the day that you drive to Key West, since it’s located past the Seven Mile Bridge around mile markers 38.5-36.

Be sure to visit its three beaches. Turn right when you enter the park to get to Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach, located near the concession shop and the Old Bridge. Or turn left and drive past the camping areas to reach mile-long Sandspur Beach.

Other activities at Bahia Honda include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking, and spotting birds and wildlife. Limited campsites are available. There are picnic shelters and tables throughout the park, as well as restrooms in the beach and camping areas.

The hiking trail on the southwest end of the island leads to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, and has spectacular views of the island and the waters below.

Itinerary priority: Bahia Honda State Park is a Florida Keys must-see for your road trip!  Bring a picnic lunch and spend a few hours here.

Website | Google Maps   | Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

National Key Deer Refuge

The endangered Key Deer is the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer. Poaching and habitat loss had reduced their numbers to only a few dozen animals by the 1950’s. Luckily, the establishment of this Refuge allowed for protection and a dramatic recovery.

The deer now number close to a thousand, 75% of which are concentrated on Big Pine and No Name Keys.  Stop at the visitor center for information and drive slowly through Big Pine Key or hike to spot them.

Itinerary priority: This is an interesting addition for nature lovers and photographers.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Where to Eat and Drink in Marathon

Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House | Fine dining favorite of tourists and locals

Fish Tales Market & Eatery | Seafood market and restaurant serving local seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads

Lighthouse Grill | Waterfront restaurant and bar with a menu of fresh seafood and local favorites

Sweet Savannah’s | Bake shop and ice cream spot serving a variety of desserts including key lime pie with an outdoor garden

Irie Island Eats | Hidden local gem with carry out and outdoor seating past the Seven Mile Bridge

No Name Pub | Quirky, iconic Keys bar with pizza, chili and bar food on Big Pine Key

Square Grouper | Highly-rated foodie favorite with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts, and microbrews with a waterfront view on Cudjoe Key

Where to Stay in Marathon | Top Accommodation Picks

$ Coconut Cay Resort | Colorful budget hotel with a pool, mini-fridge, microwave, kayaks. Check rates on Booking.com |  Expedia

$$ Seascape Resort & Marina | Midrange beach resort with kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, mini-fridges, microwaves | Check rates on Booking.com |  Expedia

$$$ Isla Bella  | Luxury resort with rooms and 1-2 bedroom suites, some with kitchenettes. Beachfront with pool, spa and restaurants. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$ Tranquility Bay Resort  | Luxury resort with rooms and 2-3 bedroom cottages. Beachfront with pools, spa and restaurants. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

Key West | Florida Keys Road Trip End

Although Key West might be the final stop on this Florida Keys road trip, the fun is just beginning! Famed for its beaches, water sports, nightlife, and pastel “conch-style” architecture, Key West packs a lot into its 7 square miles. 

It’s also at the southern end of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which extends Key West’s playground with adventurous snorkeling and diving opportunities.  

Read on for the best things to do here and save time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, the top day trip from Key West!

Top Sights and Things to Do in Key West

Duval street.

Duval Street, and specifically its 6-block stretch within the Key West Historic District, is the epicenter of Key West’s famous party atmosphere.  You could spend your entire time in Key West exploring its galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. 

Be sure to check out Sloppy Joe’s Bar , a hangout of Ernest Hemingway and host to the “Papa Look Alike Contest” in July.

Itinerary priority: This is a must-see in Key West!

Mallory Square

Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza at the end of Duval Street, adjoining the seaport. With shopping, restaurants, bars, and the best place in Key West to see the sunset, be sure to save time in your itinerary for this spot!

Itinerary priority: This is an iconic place for sunset, so try to add it if you can.

Website | Google Maps   | Address: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

Smathers Beach | Best Beach in Key West

Located on the south shore of Key West, Smathers Beach is the island’s longest and calmest beach, with nearly a mile of soft white sand and palm trees.  It’s a public beach, with chair rental and food trucks available.

For more beaches, you can also check out Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

Itinerary priority: Add it to the list if you haven’t yet had enough beach time and won’t be able to see Dry Tortugas.

Google Maps | Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Southernmost Point

This simple but iconic monument is located at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S., 90 miles north of Cuba.

Itinerary priority: If you don’t have a photo here, have you even been to Key West?

Google Maps | Address: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Hemingway Home was the residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. Located across from the Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway House is the most popular tourist attraction on the island. 

Legend has it that its many celebrated polydactyl (6-toed) cats are descendants of one that Hemingway owned.  The cats have the run of the home and gardens.  If you have time, visit the lighthouse across the street for the best views of Key West.

Itinerary priority: The Hemingway House is a must-see for history and literature buffs, as well as cat lovers.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Take a break from Duval Street and walk among hundreds of butterflies & birds including flamingos in this glass-enclosed conservatory.  In the learning center, you can explore butterfly migration and science, then look for butterfly souvenirs in the adjoining gift shop.

Be sure to wear bright colors if you want the butterflies to land on you!

Itinerary priority: It might sound nerdy but I loved it, so I’m going to rate this one a must-see.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip

Almost 70 miles west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.  Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is the home of historic Fort Jefferson, crystal clear blue waters, coral and marine life, and a vast assortment of bird life. 

Get my detailed guide for a Dry Tortugas day trip or camping here .

Itinerary priority: Dry Tortugas is a bucket-list destination as one of the most remote U.S. National Parks.  If you’re out of time or money on this trip, you’ll have to save it for your next Key West visit!

Websit e | Google Maps | Ferry terminal address: 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040

Dry Tortugas National Park: Day Trip, Snorkeling & Camping

Planning a trip to Key West? Be sure to include a visit to Dry Tortugas, one of the least-visited U.S. national parks for pristine beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and even camping.

Take in History at the Truman Little White House

Harry S. Truman vacationed here under orders from his doctor that he take a warm vacation.  He also had friends, cabinet members, and foreign officials visit for fishing trips and poker games. 

Truman set up shop there for 175 days of his presidency from 1946 through 1952, which gave the circa-1890 naval site the name “The Little White House.” The surrounding neighborhood, known as Truman Annex, is a leafy shaded area with parks and vacation homes.

Address: 111 Front St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040 | Website | Google Maps

Where to Eat and Drink in Key West

Captain Tony’s Saloon | Old school pub dating to 1851

Blue Heaven   | Quirky, iconic spot with Floridian-Caribbean cuisine & key lime pie.  Located in a tropical plant-filled garden where Hemingway once officiated boxing matches

The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. | Steak & seafood spot in a funky tropical space

The Stoned Crab | Top Key West eatery specializing in fresh seafood including stone crab and lobster, plus cocktails 

Key Best Pizza and Coffee  | Affordable family-friendly spot with the best pizza on the island

Better Than Sex   | Key West dessert restaurant with a speakeasy atmosphere

Where to Stay in Key West | Top Accommodation Picks

Key West has a wealth of accommodation options for every traveler, from budget and luxury stays to clothing optional resorts . There are also Airbnb rental homes in the traditional Key West “conch-style” architecture.

Old Town is the best place to stay for first-time travelers and for proximity to sights, restaurants, and nightlife.

All of the resorts below offer parking; although most hotels in the historic district add an extra charge for this, since space is limited.

$ Blue Marlin Motel  | Bright budget stay with a pool in a great location. Parking available for an extra daily fee.  Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$ Harborside Motel & Marina  | A top midrange Key West pick with pool, kitchenettes, and free parking.  Check rates on Booking.com | TripAdvisor

$$$ Havana Cabana  | Resort style hotel with pool, bar, restaurant and fun vibe. Hourly shuttle to Duval and free parking.  Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$$ Southernmost Beach Resort  | Luxury resort in historic Old Town with pools, restaurants, spa, and private beach. Parking available for an extra daily fee. Check rates on Expedia

Don’t miss my guide to the best rentals and Airbnbs in Old Town Key West – from budget options to luxury stays for a group.

Airbnb Key West Florida: Best Rentals with Pools & More!

Planning a Florida vacation? Get tips on the best Key West Airbnb stays for solos, couples or groups of any size: honeymoons, families, bachelorettes & more!

Ready to hit the road?

Have you decided to add a Miami to Key West road trip to your bucket list?  Pin this guide for later, so you’ll have my updated tips when you’re ready to book! 

Save for later or share with a friend!

I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)

Reader's Digest

Your Guide to a Florida Keys Road Trip: Key Largo to Key West

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024

Your road trip guide to the Florida Keys

One of the best state road trips in America has to be the sun-kissed drive from Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys. This road, known as the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, takes you through a 125-mile island chain that begins just south of Miami. It hopscotches over 42 bridges and five islands, and has turquoise waters stretching in every direction into the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico.

So if you're looking for the perfect Atlantic Coast road trip or cheap beach vacation , look no further than this road trip guide from Key Largo to Key West. And if you'd rather travel from Key West to Key Largo, rest easy—the route works either way. There are shuttles that run from Key Largo to Key West, but keep in mind, you'd be missing out on all the fun in between.

By the way, once you embark on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, you'll notice that many sites along the way use mile markers (MM) in their address. We use those mile marker points in this story to help you navigate the drive.

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Mile marker: 108–90

The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. Often referred to as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo includes one must-see stop: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5), the first underwater preserve in the United States.

Experienced and novice snorkelers and SCUBA divers will be enthralled by the teeming marine life that lives just below the water's surface, like parrot fish, barracudas and sea turtles. More experienced divers enjoy exploring the USS Spiegel Grove, one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef where pretty fish can thrive.

Back on dry land, travelers can wander nearly six miles of trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, home to more than 80 species of plants and animals. You can also peruse the work of local artists at myriad galleries.

Best beach: Cannon Beach, found within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, has shallow waters that are perfect for wading. You may even spot cannons and anchors on the beach that remain from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck.

Where to eat: Dig into the catch of the day at The Fish House, Key Largo Conch House or Snook's Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, some of the best traditional restaurants in the area. If you'd rather turf than surf, check out Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill.

Where to stay: If you can't get enough of the underwater world, stay at Jules' Undersea Lodge , the world's first underwater hotel. If you'd rather keep dry, try the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo .

Mile marker: 90–63

Next up en route from Key Largo to Key West is the fisherman's paradise known as Islamorada. Considered the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, it's where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing got their start. Countless seasoned boat captains are ready for hire to take you out to catch the wahoo, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna that swim in these waters.

There's an even quirkier way to interact with fish here: hand-feeding the tarpon off the docks of Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5). Since 1976, countless Keys visitors have stopped to feed them, and more than 100 kinds of fish gather at the docks for their daily snacks. Feeding the fishies there is so popular, it's been named the No. 1 activity in all the Florida Keys.

Islamorada is also a terrific spot to kitesurf, stand-up paddleboard, go for a hike or take a bicycle ride. Stop by the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where injured or displaced birdies now make their homes. Or visit the History of Diving Museum, which boasts one of the world's largest collections of diving helmets.

Best beach: Anne's Beach is popular with families (and dogs) because of its shallow waters and lack of waves. Take a walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic at one of the covered tables.

Where to eat: For a quintessential casual Florida Keys meal, go to the Hungry Tarpon. If you want more elegant fare, make reservations at Chef Michael's for creatively inspired local dishes.

Where to stay: When it's time to lay your head for the night, check in to one of the new oceanfront suites at Cheeca Lodge & Spa , or your own cottage at The Moorings Village & Spa .

Mile marker: 63–40

Marathon is the island chain's top boating destination—and for good reason. The area boasts nearly 2,400 boat slips and plenty of facilities to accommodate sailors passing through. But you don't need your own boat to enjoy Marathon and its waters.

For a truly different experience, hop on over to Cruisin' Tikis and have a floating tiki bar adventure. Sunset, mangrove and harbor cruises are all available, as is a swim-stop cruise for a chance to jump into the water.

While you're here, you should also visit Pigeon Key, an island that is accessible by boat, trolley or walking the 2.2-mile Old Seven Mile Bridge. It has a museum to explore, either on a guided tour or on your own. The Bridge is open for walking, running, bicycling, rollerblading and, of course, watching the killer sunrises and sunsets.

Best beach: Sombrero Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the Florida Keys—not to mention one of the best beaches in Florida . And it's not just popular with humans; sea turtles nest here between April and October.

Where to eat: For any meal, stop by Castaway, which has been serving guests for more than 70 years. Or make a night of it at Hide Away Café, which has an extensive wine list.

Where to stay: The Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club is set on the waterfront and gives you a taste of marina life. Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key has spacious townhomes for rent.

The Lower Keys

Mile marker: 40–4

After crossing the Old Seven Mile Bridge out of Marathon, you'll find yourself in the Lower Keys, where natural habitats and wildlife refuges thrive. It's no wonder this part of the Florida Keys is known as the Natural Keys. You might even want to consider taking an electric vehicle on this road trip so you don't disturb the animals.

Your best chance to spot a native Key deer, a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer that somehow made its way south, may be in the National Key Deer Refuge, comprised of 9,200 acres stretching from Bahia Honda Key to Sugarloaf Key on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species can be found within the refuge. Take a quiet walk at dusk or dawn for your best chance to glimpse a Key deer, or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the area.

Aside from all the eco-friendly fun, Stock Island is well worth a stop. Their maritime history goes back generations, and the marina is filled with shrimping and fishing boats. Artists have been flocking to Stock Island, too, and share their works in galleries dotted across the small island.

Best beach: The shallow, clear water and white sand at Calusa Beach make it a locals' favorite. The beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling too.

Where to eat: In addition to the freshest of seafood, Big Pine Rooster serves up ribs and a special-recipe meatloaf. Or sip like the locals at No Name Pub, located on Big Pine Key.

Where to stay: Consider the waterfront Sugarloaf Lodge , stay in an Airstream at Big Pine Key Resort  or pop a tent on one of the reserved campsites at Bahia Honda State Park.

Mile marker: 4–0

You've made it to the end! Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, party atmosphere and laissez-faire vibe, but it's really so much more.

If you're a writer or bookworm, you'll certainly want to make plans to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you should keep an eye out for the famous six-toed cats. Then wander through Key West's Bahama Village, a 12-block area of historic homes and restaurants.

Consider a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, where you'll find some hidden gems . The island, accessible by boat or seaplane, is popular for snorkeling and feeling like you're on your own private island, not to mention touring the Civil War–era fort.

Best beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach—or Fort Zach, as locals call it—predates the Civil War and boasts the island's very best sandy stretch.

Where to eat: No visit to Key West is complete without a meal at Blue Heaven, where you can dine with wandering roosters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or snag a spot on the tiny balcony at Santiago's Bodega for tapas and flowing wine.

Where to stay: The boutique Gardens Hotel , the adults-only Kimpton Hotels Ridley House  or the new Capitana Key West , to name a few. Wherever you stay, you're sure to find your place in Key West, and it's likely you'll follow so many others' lead and start planning your return visit before you even leave.

Art and history in the Florida Keys

Road-tripping from Key Largo to Key West, it's easy to appreciate all the natural beauty. That said, the Keys aren't just a terrific destination for eco-travelers, but artists and history buffs too.

It's easy for artists to find inspiration throughout the Florida Keys. Fortunately for road-trippers, there are many spots to stop and admire their work. One of the largest artists' communities in the Florida Keys is Stock Island in the Lower Keys, just about three miles from the commercial area of Key West. What was once a shrimping boat marina is now a blend of fishermen and painters, sculptors and other artisans who have created an energetic and supportive community.

For history buffs, in addition to Pigeon Key in Marathon and the Civil War–era Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, other must-stops in Key West include the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.

Planning your Florida Keys road trip

Now that you're inspired to hit the road, it's time to start planning. After budgeting for a road trip , your next step is to decide whether you will travel south from Key Largo to Key West, or north from Key West to Key Largo. Or maybe you'll opt for a roundtrip.

If you're starting off in Key Largo, it's important to note that the Florida Keys Overseas Highway begins at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line. So if you're flying to Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the way to go. If you begin in Key West, the airport (EYW) is on the island.

If you're already driving one of the best road trip cars to get to Florida, you're all set. But if you need a loaner, choose one of the best cars to rent for a road trip . Consider packing these road trip essentials and download some of the best podcasts for road trips to make the miles fly by.

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Heading to the Florida Keys for a quick summer getaway? Here are 10 things to know

Summer vacation is coming up fast. And you might be thinking about a getaway to the Florida Keys.

Special events fill the calendar, giving day-trippers or longer-term visitors more to do than just a bar crawl along Duval Street. Whatever your plans, there’s always the glorious sunsets and the lazy days on the beach.

Here are some helpful things to know about the Florida Keys as you gear up for a spring or summer trip:

1. Upcoming events in the Florida Keys

Key West Pride: June 5-9, Celebrate Pride on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. For more information, go to gaykeywestfl.com/pride

Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Dolphin Tournament: June 7-9, largest dolphin wins, so enter for $35,000 in cash and prizes. For registration or more information, go to lowerkeyschamber.com/product/27th-dolphin-tournament/

Hemingway Look-alike Contest: July 17-21 at Sloppy Joe’s in Key West, celebrates author Ernest Hemingway’s life in Key West. For more information, go to keywestlookalikes.com

2. The most notable beaches in the Keys

The Florida Keys aren’t known for the beaches. If you’re imagining an island paradise, you’re in luck. If you’re imagining an island paradise with miles of sandy beaches, you could be disappointed. There are only a few of those accessible by land.

Sombrero Beach: 200 36th St. on the ocean side in the Middle Keys city of Marathon. This is one of the Keys' best-kept secrets. It’s a picturesque sandy beach with crystal-clear shallow water. There’s also playgrounds, restroom facilities and picnic areas.

Anne’s Beach: Mile marker 73 in Lower Matecumbe Key in the Village of Islamorada. Not a traditional beach, but also a hidden treasure in the Keys. The beach has a boardwalk under a mangrove canopy. Instead of setting up a spot on the sand, beachgoers typically pitch their chairs in the shallow clear blue water and laze the day away. Restrooms are in the small parking lot, and picnic tables are on the boardwalk.

Bahia Honda State Park: 36850 Overseas Hwy. at mile marker 37 in Big Pine Key. Like Anne’s Beach, Bahia Honda is a palm tree-lined beach with clear turquoise water. But it’s a lot bigger, with three stretches of beach. Beachgoers can also rent kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Harry Harris Park: 50 E Beach Road, mile marker 92.5, in Tavernier in the Upper Keys between Key Largo and Islamorada. The oceanfront county park has a small, family friendly beach, playgrounds and picnic pavilions.

Curry Hammock State Park: 56200 Overseas Highway at mile marker 56.2 in Marathon. The park has a 1,200-foot-wide sandy beach, picnic facilities and a playground. It is a hot spot for kiteboarders and those who want to sit back on the sand and watch the high-flying action.

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach: 1000 Atlantic Blvd. in Key West.

3. Are there tolls on the Overseas Highway?

No tolls: Traveling on the Overseas Highway is toll-free.

4. Are there tolls on Card Sound Road?

Toll: Card Sound Road, considered an alternate road to the Keys, has a $2 toll, taken electronically through SunPass, at the northern end of the bridge, a 65-foot high, 2,800-foot long span that crosses Card Sound. The cost for toll-by-plate is $3

Directions: Getting into the Keys using Card Sound Road, or County Road 905A, drivers take the highway southeast, over the bridge to a three-way stop sign. If you make a left, you’ll head to the ultra-exclusive gated community of Ocean Reef. Turn right on County Road 905 (without the “A”) and you’re on your way to Key Largo.

5. How long will it take to reach your Keys destination?

Traffic congestion in the Keys — especially during weekends, special events, spring break and the peak tourist season — can slow things considerably. Passing is allowed only in certain spots. Most of the Overseas Highway runs two lanes.

Here are some estimates for your trip:

Miami to Key Largo: The trip can take 2 1/2 hours.

Key Largo to Key West: The trip can take 2 1/2 hours.

Miami to Key West: It’s about a four-hour drive from Miami to Key West, and under three hours from Florida City to Key West without delays.

6. What to know about US 1 in the Florida Keys

Length: The highway runs 113 miles through the Keys over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Mile markers: Green mile marker signs are on the side of the road and are used for addresses and directions. The road begins and ends in Key West, where the mile marker zero signs are at Whitehead and Fleming streets.

Bridges: The longest span is the Seven Mile Bridge, which is actually 6.79 miles long. The second longest is the Long Key Bridge, at 2.3 miles.

7. How to monitor traffic to and from the Florida Keys

Two free apps can help you navigate the Overseas Highway. One is for traffic and the other is a guide to the Keys.

—The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has a namesake app that is a must-have for people who must take the road regularly. The app has a “live calls and traffic info” tab that gives the location and times of crashes or other traffic disruptions, such as when a medical helicopter is landing on the highway. You can also sign up for notifications, which will tell you when lanes are reopened. The sheriff’s office also posts about crashes in real time on its Facebook and Twitter feeds, which you can access through the app.

— A travel app from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council — The Florida Keys and Key West — features just about everything you want to know about exploring the islands. The app includes narrated driving tours — one for each direction of the highway — along with lists of hotels, restaurants, art galleries, watersports rentals and fishing guides. Information is categorized by location: Key West, the Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada and Key West. The app also has videos of the Keys, a map and weather forecasts.

Both apps are available through the Apple Store and Google Play.

8. What if you get seriously sick during your visit?

Monroe County has three hospitals, with one marking each major section of the island chain from Key Largo to Key West.

For major traumas, patients are airlifted by helicopter to medical centers in the Miami area.

Addresses and phone numbers for the hospitals are listed below, but if you have a medical emergency, call 911.

Lower Keys Medical Center: 5900 College Rd. Key West, 305-294-5531. Key West’s Lower Keys Medical Center has 167 beds spread over two locations. The main campus with an emergency room is on College Road on Stock Island. The hospital has 23 beds at its DePoo Medical Building, 1200 Kennedy Dr., where mental health and rehabilitation services are offered. The number at DePoo is 305-294-5535.

Fishermen’s Hospital: 3301 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, 305-434-1000. This hospital is in the Middle Keys city of Marathon and run by the nonprofit Baptist Health South Florida. The entirely new 33,330-square foot, 22-bed hospital opened last year after the original 1962-era hospital was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Fishermen’s, which is now designed to withstand the wind speeds of a Category 5 hurricane, offers specialized services such as 24/7 emergency care with nine emergency department beds.

Mariners Hospital: 91500 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, 305-434-3000 In the Upper Keys, Mariners Hospital is a 25-bed hospital run by Baptist Health South Florida. Mariners dates back to 1962. It’s home to the only hospital-based hyperbaric chamber in the Keys. It uses oxygen therapy to treat illnesses that include diving-related decompression sickness.

9. What about urgent care in the Keys or house or hotel visits?

Upper Keys Advanced Urgent Care of the Florida Keys: 100460 Overseas Hwy., mile marker 100.5, Key Largo, 305-294-0011 ext. 2. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Middle Keys Advanced Urgent Care of the Florida Keys: 13365 Overseas Hwy., Suite 102, Marathon, 305-294-0011 ext. 3. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With three locations in the Keys, this center treats a range of health problems. The list includes colds and coughs, ear and eye infections, insect bites, minor burns, asthma, cuts, sprains, fractures and chest pain. They also offer various lab and diagnostic tests such as CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays.

Lower Keys Advanced Urgent Care of the Florida Keys: 1980 N. Roosevelt Blvd. in Key West, 305-294-0011 ext .1. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This urgent care center has three locations in the Keys.

Key West Urgent Care and Family Doctor: 1501 Government Rd. in Key West. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. 305-295-7550. Key West Urgent Care and Family Doctor offers medical care for minor accidents and procedures, along with treatment for colds, flu, sore throat, eye, ear and skin infections and headaches. They also offer lab draws and vaccines for tetanus and hepatitis B and flu shots, along with annual physicals and other primary care services.

Marquesa Medical: 305-504-5611, [email protected]. Amanda Tutlewski, a family nurse practitioner, says she opened Marquesa Medical to offer affordable and convenient healthcare for residents and visitors to the Keys. This practice only makes house calls. She keeps regular hours Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments after hours and on holidays may be available for an additional fee.

10. If you have a hangover in the Keys

Hydration therapy: If you’re sick from a hangover after overdoing it with booze on Duval Street, several places offer “hydration therapy.” This means an intravenous shot of fluids and vitamins. These aren’t emergency medical centers. They are run under the direction of a licensed physician.

In Key West, several businesses, including spas, offer various IV cocktails. Some are mobile and will come to you. Their services are also marketed for those smarting from sunburns, down with migraines or recovering from a marathon run. Prices and lengths of services vary. But expect to spend about $150, or possibly more, and at least 30 minutes for the hangover helper.

Hangover Hospital: 305-912-4911 Hangover Hospital’s IV menu includes hangover packages such as the Code Blue and the Lazarus, which promises to take you “from deathbed to remission in 45 minutes.” Call for appointments. They’ll come to you at no extra cost.

IVs in the Keys Key West: 531 Whitehead St., 305-395-8245. IV in the Keys describes itself as a modern wellness spa.

Summer Breeze Health and Hydration: 335 Duval St. Key West, 305-317-8595.