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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

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.

Protect Your Trip »

The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

The 113-mile drive along Route 1 yields stunning views and can't-miss attractions.

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With low-key vibes, scenic photo ops and must-see roadside attractions, from coral-filled parks to Key lime pie institutions, Florida's Overseas Highway offers plenty of reasons to hit to road.

The Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys offers a quintessential U.S. road trip. As Route 1 hops its way from Miami to Key West, Florida, the urban rush evaporates and a clock- and care-free beach vibe settles in. Prepare for all things Americana on this drive: kitschy roadside attractions, down-home cuisine, spectacular wildlife and natural beauty. The journey culminates in Key West, an independent island that knows how to have a good time.

The 113-mile trip takes about three and a half hours without stopping. But you'll want to stop. A lot. Towns and attractions along the route are commonly marked by mile markers, and the markers count up from there as you move north through the Keys. Without further ado, here are standout places you shouldn't skip as you drive along Route 1.

[See: The Best Family Beach Vacations in the USA .]

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Mile Marker: 102.5

If you have time to spare, this Key Largo park is the place to go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Keys. Don a mask and fins and swim down to check out the underwater Christ of the Deep statue, as well as over 600 types of fish and marine animals. Don't feel like getting wet? There are glass-bottom boats, canoes and kayaks that you can use to cruise the reefs and mangroves.

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen Mile Marker: 99.5

Kick off your Keys journey with a classic bite: a cool slice of Key lime pie. Mrs. Mac's on Key Largo has one of the best pies in the Keys. The restaurant is everything you'd expect a mom-and-pop Keys shop to be: the walls are covered in license plates and knick-knacks, and the menu is full of comfort dishes with a heavy helping of seafood. Best of all, if the restaurant is full, there's a newer, larger outpost located a half mile down the road.

Robbie's Mile Marker: 77.5

Farther down Islamorada, Florida, Robbie's is an eclectic tropical village. Rent a boat, browse the colorful island art sales or sit at the casual bayside tables and listen to live music by guys sporting flip flops. Save time for the biggest attraction here: the tarpon feeding. For a few bucks, you can hand-feed the large silver fish from the dock.

The Turtle Hospital Mile Marker: 48.5

While it may not look like much from the outside, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, is a fascinating spot to learn about the endangered sea turtles that call the waters around the Keys home. This is a working turtle rescue and rehabilitation center, and a 90-minute tour will introduce you to the animals and their stories. If you don't have time for a tour, stop into the visitor center for a quick look at the exhibits.

[See: The Best Summer Vacations of 2016 .]

Seven Mile Bridge Mile Marker: 47

After passing through Keys that are so close together it's hard to detect their boundaries, the route opens up to cross a wide swath of water. The famous Seven Mile Bridge connects the Middle Keys with the Lower Keys and offers sweeping views of the archipelago's turquoise waters. In fact, it's one of the longest bridges in the U.S.

Next to the highway bridge is the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which was built in the early 20th century for the railroad. Stretch your legs a bit on the 2-mile walk along the old bridge from Marathon to Pigeon Key. You can spot sharks, turtles and seabirds as you stroll along the former train tracks.

Bahia Honda State Park Mile Marker: 37

On the other end of Seven Mile Bridge, you'll come to Florida's Bahia Honda Key, which is largely undeveloped aside from this popular state park. Stop for a photo op – or to spend the day swimming, kayaking or picnicking next to the crystal clear waters. The beach here is one of the most beautiful in Florida.

No Name Pub Mile Marker: 30

A drive off the highway and down some back roads on Florida's Big Pine Key takes you to this historic hole-in-the-wall pub. Nearly every inch of the bar is papered with dollar bills. Grab one from your wallet, scribble your name and a message on it, and use the bar's staple gun to leave your mark. Make sure to keep an eye out for Key Deer as you're driving in this area. The miniature deer are about the size of a dog and aren't found anywhere else in the world.

Key West Mile Marker: 0

At the end of the road lies Key West , a freewheeling isle where you'll find a happy mix of history and a continuous happy hour. One top spot to see in the Conch Republic is Mallory Square . Make sure to time your drive so you arrive with time to park and make your way to this waterfront square before sunset. Every night a crowd gathers to celebrate the sun's descent. Another must-see is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum , where the famous writer lived for 10 years and penned some of his most famous works. The well-preserved home is now a museum, with a lovely garden and a resident population of six-toed cats. The Southernmost Point, a colorfully painted buoy marks one of the extremities of the U.S, is also worth checking out. While it's not actually the geographic southernmost point, it has become a symbolic photo op for anyone road-tripping through the Keys. Also, make sure to stroll along Duval Street, the lively heart of Key West, where you'll find many of the island's bars and restaurants.

[See: Most Scenic Road Trips .]

Where to Stay

You can complete the entire drive in one day, making it to Key West for the night. Or you can break up the journey and take your time savoring the diverse atmospheres of the Keys. Either way, your lodging options are as varied as the Keys themselves, and range from ultra-high-end hotels to casual campsites.

Tags: Travel , Florida , Vacations , Travel Tips

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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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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How to Take the Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

The best beach bars, hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on a drive down Florida’s Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West.

A drive down Florida's Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West offers the perfect blend of eccentric bohemia and chic joie de vivre . As the mile markers decrease, Old Florida charm sharpens into focus. Strip malls hawking beach sundries and snorkeling tours along the upper reaches of U.S. 1 give way to dazzling turquoise flashes as the road becomes more bridge than highway. The route south is festooned with the Keys' ubiquitous kitsch — a giant, spiny lobster presides over a local arts village, lipsticked manatees clutch mailboxes, and hand painted mermaids tempt passersby with the promise of sunset cocktails.

You could drive the 113-mile stretch in a little over three hours, but why would you want to? Road trips , especially one as iconic as this, are all about the stops along the way. So put the top down and cue Jimmy Buffet. Here's our guide to the best the Florida Keys has to offer.

Ease yourself into the Keys' laidback vibe just south of Homestead with a detour onto Card Sound Road. A stop into Alabama Jack's is a must, especially if you're a first-timer. The scrappy, waterside seafood shack has been the Keys' unofficial welcome wagon since 1947 and serves some of the best conch fritters around. Live music and the line of Harleys outside add to the honky-tonk scene.

With your internal clock synced to island time, cruise over Card Sound Bridge and into Key Largo where you'll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at mile marker 102.5. Explore the park's prolific marine life and a portion of the 360-mile Florida Reef Tract — North America's only living coral barrier reef — on a guided snorkeling tour . Or rent kayaks and head out for a paddle through miles of mangrove-lined wilderness trails.

Key Largo is at the epicenter of sustainability efforts in the Florida Keys, especially when it comes to reef health. At the Coral Restoration Foundation , researchers are rearing and planting corals in undersea nurseries. For a unique experience, snorkelers and divers looking to add an eco-tourism stint to their travels can assist scientists with outplanting and reef monitoring at active restorations sites.

After a day of sea and sun, check into the breezy Baker's Cay Resort , a lush retreat tucked into a secluded setting with gorgeous Florida Strait views. The resort partners with local environmental organizations to create eco-friendly guest programming. It was also the first resort in the Keys to join Reef Relief's " Skip the Straw " campaign.

You could easily spend a few days hopping around the string of tiny islands that make up Islamorada and while you do, The Moorings Village is the perfect place to call home.

Built on a former coconut plantation, the resort is home to eight private cottages nestled amidst tropical landscaping just steps from the Atlantic. Eight-hundred palm trees dot the property, and there's no shortage of hammocks for lounging beneath the verdant fronds.

Grab a paddleboard and head out for an ocean jaunt, watch the world go by from the cool shade of your porch, or while away a few hours by the gorgeous pool. If you can tear yourself away, single-speed beach cruisers are available for a pedal around town. Check out the galleries around the corner in the Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District — every third Thursday is the district's evening art walk — or pop into the beer garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company for a hyper-local tasting flight.

Robbie's Marina , one of the Florida Keys' most iconic landmarks, sits on the tip of Lower Matecumbe Key, about five miles south at mile marker 77.5. The epitome of the archipelago's barefoot affability, Robbie's is a waterside shantytown of sorts that includes an outdoor marketplace, a marine sports outpost, and the Hungry Tarpon restaurant, named for the school of enormous silver fish that have been circling the docks for decades. Seven bucks will get you a bucket of bait and admission to the dock, and feeding the leaping, thrashing creatures provides a memorable diversion.

Afterwards, head out for an eco-tour through Islamorada's pristine waters with Captain Sam Zeher or just chill dockside with one of Robbie's Trailer Trash Bloody Marys, complete with a beef-jerky straw.

When the dinner hour beckons, shake the sand from your toes and head to Pierre's , an elegant plantation-style house with a wide verandah overlooking Florida Bay. A few miles north at Marker 88 , the chef serves the kind of super-fresh seafood one would expect to find in the sportfishing capital of the world. Tuck into cracked coconut-crusted shrimp and fresh Florida lobster on the outdoor patio with a glass of fruity Chardonnay — for a relaxed joint, Marker 88 has an excellent wine list. At either spot, the famous Keys sunset is guaranteed to put on a memorable show.

Even before Hemingway's old man took to the sea, the Keys were a saltwater angler's paradise, legendary for big game like sailfish, wahoo, and blue marlin. Though pulling a trophy fish from the ocean can be a thrill, sometimes the best part of casting a line is eating your catch later.

One of the best ways to do so is on a hook-and-cook adventure at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, a pocket-sized island about 20 miles south of Islamorada. When it comes to relaxation, the resort offers a stunning adults-only enclave called Oasis Cay.

Get out onto the water with lifelong conch (i.e., Florida Keys native) Captain Dave Perry , who has been fishing the Keys for decades and runs charters out of the Hawks Cay Marina with Captain Justin Brunk. In addition to blue water hunting, the two specialize in fishing the reef for snapper and grouper, fish that can later be blackened, grilled, or fried for a hyper-local meal at Angler and Ale , the resort's dockside restaurant.

Connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys, the Seven-Mile Bridge is a highlight of any Keys road trip and driving it feels like being immersed in an ocean-themed movie. But before you do, take a ferry out to picturesque Pigeon Key for a dose of Keys history.

In the early 1900s, Florida tycoon Henry Flagler envisioned an Overseas Railroad linking mainland Florida to Key West. The project was nicknamed Flagler's Folly — no one believed his ambitious plan would come to fruition — yet, despite naysayers, the rail line was finished in 1912 complete with the engineering marvel that became the Seven-Mile Bridge. During the railroad's construction, more than 400 workers lived on Pigeon Key, which is now listed on the National Historic Register. Tours of the tiny island leave three times daily from the Pigeon Key Visitor's Center and offer a deep dive into the story of the railroad, its ill-fated demise, and the scenic highway travelers drive today.

The Lower Keys

Take a detour for some beach bliss at Bahia Honda State Park , a 524-acre swath of nature tucked between the Atlantic and the Gulf. Don't forget to drop by Sandspur Beach, long considered one of the best in the Keys.

On Big Pine Key, stop into the new Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, which features exhibits spotlighting the Keys' four wildlife refuges including the nearby National Key Deer Refuge . Established in 1957, the refuge protects approximately 9,200 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys that serves as habitat for endangered Key Deer. Stick to the speed limit around here — the diminutive creatures have been known to dart into the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

About 30 minutes south, you'll find authentic, Old Keys spirit on the docks of Geiger Key Marina at The Fish Camp . Founded by local restaurateurs Michelle and Bobby Mongelli, also behind the well-loved Hogfish Bar and Grill on nearby Stock Island, this open-air tiki bar and seafood joint claims to be on "the back side of paradise," which certainly feels accurate when you're sitting waterside with a plate of succulent Key West pink shrimp and a cold beer. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is legendary.

Head out to explore the labyrinth of waterways around Stock Island on a guided kayak tour with Lazy Dog Adventures . Trips leave from a tiny inlet on Cow Key Channel and wind through the mangrove tunnels and saltwater creeks hugging the edge of the Atlantic. The vibrant ecosystem provides a habitat for manatees, sea stars, tropical fish, and all kinds of shorebirds — many of which you'll encounter while paddling through the Keys' backcountry wilderness.

Key West exudes the same anything-goes bonhomie it did back in the day of rumrunners and speakeasies — only now it's infused with a shot of modern flair. Colorful conch cottages line the streets of Old Town, swank cocktail salons mingle with celebrated watering holes on Duval, and feral fowl give new meaning to free-range as they strut along the sidewalks crowing with carefree abandon. It also has an eclectic mix of top-rated hotels to suit every traveler.

Find respite from the downtown bacchanalia at the Parrot Key Hotel and Villas . The entire property breathes Old Key West charm. Walkways edged with white-picket fences wind through tropical gardens past hidden swimming pools and quaint, two-story clapboard bungalows. Bright-blue Adirondack chairs sit on covered porches, hammocks swing beneath shady palms, and ceiling fans spin lazily overhead at The Grove, the resort's new open-air restaurant. Parrot Key's complimentary shuttle delivers guests throughout the day to either a private beach club at Smathers Beach or to the heart of Old Town. For a DIY adventure, a fleet of single-speed beach cruisers invites exploration.

At four miles long and two miles wide, Key West is made for biking. Pedal through dappled sunlight along Whitehead Street to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . Inside, passionate docents supply a glimpse into the profound yet tragic genius of one of the Lost Generation's most colorful characters. Pay further tribute to Papa at the Hemingway Rum Company , which produces the award-winning Papa's Pilar, named for the author's beloved fishing boat. The company's flagship headquarters, housed in a former tobacco warehouse, is part distillery, part tasting room, and part museum. Find a spot at the bar and sample delicious, dark and blonde Solera-blended rums amidst all variety of Hemingway-themed ephemera.

When the sun starts to set, climb aboard Danger Charters ' elegant, three-masted schooner for a wine-tasting sail that offers a polished alternative to the nightly circus — think fire juggling acrobats and hoop-jumping cats — at Mallory Square. Or take a quick jaunt on the private ferry to Sunset Key for a gastronomical adventure overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Latitudes , the signature restaurant at Sunset Key Cottages . There, you'll dine on yellowtail, grouper, or cobia by the light of tiki torches with your toes in the sand. Innovative cocktails, crisp white tablecloths, and dreamy island views round out a memorable evening.

Related Articles

The Ultimate Guide To A 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip

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The Florida Keys is one of the most underrated destinations in the United States, if not the world. My family visited the Keys on vacation and road tripped the 160 miles from Miami to Key West throughout a 5 day trip. I could not recommend a visit to the Keys more and am so excited to share the details of my Florida Keys road trip with you all today!

Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Jungle Culture . Jungle Culture gifted me some of their customized, eco-friendly Jungle Straws, along with bamboo coconut bowls and utensils. I’ll be discussing Jungle Culture more toward the end of this post. All opinions here are my own!

About The Florida Keys

For those of you who’ve never heard of the Florida Keys, they’re a string of tropical islands located 120 miles off the coast of southern Florida . The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico, giving them a Caribbean -meets-US vibe. The Florida Keys are probably most well-known for diving, fishing, and snorkeling. There are countless islands, or keys, in this region, but the most popular are Key Largo and Key West. Key Largo has some of the best diving in the world and Key West is famous for its nightlife on Duval Street, sunsets, Ernest Hemingway’s home, and of course, key lime pie.

Getting To The Florida Keys

Getting to the Florida Keys isn’t the easiest or cheapest feat, but it’s worth it. You have two options. You can either fly into south Florida – I recommend Miami, or you can fly directly into Key West. Flights into Key West aren’t always direct and if they are, they’re probably super pricey. Like $800 roundtrip Boston to Key West on JetBlue pricey. If you’re staying in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, or any of the “Upper Keys”, flying into Miami is a no brainer. If you’re visiting any of the “Lower Keys” aka Key West, the drive will be a little long but I think it’s worth it!

To be exact, the drive from Miami to Key West is about 3 hours long. I do think it’s worth it, however, because it’s a great opportunity to explore the Florida Keys!

My family and I rented a car right at the Miami airport and drove to and from Key West. We spent one full day road tripping down and then did the drive straight back on our last day. We stayed in Key West for the entire duration of our trip, which is something I recommend doing since it has the most to do. Let’s get into the itinerary for a Florida Keys road trip!

Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary

Florida keys road trip day 1.

Day one consisted of my family and I flying from Boston to Miami, renting a car, and driving to Key West. After leaving the greater Miami area, vacation began!

Our first stop was to Morada Bay for lunch! If you’ve never heard of this place… maybe you’ll recognize it from a photo?

Morada Bay was used for filming Netflix’s Bloodlines! There’s no hotel here, but you can dine on the beach and take in the waterfront views. I recommend trying the fish tacos!

Robbie’s Marina

From here, we drove another 10-15 minutes west through Islamorada towards Key West to Robbie’s! Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada has been voted the #1 tourist attraction in the Keys. It’s home to the world-famous tarpon feeding, a must when visiting the Florida Keys. A tarpon is a GIANT Atlantic fish found in the Keys, and you can feed them at several locations throughout. I recommend doing it at Robbie’s so you can also experience the pelicans and manatees! My mom was lying down on the deck to feed the fish when a giant manatee came out of nowhere and swam under us! It was super cool to see one in the wild. Robbie’s also has an outdoor bar, restaurant, and shops.

After Robbie’s we drove the remaining 1.5 hours through the Florida Keys to Key West, catching the sunset as we drove over the 7 mile bridge. We ate dinner nearby after checking in.

Florida Keys Road Trip Day 2

Hemingway home.

This morning we had a tour booked of the Hemingway Home ! Ernest Hemingway is a well-known, 20th century, American novelist who’s most famous for his adventurist lifestyle and award-winning literature. Hemingway traveled a lot for his time, writing in Europe during WW2, traversing the continent of Africa, living in Cuba, etc. His main residence for a decade was in historic Key West, and you can tour his home today. His house is beautiful and filled with history (and cats), so I definitely recommend doing this.

Pro-tip: The 30 minute guided tour was $16 a person and is the best way to learn about Hemingway and the history of his home. You can book it here .

Fun fact: The Hemingway home is filled with 40+ 6-toed cats who all came from one cat that was used to catch mice on the property during Hemingway’s time.

Across the street from the Hemingway home is the Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters . This lighthouse is super unique because it’s located right downtown, away from the coast. This was done on purpose to prevent damage from hurricanes. It was built in 1848 and was occupied by a keeper until 1969. Today, visitors can walk up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse, as well as explore belongings and photographs from the Keepers in the museum.

Nearby is the mile marker 0, which marks the end of route 1 in the USA.

Golf Cart Rental & Southernmost Point

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking down Duval Street and shopping in the historic district. For lunch, we ate at the rooftop of Schooner’s Wharf Bar right in the historic seaport. After lunch we did something that you HAVE to do if you visit – we rented a golf cart!

If you’ve ever been to Key West, you know that driving around in a golf cart is one of the best ways to explore the island. We rented one for 5 hours and did just this! They cost about $100, but was a super efficient way to bang out a bulk of our sightseeing, so I think it was worth it. There’s a golf cart rental shop located on most streets in Key West.

Our first stop in the golf cart was the Southernmost Point of Continental USA! This is one of Key West’s most popular tourist attractions, so there was a long line of people here waiting to get photos. Definitely check it out though! We browsed Duval Street a bit more before driving to the Edward B. Knight Pier near Higgs Beach. This pier is HUGE!

Our last stop before returning the cart was to Kermit’s Key Lime Pie shop for a famous slice of key lime pie! We enjoyed these as we drove down Fleming and Southard Streets, admiring the unique architecture.

If you’re looking for more must-try food spots in Key West , check out this post!

Mallory Square

After we returned the cart, we walked to Mallory Square to catch one of Key West’s iconic sunsets. It’s one of the best, so don’t miss it. We ate dinner at A&B Lobster House right in the historic seaport afterwards.

Pro-tip: Key West is only 4 miles long and about 2 miles wide, so it’s very walkable! Grab dinner off Duval Street each night, and explore the area on foot!

Florida Keys Road Trip Day 3

Smathers beach.

Today was a beach day! The Keys aren’t known for their beaches. In fact, the real charm lies beneath the surface… aka the reefs. But, I was so pleasantly surprised by Smathers Beach! Definitely set aside some time to hang out at this beach during your stay in the Keys.

Pro-tip: You can rent lounge chairs and an umbrella for $30 at the beach.

My favorite thing about Smathers was all of the palm trees! There are so many here, scattered throughout the sand. The walkways leading up to the beach are lined with them too.

After the beach we went to Grain & Berry Cafe for some açaí bowls and spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool. Let’s talk about the bowls, shall we!

Jungle Culture

As I mentioned earlier, this blog post is sponsored by Jungle Culture . I was fortunate to be gifted several of their products, including their eco-friendly coconut bowls from Vietnam, customized reusable straws, and bamboo utensils. I packed all of these items with me on this trip in an effort to be more sustainable!

Jungle Culture is an eco brand that works with organic farms and crafts workshops in Vietnam to produce a range of eco-friendly and natural products that are ethically sourced. They offer a wide range of environmentally friendly products on their website, which you can check out here .

I’m excited to announce that I’ll also be running a giveaway with Jungle Culture over on Instagram tomorrow, January 6, to offer YOU a chance to win some of their amazing products for yourself! Be sure to tune in!

Now back to the itinerary…

Florida Keys Road Trip Day 4

Today was my family’s last full day in paradise. We spent the morning biking along the beaches before heading out to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park .

Pro-tip: We spent 5 days total in the Keys, and had 3 full days. The perfect amount of time for this trip.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

We were supposed to do a snorkel trip this afternoon to the reefs, but canceled due to rough seas. This was a bummer since the best coral reefs are located about 7 miles off the coast of Key West, but we tried to make the most of our time by doing some off-shore snorkeling in the state park. While I do recommend a boat tour to the world’s 3rd largest coral reef, Fort Zachary Taylor is a great option for off-shore snorkeling.

Aside from the fort, there’s a beach cafe here and a nice beach with chair/umbrella rentals. We ate lunch first and then explored the fort. This area has a civil-war era fort overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. It was recently excavated and now houses the largest cache of Civil War armament in the world.

After exploring the fort (and the moat!), we spent the afternoon on the beach. We were able to see some fish and a sea slug while snorkeling off the beach!

For dinner tonight, we ate at Bistro 245 on the water. It was so good and I definitely recommend trying it!

Florida Keys Road Trip Day 5

Today was mostly a travel day as we had a three hour drive back through the Keys to Miami. Again, I do recommend flying into Miami for your first visit so you can explore the Keys in their entirety, but if you’re a regular, definitely just fly into Key West.

That’s all for my Florida Keys road trip post! Let me know if you decide to follow a similar itinerary on your next trip, and definitely reach out if you have any questions! Lastly, be sure to head to my Instagram tomorrow to enter the giveaway with Jungle Culture. Thanks again Jungle Culture for sponsoring this post!

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Where did you leave your car while on Key West?

Hi there! We drove our car through the downtown and also found parking garages while exploring the area. It’s walkable, but was nice to have our car!

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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:

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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.

The Perfect 5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary for First Timers

In this article, I’m sharing the perfect 5 day Florida Keys itinerary, ideal for first time visitors. The Florida Keys are a pretty epic American road trip destination. You’ll find yourself driving along an overseas highway, hopping between different tropical islands.

I’m basing this itinerary off my most recent trip to the Florida Keys, in which I road tripped from Miami Airport to Key West and back again with my friend Mary, exploring multiple keys along the way.

Highlights of this 5 day Florida Keys itinerary include:

• Snorkeling in the USA’s first underseas park
• Key lime pie… lots of key lime pie
• Beach resorts and bed & breakfasts
• Fishing (and then eating your fish for dinner!)
• Sunset sailing
• Exploring a tropical fruit grove
• Driving the Seven Mile Bridge
• Touring a sea turtle hospital
• Visiting Key West classics like the Ernest Hemingway House

Let’s get to it.

5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: An Introduction

This 5 day itinerary is designed for first time visitors to the Florida Keys to give you an overview to each of the main keys. Maybe you have been to Key West before, but this is your first time exploring the keys as a whole.

Did you know that the Florida Keys are made up of about 1,700 islands, all connected by a 113-mile overseas highway? Yep, you’ll be road tripping over water in this epic itinerary.

This 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary:

Miami > Key Largo > Islamorada > Key West > Marathon > Miami

How Many Days Do You Need in the Florida Keys?

In my experience, five days is the minimum amount of time required to road trip the Florida Keys, if you’re planning to visit more than just Key West.

Below I’m sharing the ideal Florida Keys itinerary for first timers, spread across five full days. Note that I say five full days, because this itinerary does involve travel in and out of Miami Airport on days 0 and 6.

Here is a quick day-by-day breakdown of my recommended way to spend 5 days in the Florida Keys:

• Day 0 : Fly into Miami
• Day 1: Miami > Islamorada
• Day 2: Islamorada
• Day 3: Islamorada > Key West

Day 4: Key West

• Day 5: Key West > Marathon
• Final Day: Marathon > Miami

You can read my itinerary in much more detail below. I’ve designed the itinerary with general activity lists, rather than restricting you hour-by-hour, because I think that’s more helpful (and digestible, as a reader!).

Let’s get to it!

Car Rental for a Florida Keys Road Trip

You’ll need to rent a car for this Florida Keys road trip, unless you live in Florida or are driving down!

Reserve your rental car at least a few weeks in advance, to avoid any car shortages. Then, pick it up at the rental car counter at Miami Airport.

I recommend Discover Cars for car rental in the Florida Keys, because they show you the best deal from many different companies. You can filter by your personal preferences, such as size of car or insurance level.

Day 0: Fly to Miami

Highlights: Arrival to Miami, pick up rental car.

Your task for “day zero” is just to fly into Miami (or Fort Lauderdale) and pick up your rental car. Of course, you could do this early on your first full day instead, but personally I enjoyed doing this the night before so we had a fresh start for our road trip in the morning!

Where to Stay

Stay somewhere close to the Miami Airport. We stayed at the AC Hotel Miami Airport West for one night and I recommend it. It was a quick drive from the Miami Airport, and the hotel itself was sooo nice and comfortable with some high tech amenities.

Where to Eat

Have a quick dinner. For your first night, I recommend you just grab a quick meal before the adventure starts tomorrow.

Mary and I actually popped by Chipotle for takeout, which we ate in our room at the AC Hotel!

Doral City Place is another option very close to the AC Hotel Miami Airport West. It’s a large shopping center with lots of restaurants.

Fly into Miami. Obviously!

Pick up your rental car. This took us a surprisingly long time (1 hour) with the lines at the car rental station, so be sure to account for that possibility.

Relax in hotel. Mary and I actually ended up watching The African Queen (which we were able to play via Youtube on the massive TV in our AC hotel room ). This was as “research” for our steamboat ride on day 1 – read about that below!

Day 1: Miami to Key Largo to Islamorada

Highlights: A steamboat tour, fisheries lunch, check into beach resort.

Drive time: 2 hours

The first full day of your 5 day Florida Keys itinerary is all about the upper keys. You’ll spend the day driving from Miami down to your beach resort in Islamorada, which takes about 2 hours in total with some fun stops along the way in Key Largo (the northernmost key).

Day 1 | Miami to Key Largo to Islamorada:

• Check out of AC Hotel Miami Airport West
• Drive to Key Largo (~1.5 hours)
• 10am pre-booked steamboat tour on The African Queen
• Lunch at Key Largo Fisheries and Backyard Cafe
• Key lime pie at Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream
• Drive to Islamorada (~30 minutes)
• Check in to Postcard Inn Beach Resort
• Dinner at Twisted Shrimp
• Cocktails and beach sunset at Postcard Inn

I recommend booking a beach resort in Islamorada. We stayed at Postcard Inn Beach Resort for two nights. This was a great central location for the two days of our itinerary that we spent exploring the upper keys.

Postcard Inn is special because it’s directly on the ocean, and guests have access to paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, and more.

Fun fact: this resort is also where the rum runner cocktail was invented! Obviously, we had to partake.

Book your stay at Postcard Inn here.

RELATED | Best Places to Stay in the Florida Keys (For All Budgets)

Lunch at Key Largo Fisheries (Key Largo). This is a very “keys” experience and perfect for lunchtime. Eat some super fresh fish or crab (or lobster!) and see the nurse sharks swimming off the dock.

Key lime pie at Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream (Key Largo). If you are like Mary and I, then you’ll obviously waste no time in getting your hands on some key lime pie.

I recommend stopping at Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream after lunch for their chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick (and yes, it was gluten free!! Read my guide to finding gluten free key lime pie in the Florida Keys here ).

Dinner at Twisted Shrimp (Islamorada). A roadside seafood restaurant where you can actually eat IN a boat!

This place is extremely on brand for the keys.It’s laidback, family owned, and the (gluten free) fried shrimp is a delight. It is a great stop for dinner on your first night!

RELATED | Gluten Free Key West and the Florida Keys Guide

Cocktails at Postcard Inn’s Tiki Bar. You HAVE to visit the Tiki Bar for obvious reasons – this is reportedly where the rum runner cocktail was invented!

Go on The African Queen Steamboat Tour. Taking this historic steamboat tour is the highlight activity of the first day of your 5 day Florida Keys itinerary. This is literally THE boat that featured in the 1951 adventure film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. It’s actually on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

I recommend booking a tour for 10am, which is what we did. This was good timing as it gave us ample time to drive down from Miami, and we finished in time for lunch.

It was somewhat surreal sitting in this boat, cruising through the Key Largo canals and out to the ocean and back, after just having watched the movie the night before. Check availability and book your tour here .

Day 2: Islamorada and Key Largo

Highlights: A snorkel tour, charter fishing, and catch-and-cook dinner.

The theme for day two is adventure in the upper keys! This is your day to go snorkeling at the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the first undersea park in the United States!

Unfortunately for Mary and I, it was very windy on this day of our Florida Keys road trip… so our snorkel tour got CANCELED! This was a huge bummer, but nature happens, my friends.

The Keys can be particularly windy so it’s not unheard of for water activities to get canceled. With that in mind, we still had a wonderful day and were able to go charter fishing in the afternoon.

Day 2 | Islamorada and Key Largo:

• Quick breakfast
• 9am snorkeling tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (alternatively: swimming and paddle boarding at Postcard Inn’s beach)
• Lunch at The Fish House
• 1pm fishing charter trip
• Relax at Postcard Inn and get ready for dinner
• “Catch and cook” dinner at Chef Michael’s

You’ll spend a second night at your resort in Islamorada. We spent our second night at the wonderful Postcard Inn . I enjoyed having two nights in Islamorada, despite this being a pretty fast-paced 5 day Florida Keys itinerary.

Postcard Inn was a good home base to drive around the upper keys from. Plus, it was so great to have direct beach access, especially after our snorkel tour got canceled!

Quick breakfast. I recommend having a quick breakfast on day 2, because your itinerary today is pretty packed! Mary and I grabbed some food from the Starbucks by Postcard Inn (notably: the last Starbucks for 90 miles!).

Lunch at The Fish House Restaurant and Seafood Market (Key Largo). I stopped here for lunch to try their famous “Matecumbe” sauce which is essentially fresh fish simmered up with capers, shallots, and other delights. This dish has been featured multiple times on the Food Network – for good reason. Highly recommend!

Dinner at Chef Michael’s (Islamorada). For dinner, Mary and I dressed up and dined in style at Chef Michael’s (reservations recommended). Actually, we ate the fish that we caught earlier that day on our fishing trip – so fun!

This is also the place to try Lionfish – by eating it you are supporting their efforts to cull this invasive species and save the nearby reefs.

Snorkeling tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Ideally, you should spend the first half of your day enjoying an epic snorkeling tour off the coast of Islamorada.

Tours last 2.5 hours and depart 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm (for this itinerary, I recommend booking the 9am). Book your tour ahead of time here .

Fishing trip with Bamboo Charters . After lunch, head out on the water again but this time with Captain Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters. He’s an experienced fisherman, and will help you catch some Florida Keys fish no matter your experience level.

On our trip, we caught a lot of small snapper, which we saved for a catch-and-cook dinner at Chef Michael’s (arrange this with Captain Bellinger ahead of time). We also had an extremely thrilling hour-long struggle with a giant sting ray – don’t worry, we released it!

Fishing charters can be booked for 8am or 1pm, in groups up to six people, and you can choose a 4-, 6-, or 8-hour option. For this itinerary, I recommend the 4-hour 1pm-5pm option. Book your fishing charter here .

Relax at the beach. Your other job for today? Chill out and enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys beach – with direct access from Postcard Inn !

Of course Mary and I were disappointed when our snorkel tour was canceled, but this didn’t stop us from taking the paddleboards out at Postcard Inn.

Day 3: Islamorada to Big Pine Key to Key West

Highlights: A tropical fruit farm, the Seven Mile Bridge, and Cuban food in Key West.

Today you’ll get back into road trip mode, by driving down to Key West and passing over the famous Seven Mile Bridge. The total drive time from Islamorada to Key West is two hours, but you’ll take some fun stops along the way – including a picnic lunch at a very unique tropical fruit farm!

Day 3 | Islamorada to Big Pine Key to Key West:

• Check out of Postcard Inn
• Breakfast at Mangrove Mike’s
• Visit Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
• Drive to Big Pine Key (~1 hour)
• Visit Grimal Grove Tropical Fruit Farm
• Drive to Key West (~1 hour)
• Check in to The Gardens Hotel
• Cuban food for dinner and Sloppy Joe’s

I recommend staying at The Gardens Hotel in Key West. This was our home for two nights, and I loved it. This hotel is historic, quaint, and has a lovely breakfast and pool.

The location is ideal – you can walk anywhere you want to go in Key West but it’s a couple blocks back so never gets too loud at night. There’s also champagne on arrival and on site parking.

Book your stay at The Gardens Hotel here.

Breakfast at Mangrove Mike’s (Islamorada). Start your day off with the most Americana vibes diner you could imagine, just a five minute drive from Postcard Inn.

I particularly loved that they had gluten free pancakes! Definitely recommend eating breakfast here on at least one of your days in Islamorada.

Picnic lunch. For lunch, I recommend having a picnic, either at Bahia Honda State Park or at Grimal Gove (a tropical fruit grove that I share more about below!).

Dinner at El Meson de Pepe (Key West). You just have to try Cuban food in Key West and this is a great family-owned place to do it, recommended by locals and easy walking distance from your hotel if you stay at The Gardens Hotel.

Visit the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (Islamorada). After breakfast, your first stop of the day should be this history museum. It’s in Islamorada and only a five-minute drive from Postcard Inn, so it’s an easy way to start our day. During our visit, I learned a LOT about the Florida Keys (did you know it was originally an overseas railroad?).

Drive the Seven Mile Bridge. Your drive today includes this incredible landmark. After passing Marathon and before reaching Big Pine Key, you must first drive over seven miles of turquoise ocean.

Take a tour of Grimal Grove . I absolutely recommend making time to stop at Grimal Grove, a tropical fruit grove in Big Pine Key with a super unique back story. This is the only breadfruit grove in the country and tours include “tropical fruit hunting” and a fun tasting session where you eat breadfruit curry, fried breadfruit, sugarcane juice, and more (AKA, lunch!).

Tours last 75-90 minutes and are available Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30am, 1pm, or 3:30pm (I recommend the 1pm time slot for this itinerary!). Book your tour here .

Get settled at your hotel. After driving another hour, you’ll arrive in Key West! Check in to your hotel (I recommend booking The Gardens Hotel ) where you’ll be staying the next two nights.

Check in involves a complimentary glass of champagne, and you may even have time to jump in the pool and say hello to the resident cat and tortoise!

Drinks and nightlife on Duval Street. After a delicious Cuban dinner, make the most of your first night in Key West with a trip to the iconic Sloppy Joe’s – the bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented in Key West. Just a warning: it’s going to be crowded… and sloppy!

The entirety of Duval Street will be bustling, so if Sloppy Joe’s isn’t your vibe then you still have plenty of bars to pick from.

Highlights: full day to explore Key West, literary walking tour, key lime pie, museums, and sunset sailboat tour.

Today you can put the car keys away and devote a full day to exploring Key West!

There are honestly so many things to do in Key West but I’m sharing my personal ideal one day schedule below. If I was to extend this 5 day Florida Keys itinerary into a full week or longer, I’d give extra days to Key West because you only really get a taster with one full day.

Still, it’s a pretty epic day. If you follow my itinerary below, you’ll spend today eating key lime pie, drinking Cuban coffee, exploring on a literary tour, visiting historic sites, and sailing into the sunset with a drink in hand!

Day 4 | Key West:

• Breakfast at The Gardens Hotel
• Coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen Roasters
• 10am Literary Walking Tour by Key West Literary Seminars
• Lunch at Date & Thyme
• Eat some key lime pie
• Museum visit
• Sunset sailing tour with drinks and live music
• Dinner at Half Shell Raw Bar

We stayed a second night at The Gardens Hotel , and I recommend you do, too. I took advantage of the hotel’s amenities by swimming in the pool early in the morning!

Key West is the highlight of the Florida Keys for many people, so you definitely want one full day and two nights here.

Breakfast at The Gardens Hotel . Since our hotel was a bed and breakfast, we just went downstairs to eat a lovely breakfast out on the garden patio!

Coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen. This was a great stop to try the classic Cuban cafe con leche.

Lunch at Date & Thyme. You can really eat lunch anywhere today, but my personal recommendation would be this lovely organic market and cafe. They specialize in grab & go meals like wraps (and ice cream sandwiches!) and have plenty of vegan and gluten free options.

ALL the key lime pie. You’re in Key West, after all, so dedicate some time today to trying key lime pie! We did this directly after lunch.

Top 3 places to get key lime pie in Key West:

• Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe
• Key West Key Lime Pie Company
• Key Lime Pie Bakery

RELATED | Where to Find Gluten Free Key Lime Pie in Key West

Dinner at Half Shell Raw Bar. For dinner tonight, embrace being by the seaside and head to this casual and quirky bar located in the Key West Historic Seaport.

It will be convenient after your sunset sailing trip ends (more on that, below!). I recommend at least one platter of oysters.

Go on a literary walking tour. Key West is known for its vibrant literary history. If, like me, that interests you, then be sure to go on this 1.5 hour tour. You’ll walk through the Old Town of Key West, visiting the homes and haunts of writers like Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, and Elizabeth Bishop.

Tours are offered Sundays and Wednesdays at 10am. If that doesn’t match your schedule, you can contact them about a private tour. The cost is $30 per person, and you can book your tour here .

Visit Judy Blume’s bookstore, Books and Books. This is another one for my fellow book worms. Whether or not you go on the literary walking tour you should definitely check out the Books and Books bookstore – this is owned by none other than Key West local author, Judy Blume! You may even see her during your visit.

Explore Key West’s historic sights. After your literary morning, lunch, and a sampling of key lime pie, it’s time to spend your afternoon on more traditional touristic pursuits.

Key West has SO many museums and historic sights. You can really only scratch the surface in one day (but don’t worry, you’ll also have time to visit some sights tomorrow morning).

Here are some museums and sights to see in Key West:

• Harry S. Truman Little White House
• Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
• Key West Aquarium
• Tennessee Williams Museum

Personally, Mary and I chose to visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum this afternoon. That may seem like an odd choice but we really wanted to see some of the less well-known side of Key West and this museum was fascinating!

Take a sunset sailing trip . Finally, end your day in Key West with an incredible sunset sailboat trip out into the ocean, complete with complimentary cocktails and live music.

Mary and I took this exact sailing trip with Sebago Watersports and it was such a lovely way to end the day. There’s nothing like a Key West sunset seen from the ocean!

Book your sailing tour here.

Day 5: Key West to Marathon

Highlights: Southernmost Point, Ernest Hemingway Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Turtle Hospital, and a stunning beach resort.

Drive time: 1 hour

This is the final full day of your 5 day Florida Keys itinerary, but it’s still packed full of fun activities!

You’ll spend the morning exploring more of Key West, including the Southernmost Point and any museums you missed the day before. Then, you’ll drive north to Marathon where you’ll tour the famous Turtle Hospital, and check in to your hotel where you’ll have an incredible al fresco dinner by the beach.

Day 5 | Key West to Marathon:

• Breakfast at The Gardens Hotel (alternatively Green Pineapple cafe)
• Check out and hold luggage
• See more Key West sights
• Lobster pizza lunch at the Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
• Drive to Marathon
• Check in to Isla Bella Beach Resort
• Turtle Hospital Tour
• Relax at Isla Bella
• Dinner at Mahina at Isla Bella

You have a couple options of where to stay tonight, depending on when your flight home is. I recommend staying the night in Marathon, before driving back to Miami Airport the following morning. This maximizes your time and gives you 5 full days in the Florida Keys.

Alternatively, if you are flying home on day 5, then you may have to skip some of the itinerary below to drive back to Miami Airport in time for your flight.

Personally, on our final night in the Florida Keys we stayed at Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon. This was an incredible accommodation to end our trip on.

It’s luxurious yet surprisingly affordable, directly on the water with pools, beaches, bikes, and beautiful docks with sunrise views. There are also a few restaurants on site and this is where we had dinner – one of the best meals of our trip by far.

Book your stay at Islabella here.

Breakfast at your hotel or in town (Key West). Get an early breakfast today so you can get out and explore Key West. Either eat the complimentary breakfast at The Gardens Hotel , or check out Green Pineapple Cafe , a favorite of mine which opens at 8:30am.

Lunch at Seaside Cafe at the Mansion . Before you depart Key West, grab a quick lunch at this truly iconic restaurant that’s just steps from the Southernmost Point. Come here for their famous lobster pizza – it will not disappoint!

Dinner at Mahina at Isla Bella . Dress up and enjoy a final dinner in the Florida Keys at this Polynesian inspired restaurant at Islabella, where you can dine al fresco under the stars with a backdrop of ocean waves.

The filet mignon is to die for, and top it off with a key lime pie martini! Reservations required.

Spend the morning exploring Key West. There is so much to see in Key West so you’re bound to have some places you still want to go after your full day in Key West yesterday. This is your time to visit them – just check out and have your hotel hold your luggage first!

On our final morning in Key West, Mary and I climbed up the Key West Lighthouse , before taking a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home (a MUST when in Key West!) and hugging The Kapok Tree .

Then, we checked out the Southernmost Point marker, before getting a lobster pizza lunch. It was a pretty packed morning!

You could easily do the same, or change it up and visit any of the other sights I listed previously.

Turtle Hospital tour (Marathon). This was one of the highlights of my whole Florida Keys road trip! Marathon is home to a world class sea turtle rehabilitation center, and it’s actually open to the public to visit.

Tours are offered on the half hour, from 9am to 4pm, and cost $35 per person. Reservations are highly recommended! Book your tour here .

Relax at Isla Bella . After your turtle hospital tour, return to your hotel and relax before dinner. Soak up your final hours in the Florida Keys!

If you stay at Isla Bella Beach Resort like we did, then I recommend taking a dip in one of the pools.

Final Day: Marathon to Miami Airport

Highlights: Pigeon Key, drive to Miami Airport and fly home.

Drive time: 2.5 hours

All good things must come to an end. On your final day in the Florida Keys, your main job is to check out of your hotel and drive back to the Miami Airport (~2.5 hours driving time) to return your rental car and fly home.

Be sure to give yourself ample time to drive back to Miami before your flight, especially if you’re driving on a Friday or Sunday, due to traffic!

If you have time before you check out, consider taking the complimentary bikes at Isla Bella and riding to Pigeon Key and back. I also recommend checking out the Marketplace at Isla Bella before you leave – it’s an epic 5,000 square foot space with a cafe, perfect for picking up some souvenirs (and lunch for the road) before you depart!

If You Have More or Less Time on Your Florida Keys Roadtrip…

You can shorten or extend my suggested itinerary as needed, based on your flight times.

If I had to cut a night from my 5 day Florida Keys itinerary above, it would perhaps be the final night in Marathon (and just drive directly to Miami Airport). However, Isla Bella Beach Resort was my favorite hotel and a wonderfully relaxing way to end the trip, so it really depends on your travel style.

On the other hand, if I could add days to this itinerary and make it a full week in the Florida Keys, then I’d add a full day in Key West. Another day in Islamorada also would have been useful due to the weather cancellation of our snorkeling trip.

For the ultimate relaxation, I’d also add a couple days at Deer Run on the Atlantic , a sustainable bed and breakfast on Big Pine Key. A girl can dream!

5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Final Thoughts

That completes my 5 day Florida Keys road trip itinerary… I hope it’s helpful to you as you plan your own trip to the Florida Keys.

If you have any questions, just leave me a comment below. Happy traveling, and enjoy the Florida Keys!

Check out my other Florida Keys blog posts…

Best Places to Stay in the Florida Keys

Gluten Free Key West and the Florida Keys: Complete Guide

Where to Find Gluten Free Key Lime Pie in Key West

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Best Places to Stay in the Florida Keys For All Budgets

Gluten Free Key West and the Florida Keys: The Complete Travel Guide (2024)

Where to Find Gluten Free Key Lime Pie in Key West and the Florida Keys (2024)

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One Week Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary

First-time visitors to the Florida Keys should set aside at least a week to experience the best that these legendary islands—plus the gateway areas of Miami and the Everglades—have to offer.

Most travelers reach the Florida Keys by vehicle, which means you’ll likely begin your trip in the Miami area. For a taste of the city’s multicultural vibe, head to Little Havana , where you can sample authentic Cuban food and browse aromatic cigar shops. Then venture east to South Beach , where you can tour the colorful Art Deco District , view impressive art and artifact collections at the Jewish Museum of Florida—FIU or the World Erotic Art Museum , and relax at the popular Lummus Park Beach .

After lunch at one of South Beach’s savory cafés, head southwest to Coconut Grove and Coral Gables , both of which boast a variety of historic structures and shopping options. Savor a fine meal and perhaps stay the night at The Biltmore Hotel , a 1920s-era hotel in Coral Gables, where you can also play golf or enjoy a massage. If you’d rather experience Miami’s nightlife, stay in one of the boutique hotels or world-class resorts in South Beach.

Rise early and head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park , where you can stroll along the beach, have breakfast at the Lighthouse Cafe, and take a guided tour of the 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse , which provides panoramic views of Biscayne Bay . Afterward venture south to Biscayne National Park , where you can explore Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, and other islands by kayak.

If you’re an animal lover, stop by the Everglades Alligator Farm near Florida City, which features live alligator feedings and airboat rides in the Everglades. For a more intimate tour of this subtropical wilderness, take a canoe trip through Everglades National Park , Big Cypress National Preserve , or Collier-Seminole State Park , all marvelous places to observe birds, alligators, and other native creatures.

To experience the region’s heritage, head to the Miccosukee Indian Village on the Tamiami Trail or the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. After a day of sightseeing, unwind at the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming , where you’ll find endless dining, entertainment, and lodging options.

Venture south on U.S. 1 to the Florida Keys. In northern Key Largo , head to the tranquil Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park , which lures hikers, bikers, and wildlife lovers daily. Farther south you’ll encounter John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , where popular activities include kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Afterward head to Dolphins Plus , where you can learn how to be a marine mammal trainer. Wildlife lovers will also appreciate the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center , home to rehabilitating brown pelicans, turkey vultures, and great horned owls.

Following a day of outdoor diversions, relax at one of Key Largo’s many waterfront restaurants, most of which offer ideal spots to watch the sunset. Throughout Key Largo you’ll find a variety of eateries, bars, and hotels, including those at the Key Largo Resorts Marina , which also features the historical African Queen .

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Continue southwest to the islands of Islamorada . Here art lovers can explore paintings, sculptures, and other unique creations at The Rain Barrel on Plantation Key, while history buffs can learn about the ill-fated Overseas Railroad at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park . Farther southwest it’s hard to miss the enormous sign for Theater of the Sea , which offers bottomless boat rides and entertaining marine mammal shows. Meanwhile on Upper Matecumbe Key, you’ll find the History of Diving Museum , which houses a curious collection of diving paraphernalia.

On Lower Matecumbe Key, Robbie’s of Islamorada features boat rentals, fishing charters, and an open-air market. The marina also provides boat tours of two remote islands: Indian Key Historic State Park , once the site of a lucrative cargo-salvaging business, and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park , where you can tour a virgin tropical forest. While all the islands of Islamorada are worth visiting, Upper Matecumbe Key boasts most of the area’s shops, spas, bars, restaurants, and accommodations.

Just past Layton in the Middle Keys is Long Key State Park , a tranquil place for canoeists, anglers, hikers, and snorkelers. Farther south, you can embrace other family-friendly diversions, such as flying high above the islands and coral reefs via Island Hoppers Aerial Adventures , visiting dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center , exploring the wooded islands of Curry Hammock State Park , and relaxing on Sombrero Beach , popular with swimmers, picnickers, and volleyball enthusiasts.

If you have time, take a walking tour of The Turtle Hospital , a rescue facility on Vaca Key. Then stop by the Pigeon Key Gift Shop, housed in a red train car, and purchase admission to Pigeon Key , an early-20th-century base camp for bridge workers. Admission includes a ferry ride to the island, which you can also access via the Old Seven Mile Bridge .

You’ll find plenty of after-hours dining and lodging options in the Middle Keys. Though most lie on Vaca Key, Marathon’s lengthiest island, you may prefer more isolated places, such as Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key.

After crossing the Seven Mile Bridge , you’ll encounter the less populated Lower Keys, where Bahia Honda State Park lures kayakers, snorkelers, anglers, and bikers daily. On Big Pine Key, you might be able to spot a tiny key deer in the National Key Deer Refuge or an alligator at the freshwater Blue Hole . While here, take a snorkeling or diving trip to Looe Key Reef , where you’ll spy large coral formations, spiny lobster, and the remains of a shipwreck.

Where you choose to spend your evening depends on your budget. If you can’t afford the high dining and lodging prices at the exclusive Little Palm Island Resort & Spa , consider some of the Lower Keys’ more affordable options, from cottages on Big Pine Key to an RV park on Geiger Key.

Head to Key West and survey its attractions aboard the Conch Tour Train . Then begin your self-guided tour on Duval Street in Old Town , where you can peruse art galleries, visit historical landmarks, and see colorful butterflies at The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory . On nearby Whitehead Street, stroll among six-toed felines at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum , view the city from atop the Key West Lighthouse , and see John James Audubon’s drawings at the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens .

Not far away, the impressive Mel Fisher Maritime Museum presents many of the treasures discovered in the famous Atocha shipwreck. Stroll to the nearby Custom House Museum , where you’ll see portraits of famous Key West residents, and take a guided tour of the Harry S. Truman Little White House . If there’s time, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park , which offers guided tours of the 19th-century fort as well as the finest beach in town.

Be sure to experience the daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square , and enjoy the plethora of nearby shops, bars, and restaurants. While you’ll find a variety of accommodations here, from low-key campgrounds to oceanfront resorts, consider staying in Old Town, which ensures easy access to Key West’s most popular activities.

Joshua Lawrence Kinser

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Moon Florida Keys: With Miami & the Everglades

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Florida Keys Road Trip: 29 Amazing Places To Visit [Map Included]

An awesome tropical vacation destination right here in the United States is the Florida Keys. It has such a Caribbean feel with the conveniences of being in the US.  Below is our recommend Florida Keys Road Trip that you can do on its own or as part of a Florida Road Trip or an East Coast Road Trip !

The first thing to realize is that once you enter the Keys you have over a hundred miles from the very upper Keys down to Key West . That’s a lot of ground to cover. It’s amazing to think that you will be driving to each of these islands via 42 bridges!

The other thing to know is that directions in the Keys are given by saying what Mile Marker, or MM, they are at. Key Largo, which is the first island, starts at Mile Marker 107 and Key West is at Mile Marker 0.

• Top Experience: Do It All Water Sports Adventure Package
• Top Attraction: Aquarium Encounters
• Don’t Miss: A sunset cruise on a Schooner
• Do This In Key West : Conch Train

If you are looking for a longer trip you may want to consider doing a Miami to Florida Keys road trip. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Miami too!

Map of the Florida Keys Road Trip:

Alright, on with the show. We will start with the Upper Keys then go to the Middle Keys and then the Lower Keys.

Table of Contents

Map of the Upper Keys area:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The first stop on the trip isJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park located at Mile Marker 102.5 in Key Largo. This is one of the best snorkel and diving locations in the country. The state park is pretty much all on the coral reef, so you don’t have to go far from shore to see some cool colors and marine life.

There is plenty to do at Pennekamp. Enough to spend an entire day there. There is a nice beach to relax at and they have kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards for rent. You can take them through mangrove trails which are neat.

They offer boat tours, one of which is the glass bottom boat. This tour will take you out to the coral reef where you can see tons of fish.

They also have a small cafe, gift shop, and aquarium.

Snorkeling Tours

If you want to give snorkeling a try this area is a great place! There are a couple of different snorkeling trips you can do:

Half Day Snorkel Trip – Visit the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and explore the 3rd largest living reef system in the world!

Snorkel 2 Coral Reefs – Visit Christ of the Abyss, Grecian Rocks, John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park and the Elbow Reef and more on this tour!

Getting out on the water in the Keys is a must! In the Upper Keys area here are a few great options:

Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Take a glass bottom boat tour where you can see fish and you don’t have to get wet.

Sunset Eco Cruise – Small group cruise to see the amazing sunset on the water.

If you have scuba gear you may want to look into a scuba trip as John Pennekamp is listed as one of the top sites in the Keys. There are also places you can rent gear. If you want to buy your own before coming heck out this great post on high quality scuba gear.

Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

A bit down the road at the Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory at Mile Marker 92 in Tavernier. The Keys may not be known for its beaches, but it is known for a few other things, Key Lime Pie is one of them.

It says it right in the title! Stop here for a slice or a whole pie. It’s delicious!

After you had dessert, how about some real food? The next stop on the trip is Marker 88 located at, you guessed it, Mile Marker 88 in Islamorada. We liked this restaurant for its outside set up. Don’t get me wrong, pretty much every restaurant in the Keys has outdoor seating due to its beautiful views and relatively nice temperature, but Marker 88’s setup was nice.

Theatre Of The Sea

At Theatre Of The Sea, we were able to watch a parrot show – the birds were beautiful! They also have a place where you can go in the water and feed the fish, gigantic tortoises, and opportunities to have a bird sit on your shoulder.

When we were here we were also able to swim with the dolphins. This was an unbelievable experience!

Midway Cafe

If you’re looking for a cup of coffee or a baked good rather than a hearty meal, check out Midway Cafe. You’ll find Midway Cafe at Mile Marker 80.5 still in Islamorada. This quirky little cafe has some great coffee and coffee drinks. The different flavors and drinks rival that of your local Starbucks.

Robbie’s of Islamorada

The next stop on the trip is one of the cooler, and more frightening, experiences we’ve done. There is a one-stop-shop for fishing, boat rentals, snorkeling, and more at Robbie’s of Islamorada located at Mile Marker 77.5. There is a restaurant/bar at Robbie’s as well as several outdoor shops to browse through.

The can’t-miss experience, however, is feeding the tarpons. You purchase a bucket of fish for $3 to feed to these giant tarpon fish (which seem to be upwards of 4 feet long) by hand. It’s an adrenaline rush to see these monsters lurch out of the water right at your hand, but it’s an experience you must try! Just watch out for the pelicans as they are just as aggressive and hungry as the tarpons.

Long Key State Park

The Keys are home to several great state parks (one of which we already talked about) and they are all stop-worthy on this epic road trip. Most of them offer camping, so if you’re looking to stay overnight in the Keys, this may be your most economical way to do so. The caveat being it’s very difficult to find a campsite available, especially in the winter months.

On Long Key, be sure to stop at Long Key State Park. Here you can bike, hike, and splash around in a shallow beach area. This would also be a good pit stop for a picnic on your road trip.

Long Key State Park is located at Mile Marker 67.5.

Dolphin Research Center

The Dolphin Research Center does a great job providing a place where you can come and learn all about these amazing creatures. The workers know all of the dolphins by name and the story behind how they came to be there. You can watch the shows they do with the Dolphins and if you would like you can do some things in the water with them too.

Curry Hammock State Park

A bit up the road from Long Key State Park is another great park called Curry Hammock State Park. We camped here for a few nights and we enjoyed it. The campsite is clean and friendly, even to big RV’s.

There is a small playground and several covered picnic areas right on the beach at Curry Hammock. They also have a nice sandy beach area if you’re looking to kick back and relax.

Curry Hammock is at Mile Marker 54 in Marathon.

Where To Stay

Fun in the Sun – check out this house with access to a private beach!

Baker’s Cay Resort By Hilton

Playa Largo Resort and Spa

Fiesta Key RV resort – a good campground with full hookups, sites on the water (if you can get one), a large pool, and an onsite restaurant overlooking the ocean!

Riptide RV Resort & Marina – located in Key Largo, smaller campground with only about 35 full hookup sites.

If you don’t have one you can Rent An RV . Check out our post for tips on Planning Your RV Trip .

Check out more Florida Keys campgrounds here.

Campground:

John Pennekamp State Park has full hookup sites but they are tight and the noseeums can be really bad.

Curry Hammock State Park is the one we would recommend. Large sites and a very peaceful vibe.

Middle Keys

Map of the Middle Keys:

Now that you are in Marathon, which is considered the Middle Keys, you’re at about the half-way point in the island chain down to Key West.

Marathon is more like your typical small-town since you’ll find a couple of grocery stores, fast food, and quite a few stores.

Aquarium Encounters

Aquarium Encounters is a great stop to make with curious and hands-on kids (or parents)! While we were here we were able to feed and pet stingrays, turtles, and even sharks!! It was an awesome way to get up close and personal with all of these local animals.

Sombrero Beach

Marathon is also home to probably our favorite beach in all the Keys. Sombrero Beach is a few miles east of US Hwy 1 on Sombrero Beach Rd. This beach has soft golden sand and plenty of ocean to swim or paddle-board in. It is on our list of the top Florida Keys Beaches !

Turtle Hospital

Also in Marathon is the Turtle Hospital at Mile Marker 48.5. Stop in for a tour to learn how this hospital takes in injured or sick sea turtles and how they nurse them back to health. You can even watch them perform surgeries on the turtles during the week.

Sunset Grille and Raw Bar

One of the last stops in Marathon that is very unique is Sunset Grille and Raw Bar at Mile Marker 47. Here you have access to a great restaurant and 2 full services bars, one of which is outside next to their huge heated swimming pool. So grab a table, order some drinks and take a dip while you wait.

7 Mile Bridge

Right next to Sunset Grille is the 7 Mile Bridge. This has to be some sort of engineering feat to span a bridge that long. You can walk right from Sunset Grille under the bridge to the other side of the road to get on the walking portion of the bridge.

You cannot beat the ocean views this bridge provides. The colors of the water are what made the Keys special to me. This is a great spot to get out and stretch your legs or to walk off some of the calories from Sunset Grille.

Bahia Honda State Park

Just past the 7 Mile Bridge is another great state park called Bahia Honda. There is an old railroad bridge next to Bahia Honda that offers great photo opportunities. You can rent kayaks or stand-up paddle-boards at Bahia Honda or make it a beach day and sit in the sand.

Bahia Honda is located at Mile Marker 37.

National Key Deer Refuge

Big Pine Key is one of the larger islands in the Keys. It is a special place because it is home to the National Key Deer Refuge. Key Deer are an endangered species of deer only found in the Keys. They are much smaller in size compared to regular deer and if you stop at a few places in the refuge, you’re almost guaranteed to see some.

No Name Pub

While you’re on Big Pine Key, another great stop is the No Name Pub. Heading into this restaurant/bar, you’ll see thousands of single dollar bills taped to the walls. Feel free to sign your name on a single and stick it up somewhere, if you can find space.

The thing we enjoyed at the No Name Pub was their pizza. As legend has it, 2 cooks from Italy came to work at the restaurant and they brought with them a great pizza recipe. When the cooks left the restaurant, they wrote the recipe on the kitchen wall so the great tasting pizza would stay long after they were gone.

Waterfront house with Heated Pool, Waterfall, and more!

Oceanfront Villa with Rooftop Terrace

If you want to stay at one of the best hotel pools for kids you will want to stay at: Hawks Cay Resort

Courtyard by Marriott 

Sunshine Key RV Resort – located just south of the 7-mile bridge. Nice full hookup sites with a pool.

Bahia Honda State Park – we have never been able to get in here but if we could we would love to. It is located right on the water.

Pelican RV Resort & Marina – definitely a fisherman’s paradise, full hookups with pool and tiki hut pavilion on the water

Now we head down into the Lower Keys which is mostly Key West. Key West can be a crazy and wild scene but it can also be family-friendly with lots of great things to do for kids and adults!

The last stop on the road trip is Key West . You made it! There are so many things to do in Key West , I don’t even know where to start. You have endless options for dinner, drinks, fishing, and entertainment.

A couple of things I would recommend is to park your car and just walk the city. If you stay on the west side of US 1, you can walk quite a bit of it and get a cool local feel for the island.

I know what you’re thinking, you’re not looking to party with the spring break crowd. We thought this the first time we visited Key West, but after a few visits, we quickly fell in love with the island. We brought our kids with us each time and felt comfortable doing so.

Be sure to check out Duval Street as it’s home to a few famous bars like Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite Sloppy Joe’s.

Ultimate Water Sport Combo – Our Top Pick!!

If you can only do one thing in Key West have this be it! Do It All Water Sports Adventure Package is the perfect way to get out on the water! The morning starts with breakfast as you head out to go snorkeling. You then stop and parasail, kayak, jet ski, and play on the water trampoline, mat and you can take a turn on the banana boat (which I fell off of :))!

Check out our post on The 4 Best Water Activities in Key West With Kids .

If you have a need for speed Jet Skiing is the way to go! Go for 28 miles of speeds 40MPH and higher and see the Southern Most Point, Florida Bay,  Key West harbor, and more. We did this with kids and I had a kid in front of me and behind me.

It definitely adds a challenge when trying to keep up but the kids loved it! Note – don’t do this with kids if they don’t like things like this – or it will be miserable for everyone.

Schooner Sunset Sail

Head out for a sunset cruise on a Schooner ! Another great way to see the Keys and awesome to be on a boat to take in the sunset. We did this with kids and it was a little scary making sure they didn’t go by the edge-but it is doable.

The aquarium in Key West is small but well worth a stop! You can feed the sharks – which is a highlight so be sure you ask when that is happening and get there in time to do it. They also have a lot of different fish from the area and they do programs throughout the day.

Fort Zachary Taylor

This is an awesome place to visit and spend the day. There is an entrance fee since it is a State Park but once in you can enjoy the beach along with walking around at the fort.

There is also a snack bar with alcoholic beverages if you are interested.

Pirate Museum

You can’t go to Key West and not go to a Pirate Museum . Pirates are a big part of the history of Key West and when you visit the Pirate museum you can learn all about it. They also have a lookout you can walk up to where you get an amazing view of Key West.

Conch Train

I enjoy things like this when visiting a city for the first time. You can hop on and stay on the Conch Train the whole time or you can get off at a stop and go out and explore and then hop back on to be taken to the next stop.

The train drivers are super knowledgeable and funny so it is a great way to learn about Key West!

Old Town Trolley

Another option is the Old Town Trolley . We have not done this one in Key West but have in other cities and enjoyed learning about the city we were visiting this way. This is also a hop on hop off option.

Southern Most Point

If you get here really early in the morning you won’t have to wait in line. This is considered the Southern Most Point in the continental United States. If you go later in the day be prepared to wait. This is the go-to place for a picture when you are in Key West!

Sunset Celebration

Also, be sure to check out the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. This is done at sunset every night down by the water at Mallory Square. Leading up to sunset there are some really fun street performers along with food vendors. The kids were able to try a fresh coconut here.

Then at sunset, everything stops so everyone can watch the sunset and cheer when it goes down.

Dry Tortugas

If you want to turn your road trip into a sailing adventure, I recommend checking out the Dry Tortugas . You’ll hop aboard a catamaran to sail 70 miles west to the Dry Tortuga island. There’s an old Army fort on the island to explore as well as some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

This is one of our top National Parks to visit. It is gorgeous!

Island Dogs

Island Dogs is a fun restaurant in Key West since you can sit on the porch and people watch while you are eating.

Lagerheads Beach bar

Lagerheads Beach Bar is a great place to go with kids since the tables are on the sand so the kids can play in the sand while they are waiting for their food. Plus there is a beach area you can play at.

Florida Keys Brewing Company check this place out if you like the brewery scene!

Big house with Pool!

Stay on a boat!

More options:

Casa Marina – right on the water with a beach area and pool.

Southern Most Beach Resort – close to everything yet off on its own.

Campgrounds

Boyd’s Campground – a good location for exploring Key West.

You can also stay at the campground in the middle of the Keys and drive down to Key West for the day. We have done this every time we have visited. It is a bit of a hassle but can be done.

Well, that’s it. Now it’s time to head back north to the mainland. Hurricane Irma did do damage to the Keys and you may still see some remnants of it and/or things may be closed so be sure to check. We will be back to the Keys soon!

More Posts To Check Out:

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Florida Road Trip: 31 Amazing Places You Won’t Want To Miss

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Key West Florida Tour: Self-Guided Drive

All american road.

Tour Details

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Welcome to the key west florida tour.

Discover the beautiful Florida Keys and drive along the iconic ‘Highway that goes to the sea’! This 100-mile drive stretches from Key Largo to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. This Florida Keys tour will also show you the unbelievable diversity of wildlife, famous presidential homes, and the famed Seven Mile Bridge. This is the only National Scenic Highway and an All American Road in Florida. 

About the Tour

Our sunshine-filled journey begins just an hour outside Miami, Florida: on Key Largo. This is the first of the Keys, or islands, leading down to the famous Key West. 

Begin this scenic 100-mile Florida Keys driving tour bypassing the ‘African Queen,’ the iconic riverboat. Follow in the historical footsteps of the Overseas Railroad to Plantation Key, the smugglers’ haven. While there, check out Big Betsy, the giant lobster, and Theatre of the Sea, home of the original dolphin shows.

Continue through Isla Morada while learning about the hurricanes, ecosystems, and wildlife of the tropical Florida Keys. Explore Anne’s Beach, Long Key, and Marathon, each of which contains unique attractions.

Cross over the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, the staple of the Florida Keys. Be sure to check out Fred the Tree, the stalwart spirit of the Keys! Journey past Pigeon Key until you reach the most famous Key of all: Key West. 

Discover Mallory Square, Truman’s White House, the Hemingway Home, Tennessee Williams’ House, and the historic lighthouse in Key West. Wrap up the comprehensive and extensive self-guided tour at the Southernmost Point of the Continental US.

Experience the magic of Key West like never before with our Bonus Walking Tour of Florida’s breathtaking Key West. 

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Where To Start?

We recommend Starting From:

Traveling from Miami: Key Largo sign, 106309 Overseas Hwy

Taking the tour from Key West: 1400 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Your tour of Florida's Keys begins on Key Largo, just south of Miami.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Discover the only living coral reef in the United States.

Unique Ecosystem

Find out just what makes Florida's ecosystems so diverse.

The African Queen

Glimpse a steamboat that's also a classic movie star.

Overseas Railroad

Dig into the history of the first efforts to connect all of Florida's keys together.

Get tips about visiting the Heritage Bike Path if you want to stretch your legs.

Hurricanes of the Keys

Hear about the most devastating hurricanes to strike the keys.

Key Lime Pies

Brush up on the unexpected history of Florida's iconic citrus export and tasty dessert.

Birds of the Keys

Get to know some of the more than 250 species of birds who call the keys home.

Manatee Mailboxex

Learn how to spot one of the keys' quirky easter eggs as you drive.

Plantation Key

Find out what this key has to do with Prohibition-era rum runners.

King of the Wreckers

Hear the true story of the man who made his fortune off of other people's misfortune.

Sandal Factory

Discover how one man kicked off a huge style trend across the country.

Big Betsy, the Giant Lobster

Wave to this huge, iconic mascot and stop by for some handmade souvenirs.

Get the scoop on the controversy behind Florida's most famous foliage.

Theatre of the Sea

Check out one of the country's oldest marine theme parks, featuring dolphins, sharks, turtles, and more.

Hurricane of 1935

Revisit one of the most harrowing days in the history of the keys.

The Purple Isle, IslaMorada

Uncover this island's many connections to fame and fortune over the years.

Green Turtle Inn

Grab some grub at this iconic restaurant once featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Fish Habitat

Find out what makes Islamorada such a fantastic sportsfishing location.

Glimpse a key way off the beaten path and discover its shockingly violent past.

Robbie's of Islamorada

Fulfill any need you might have at this all-in-one shop and tourist destination.

Power Lines

Get insight into one of the major downsides about living on the keys, despite all the perks.

Anne's Beach

Stroll along a boardwalk, feel the sand beneath your toes, or take a dip in the warm Atlantic waters.

Residents and Tourists

Find out how many people actually live on the keys full-time and how outnumbered they are by visitors.

Endangered Ecosystems

Learn about some of the major threats to the keys and what they could mean for the residents.

Discover why this key has been visited by people like Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, and William Randolph Hearst.

Weather of the Keys

Dig into what makes the keys the perfect tropical paradise.

Take a look at this oddly-shaped key and hear the bizarre tale of the uranium magnate who bought it.

Dolphins of the Keys

Hear about the dolphins of the Florida keys, including one of the most famous dolphins of all time.

Dolphin Research Center

Stop by this research center for interactive shows and tours.

Sharks of the Keys

Get some hair-raising facts about the Atlantic's toothiest critters, as well as a few reasons why you shouldn't worry too much about running into one.

Cross the "Heart of the Florida Keys" and find out which big-name celebrities have lived here.

Sombrero Beach

Stop by a beach with white sand, swaying palm trees, bright blue sea... and a bonus feature that most beachgoers can only dream of!

Turtle Hospital

Swing by this animal rehabilitation center, which pays for its good work by offering educational programs to visitors.

Seven Mile Bridge

Cruise across this elegant bridge and take in stunning views of the ocean on either side.

Discover the eerie Pigeon Key ghost town and learn its history.

Fred the Tree

Get acquainted with this iconic tree and find out why the locals have taken such a liking to it.

Little Duck Key

Enter the Lower Keys by way of this gateway island with a strange mystery behind its name.

Missouri Key & Ohio Key

Uncover the unusual history behind these two keys as you admire the scenery.

Find out why there are so many RV parks along the keys, and what it had to do with snows up north.

Bahi Honda State Park

Explore a nearly uninhabited key packed with hiking trails, lush picnic areas, and scenic lagoons.

Bahi Honda Railroad Bridge

Get a glimpse at one of the original bridges built to connect the Florida Keys by rail.

Untangle the strange biology of mangroves, including how they're able to thrive where most trees would quickly perish.

National Key Deer Refuge

Learn how to distinguish key deer from their mainland cousins as you cruise by a refuge perfect for wildlife spotting.

Gators of the Keys

Find out why you're unlikely to see alligators on the keys and get tips about where to go if you really want to spot one.

Little Torch Key

Uncover the unexpected quirk of the trees on this key as you drive.

Hear the wild but totally true tale about the post office which was once this island's only building.

Big Coppitt Key

Learn all about Happy Jack, the 19th century wild man who used to live on this key.

Naval Air Station Key West

Keep your eyes open for impressive aerial training maneuvers as you pass this naval base.

Stock Island

Visit the last remnant of "old Key West" before continuing on to the modern version.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Stop by a lush botanical garden packed with Florida's most beautiful flora.

Get a crash course in the weird, totally unique history of Florida's most famous key.

Dredgers Key/Waterfront

Gaze across the ocean at a key with a much different story from Key West's.

Key West Yacht Club

Revisit the economic highs and lows of Key West.

Housing Prices on Key West

Rethink your dreams about moving to this tropical paradise with a reality check about the absurd house prices on the island.

Mallory Square

Stop by a square loaded with food vendors, entertainers, and more.

Celebrate the completion of a long journey as you pass the end of the Overseas Highway.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Put on your reading glasses and pay a visit to the home of one of America's greatest authors.

Key West Lighthouse

Snap some killer photos of this old-timey lighthouse and the sparkling ocean beyond.

Southernmost Point of the Continental US

This tour concludes at the southernmost point in the continental US, and a great spot to stretch your legs and appreciate how far you've come.

Preview The Tour

  what is the best month to visit the florida keys.

If you can take the 80-90 degree heat, either June or July is a great time to visit the Keys . Most of the crowds flock to Florida during the colder months, which can result in a little more traffic than anyone wants to deal with.

  What key in Florida has the best beaches?

While it’s hard to go wrong with any of the beaches along the Keys, the best might just be those on Bahia Honda Key. That’s largely thanks to Bahia Honda State Park, which takes up a large swath of this island.

  Are the Florida Keys worth visiting?

The Florida Keys are 100% worth visiting! With shockingly blue ocean on either side, amazing wildlife, incredible food, and unbeatable beaches, it’s a tropical paradise unlike anywhere else in the United States.

  Do you need a car in the Florida Keys?

A car is highly recommended during your visit to the Keys. The bike trail which runs alongside the Overseas Highway isn’t yet complete, so you’ll want a vehicle to make it the full 100 miles to Key West.

  What is the prettiest part of the Florida Keys?

Key Largo features one of the prettiest tropical parks in the world, complete with the only living coral reef in the Lower 48. But it’s hard to beat Key West at sunset, as the orange rays shimmer on the water and a band plays on the pier.

  What Florida Keys can you drive to?

You can drive to 34 different Keys along the famous Overseas Highway. Although there are over 800 islands in total, this will get you to all the ones most worth seeing.

  Are there places to stop on the Seven Mile Bridge?

For safety reasons, there is no stopping on the Seven Mile Bridge. But don’t worry—you’ll still be able to take in plenty of amazing ocean views as you drive!

  What should you not miss in the Florida Keys?

An absolute can’t-miss experience on any visit to the Florida Keys is the sunset on Key West. As afternoon rolls toward evening, folks gather by the shore, musicians start playing, and street vendors offer mouth-watering food. It’s like a mini festival every single day!

  How do I plan a trip to the Florida Keys?

The best way to plan a trip to the Florida Keys is by identifying a few important places where you’d like to stop along the Overseas Highway. This is the main route from Key Largo to Key West, so it’s easy to access anything along this road. Just keep in mind that the drive itself takes 3-4 hours, so make sure you budget enough time to get all the way to Key West!

  Why are the Florida Keys important?

The Florida Keys mark the southernmost point of the Continental US. This makes them a completely unique environment, which you can’t find anywhere else on the mainland.

  What are Florida Keys made of?

The Florida Keys are primarily composed of limestone, left behind by marine animal and plant life long ago. The lower keys actually contain fossilized remnants of ancient coral reefs!

  What is the nickname for the Florida Keys?

Each Florida Key actually has its own nickname! Key West, for instance, is known as The Conch Republic, thanks to a weird and wild confrontation between a Key West mayor and the federal government, during which the mayor declared the island an independent republic!

  Name a few facts about Florida keys.

There are over 800 Florida Keys in total, but the vast majority of these are completely uninhabited. Temperatures on these islands are generally about 10 degrees lower than on the mainland thanks to constant sea breeze. And the median home price on Key West is $1.5 million dollars as of 2023!

  Why is it called the 7 Mile Bridge?

The answer is as simple as it sounds! 7 Mile Bridge gets its name from being about seven miles long. Well, it’s actually 6.79 miles long, but that name isn’t quite as catchy!

  Where does the 7 mile bridge start and end?

The 7 Mile Bridge starts at Knight’s Key near Marathon, Florida, and ends at Little Duck Key in the Florida Keys.

  What is the speed limit on the 7 Mile Bridge?

The speed limit on the 7 Mile Bridge is 55 mph. For everyone’s safety, it’s important not only that you don’t speed, but also that you don’t drive too slowly to get that perfect picture.

  Can I visit the old Seven Mile Bridge?

Yes, a portion of the old Seven Mile Bridge has been converted into a fishing pier and is accessible for visitors to explore and enjoy the scenic views.

  Are there any scenic viewpoints along the Seven Mile Bridge?

Yes, there are several scenic viewpoints along the Seven Mile Bridge where visitors can stop and enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise waters and surrounding islands.

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Road Trip: Florida Keys

The 113-mile (181-kilometer) drive from mainland Florida to Key West induces sensory overload.

The 113-mile (181-kilometer) drive on Highway 1 from mainland Florida to Key West induces sensory overload. Besides the natural beauty along the route—tidal flats, teal waters dotted by distant islands—the so-called Overseas Highway awes you in its own right as an engineering marvel. Its concrete stretches across impossible expanses of water, the Atlantic spreading out to the left, the Gulf to the right.

Highway 1 is festooned with classic Americana, from kitschy gift shops purveying seashell necklaces to burger stands offering shakes and fries. But that's just the half of it. Beneath the ocean surface lies a separate world of Technicolor fish and coral reefs. Below are the five best dive sites you'll encounter as you proceed from Key Largo, near the top of the island chain, down to Key West, at the end. At each spot, you'll park at a dive shop and motor out to the reef on a boat. The entire dive experience takes two to four hours, leaving ample time to watch the sunset and enjoy a seafood dinner. Meanwhile, non-divers will find plenty else to do, from snorkeling to exploring state parks to visiting museums. Major attractions are sited by mile marker, from MM 107 in Key Largo to MM 0 in Key West.

Begin in Key Largo

Key Largo calls itself the dive capital of the world. It's home to the 70-square-mile (181-square-kilometer) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5; tel. 1 305 451 6300; www.pennekamppark.com ). The park has a visitors center and beach, a good place to hone your snorkeling skills before boarding a dive boat. The best undersea attraction of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary ( floridakeys.noaa.gov ) is the wreck of the Spiegel Grove ( www.fla-keys.com/spiegelgrove ), a 510-foot (155-meter) retired Navy ship sunk as an artificial reef in 2002 and now resting 130 feet (39 meters) underwater near Dixie Shoal. Fish you might spot include trumpetfish and angelfish lurking along the hull, which is covered with sponges and soft coral. You can also stop at Molasses Reef, suitable for snorkelers. Local dive operators include Ocean Divers (522 Caribbean Dr.; tel. 1 305 451 1113; oceandivers.com ) and Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort (MM 104.5; tel. 1 305 451 3595; www.amoray.com ), which offers morning coffee with its rooms and apartments.

In the area: Locals stop by the Marlin (MM 102.7; tel. 1 305 451 2454), a Cuban restaurant, for a café con leche and pastelitos (crispy, filled pastries; try the guava) before turning in to Pennekamp. After your dive, try Hobo's Cafe (MM 101.7; tel. 1 305 451 5888; hoboscafe.net ), an authentic Keys eatery serving burgers and fresh fish.

Tavernier, your next stop, accesses the Conch Reef. This is perhaps the Keys' best drift dive, in which you descend at Point A, drift down current, then resurface at Point B, where the dive boat retrieves you. "It's one of the most popular ways to see the reef," says Brenda Mace, whose Conch Republic Divers (MM 90.8; tel. 1 305 852 1655; www.conchrepublicdivers.com ) offers twice-daily reef and wreck dives. Other reefs near the southern end of Pennekamp, many with names as colorful as the fish, include Hens and Chickens, Pickles, and Alligator.

In the area: For breakfast, it's Harriette's (MM 95.7; tel. 1 305 852 8689), known for its biscuits and generous servings. After a long day, treat yourself at Snapper's Waterfront Restaurant (MM 94.5; tel. 1 305 852 5956; www.snapperskeylargo.com ), frequented by celebrities. For a classic Keys lodging experience, stay at the quiet Kona Kai (MM 97.8; tel. 1 305 852 7200; www.konakairesort.com ), a restored 1940s bayside resort. Before you leave the Upper Keys, visit the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum (MM 83, Islamorada; tel. 1 305 664 9737; www.divingmuseum.org ), where you can try on antique diving equipment and see diving machines from the 1700s.

Duck Key and other parts of the middle section of the Keys are often overlooked by divers, but "from Tavernier to Big Pine Key is where you find the most pristine diving conditions," says Wendy Hall of Dive Duck Key (MM 61; tel. 1 305 289 4931; diveduckkey.com ). "It's quieter, with fewer residents here, and not as many commercial dive operations, so there's less pressure on our reefs." Lost and Found Reef, for example, has abundant life, such as vast schools of goatfish. "We get tons of giant sea turtles and spotted eagle rays," says Hall. "We see them every day."

In the area: Hawks Cay (61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key; tel. 1 305 743 7000; www.hawkscay.com ) is a major resort with its own restaurants and an enclosure where you can get in the water to interact with the dolphins. Its sizeable villas offer privacy and plenty of room for your dive gear. Little Italy (MM 68.5; tel. 1 305 664 4472) on Long Key is a favorite eatery serving Italian cuisine, steaks, and lots of seafood. In Marathon, the legendary lobster Reuben sandwich at Keys Fisheries Market and Marina (3502 Gulfview Ave., MM 48.5; tel. 1 305 743 4353; www.keysfisheries.com ) is worth a short detour off the Overseas Highway. South of town, walk, bike, or take a ferry to historic Pigeon Key, where the railroad museum (MM 45; tel. 1 305 743 5999; www.pigeonkey.net ) tells the story of the bygone era of industrialist and railroad magnate Henry Flagler, who built the first bridges linking Miami to Key West almost a century ago. In 1935, a hurricane flushed part of the railway into the Florida Bay. The surviving rail bridges were repurposed as roadway, and the Overseas Highway was born.

Looe Key, home of the offbeat Underwater Music Festival, is probably the most popular dive destination in the Lower Keys, the southern third of the island chain. And no wonder: No other site in the area has such dramatic underwater topography. Coral reefs rise from the seafloor into underwater mounds teeming with lobster and moray eels. Looe Key, serviced by Underseas, Inc. (MM 30.5, Big Pine Key; tel. 1 305 872 2700; www.flkeysdiveshops.com/lkdiveshops/ ), Looe Key Reef Resort & Dive Center (MM 27.5, Ramrod Key; tel. 1 305 872 2215; www.diveflakeys.com ), and others, is especially attractive to snorkelers, who can readily view marine life from the surface and can easily free-dive to the tops of the mounds for an up-close look at the coral itself.

Big Pine Key

In the area: Swing by the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key (N. Watson Blvd.; tel. 1 305 872 9115; www.nonamepub.com ) for pizza and a cold one after your dive. For a true Lower Keys immersion, check into the Sugarloaf Lodge (MM 17, Sugarloaf Key; tel. 1 305 745 3211; www.sugarloaflodge.net ), a 31-room resort with private airstrip. Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37, Bahia Honda Key; tel. 1 305 872 2353; www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda ) beckons the dive-weary or sunbather with the nicest beach experience in the Keys—an abundant sand shoreline set against the backdrop of one of Flagler's most impressive surviving rail bridges.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Key West, famous for its colorful locals, was also one of the first places in the Keys to be dived, says historian Tom Hambright. It's known for its easy, relatively shallow dives with copious coral and fish. The "Southernmost City" is a launching point to nearby reefs such as the Eastern Dry Rocks and Sand Key; several notable wrecks, including the Cayman Salvager and Joe's Tug ; and more remote sites like the Dry Tortugas. The sites are so compelling, Hambright says, that before World War II, "one enthusiast would construct masks of wood and glass for friends and family to catch a glimpse of the reefs." Local dive shops include Dive Key West (3128 N. Roosevelt Blvd.; tel. 1 305 296 3823; www.divekeywest.com ).

The Casa Marina Resort

In the area: Almost everything on the island is accessible by foot. The Casa Marina Resort (1500 Reynolds St.; tel. 1 305 296 3535; www.casamarinaresort.com ), used as military housing during WWII, is a trove of history. You'll find old photos from the days when the only way to reach Key West was by boat or train and from the early years of the highway. Also visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (907 Whitehead St.; tel. 1 305 294 1136; www.hemingwayhome.com ) and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum (200 Greene St.; tel. 1 305 294 2633; www.melfisher.org ), which displays treasures salvaged from the sea. Good restaurants include the Caribbean-themed Bagatelle (115 Duval St.; tel. 1 305 296 6609; www.bagatellekeywest.com ), where you might try the tuna tataki appetizer, and Mangoes (700 Duval St.; tel. 1 305 292 4606), for dining alfresco.

Traveling in winter avoids the summer and fall hurricane season, although for those interested in diving, summer offers the best water and wind conditions and hence peak visibility. Check current water and wind conditions at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Web site ( http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/ ). For travel information, see the official tourism Web site www.fla-keys.com . From the car rental agencies at Miami International Airport, it's a 75-minute drive to Key Largo.

—Text by Christopher Elliott, adapted from National Geographic Traveler

Related Topics

• SCUBA DIVING

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Your Guide to a Florida Keys Road Trip: Key Largo to Key West

Your road trip guide to the florida keys.

O ne 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.

Miami to Key West Drive – Best Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: The Planet D

Road Trips , United States

Updated On: February 19, 2024

There are so many places to visit from Miami to Key West that it can be confusing knowing where to begin. This great American road trip is definitely one to add to your bucket list, and a drive to Key West from Miami will transport you to the Caribbean without needing to hop on a plane. Dave and I have taken a Miami to Key West road trip three times plus once from Miami to Key Largo so we know a thing or two about this drive. To help you plan your ultimate Florida Keys road trip itinerary, we’ve rounded up the best stops on a Miami to Key West drive

Table of Contents

Miami to Key West Drive

The Miami to Key West drive is 164.4 mi via US-1 S and takes 3 hr 30 min without traffic. You could drive directly to Key West from Miami in one afternoon but that would take all of the fun out of visiting the amazing stops and the Florida Keys along the way. You may also like: The Best Places to Stay in Florida

Overseas Highway

When driving from Miami to Key West, you will be taking one of the most unique road trips in the world through a chain of 800 Keys that are connected by a series of 142 bridges spanning 124 miles. (Note: Not all Keys are reachable by car)

The Overseas Highway is 113 miles long. This chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida divides the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico and each Key has its own activities and benefits for visiting.

As you head south, take your time to really soak in the experience. At times, you’ll be completely surrounded by water. In short, the drive to through the Florida Keys is as spectacular as it is unique.

While the Miami to Key West drive is 164 miles, the real road trip begins at the gateway to the Florida Keys. While this road trip guide starts in Miami, it focuses more on the stops south from Key Largo as that is where the bulk of the fun truly takes place.

• 30 Fun Things to do in Miami, Florida
• 33 of the Best Things to Do in Key West

Miami to Key West Map

Are you ready to explore the best stops from Miami to Key West on one of the great road trips in the world? We’ve included a map that you can follow along on your drive to make things easier.

The drive from Miami to Key West can be done in 3 1/2 hours but to really appreciate it, you should take your time and spend the night on a couple of Keys before reaching your final destination. The suggested amount of time for a Miami to Key West road trip is 7 days.

Many people fly directly to the Key West International Airport without ever leaving the island. Even though we love to visit Key West, we think that would be a shame as the other Florida Keys have a lot to offer. So even if you are flying directl, rent a car for a day or two to see these other stops in the Florida Keys.

Tips for Driving From Miami to Key West

Once you get to the south of the mainland on your drive from Miami to Key West, the real road trip begins just past Florida City crossing over Jewfish Creek. Crossing that first bridge is thrilling. It feels like you’re heading to the Caribbean but instead of a five-hour flight, you’re driving straight to the tropics!

You will be following mile markers for reference throughout your road trip with your overseas highway. You officially enter the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 127 at Florida City with is at the Junction of the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 1. You will then follow the mile markers all the way to Mile Marker 0.

Overseas Highway Self-Diving Tour

We highly recommend renting a car in Miami for your Key West Road Trip. Check Rental Car prices and comparisons at CarRentals.com

Get your Key West Overseas Highway Self Driving Tour that highlights the top attractions from Miami and the Florida Keys including Hollywood landmark the African Queen riverboat to Plantation Key, the Smuggler’s Haven. It also gives tips to check out Big Betsy, the giant lobster, and Theatre of the Sea. Details here

Toll Roads: Florida has a lot of toll roads and we suggest getting a SunPass. All tolls in Florida are collected electronically if you don’t have a Sun Pass, you will be billed utilizing the TOLL-BY-PLATE system where you will be charged a $25 fee on top of the toll. Check the Florida Turnpike website for details.

About the Overseas Highway

The Miami to Key West drive then takes you through Islamorada and on to Anne’s Beach, Long Key, and Marathon until you reach Key West.

There are 42 bridges connecting 34 of the 800 keys from the mainland to Key West spanning 124 miles. The most famous bridge on the road trip from Miami to Key West is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.

Overseas Highway to Key West History

Built in the 1930s the Overseas Highway followed the East Coast Railroad line which was damaged by a hurricane. Thanks to that feat of engineering, 3 million visitors make their way to the Florida Keys each year.

It’s easy to find attractions and things to do on the Overseas Highway by following the mile markers. The road is well-marked with Mile Marker Zero located in Key West. When driving south from Key Largo, you’ll be counting down from mile marker 106 letting you know how far you have to go to Key West. Nice!

Now that you have a bit of background on the highway, let’s see what there is to do on a Miami to Key West road trip.

Top Things to See on a Miami to Key West Road Trip

Our drive to Key West starts at the Miami airport where you can pick up your rental car to start this iconic road trip and drive all the way to the southernmost tip of the Continental United States in Key West. How cool is that? For rental car prices, you can compare rates at CarRentals.com

After landing at the Miami Airport, pick up your rental car ( a convertible is preferable) and start your trip in Florida’s most exciting city. No trip to South Florida would be complete without seeing the glitz and glamor of Miami.

Take a walk along the white sands of South Beach and explore the beautiful architectural designs of the Art Deco District. Don’t forget to drive your rental car along Ocean Drive and hop on a boat and take a tour of Millionaires Row. There’s a  popular cruise  that takes you by the estates, with great return views of the Miami skyline. And make sure to check out Miami’s nightlife.

This highly-rated tour includes  takes you through the glitz and glamor of the Art Deco District to see historical landmarks such as Versace’s decadent mansion and beloved Hollywood stops showcasing the likes of Miami Vice. For more Miami attractions, read our post Things to do in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami

Miami has been a leader in tourism in the United States for decades so there is something for every budget and travel type. But to get you started, here are a few of our recommendations.

• Mid-Range  – Right on the beach and along Ocean Drive, Marriott Stanton is a superb choice for traveling families. Make the most of two on-site pools, spas, saunas, and a gym with the beach and restaurants all within walking distance.  Check rates and reviews on Booking.com
• Luxury  – Occupying an entire city block, 1 Hotel South Beach is the epitome of Miami luxury. Soak in the expansive floor-to-ceiling ocean views, with exquisite decor and the largest rooftop pool in town.  Check rates and reviews on Booking.com
• Budget  – Miami isn’t a haven for budget travelers, but Hotel Shelley comes with cozy rooms with Art Deco charm. Enjoy modern amenities, free WiFi, and close to all the action.  Check rates and reviews on Booking.com

2. Everglades National Park

Since you are driving, you can make a detour from your Miami to Key West drive and see Everglades National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is an International Biosphere Reserve and is home to a number of endangered species including the Florida panther.

Located just 30 miles west of Miami, the Everglades National park is a wetland oasis primed for an eco-adventure and makes for a great stop on your Miami to Key West Road Trip. If you want to book a tour from Miami instead of driving, you can book this private tour to explore the immense 1.5 million acres.  Details here.

Everglades National Park also offers Airboat tours so you get to see all kinds of places while cruising through the water. The park also has trails and 4WD tours.  Read more: Best National Parks – USA Edition

Where to stay in Everglades

We suggest staying in Miami or Key Largo and making a day trip to Everglades National Park. But Florida City is a great stop to break up your Miami to Key West Drive and is close to both the Florida Keys and Everglades.

• Travelodge by Wyndham in Florida City is an affordable option excellent place to stay. It is located just off Highway 1 and makes for a great gateway to the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton – Is another good choice in the heart of Florida City.

3. Key Largo

Things are getting exciting now. The first stop off the mainland from your Miami to Key West road trip is Key Largo. you can stay for a full vacation if you like! We did this during our first trip to the Florida Keys, and my brother did just last year when he took a long road trip all the way from Canada to Key West. They made a base in Key Largo and explored the surrounding islands and even did a full-day trip to Key West with Key Largo as their base.

Key Largo is pretty awesome. Movies and songs have been written about Key Largo, and soak in some of that nostalgia visit The Caribbean Club. The Caribbean Club is the oldest bar in the upper keys, dating back to 1938.

It has seen a lot of action over the decades, most notably hosting Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall as they filmed the movie Key Largo. It’s still a family-run business and a great place to stop for some Key Lime Pie, a Bloody Mary or to listen to some live music.

There are plenty of things to do in Key Largo, so we suggest spending at least the night here and checking out a few of the items we are about to mention as you follow along on this Miami to Key West road trip.

• Miami to Key Largo is approximately 70 miles and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive.

4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

If you are looking to have an adventure, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the top things to do in Key Largo. It is home to the only living coral reef in the United States and if you want to explore underwater, this is the place to go.

What makes snorkeling or scuba diving different in Key Largo is that you can dive to see “Christ of the Abyss” a nine-foot-tall underwater statue of Christ located in just 25 feet of water off the coast of Key Largo.

Book this snorkeling tour from Key Largo – this half-day tour takes you to the most beautiful locations in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Pennekamp State Park. Explore the coral reefs of Molasses, Elbow, French Reef, and the famous Christ of the Abyss on Dry Rocks.

Where to Stay in Key Largo

• Luxury –  Playa Largo Resort   – The Playa Largo Resort and Spa has luxury rooms, bungalows, and a beach house. You can book many Key West water sports at the hotel.
• Mid Range –  Key Largo Reefhous e Resort  – You can never go wrong with a Marriott. It’s our favorite mid to upper-range hotel chain. It has an onsite marina and dive shop offering plenty of water sports to book at the hotel.
• Budget –  Dove Creek Resort and Marina – This intimate boutique hotel was inspired by Caribbean Hemingway Hideaways. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, in Key Largo, Dove Creek lodge sits adjacent to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

5. The Fish House

A great stop for lunch is the Fish House to grab a staple Florida Keys dish of Conch Fritters, fish tacos, and Florida lobster and stone crab. It’s a great atmosphere and has been a Key Largo staple since 1982. We enjoyed a starter of coconut shrimp followed by a delicious portion of Mahi Mahi.

6. Alabama Jack’s

Another quirky place that can only be found en route to the Florida Keys is Alabama Jacks. Sitting between two barges in the mangroves, it is renowned for its conch fritters.

Popular with motorcyclists Alabama Jack’s is located under Card Sound Bridge which is the old toll road on an alternate route from Florida City. Instead of taking Highway 1, take 905A card sound road. But be warned, you need to have the cash to cross the toll bridge.

7. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

For a unique and delicious slice of Key Lime Pie head to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen that was so good its become famous in the upper keys. You can order a whole key lime pie to go!

8. Islamorada Key

The next island on your Florida Keys Road Trip is Islamorada Key. We loved Islamorada Key so much, we wrote an entire article about all the things to do. Things to do in Islamorada . But just in case you don’t want to click off of our road trip itinerary, let’s go through all the things that you simply cannot miss.

We suggest spending a night on Islamorada Key to really enjoy its laid-back vibe. Scroll down to see why.

9. Robbie’s Marina

Robbies Marina is the place to be in Islamorada with watersports, restaurants, bars, and attractions, it is a place you can spend the entire day. Enjoy the day hanging out at Robbie’s Marina. There’s a great restaurant, outdoor shops and plenty of water sports leave from here.

10. Feed the Tarpon

A unique thing to do in Islamorada is to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s. After nursing an injured Tarpon way back in 1976, the friendly Tarpon named “Scarface” came back again and again for some food and to say hello. He eventually brought his friends and the tarpon have been coming to the docks ever since to leap out of the water for a tasty treat.

11. Parasailing

Parasailing in the Florida Keys is an amazing way to see the bridges and keys from above. It’s a gorgeous view to see the bridges spanning over blue waters with islands dotting the landscape.

You can make out the coral reefs and it truly is a blast. If you’ve never gone parasailing before, this is the place to do it. Parasailing with  Sundance Watersports . 

12. Other things to do on Islamorada

If you want to do some shopping, head into Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery at Rain Barrel Village, it’s been one of the top Florida Keys destinations for more than 40 years. You can’t miss it, just look for the giant rock lobster out front.

If you are staying over or have a designated driver, don’t miss hitting the beer garden of the Florida Keys Brewing Company. We loved sampling their microbrews. The Florida Keys Brewing Company also has a vacation rental where you can stay. The owners are super friendly and get this, he’s Canadian!

Where to Stay in Islamorada

Islamorada is a great place to make a base before heading farther south. From here you can explore Duck Key, Lower Matecumbe Key to the South, and Plantation Key to the North.

• Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle – This is the most popular place to stay in Islamorada offering cottages and rooms with Marina and Atlantic Ocean views. There are water sports on site and you can book scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours, and snorkeling trips. It also has the popular Tiki Bar on the beach so even if you aren’t staying there, make sure to have a cocktail or slice of Key Lime Pie at this world-famous location.
• Hadley House Resort   – We stayed at Holiday House Resort a boutique resort with cottages. I would recommend staying at the building overlooking the water. Cottages are set back from the sea and the hotel building seemed much better. Your $25 resort fee covers the use of Stand up paddleboards and kayaks. There’s parking and a pool.

13. Marathon

Marathon is a city that spreads across several Florida Keys. Starting just past Duck Key it spans across seven keys: Knight’s Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Long Point Key, Crawl Key, and Grassy Key islands.

From the Dolphin Research Center to Aquarium Encounters it has all the makings for a good family vacation. Marathon is also the gateway to Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key Island.

There are some nice beaches on Marathon Key as well, Sombrero Beach and Coco Plum Beach are good places to hang out. And there is a dog park which is a good stop if you are traveling with pets. Read 18 Best Beaches in Florida for Fun in the Sun

Where to Stay on Marathon Key

Marathon has a lot of options for accommodation and is more affordable than Key West. You can find hotels ranging from luxury to budget. A lot of people take day trips to Key West from Marathon.

• Luxury – Isla Bella Beach Resort – A modern new luxury resort with five swimming pools, a spa, and a fitness center, and close to Seven Mile Bridge.
• Mid-Range – Kingsail Resort – This motel has kitchenettes to help save on food, a swimming pool, and free parking.
• Budget – Captain Pips at Knights Key

14. Turtle Hospital

What we recommend visiting is the Turtle Hospital. The Turtle Hospital is one of the most popular stops. This heartwarming stop lets you see the work that goes into the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles. We love supporting projects like this and proceeds for your guided tour and entrance go to help save the sea turtles. Read more: 10 Ways to Help Save the Oceans – World Oceans Day and Beyond

15. Keys Fisheries

Make sure to stop at Keys Fisheries for lunch. We enjoyed chillaxing on the outdoor patio. It’s a fast food joint where you order from a window and then find a picnic table in the packed restaurant. Get the grilled Mahi Mahi, Conch Chowder, or its signature dish, the Lobster Reuben.

16. Seven Mile Bridge

Leaving Marathon Key, Seven Mile Bridge is the largest segmental bridge in the world! This long bridge connects the upper Keys to the Lower Keys.

Make sure to take the ferry across to Pigeon Key which was a former work camp of the Florida East Coast Railway. You can catch the ferry over from Pigeon Key Gift Shop at mile marker 48.

17. Bahia Honda State Park and Big Pine Key

You have now entered the Lower Keys. You’ve made it farther than most, so keep going! Coming across 7 Mile Bridge, most people b-line it to Key West as it’s most likely been a long drive, but Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park are two great places to stop for at least a few hours.

Did you know that there are wild deer in the Florida Keys? Big Pine Key houses the endangered Key deer, and they are protected by National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center. These small deer actually swim between islands!

If you like beaches, you are going to love Bahia Honda State Park. This state park has nearly fully recovered after Hurricane Irma but parts of the park are still being restored. Bahia Honda State Park has camping and two beaches of note. Sandspur Beach has reopened after Hurricane Irma and has restrooms and pavilions and Calusa Beach.

18. No Name Pub

While on Big Pine Key, stop for lunch at No Name Pub. This stop is worth it just to see the dollar bills hanging from its ceiling. No Name Pub dates back to 1931 when it was a fishing store. In 1936 they a restaurant was added and the No Name Pub was born.

19. Key West

Congratulations! You’ve made it to your final destination on your drive from Miami to Key West which is obviously Key West. Key West is a great place to spend a few days taking in the Caribbean atmosphere. Key West no longer feels like the United States, it feels like a little slice of the tropics.

20. Southernmost Point – Key West

The first thing most visitors do in Key West is head to the Southernmost Point marker. This is the southernmost point on mainland USA and everyone that makes it to Key West stops here for their required photo op.

21. Watch Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West

Mallory Square is one of the most happening places in Key West and it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of things to do in Mallory Square as well, so be sure to head over there during the day. If you are looking for a fun adventure, book a sunset tour on Aqua bikes to enjoy views of Sunset Key and Key West from the water. You can even bring two drinks with you.

• The Maritime Museum – The Mel Fisher Heritage Maritime Museum displays many artifacts from 17th-century ships.
• The Waterfront Playhouse – The longest-running theatre in Florida has nightly rotating shows all year long.
• Key West Shipwreck and Treasure Museum – There’s a 65-foot lookout tower, shipwreck artifacts, and actors recreating the 17th-century feel dressed in period clothing.  Book your ticket in advance  
• The Memorial Sculpture Garden is located directly in front paying tribute to famous patrons of the theatre and residents. Take a stroll through the lines of sculptures of famous residents including the busts of Ernest Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Tennessee Williams, and many other important people.

22. Party on Duval Street in Key West

It’s no secret that people come to Key West for partying, and Duval Street is the place to do it. You can go bar hopping all night long on Duval Street. Some of our favorites are Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, (no trip to Key West would be complete without visiting Jimmy Buffet’s) and the Hard Rock Cafe, Lucy’s Retired Surf Bar, Sloppy Joes, Virgillios, Rick’s Café, and our personal favorite The Wine O Bar and Lounge.

If you want to join a tour of Duval Street to see the top bars and restaurants while making new friends, check out  this fantastic pub crawl tour  that stops at five top rated pubs with a cocktail at each stop.

23. Get on the Water in Key West

Adventure lovers will enjoy Key West and if you don’t get on the water, you’ll be missing out. An excellent tour is to book an eco-tour to explore Key West Wildlife Refuge. Go kayaking through the mangroves, enjoy snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and enjoy a sail on an eco-friendly catamaran with Honest Eco Tours . 

• Book this top-rated  Sunset Tour tour here free from worries as tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.
• Look for more water and sunset tours here  with Get Your Guide to find your choice of floating bars, schooners, and catamarans that will take you out to watch the stunning sunsets. They offer last-minute bookings and full refunds on cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.

One of our favourite things to do in Key West was to visit the Located (113km) 70 miles from Key West, the Dry Tortugas is one of the most remote national parks in the United States. Read all about it at Our Key West Vacation with IHG Rewards Club Points

24. Go Dolphin Watching off the Coast of Key West

200  bottlenose dolphins  live in the warm waters off the Florida Keys and you can take a dolphin-watching tour or we had it as part of our Honest Eco Tour. When booking a dolphin or wildlife tour be sure to use a sustainable recognized tour operator like Honest Eco Tours based out of Key West or You Can book  this Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Tour  in Advance.

25. Mile Marker 0 – Key West

Well, you made it! All the way to Mile Marker 0, the bottom of the United States. It is customary to grab a selfie at this sign located on Whitehead Street just south of Duval Street.

You’ve earned it. This is the end of the line and a popular place to make note that you have completed your drive from Miami to Key West. Wasn’t it amazing?

Dry Tortugas National Park

You may have reached mile marker 0 but do you want to keep this Miami to Key West road trip going a little longer? From Key West, you can reach one of the most remote national parks in the United States. Located (113km) 70 miles south of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a spectacular day trip.

Located in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas can only be reached by boat or seaplane. It was used as a fort between 1845 and 1876 to defend during the Spanish American War. You can take a day trip out to explore the island and beautiful sandy beaches and you can even camp overnight on Garden Key. Book this cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas or you can book a flight to the national park as well.

Where to Stay in Key West

There are many places to stay in the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West. But in high season it can be nearly impossible to book a room without reservations. We suggest choosing one place to stay and making it your home base to explore the Keys.

La Concha Crown Plaza   is the perfect place to stay in the heart of the action, is located directly on Duval Street. The lobby is within walking distance from all the top key west attractions. There’s a pool for guests only. There is a luxurious rooftop spa and gorgeous sunset views. Check for Reviews and pricing on  TripAdvisor  /  Booking.com

Perry Hotel Key West   is a quiet retreat on the marina of Stock Island. Stock Island is an extension of Key West that feels worlds away. This boutique hotel has elegant rooms overlooking the waterfront. What we loved about it was the local vibe. Check it out on  TripAdvisor  /  Booking.com

See our full breakdown: Where to Stay in the Florida Keys

Once you are in the Florida Keys, it’s easy to explore. With Key Largo being the northernmost island, you may want to move on to Islamorada or Marathon. Key West is pricier than other keys, so you may want to choose a vacation rental on one of the smaller keys.

When to do a Road Trip to Key West from Miami

We have taken a road trip to Key West from Miami in October, November, and December. December is way too busy and you are going to have the highest prices.

November is a quieter time and the weather is great . You can also find more affordable accommodation and tours aren’t booked up.

December to February is the high season and you’ll have higher prices and a lot of crowds. But you are pretty much guaranteed good weather.

Late February to April is another good time to visit for lower rates and good weather.

June to November is hurricane season and it is important to plan accordingly. Hurricane Irma did extensive damage to the Florida Keys in 2017 but it has recovered nicely. This year Florida was hit by Hurricane Ian but the Florida Keys managed that hurricane quie well. That said, we’ve been to the Keys in October and had amazing weather. The summer months are hot and wet.

We were also in Key West for Fantasy Fest i n October. This is a busy time, but it is a unique time to visit to see the crazy characters that walk the streets.

The Miami to Key West drive time is 3 hours and 30 minutes without traffic.

It is absolutely worth it to drive from Miami to Key West. There are so many stops along the way that you can drive it in a day to taking a week to explore it all.

The best way to get to the southernmost point in the US mainland is to drive from Miami to Key West. However you can fly into Key West as well.

And these are our top stops on a drive from Miami to Key West . The Florida keys are so abundant, it will take several trips to really see them all. Let us know what we missed and we’ll be sure to add it on during our next rip.

Plan Your Road Trip to Florida the Florida Keys with these other Florida guides

• Daytona: Best Things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida
• Orlando: The 30 Best Things to do in Orlando – And Day Trips
• Key West : 27 of the Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida
• Islamorada : Things to do in Islamorada Florida Keys
• Central Florida: 10 Unique Things to Do in Central Florida
• Florida: the Best Places to Visit in Florida
• Florida Facts: Our Favorite Fun Facts About Florida
• Florida Fun : Best Theme Parks in Florida

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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3 thoughts on “Miami to Key West Drive – Best Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary”

What a useful blog, this gives me great tips for playing in Miami, thanks for sharing it blogger!

My fiance and I did this drive in April, and it was just such the best time. We stopped at the Bahia Honda State Park too, and took some really cool photos of the bridges. Then we went to Big Pine and saw all the cute little key deer. Oh and we also stopped at Curry Hammock State Park which was just beautiful. Love your list of things to do!

I enjoyed the travelogue of some of my old stomping grounds. Glad to hear La Concha still is in business and apparently upgraded from when I stayed there nearly half a century ago. Do conch blowers and sword swallowers still congregate for a Mallory Square sunset? Any piece about the Keys, especially Key West, must include a visit to the original Sloppy Joe’s – Captain Tony’s Saloon – for its history of serving Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett, Tennessee Williams, etc. Also, though touristy, riding the Conch Train ( does it still operate?) is fun, especially for kids, and an easy way to see some of Key West’s landmarks. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Hemingway’s home, if that still is offered. Last, if you can afford it, the pricey Pier House is a great place to stay at Key West.

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($49/each additional person)

This is way more than a shuttle service! Hitch a ride with us and explore the Southernmost point in the US! En Route with your friendly & knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll learn the history, culture, and ecology of the Florida Keys, listen to island music, & enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

Once at Key West, you'll have 3-4 hours of free time during which we recommend to explore the following points-of-interest:

• Ernest Hemingway’s House and Museum
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• Mile Marker Zero
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Hemingway Rum Company Distillery Tour ($25/Person)

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PRIVATE CHARTERS

Per group of 4 anglers.

• Offshore, wreck, or reef fishing from Key Largo
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• $1400 for 6 hr trip (group of 4)
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Once at Key West, you'll have 4-5 hours of free time during which we recommend to explore the following points-of-interest:

Champagne Sunset Sail ($99/ Person) 

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• Walk Through Old Town Key West With An Expert Tour Guide
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• Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
• Harry S. Truman Little White House
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HAUNTED HISTORY WALKING TOUR STROLLS, SIPS, & SPOOKS

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Up The Keys Tours LLC is a 100% family-run, eco-tour operator in the beautiful Florida Keys, and began offering a variety of Key West Driving Tours in March 2016. Our Florida Keys tours are the only land-based tours that offer round-trip driving tours from Key West and Marathon to the nearby islands. Visit one of America’s most beautiful beaches, experience jaw-dropping scenery, hang out with the local wildlife, sip beverages at classic Tiki Bars, & more with an experienced local guide! Book your Florida Keys Tour today!

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