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

June 10, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

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

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

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

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

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

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

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

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

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

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

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

How long does the Florida Keys road trip take?

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

How long should you take on your Florida Keys itinerary?

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

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

Best time of year to road trip the Florida Keys

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

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

Best stops on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary:

Downtown miami.

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

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

Biscayne Bay National Park

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

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

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

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

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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

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

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

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

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Robbie’s Waterfront to feed the tarpon

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

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

Dolphin Research Center

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

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

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

The Turtle Hospital

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

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

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

Reservations can be made online!

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

Drive or walk the 7 Mile Bridge

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

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

Bahia Honda State Park

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

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

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

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

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

National Key Deer Refuge

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

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

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

Dry Tortugas National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

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

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

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

Smathers Beach

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

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

Where to stay on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

Key west marriott beachside.

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

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

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

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

Check Rates:  Booking.com

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

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

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

Check Rates: Booking.co m

Cheeca Lodge and Spa

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

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

Check Rates: booking.com

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

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

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

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!

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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.

Book on Expedia.com | Check out rates on Hotels.com

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.

Book Now on Booking.com | Compare Prices on Expedia.com | Check out rates on Hotels.com

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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The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

Take in all the Florida Keys has to offer on this epic road trip.

Colorful waterfront homes line the coast in Florida Keys.

Embrace the laid-back Keys life on a classic drive down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway (U.S. 1). The roughly 100-mile (one-way) route island-hops along the southern rim of the Everglades and Florida Bay from Key Largo south to Key West. Featured stops celebrate all things Keys: fresh-caught seafood, old-school roadside attractions, and unspoiled state and national parks. While the Keys largely have bounced back from Hurricane Irma, recovery efforts continue in some areas. Before hitting the road, check the Florida Keys & Key West website for updates.

Convenient boardwalks lace through the timeless mangrove swamps of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida.

Key Largo is the Gateway to the Florida Keys. Ease into the Keys like a local by detouring east off U.S. 1 (south of Homestead) and onto Card Sound Road (CR 905). Before crossing the Card Sound Bridge to North Key Largo, stop for conch fritters at Alabama Jack’s , an old-school Florida beach bar. Continue the vintage vibe with a canal tour (reservations required) aboard the African Queen . The restored steamboat—made famous in the 1951 classic movie of the same name—is docked at Marina Del Mar (Mile Marker 100). Take a deep dive into Key Largo’s natural side at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Mile Marker 102.5), the nation’s first undersea park. Book a snorkeling tour to explore one of the park’s shallow (averaging five to 15 feet deep) inner reefs. For deepwater views without getting wet, take a glass-bottom boat tour to Molasses Reef, located about six and a half miles offshore. Consider taking an Everglades tour in Key Largo for a classic Florida adventure: a wet and wild airboat tour in Everglades National Park .

Eat and Stay: Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and Playa Largo Resort & Spa

The 113-mile long Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys is worth the drive.

Drive south across the Tavernier Creek Bridge (Mile Marker 91) and you’re officially in Islamorada . Widely known among anglers as the “sportfishing capital of the world,” the village of Islamorada is made up of Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key state parks. Stop at the Rain Barrel Artisan Village (Mile Marker 86.7) to browse the jumble of shops in the back and snap an Instagram pic of the 30-foot-high Florida spiny lobster out front. In the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District (Mile Marker 81.6), tour the art galleries and sip an Iguana Bait or other microbrew at the Florida Keys Brewing Company . Try a slice of honest-to-goodness gold—not green—key lime pie at the cozy Midway Cafe and Coffee Bar (Mile Marker 80.5). At Robbie’s Marina (Mile Marker 77.5), choose your favorite way—boat, canoe, Jet Ski, kayak, or SUP—to play on the water.

Eat and Stay: Green Turtle Inn and Pines & Palms Resort

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, first opened in 1986 and works to rehabilitate injured turtles, educate the public, assist in research aiding sea turtles, and support environmental legislation that promotes clean and safe water and beaches.

Located about an hour south of Key Largo and an hour north of Key West, the 10-mile-long Marathon island chain is the approximate midpoint of the Florida Keys. On the drive from Islamorada south to the city of Marathon (Mile Marker 59.9), stop at Long Key State Park (Mile Marker 67.5) for bird-watching, hiking, and snorkeling. To get out on the water, rent a boat or kayak from All Aboard Boat Rentals (turn left at Mile Marker 54.5). Get up-close views of sharks, rays, and other local marine life; take a marine biologist­–led tour (included with admission); and even go snorkeling in a 200,000-gallon saltwater tank (extra fee) at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (Mile Marker 53), slated to reopen in mid-December. Schedule a 90-minute, behind-the-scenes tour of the Turtle Hospital (Mile Marker 48.5) to help support the facility’s sea turtle rehabilitation efforts.

Eat and Stay : Brutus Seafood Market & Eatery and Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort

Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States.

Seven Mile Bridge , the Keys’ most famous and longest bridge, links Marathon (Mile Marker 46.75) to the Lower Keys (at Sunshine Key, Mile Marker 40). Driving the east-west span delivers 360-degree water views—Florida Strait to the east and Gulf of Mexico to the west—typically reserved for boaters. To see the crystalline green-blue waters, wait until daylight to cross the bridge. Approaching Big Pine Key (Mile Marker 33), the largest of the Lower Keys, slow down and follow posted speed limits to protect the Lower Keys’ endangered key deer. Stop at the National Key Deer Refuge visitors center (check website for current hours) for directions to wildlife viewing areas such as the Blue Hole and Watson/Mannillo Trails. Glide through mangrove trails looking for dolphins, tropical birds, and other wild things on a Key West Eco Tours guided kayak or paddleboard backcountry tour. The two-hour trips depart from the Geiger Key Paddle Hut at Geiger Key Marina (Mile Marker 10.5).

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Eat and Stay: Boondocks Grille & Draft House , Ramrod Key, and Parmer’s Resort , Summerland Key

Mallory Square in Key West, Florida, is the community's social and commercial hub.

Continue southwest on U.S. 1 to its southern terminus, Mile Marker 0 in Key West . On the way, stop in Stock Island to go snorkeling with Namaste Eco-Excursions at Stock Island Marina Village (left at Mile Marker 5) or rent a kayak or SUP at Lazy Dog (Mile Marker 4.2). In Key West, park at Old Town Garage in the Historic Seaport. Walk or ride the Old Town Trolley to get around. Buy a one-day tour pass to hop on and off the trolley near must-see attractions, such as the Custom House , the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory , and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum . Take the requisite selfie at the Southernmost Point Buoy , marking the southern tip of the continental United States. For the best views in town, climb 88 steps to the top of the historic Key West Lighthouse , people-watch at Mallory Square , and take a “Red Sails in the Sunset” cruise aboard the Jolly II Rover tall ship. From Key West, retrace your route north on U.S. 1 to complete the trip.

Eat and Stay: Thirsty Mermaid Raw Bar and Restaurant and the Gardens Hotel

Maryellen Kennedy Duckett lives, writes, and drives the backroads in East Tennessee where she wakes up curious every day. You can follow her on Twitter @mekd .

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The Ultimate Florida Keys Guide: Planning The Best Road Trip

A Florida Keys road trip is one of those iconic U.S. travel experiences that everyone should do in their lifetime.   The Overseas Highway spans 113 miles over the ocean, with more than forty bridges crossing dozens of tiny keys (islands).

The Miami to Key West drive along Route 1 isn’t difficult, and isn’t even that far—technically you can do it in about 3.5 hours.  But you’d be missing the point.

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The point IS the journey.  In the Keys you’re on island time, no longer driven by the hustle and urban polish of Miami, but rather meandering your way along a narrow highway lined with kitschy diners, slightly careworn marinas, amazing wildlife, bobbing boats, delicious food, and—above all—the sparkling turquoise waters the Keys are famous for.

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I finally planned my own visit in March 2022, and spent six full days meandering up and down the Keys, soaking up the vibes, marveling at the beautiful water, looking for hidden gems, and trying every key lime pie I could get my hands on.

And now I want to bring you a CRRRAAAAAZZZYYY detailed guide to planning your own amazing Florida Keys roadtrip itinerary.

How this Florida Keys travel guide post is structured:

What to pack

• Where to stay in the Keys (in and out of Key West)

General Florida Keys itinerary tips

• How to get to the Keys, & how to get around them
• How to structure your Keys roadtrip itinerary
• What to do in the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, & Key West
• Where to eat and drink in the Florida Keys

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• Sunscreen!   The sun in the Florida Keys is NO JOKE—any and every time of year.  Here are my favorite sunscreens for a beach trip, and a few additional face sunscreens I love.  My favorite natural foundation also provides some sun protection and holds up well for sweaty travel.
• I packed a lot of sundresses , but it was so windy when I visited (the weather was really weird) that I wished I’d brought more super lightweight pants and tops , like my fave Athleta pants .  In general I wished I’d brought a few warmer options for nighttime/early morning (a sweatshirt, thicker cardigan).
• And that same crazy wind (which can be pretty common in the Keys) meant that a sun hat wasn’t super helpful, unless you have one that ties on tightly (like this one ).  I’m more of a headband person than a hat one, so used these ones to try and control my hair in the wind.
• But just because it’s windy, doesn’t mean it’s not brutally hot during the day (even in the winter).  I wished I’d brought extra bras , because I kept sweating through mine and it was really gross.
• You’ll want super comfy shoes for walking around Key West, to not get blisters in the heat.  My absolute fave sandals for this are these Rockport ones , which balance comfort/cushioning and cuteness (party in the front, biz in the back).  For extra cute but still comfy (like walking to dinner), brands like Aerosoles and Naturalizers are great.
• Ideally, keep any sand separate from your regular walking-around shoes to avoid blisters; so if you’re walking on the beach, use simpler and easy to clean flip flops ( Havaianas are my fave).
• Obviously swimming suits are important, and you will probably want at least two.  If you plan on going snorkeling, I recommend a more sturdy type like a one-piece or tankini vs. a flimsy bikini.
• A good beach tote can help you organize and keep track of your belongings as you move around (some people might prefer a backpack, but I don’t).  I love this one .
• Plastic straws are banned in the Keys (though I found many places to offer some kind of alternative), so I brought my metal straws with me
• Two items I found invaluable in helping prevent heat rash and general discomfort were thigh glide and hydrocortisone cream .
• If you’re planning to snorkel and have terrible eyes like me (I wear glasses when needed), a prescription snorkeling mask is a gamechanger!
• I recommend throwing in a small, lightweight microfiber towel for drying off after impromptu beach stops, or even if you want to sit on the ground to picnic.
• Good sunglasses to protect your eyes.  Polarized ones are key (mine are prescription, but these are good regular options).
• An external battery charger comes in handy to keep your phone from dying (taking pics all day and running GPS can drain your battery)

Other Florida Keys adventures to plan your trip!

The Best Key Lime Pie In The Florida Keys: A Definitive Ranking

Exploring Bahia Honda State Park: A Must On Any Florida Keys Roadtrip

Sunset In Key West: The Two Best Spots That AREN’T Mallory Square

Where To Stay In The Keys: Review Of Grassy Flats Resort (Marathon)

Where To Stay In Key West: Review Of H2O Suites

Florida Keys Brewing Company: A Must-Stop On A Keys Road Trip

Exploring Historic Fort Jefferson In Dry Tortugas National Park

Idyllic, Remote Loggerhead Key: Exploring Lesser-Known Dry Tortugas

What It Was Like Multi-Day Open-Water Sailing: Key West To Dry Tortugas

Where to stay in the Florida Keys

When I was planning my week-long Keys roadtrip itinerary, I knew I wanted to spend a couple nights in Key West, but then base myself somewhere more central for the remainder.

After LOTS of searching and reading reviews (and at the exact time I was visiting, hotels were for some inexplicable reason STUPID expensive), here’s where I stayed, and a few other options that were high on the list.

Where to stay outside of Key West

With the sparkling ocean and pools only a few steps away from each other, beautiful spacious rooms, a creative tiki bar, swaying palm trees, and a super central Marathon location, Grassy Flats Resort was the perfect choice.  It was only a few months old at the time and they were still building out parts of the resort.

Grassy Flats has regular rooms, 1-bedroom suites, as well as 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom suites as well.  I was the first person to stay in the brand new Galleon Suite, and thought it was gorgeous.  I loved the view from my balcony, appreciated having a couch to sit on, and would stay here again in a heartbeat.

You can check out my super deep review of Grassy Flats , and look them up on Booking.com and TripAdvisor (or, if you’re looking for the more specialty suite options, their website ).

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The rest of the resort is equally beautiful, with excellent landscaping, very clean, and designed well.  The beach (on the Atlantic side) is actually pretty decent as Florida Keys beaches go (Keys beaches aren’t great), and there are two different pools to choose from.

The service was great, tiki bar is lovely, and the only real downside is that food options are a bit further away (5-10 minute drive).  I highly recommend Grassy Flats if you’re looking for a great central Florida Keys hotel option!

The other non-Key West accommodation options I strongly considered were Bungalows Key Largo (all-inclusive, my friends rave about), Bakers Cay Resort (gorgeous!), Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, and Hawks Key in Marathon.

Check out my detailed review of Grassy Flats if you want to learn more!

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Where to stay in Key West

Shew, Key West can be expensive.  You can go a couple different directions with accommodation, including Airbnbs.  For a short stay and if you’re willing to pay a bit more, my recommendation is to stay somewhere central, where you can park your car.  Then you can walk, bike, or Uber wherever you need to go.

The other option is to stay a bit further out and get more bang for your buck, and either get in early and find decent (still expensive) parking, or use the free Key West shuttle (a great option!).

I stayed in two different places, and if you’re looking for a splurge then I highly recommend H2O Suites !  You can look at both Booking and TripAdvisor reviews as well, but as you can see in the pics below, it’s beautiful and peaceful, and you get your own little private pool!

I booked the Premier Luxury Suite with Private Pool , and the room was large with a separate seating area.  The staff was very welcoming and the shared hotel areas were gorgeous as well.  I was only there for one night so didn’t really get to take advantage of everything offered at the hotel, but I’d definitely return!

Check out my deeper review of H2O Suites!

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I also spent a night at the Kimpton Ella’s Cottages   (here are TripAdvisor reviews too).  It was really cute, with strong Key West bungalow aesthetic vibes.  I’d actually wanted to stay at Kimpton’s Winslow’s Bungalows instead but they were full on my dates.

The service was super friendly and the property is beautiful.  There’s a small pool area and patio as well, and a continental breakfast.  While the room was simple and pretty, it’s quite small and the walls were pretty thin.  I did love the little porch I had, perfect for sitting with a cocktail in the heat of the afternoon, with the fan blowing on you.

As I mentioned above, hotels were super booked up and insanely expensive for the dates I was there, which affected my choices.  If you’re looking for a real splurge, check out Sunset Key Cottages (amazing!).  The other places I’d looked at staying were the Gardens Hotel , La Te Da (adults only), Marquesa Hotel , and Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina  (further away, but looks great).

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Let’s start with some general thoughts on what matters and what to expect when planning your Keys roadtrip.

While you CAN go from end-to-end in the Keys in a few hours, the traffic can be bad and you won’t actually be able to *do* anything.  So it’s good to think about the Keys as Upper, Middle, and Key West , and arrange your itinerary accordingly.

As you think about where to stay, if a water view or access is important to you, you’ll really need to think about whether your hotel is Atlantic or Gulf side .  Certainly this matters for sunrise or sunset views, but even the beaches themselves will look a bit different.  Also as a note, I thought that the water in the Islamorada area is maybe the prettiest in the whole Keys.

In particular, weekends can be nuts for crowds and traffic, and so it can be helpful to limit how much you’re driving up and down the Overseas Highway on weekends to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.

I definitely preferred early mornings and early in the day , both in Key West and just the Keys in general…it has a very chill vibe, less traffic, and is not as hot.  Sunrise crew FTW!

There is a ban on plastic straws in Key West (and I think a lot of the Keys).  I recommend bringing a couple of your own metal straws for easy sippin’.

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When is the best time to visit the Florida Keys?

Any time of year can be great, though July through October tend to be not only the hottest and most humid, but peak hurricane season (September is also muggiest and wettest).  December through February are the busiest in terms of tourism, with the most ideal weather but also most expensive and crowded.

For my money, find the sweet spots of early March (before spring break) and late April through May.   You can also get lucky in November with amazing weather but fewer crowds (pre-Thanksgiving).

Do Florida Keys have beaches?

If you’re looking for an amazing beach vacay with sugary sand beaches, a Florida Keys roadtrip may not be quite what you’re looking for.   While Florida is known for its beautiful white sand beaches (on the Gulf side), you’ll quickly notice that beaches in the Keys don’t live up to that.

The Keys were formed atop coral reefs and are protected by those reefs, meaning the islands don’t have sandy beaches.  They’re usually rough and covered with pulverized coral.

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How to get to the Florida Keys

You’ll probably either fly or drive, depending on where you live.  If you’re flying, you can either fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale airports and get your rental car and drive, or fly directly into Key West (and get a rental car too, if you’re exploring the full Keys).  Any of those are good options, so just choose the best flight/airport for you.

Do I need a car in the Florida Keys?

It depends.  If you’re only going to Key West and spending a few days exploring Key West, maybe doing a couple day trips with tours (boat trip, food tour, etc.), then you can get away with not having a car.  Similarly, if you’re going to a resort and literally just staying there the whole time (with maybe a day trip tour or two), then same.

BUT if you’re looking to actually explore the Florida Keys, then yes, you definitely need a car.   There’s no good public transportation, and tons of little spots to stop off at, beautiful views, interesting eateries, cool state parks, and more—without a car, you won’t really experience the Florida Keys.

Just like with hotels, for some reason rental cars were crazy expensive for the dates I was there (also not helped by overall rental car company supply chain issues).  I ended up using Sixt (this is a 15% off link), who I’ve had great experiences with (mostly) internationally, but ended up not being as ideal for this trip.

For some dumb reason, they were charging me a $45 add-on fee for any toll roads I went on, and there are a lot of them headed from Miami airport down to the Keys.  They also charged me more than $10 a gallon for gas when I wasn’t able to re-fill my car (long story, I really tried but the gas tank cover was jammed).

For renting a car, I generally search in a few different places and compare both the prices and specific offerings/benefits.  My go-to’s are DiscoverCars ,  RentalCars.com , and  AutoEurope as well.  I’d go this route for the Keys.

One note, the rental car place is SO far away in the Miami airport, so just be prepared for that (we were delayed & got in around 11:30pm, and the rental car desk closed at midnight so I was hauling ass to get there in time)…it’s long walks on moving sidewalks and then the train.

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Driving in the Keys

Speaking of gas, it’s definitely more affordable before you hit the Keys, so always better to fill up on the mainland if you can.  Make sure you leave tons of time to get back to the airport from the Keys, as traffic gets really bad along the Overseas Highway and also people are really slow.  I ended up accidentally cutting it WAY too close and was panicked.

Be extremely careful about speeding!!!  (Yes, three exclamation points.)  Cops are everywhere looking to stop people, and the speed limit changes constantly.  Sometimes the cops just park an empty car somewhere so it looks like a cop is monitoring you, but I wouldn’t take the chance.

Driving in the Keys is also one of those trips where the journey is just as important as the destination.  Driving along the Overseas Highway is an amazing experience!  It will take as long as it’s going to take…if you’re stuck behind someone slow, you might get lucky with a passing area, but don’t do anything stupid and just be patient.  You’re on island time.

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How to plan your Florida Keys roadtrip itinerary

One of the important things to keep in mind when planning your Keys roadtrip is that you’ll need to be flexible due to weather uncertainty.  If you’re planning any kind of outdoor activity, particularly if it’s on the water, that’s going to impact your itinerary.

One thing you’ll notice as you go through this post is that I didn’t manage to do any snorkeling boat trips.  I was SO BUMMED but the weather when I was there in mid-March ended up being kind of weird, there was a big front of rain, crazy wind, and cooler temps that rolled through just as I arrived.  But you definitely need to consider boat trips and snorkeling!

As I talk about what to do in the Florida Keys much deeper below, I’m going to go geographically from north to south (so Key West is at the end).  But I ended up structuring my itinerary a little differently.  This was entirely due to hotel availability and costs in Key West.

I drove down to Key West for my first two nights, hitting some of the Upper Keys spots as I went.  Then I based myself smack-dab in the middle in Marathon and used that as a base to explore the Middle and Lower Keys a bit more conveniently.

Here was how my actual itinerary worked out:

• Arrived Miami very late at night, got rental car, stayed close to the airport
• Headed down the Overseas Highway first thing in the morning, ended up in Key West that afternoon
• Spent two nights and one full day in Key West
• Drove up to Marathon to base myself the rest of the trip
• Spent one day more in the Marathon/Islamorada area
• Spent time down in Bahia Honda and lower Middle Keys

As I made my way up and down the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West and back, I sampled as many key lime pies as I could get my hands on.  Some I devoured in the restaurant, but more often than not I got them “to go” and enjoyed with a gorgeous Keys view, in my car, or in my jammies in bed.  I’ll speak to some of these in the post below, but you can read my deep-dive post on the best key lime pies in the Keys here!

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Upper Keys:  Key Largo & Islamorada

As I mentioned above, one of my biggest “things to do” in the Florida Keys was to try as many different key lime pies as possible, and the first spot I hit driving south was the original Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen .  It’s got a cute, kitschy diner-like vibe, and if I’d had time I definitely would have stopped for breakfast.

Instead I grabbed a piece of key lime pie to go (at 9:30 in the morning)…you can see where it ranked on my best key lime pie in the Keys deep-dive post , but the short answer is “eh”.  Wasn’t bad, but definitely not top of the list.

As you continue on your way, one cool spot to keep an eye out for if you’re a classic movies fan is the Caribbean Club , where the famous black-and-white film Key Largo (starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall) was filmed.  You can read more about it here !

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Just down the highway you’ll see Harriette’s , who are known not for their key lime pie, but for their famous key lime muffins.

I’m firmly on the record as being anti-muffin (insanely caloric and taste/enjoyment does not live up to it), but their key lime pie muffin is pretty darn good!  Super moist but not crazy sweet.  And again, a really cute diner feel so would be great for a meal.

And then we started getting to the real key lime contenders!  My next stop, Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory in Tavernier, ended being my overall #1 key lime pie in the Keys .

They have many different offerings, all the same key lime pie base but a variety of toppings (whipped cream, meringue, chocolate, frozen on a stick with chocolate, etc.).  I got the meringue even though that’s not usually my thing, but the girl at the counter said it was the traditional one.

The pie’s filling was light and creamy but delightfully tart, the crust was great, and the meringue thankfully didn’t distract from the pie itself.  Near perfection.  I ate my pie out in their peaceful Serenity Garden, which has an amazing sign basically saying that children must be seated and quiet at all times—my kind of place!

Blond Giraffe definitely deserves a short stop on your Florida Keys itinerary!

See the rest of my definitive ranking of Florida Keys key lime pie options!

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At this point, I was JONESIN’ for some real coffee.  At both Mrs. Mac’s and Hariette’s, they only had drip coffee and that’s not really my fave.

So I swung by the adorable Café Moka for an iced latte (in deference to the already blazing mid-morning heat) and some avocado toast…I mean, you gotta soak up all that sugar from the pie at some point.

They have a menu of light lunch fare, delicious-looking pastries, and great coffee, plus not only a cute indoors but nice little patio area as well.

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John Pennekamp State Park

So this one’s a biggie, and I’ll fully admit that I didn’t do it justice.  Renowned as the county’s first undersea park (established in 1963), John Pennekamp State Park encompasses 70 nautical square miles of well-reserved marine life—on Key Largo and about 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.  People rave about the beaches, wildlife, snorkeling, and boat tours.

When I was planning my Florida Keys roadtrip, it kept coming up as a must-visit, so it was definitely on my list, and I particularly wanted to do either the glass-bottom boat tour or a snorkeling tour.  Unfortunately when I arrived, the boat trip time I needed was already booked up, and the next one would have been too late for me to make my Key West sunset sail reservation.

I did make a quick stop by both Cannon Beach (first couple pics below), deemed one of the most chill beaches in the Keys, and the tiny Far Beach.

Read more about visiting John Pennekamp park & tips for your visit!

From the underwater coral reefs to the mangrove swamps, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park gives visitors a glimpse of one of the most diverse and beautiful ecosystems.  But overall I don’t think it’s is the kind of park that lends itself to a “drop by”, unless you just want to hang out at the beach for a bit or have a quiet picnic next to the water.

But it’s definitely worth a visit!  It just takes a little planning to make sure you really *see* the things you want to see, particularly the snorkeling or the glass-bottom boat (book ahead!).  And activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, or camping require time.  Make sure you plan ahead!

Two other Key Largo things to call out that I didn’t get to do … Molasses Reef is supposed to be some of the best snorkeling in the Keys, and can be a great boat trip destination.  And if it’s your kind of thing, kayaking through the mangrove tunnels is a unique thing to do in the Keys (check out Florida Bay Outfitters ).

Now we’re making our way south into Islamorada , a village actually encompassing six small keys.  And Midway Café & Coffee Bar is our next stop, one of those “must stop” spots everyone touts.  I tried to visit here on my first day as I was driving south, but it was PACKED, with a line out the door (I think it was a Thursday or Friday).

I strongly recommend avoiding weekends if you can, unless you’re fully in the off-season, or go at a super off time.  So instead this was the very last spot I stopped on my way back to the Miami airport at the end of my trip.  I got an iced coffee and roast beef sandwich that was quite delicious, and their avocado toast which was mediocre.

And of course, the key lime pie.  The filling was great, one of the best, but the crust (a basic pie crust, not graham cracker) really let it down and the meringue didn’t add anything.   It made the upper tier of my list on the filling alone, but there are better options out there.

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Having already sent ourselves into a blood sugar coma, we’ll totally switch gears with our next stop, which is the popular Florida Keys Brewing Co (this is actually a slight backtrack from Midway, by like a minute).  It’s located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, and their kitschy tasting room and colorful beer garden certainly reflect that.

FKBC was the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, serving up delicious seasonal and tropical-inspired craft brews seven days.  You can take a tour of the brewery, build your own flight of beers to taste, grab a bite from the food truck outside, or play games or listen to music in the garden.

I selected my flight of beers and sipped them out in the back garden.  Out of all of them, the Honey Hibiscus Kolsch and the Hazelnut Hole Irish Red were the most surprising and delightful.

Overall FKBC has a fun vibe and is a great place to while away an hour (or three)!

Read more about visiting the Florida Keys Brewing Co here!

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This is a great stretch to just enjoy the view as well, and stop off from time to time if you see a really beautiful ocean vista.  To me, the water in the Islamorada area was maybe the prettiest…really intense aqua colors, almost opaque at times (like glacier run-off).

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Just down the highway from our beer stop is another great dining or just hanging/drinking option… Lazy Days Restaurant is a fun beachfront restaurant with (supposedly) great sea food and a very chill atmosphere.  It’s definitely worth a stop for lunch, dinner, or just to have a drink and enjoy the view.

I stopped here later in my roadtrip for an impromptu drink and snack, but it was too early for lunch at the time.  I had their key lime pie (good filling, meh crust), a mojito, and sweet potato fries…LOL late breakfast of champions!

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Fueled up on mojito, my next stop was Anne’s Beach , which was a bit of a surprise.  Located on the south end of Lower Matecumbe Key (considered Islamorada), it’s really more of a long interconnected series of tiny beaches, with a great walkway between.

It’s also dotted with pavilions, great for a family get-together or impromptu picnic with some cover from the sun.  The beaches here are a great option for kids, because the water is shallow and calm.  I wasn’t in the mood for laying on the beach (or dressed for it), so I just took a little stroll and enjoyed the view.

For time context, Anne’s Beach is about a 30-40 minute drive south from John Pennekamp State Park.

A few other Islamorada-area things to call out:  

• One thing I REALLY wanted to do was a snorkeling trip out to the lighthouse at Alligator Reef .  it’s supposed to have gorgeous waters and lots of sea life, but the weather did not cooperate with me.  Check out Wild Dolphin Tours as an option.  Though I still think I might pick Molasses Reef over it.
• Founders Park is supposed to be a beautiful beach, good for kids (but costs to enter, and I didn’t bother).
• I did make a stop at Green Turtle Inn for the key lime pie as well (it did not do well in the rankings )

Middle Keys: Marathon, Seven Mile Bridge, & Bahia Honda

I’ve already talked about the wonderful Grassy Flats Resort , but it’s right here at the top end of Marathon, and a great central option—a joy to stay at!

Then as you head down the main drag of Marathon, one of the most traditional white sand beach options is right as you’re hitting the Middle Keys…behold, Sombrero Beach !  I stopped by briefly to check it out in the mid/late afternoon and it was definitely busy and very active, but not crowded.

As Keys beaches (ha! my phone tried to autocorrect that to “please bitches”) go, it’s pretty and a great option with kids.

And now we lunch!  A MUST VISIT in the Marathon area for either lunch or dinner is Keys Fisheries Restaurant & Marina .  This place is a total dive that is so great!  It offers a variety of seafood-based dishes, all super fresh.

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I visited first for lunch, and I had  the fish fingers and sweet potato fries, and tried the key lime pie (solid, in the top tier).  Then I came back a couple days later for dinner and got the fish tacos (a little more disappointing) and snapper Reuben.  There was quite a line at dinner, but it moved fast enough.

Seating is first-come, first-serve, and there’s a great view out over the marina.  This is a total locals place you need to try.

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And now, smack-dab in the middle of the Keys, we come to one of the things that almost EVERYONE says you need to do.  And that’s visit the Turtle Hospital !

Opened in 1986, it was the first facility of its kind in the US (maybe the world), focused on rescuing, rehabbing, and then releasing all kinds of sea turtles.  The tour takes about 90 minutes in total, visiting different areas where the turtles are recovering, and learning tons about them.  For instance, that sea turtle brains (even the giant turtles) are about the size of a thumb—they’re known for their instinct, not smarts.

You definitely should book ahead if possible, particularly during busy season.  Tickets are $30 (when this was published) and it goes to helping keep the (non-profit) center running.  And an important tip, a decent amount of the tour is outside, so wear sunscreen and bring water!

Read more about visiting the Turtle Hospital here!

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Continuing to head south, Porky’s Bayside Restaurant & Marina is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and even has a front seat on the water at the marina.

They have a great drinks menu (I hear the mojitos are great!), but I wasn’t quite ready to dive into cocktails right after all the beer I’d had at FKBC, so went with a refreshing strawberry mint lemonade to go with my fried fish tacos.

The other reason I had to stop by Porky’s???  They’re known for their fried key lime pie, so it was on my must-try list.  It was okay, but texturally not my fave.  One note on Porky’s, they also have live music in the evenings.

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Before we move on from Marathon, one thing I didn’t get to try out was a helicopter tour of the Keys , which is supposed to be amazing—especially at sunset!  One company I saw recommended was JD Premier Aviation Helicopter Tours , and they depart from Marathon Airport.

Otherwise, we keep heading south in the Middle Keys, and are stopping at the awesome newly re-opened walking/biking path on the Old Seven Mile Bridge .  It’s on the right if you’re driving south—I didn’t see signs or anything, just a small parking lot (35 spaces!) on the Gulf side, right before your hit the actual (new) Seven Mile Bridge.

It’s a great path with awesome views, and you have a good chance of seeing lots of wildlife.

And if you’re up to it, you can go a step further and visit isolated little Pigeon Key .  It’s only accessible by walking or bicycling the Old Seven Mile Bridge (about 2.2 miles each way) or by ferry boat.  The ferry departs from the Pigeon Key Gift Shop at 2010 Overseas Highway, mile marker 48.

You can plan your visit at the Pigeon Key website , and also read more tips and reviews on TripAdvisor .  I ran out of time and didn’t get to visit, but would have loved to!

The Florida Keys featured on “places I’m dying to visit in 2022” list!

And now it’s time to drive over the famous Seven Mile Bridge ! This is the new version of the bridge, built in the 1980s.  And it IS actually almost 7 miles long.

The thing you always have to remember is that a Keys roadtrip is really about…a roadtrip.  It’s one of those “it’s the journey not just the destination” things.  And this stretch you’re on from Islamorada to Marathon and down toward Bahia Honda is GORGEOUS!  (I realize the pics don’t do it justice.)

In particular, the view of the old railroad bridge running parallel to the highway is super cool.

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I don’t know exactly where this is, but thought it looked really cool.  This was just a random place I pulled off the road on one of the Keys, and had to stop and take some pics!

Bahia Honda State Park

And Seven Mile Bridge will take you over to Bahia Honda Key, home to Bahia Honda State Park.  This is our last big stop before hitting Key West, and is one of my top recommendations for things to do in the Florida Keys!

Boasting iconic Keys scenery, some of the best white sand beaches in the Keys, and gorgeous turquoise and green water, it’s a pretty small park that’s easy to explore.

I was coming early/mid morning on a weekday, so got to enjoy some solitude and and crashing waves with the Cuban cortadito and empanadas I’d picked up on the drive.  Fueled up, I walked up the (short) old Bahia Honda railroad bridge…you definitely can’t beat the views!

Read more about visiting Bahia Honda (& the bridge’s history) here!

Then I went down to walk along Calusa Beach, which is small but gives you a pretty iconic view of both the old railroad bridge and the current Seven Mile Bridge.  Sunset from here would be amazing!

On the opposite side of the railroad bridge (just a 2-minute walk) is Loggerhead Beach.  To me this is the best beach at the park, and it also has a fabulous reef close to the shore, which provides a fairly unique beach snorkeling experience.  Good beach snorkeling with really interesting fish isn’t common (usually you need to take a snorkeling trip) and I’ve heard here it’s pretty great.

In my opinion, Bahia Honda gives you one of the biggest bangs for your buck—in terms of awesomeness vs. time—of almost anywhere in the Keys.

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Now from Bahia Honda Key I skipped over to Big Pine Key, to visit the famous No Name Pub .  I bellied up to the bar to try their key lime pie (meh) and had a beer…yes, I know, weird combo but their drinks menu didn’t appeal.  The pub is about 10 minutes off the highway, so it’s less convenient for a quick stop.

And just a bit down the road on Summerland Key, I did stop briefly at Mangrove Mama’s as well.  I was tempted to have some food, but it was a weird time of day and I was antsy to get to my next stop, so just got some of their key lime pie to go (you can see where they landed on my ranking ).

To me, both of these stops were skippable.  Don’t get me wrong, both have a fun dive-y feel (like dive bar, not like scuba dive), and if you’re looking for a cool vibe for a chill beer they’d be fine.  But I think you have better options for eating.

Spend a couple days in Key West

And FINALLY, at the very southern tip of the Keys, we come to Key West!  This little 2-mile by 4-mile island (key) boasts some fun history (you can read more about it here ), and makes a great getaway—whether your interest is history, watersports, Civil War-era forts, booze-fueled nightlife, key lime pie, or snorkeling along barrier reefs and enjoying the year-round sunshine.

I stayed two nights in Key West, and tried out two different hotels (I recommend H2O Suites !!).  I made sure both provided parking, so I could avoid the traffic and expensive street parking, and just get around on foot while exploring this cool city.  Actually, it was HOT, soooo hot!  And that was in March…I can’t imagine what July is like.

One of my first orders of business was trying all the amazing coffeeshops…gimme that Cuban cortadito!  I did a lot of just wandering, soaking in the shaded greenery of the sidewalks, white Conch-style houses, and cool historic buildings.

Read my detailed guide to Key West, including some super handy tips!

Duval Street is the center of Key West’s nightlife, but also worth a stroll in the daylight.  It’s lined with tons of restaurants, bars, and shops, including all kinds of live music at night.

At night you can just walk down the street and listen for a style of music that suits you, then head inside.  You’ll also see plenty of bachelor and bachelorette parties swarming (that’s the scientific term, a “swarm of bachelorettes”…).

I was on a mission to try as many key lime pies as possible, and while my overall #1 was not in Key West, there were three Key West spots in my “cream of the crop” grouping.  I definitely recommend  Pepe’s  Café ,  Banana Café , and  Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe …I preferred all of these to the impressive but somewhat-bland “Mile High Key Lime Pie” that’s famous at Blue Heaven.

I also enjoyed a brief rum tasting stop at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery .  I think they offer brief tours too, but you can just belly up to their bar and taste different rums or get a cocktail—I recommend getting their piña colada to go, it was great!  And yes, you can walk and drink in Key West…

And of course, you may decide to get in some quality beach time.  Again, the Keys aren’t known for their amazing beaches, but Key West has a few decent ones for you to try out.  The water and sun are gorgeous regardless.

My top two picks for best beaches were Smathers Beach and the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.  Both are pretty good on the sand/laying out front, as well as for watersports or swimming.  I also visited Higgs Beach but didn’t like it as much.

Read more about the different beach options in Key West here!

Two other things that many “ what to do in Key West ” lists will tell you are a must…

One is visiting the buoy marker for the southernmost point in the continental United States.   Yeah, it’s kind of cheesy and touristy, and i personally wouldn’t wait in line for a pic.  I caught it on an early morning run without the crowds.  I *would*, however, skip the Mile Marker 0 photo op.

The second is exploring Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.  If you’re planning to really make the most of the experience and enjoy the beach and picnic areas, do some snorkeling, walk around the historic fort, and maybe even catch the sunset , I’d definitely recommend it.

If you’re only going to see the fort…meh??  It’s fine I guess, but there isn’t much to see, and doesn’t have great views either.  I would STRONGLY recommend taking a day trip to see Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park instead (more on that in a minute!).

A visit to Key West—and the Keys in general—wouldn’t be complete without planning out our sunset strategy.  The famous thing is to head to Mallory Square for their nightly Sunset Celebration, but I wanted to avoid all the crowds and craziness.

One way to combine both a pretty sunset AND getting out on the water (a favorite pastime of mine, and perfect here)  is to book a sunset sailing cruise.

In my research I looked for sunset sail companies offering something chill and not crowded, and ideally on more of a traditional sailboat vs. a giant yacht or catamaran.  I went with Danger Charters “Wind & Wine” tour (see Viator reviews as well) and was really happy with the overall vibe, and the different wines we tried  Not just cheap plonk!  Sebago also gets great reviews

You can read more about my Key West sunset sail here!

On my second night in Key West, I again eschewed Mallory Square and instead grabbed an Uber over to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (I walked back to downtown afterward).  Note, it does cost to enter the state park (I paid $4.50 as a single-occupant vehicle).

The sunset views from the park’s beach are amazing, and while there were plenty of people there, it never felt crowded at all.  This was exactly the peaceful sunset vibe I was going for.

Read more about the best Key West sunset spots here!

Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

This is an absolute must on any Florida Keys roadtrip or any Key West itinerary!  Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote U.S. national parks, about 70 miles west of Key West and 150 miles south of the U.S. mainland.  The park is 100 square miles of water, with seven tiny islands in it.

One of those tiny islands houses Fort Jefferson, built in the mid-1800s to protect the U.S.’s shipping interests.  It takes up the entire island it’s on, is the largest all-masonry fort in the U.S., and is SO much cooler than Fort Zachary Taylor!

Most people who visit Dry Tortugas do it as a day trip from Key West, either by sea plane or ferry.  I’d love to try sea plane sometime!  When I visited, I actually did a 5-day private sailing charter, so got to see some other parts of the park (like stunning Loggerhead Key ).

Read more about visiting Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson!

Where to eat & drink in the Florida Keys

We’ll chunk this off by Upper, Middle, and Key West again, for simplicity.  Starting with the Upper Keys, here are some places I tried and my thoughts.  I’ll also mention a few places I didn’t get to, in case they’re of interest.  And we’ll start with the Upper Keys—largely Key Largo and Islamorada.

• The original Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen .  It’s got a cute, kitschy diner-like vibe, and if I’d had time I definitely would have stopped for breakfast.
•   Harriette’s , who are known not for their key lime pie, but for their famous key lime muffins.
•   Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory  in Tavernier, ended being my overall  #1 key lime pie in the Keys .
• Café Moka – Delicious coffee, pastries, or light lunch options, with a pretty inside and cute little patio area.
• Midway Café & Coffee Bar – Super popular so can get crowded with long lines (try an off time), but really cool spot and good menu.
• Florida Keys Brewing Co   – This cool microbrewery gives you the chance to try some local beers, maybe grab a taco, and enjoy a fun, quirky back patio (with live music sometimes).
• Lazy Days Restaurant – A fun beachfront restaurant with (supposedly) great seafood and a chill atmosphere.
• Bayside Gourmet – This feels like a real locals spot, I came here for some key lime pie one night it was pouring.  I didn’t get to try any of the other food but it gets good reviews.

A couple spots I wanted to try but didn’t have the chance to were Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (great waterfront spot) and Chef Michael’s .

Now we’ll talk Middle Keys, where I spent quite a bit of time.  Most of these are grouped around the larger Marathon area.

• Keys Fisheries Restaurant & Marina – This place look like (and is) a total dive, and it is so great!  I loved the fish fingers and sweet potato fries, and all their seafood is really fresh.
• Porky’s Bayside Restaurant & Marina – A good option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with a pretty big menu and a front seat on the water at the marina.  I had fish tacos (delish!) and the drinks menu is great too.
• Sunset Grille – This was a cool spot right before Seven Mile Bridge, and would make a really great sunset option (and happy hour!).  They had delicious sounding apps, I grabbed the short rib tacos, fried Brussels sprouts chips, fried cheese curds, and a mojito after touring the Turtle Hospital.
• Morada Bay Beach Cafe – I’m sure this probably would have been a great restaurant for sunset, but was POURING when I visited for dinner.  So I didn’t really get the full experience, but found it overpriced (especially the drinks).  I got the fish & chips (red snapper), and it was pretty good though the coleslaw was terrible.
• SS Wreck – Definitely a locals place, fun to watch people interact. I got takeout because the weather was nutty and super windy, I was tired and it was the only thing super close to where I was staying.  The food was okay, nothing great.
• Curly’s Coffee – A little drive-thru or walk-up in Marathon, fairly basic (coffee wasn’t great but it was my best option). Try the Happy Keys Latte, iced…made with coconut and cinnamon.
• Marathon Bagel Co – I had an early weekend morning breakfast here and they have lots of choices.  I got the special with brisket (too crazy for me, but a fun idea), and a bagel with lox.
• No Name Pub   – Famous for some reason, this dive bar was a bit out of the way, and I didn’t see anything special.  I didn’t have a meal there, so maybe the food is good?
• Mangrove Mama’s – Similarly, I made a quick stop here for key lime pie but didn’t try the food.  It’s cute but felt skippable.

A couple places I wanted to try but didn’t get to were Castaway and Marathon Grill & Alehouse , both in Marathon.

One thing to keep an eye out for is little hole-in-the-wall spots, shacks, food trucks, and the like.  I found some delicious empanadas and Cuban coffee one morning and took it over to Bahia Honda State Park for a beautiful breakfast moment.

A shout-out to El Habanero Cuban Coffee as well, a cash-only little stand I stumbled upon along the highway fairly close to my hotel in Marathon.

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And finally, all the delicious things to eat in Key West!  I had trouble finding good dinner options, because I didn’t plan ahead and make reservations, and I’m not willing to wait more than like 15 minutes for a seat.  But my breakfasts and lunches were primo.

• Banana Café – A great and extensive menu, I had a delicious veggie crepe with beets, asparagus, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and avocado, and one of my top-five key lime pies.
• Pepe’s Cafe – Similarly, the breakfast and key lime pie here was delicious (my #2 key lime pie overall!).  They’ve got a really solid-looking menu overall
• Cuban Coffee Queen – They have two different locations, serving breakfast, smoothies, sandwiches, and of course, delicious Cuban coffee.  The Margaret St. one has the iconic Key West mural.
• Keys Coffee Company – They make a frozen café con leche that is DELICIOUS!  It’s not a true slushy frozen, just bits of ice flecked throughout.  I had like four of these in two days.
• Key West Cuban Coffee – This spot had a fabulous menu but I’d already eaten way too much, so didn’t get to try the arepas or other delicious things on the menu.  I did, however, get an iced cortadito and it had WAY too much granulated sugar in it—blech.  The guava and cheese empanada was great though.
• Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe – One of the best key lime pie options in town!
• Blue Heaven – Tends to appear on every Key West list, but also tends to have a long wait.  I had a decent fresh fish meal along with a mojito and their famous “mile high meringue” key lime pie (which I wasn’t a fan of).
• Moondog Café – I devoured the Frenchman burger, truffle fries, and sweet potato fries with lime curry sauce while sipping their peach basil sangria.  Lol, so I liked it.
• Tiger Bar – I had dinner here one night and it’s definitely unique.  They have an interesting wine menu (I got the Lambrusco) and no real cocktails.  It’s a limited small plates menu, with some fascinating dishes (many of which I couldn’t eat).  I tried their tea-deviled eggs (delicious and interesting), beef tartare (good but hot, my favorite), Korean fried chicken (delicious but spicy), and lamb ribs (great flavor but fatty and hard to eat).
• Lagerheads Beach Bar & Watersports – A hidden gem right on the water, with a beach shack vibe and its own tiny beach you can sit on (note, the beach is public).
• Flamingo Crossing – Yummy ice cream!!  I tried the strawberries & cream and Cuban coffee flavors and both were great…I wish I could have tried more.  Note, it’s cash-only.

Boy, the list of places I didn’t get to try out is loooong…here’s the short list 🙂

• 5 Brothers Grocery – Supposed to have great café con leche.
• Sarabeth’s – Supposed to be delicious breakfast, and in a pretty older building.  I did have the key lime pie and was not a fan.
• First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery – The southernmost craft brewery in the U.S., but is also located in the building where Pan American World Airways started in 1927.  Supposed to be a cool setting with good food and very good beers (and apparently, homemade sangria).
• Santiago’s Bodega – Great tapas (reservations required, even for the bar).
• Nine One Five – On lower Duval, supposed to have an imaginative menu and well-presented cocktails.

I am so glad I finally spent some time exploring as many nooks and crannies of the Keys as I could cram into one week.  Hopefully this Florida Keys roadtrip itinerary is super helpful to you for planning your own adventure!

Other amazing U.S. roadtrips you’ll love:

• A Jam-Packed Itinerary For California’s Sonoma County
• How To Plan A Western South Dakota Road Trip
• What To Do In Sedona: How To Plan An Awesome 3+ Day Trip
• An Amazing Southern Utah Roadtrip: Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks
• A Guide To The Oregon Coast

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Comments (3)

Amrita Chugh

April 5, 2024 at 7:10 pm

Hey! is it a good idea to start driving from key west and head to miami?

April 7, 2024 at 3:28 pm

Hi Amrita! Can you provide more info on what you mean about it being a good idea? You definitely can drive from Key West to Miami, I drove both ways (since I flew in and out of Miami airport).

March 19, 2023 at 9:24 pm

Enjoyed reading through your article as I plan my May trip to the Florida Keys. Thanks for sharing.

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The Ultimate Guide To A 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip

Table of Contents

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:

Table of Contents

Getting There and Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Arrive in Key Largo

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Explore Tavernier on Key Largo

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

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

Day 3: Islamorada

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Islamorada to Marathon

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

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

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

Day 5: Marathon to Big Pine to Key West

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

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

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

Big Pine Key

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Key West

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Key West and then home

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

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

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

What are you looking forward to most?

About Nicole Edwards

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

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Pure Spritiual Healing says

10/18/2023 at 10:33 pm

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

• Travel recommendations
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The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip – What to See & Do

A Florida Keys road trip offers endless aquamarine views, as well as access to picture-perfect islands, coral reefs and local restaurants serving freshly-caught seafood. The roughly 160-kilometre route is considered a classic all-American road trip, where travellers are spoiled with snorkeling spots, roadside attractions and gorgeous state and national parks.

With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined , we’ve mapped out an exciting Florida Keys road trip itinerary that highlights everything the islands have to offer. We’ve included the must-see pit stops, the best experiences in each destination (including outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions and top eateries) as well as the best places to stay.

How Much Time Do You Need for a Florida Keys Road Trip?

Technically you could complete this trip in one day, but why would you want to? The five-hour route is best-seen by taking it slow and visiting the local attractions in the five major regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys and Key West. Embrace the laid-back lifestyle of the Florida Keys and rest and recharge at one of the beachfront hotels.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys?

The best time to embark on a Florida Keys road trip is between March and May before the temperatures get too hot and humid and crowds are thinner. Hurricane season is from June to September, so it’s a gamble visiting during this time.

The Ultimate Key West Road Trip Itinerary

Key Largo is the first stop on your Florida Keys road trip after picking up a rental car in Miami. Enjoy the live music and tasty conch fritters at Alabama Jacks, an old-school Florida beach bar, then hop aboard the African Queen . This restored steamboat docked at Mile Marker 100 is made famous by the 1951 classic movie of the same name. Don’t miss seeing the colourful coral reefs and tropical fish at John Pennekamp, while glass-bottom boat tours in Molasses Reef are perfect for those who prefer to stay dry.

Top Experiences in Key Largo

• Go snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , the nation’s first underwater park.
• Dig into the famous homestyle cooking and seafood specialties at Macs Kitchen .
• Take an airboat tour of Everglades National Park for a classic Florida adventure.

Where to Stay in Key Largo

Playa largo resort & spa, autograph collection.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection is a beachfront hotel set on five hectares of secluded shoreline. With sweeping views of the Florida Bay, this luxe resort has rooms and suites overlooking the Atlantic and white sand beach. Alternatively, opt for a private beach house or bungalow.

Refuel at the waterfront Sol by the Sea seafood restaurant, dine on ceviche at Las Olas or grab a cold drink from the beachside Sand Bar. Recover with a massage, facial or after-sun Aloe-ha treatment at the spa or get your adrenaline pumping with its watersports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and kayak tours.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 219 – USD 1,074 Guest Rating: 9 Address: 97450 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States

Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton offers unparalleled views of Florida Bay. In addition to its prime location in Key Largo, it boasts a pampering Greenhouse Salon, waterfall pools and an abundance of water sports. Set above the island’s hardwood hammocks, it’s on-site restaurant Calusa serves a menu of Caribbean-Creole cuisine with Cajun flair.

Take respite after your road trip adventure in one of the chic rooms and suites, which feature private balconies, modern decor and stunning coastal views. Upgraded suites add extra space with living rooms, sofa beds and second HDTVs, as well as kitchenettes and wrap-around balconies.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 147 – USD 310 Guest Rating: 8.5 Address: 97000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States

The next stop on your Florida Keys road trip is Islamorada , which is widely known as the “sportfishing capital of the world”. You could easily spend a few days hopping around the various tiny islands that make up this region, with culture vultures flocking to the lively Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District. If you’re a fan of diving, stop by the History of Diving Museum to browse its unique exhibits on display. Pedal around town on a beach cruiser, or pop into the Florida Keys Brewing Co for a cold brew.

Top Experiences in Islamorada

• Hand-feed hungry tarpon at Robbie’s Marina , located at Mile Marker 77.5.
• Make a pit stop at Midway Cafe, a funky little cafe, bakery, coffee shop and retail store.ww
• Enjoy bird-watching, swimming, kayaking or relaxing on the shoreline at Long Key State Park .

Where to Stay in Islamorada

Cheeca lodge & spa.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a tropical paradise in Islamorada. Undoubtedly its one of the most luxurious hotels in the Florida Keys, offering a host of activities such as adult and family pools, multiple restaurants and a Jack Nicklaus-designed 9-hole par 3 golf course. Fishing enthusiasts can charter a boat or cast a line from the pier, while the on-site spa offers pampering treatments.

Its elegant rooms and suites range from Beach Bungalows directly on the beach to Oceanfront Suites with private balconies, soaking tubs and separate living rooms. Got the pups with you? Choose the Dog Friendly Suite and Pup in Paradise Package. In addition, kids will love the fun activities at Camp Cheeca.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 72 – USD 292 Guest Rating: 8.5 Address: 81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort is consistently rated as one of the best resorts in the Florida Keys. With hammocks dotting the private beach, shimmering oceanfront pools and tiki bar – it’s not hard to see why. Additionally, the resort offers evening fire pits, lawn games, bicycles and water sports excursions. At Reelburger, you can fill up with made-to-order burgers and Keys-inspired cuisine.

Decorated in natural hues, the elegant rooms and suites come with a king or two queen-size beds, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, coffee makers and flat-screen TVs. In addition to the in-room perks, guests can take advantage of the complimentary beach chairs and pool towels.

Star Rating: 3* Price: USD 84 – USD 700 Guest Rating: 8.4 Address: 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

Just an hour south of Key Largo is Marathon , a 16-kilometre-long island chain and mid-point of your Florida Keys road trip. The set of 13 islands offers some of the best boating activities in the Florida Keys, from deep-sea and reef to flats fishing. In addition to a collection of laid-back waterfront restaurants, Marathon is an ideal spot to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and cruising along the tranquil waters. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, Curry Hammock State Park is perfect for paddling adventures.

Top Experiences in Marathon

• Get up-close with sharks, rays and other marine life at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters .
• Book a behind-the-scenes tour of the Turtle Hospital to learn about the facility’s turtle rehabilitation program.
• Visit the local favourite Keys Fisheries for fresh-off-the-boat seafood from the Gulf and Florida Bay.

Where to Stay in Marathon

Tranquility bay beachfront hotel and resort.

You’ll feel a million miles away from stress at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel And Resort, which is nestled within the palm-lined paradise that is Marathon. It boasts three pools, on-site watersports and a private beach as well as a spa with custom-made herbal scrubs, facials and body masks. However, foodies can sample local specialties at TJ’s Tiki Bar or shrimp cocktail and crab cakes at Butterfly Cafe.

Garden-view rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, coffee makers and complimentary parking, with the garden pool just steps away. Alternatively, the private, standalone beach houses have private entrances with no hallways or elevators and feature large private porches for taking in the water views.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 159 – USD 659 Guest Rating: 8.9 Address: 2600 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050, United States

Hawks Cay Resort

Undoubtedly one of the most famous resorts in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Resort lures you in with its small, secluded setting. Dolphins readily greet guests on this Duck Key resort, while seaside dining, outdoor pools and water sports are just the tip of the iceberg. It also has a full-service marina, saltwater lagoon, luxe spa and kid and teens club. Snorkeling and fishing are popular, as well as sunset cruises and stand-up paddleboarding.

Rooms boast an inviting island ambience with tropical accents, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, while most offer balconies with ocean views. Travelling with the family or in a group? Upgrade to one of the luxurious two and three-bedroom Villas, which come equipped with full kitchens and oversized decks with water views or a Family Room with bunk beds.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 224 – USD 376 Guest Rating: 7.8 Address: 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, FL 33050, United States

To reach the Lower Keys, you’ll first have to cross the Keys’ most famous and longest bridge, the Seven Mile Bridge. A drive across this iconic landmark offers 360-degree water views and is a highlight of any Florida Keys road trip. Venture to Big Pine Key and neighbouring No Name Key to see some of Florida’s most beloved local wildlife, then enjoy outdoor adventures on Stock Island, which is also home to the open-air tiki bar and seafood joint Hogfish Bar and Grill .

Top Experiences in Lower Keys

• Spot local wildlife in the National Key Deer Refuge , which is home to the adorable white-tailed Florida Key Deer.
• Enjoy the palm-lined beaches, emerald waters and balmy breezes at Bahia Honda State Park .
• Explore the picturesque waterways around Stock Island on a guided kayak tour with Lazy Dog Adventures .

Where to Stay in Lower Keys

Little palm island resort & spa – a noble house resort.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – A Noble House Resort is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for absolute luxury. This private island retreat is only accessible by seaplane or private boat and boasts a world-class spa, gourmet restaurant, an oceanfront pool and pristine beach. Activities range from snorkeling and sailing to skydiving and seaplane adventures.

The beachfront bungalows are like a personal paradise, offering lavish island living with thatched roofs, vaulted ceilings and stunning ocean views. Best of all, there’s no phones or TVs – which means no distractions. Your only decision is whether to wake up for an early morning snorkel, soak in your outdoor copper tub or lounge in a beachside hammock.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 1,390 – USD 2,417 Guest Rating: No Rating Address: 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, FL 33042, United States

Oceans Edge Key West Resort, Hotel & Marina

Surrounded by the tranquil sea, Oceans Edge Key West Resort, Hotel & Marina offers a perfect retreat on your journey between the Lower Keys and Key West. In addition to swimming pools, multiple dining options and a full-service marina, it boasts a shuttle to downtown Key West. Its oceanfront setting is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking and dining on freshly caught seafood.

The lavish rooms and suites showcase the natural beauty of the Florida Keys with large waterfront balconies, bright and airy decor and unbeatable ocean views. Two-Bedroom Ocean View Suites are available for larger groups. Also, rooms come with complimentary use of paddleboards and kayaks.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 144 – USD 879 Guest Rating: 8.7 Address: 5950 Peninsular Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, United States

As you continue on U.S. 1 to Mile Marker 0, you’ll reach the last stop of your Florida Keys road trip – Key West . Embrace the anything-goes attitude and explore the streets of Old Town on dotted with colourful conch cottages and watering holes. The southernmost city in the U.S. is well-known for its rich history (once home to Ernest Hemingway), island activities and tart-but-sweet key lime pie. Get around to top attractions via the Old Town Trolley , then soak up the sunshine on the soft sands of Smather’s Beach.

Bonus activity – if you have time, take the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park to swim and snorkel around the uninhabited keys.

Top Experiences in Key West

• Enjoy sunbathing, hiking, paddling, snorkeling and fishing at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park .
• Join the nightly sunset celebration with live entertainment at the seafront Mallory Square.
• Visit top attractions such as the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory , Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and Key West Lighthouse .

Where to Stay in Key West

Hyatt centric key west resort and spa.

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort And Spa is a tranquil waterfront retreat just a short stroll from the lively Duval Street in Old Town. Grab a charter boat from the hotel’s dock, check out the pampering treatments available at Jala Spa or kick back on the sun-soaked beach. Don’t miss the “Dock to Diss” menu at SHOR American Seafood Grill before sipping cocktails overlooking the beach at Blue Mojito Bar.

Discover quirky seaside decor and bright accents in the boutique hotel rooms, which all come equipped with private balconies. While 1 King Deluxe Ocean View rooms come with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, lavish 1 King Premiums offer 58 square metres of living space.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 204 – USD 564 Guest Rating: 8.6 Address: 601 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040, United States

Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina

Escape to Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, which sits right on the waterfront of Old Town Key West. A hub of relaxation amidst all the excitement, this luxe resort offers a pool surrounded by tropical foliage, peaceful Massage Studio and waterfront dining. Enjoy harbour vistas at Bistro 245 or dine poolside at Castaways, then visit Sunset Deck for birds-eye views of the nightly Sunset Celebrations on the pier.

Accommodation options range from cosy Traditional Rooms to Two Bedroom Suites, offering in-room amenities such as bathrobes, coffee makers and flat-screen TVs. Select suites add balconies or patios with full or partial ocean views, Jacuzzi tubs, dining tables and refrigerators.

Star Rating: 4* Price: USD 175 – USD 416 Guest Rating: 8.6 Address: 245 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040, United States

Hotel Location

Pack your sunnies and floppy hat for an epic florida keys road trip.

Whether you’re a Florida native or first-time visitor, a Florida Keys road trip offers an exciting adventure through the state’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Hop from key to key and enjoy its array of outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions, then take respite in one of the beach hotels that offer inviting perks and luxe facilities.

When are you planning a Florida Keys road trip? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more Florida vacation ideas? Check out Florida’s most gorgeous beaches and its secluded, romantic getaways .

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Florida Keys Road Trip – A Spectacular Drive from Miami to Key West

Enjoy the breathtaking turquoise waters around the islands of the Florida Keys on this fun-in-the-sun road trip.

Our Florida Keys road trip has all the best places to stop on a drive to Key West.  Experience the huge variety of outdoor activities in this tropical paradise.

Table of Contents

Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days 

We recommend a one week trip to visit the major attractions of the Florida Keys.  To shorten your trip, remove the optional days.

• Day 1 :  Key Largo
• Day 2 :  Islamorada and Marathon
• Day 3 :  Big Pine and Lower Keys
• Day 4 :  Big Pine and Lower Keys (optional day)
• Day 5 :  Key West
• Day 6 :  Key West
• Day 7 :  Key West (optional day)

Florida Keys Road Trip Map

The Florida Keys are made up of 5 regions. Click on any of the colored regions on the map to see our detailed articles.

20 Best Things To Do in the Florida Keys

• Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , the first undersea park in the US.
• Enjoy a nostalgic voyage aboard The African Queen .
• Experience the thrill of hand-feeding tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada .
• Photograph ‘Betsy’ and see the vibrant arts and crafts at Rain Barrel Village .
• Enjoy the natural beauty and history of Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.
• Learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation efforts at the Turtle Hospital .
• Take a tram ride and explore the history of Pigeon Key’s Historic District .

Big Pine and the Lower Keys

• Snorkel at Looe Key Reef, which teems with marine life.
• Explore the mangroves on a backcountry kayak adventure .
• Relax on the beaches of Bahia Honda State Park and walk the trail to the Old Bahia Honda Bridge
• Wander through the charming streets of the Key West’s Old Town .
• Step into the literary history of Hemingway at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
• Discover more of Key West’s rich heritage in the many fascinating Key West Museums.
• Pose and snap a photo at the Southernmost Point of the Continental US .
• Witness the energy of street performers and breathtaking sunsets at Mallory Square .
• Experience the eerie tales on the Key West Ghosts & Gravestones Tour .
• Climb to new heights at the Key West Lighthouse & Keepers’ Quarters .
• Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of butterflies at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory .
• Discover history and enjoy the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park .
• Sail into a stunning sunset on a Key West Sunset Cruise .

The first stop on your Florida Keys road trip is Key Largo.

Key Largo is known as the “Diving Capital of the World”.   John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park protects part of the only living coral reef system in the continental United States, teeming with colorful marine life.  Explore the reef on diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottom boat tours.

The African Queen , the actual vessel used in the classic film, offers a nostalgic cruise through Key Largo’s canals and near-Atlantic waters.  Enjoy recreating scenes from the film and the Captain’s entertaining commentary.

At the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary , walk the boardwalk surrounded by native vegetation and wetlands to see a variety of bird species.  The birds are housed in large enclosures with natural perching areas and are fed an appropriate diet. The sanctuary is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of non-releasable birds.  Don’t miss the daily pelican feeding sessions.

For more details on Key Largo’s natural wonders and attractions, see our complete article, Key Largo in One Day .

Islamorada is a great destination to explore unique tropical attractions, or just to unwind and relax.  This village-like area, spread over six islands, offering activities for every interest.

Stop at the Rain Barrel Village and take your photo with ‘Betsy’, the giant lobster sculpture.  Inside this artisan village, find an eclectic collection of crafts and art galleries and fun shops showcasing local artists. 

For a get-up-close interaction with marine life, visit Theater of the Sea .  Experience the thrill of wading or snorkeling with dolphins, sea lions or sharks.  This marine park is a great family destination.  Everyone, parents and kids alike, enjoy the dolphin, sea lion and parrot shows.

Robbie’s of Islamorada is a must-visit attraction. Witness the tarpon feeding frenzy while enjoying a delicious seafood sandwich and local beer at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant.  After your meal, buy a bucket of fish and feed the tarpon from the dock.  Be careful, they have a good jump as they grab the food from your hand.  Robbie’s is truly a unique experience.

For more details on visiting the Big Pine Key area, see our complete article, 9 Best Things To Do in Islamorada .

Marathon, Florida

At the half-way point on a Florida Keys road trip, Marathon offers a ton of recreational, fun activities.

For those wanting to have intimate encounters with marine life but in controlled environments, there are several top quality locations.  Interact with marine creatures in touch tanks at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters .  At the Dolphin Research Center , there are up-close encounters, swimming and wading with the dolphins.  Learn about dolphins and sea lions at this interesting facility.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is dedicated to rehabilitating injured sea turtles.  Enjoy a guided public tour through the facility.  See the different tanks where they rehabilitate the turtles for their eventual release back to ocean.

The Pigeon Key Historic District is the former work camp where workers constructing Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad lived.   The island’s museum and buildings showcase the story of these workers and the railway they built.

Located at the end of the restored eastern section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge , Pigeon Key is accessible by walking, biking or taking a tram from the Visitor Center.  On the island, enjoy a guided tour and explore the public buildings before returning on the tram. Visitors have the option of snorkeling or fishing from the dock and beach area as well.

For more details on visiting the Marathon area, see our complete article, 8 Best Things To Do in Marathon Florida .

The Big Pine Key and the islands of the Lower Keys offer a variety of outdoor activities which showcase their natural beauty.

Learn about the endangered Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge .  Drop into the visitor center of the refuge, located on Big Pine Key.  There are several hiking trails on Big Pine and Upper Sugarloaf Keys to explore the area and maybe see the small deer.

Kayaking is the best way to explore the untouched mangroves of the Lower Keys.  Book a guided kayak tour to get the most out of this adventure through the pristine waters of a natural paradise.

Looe Key Reef, part of the only coral reef in the continental United States, is a popular snorkeling and diving spot known for its diverse marine species.  Book a chartered boat tour to explore this amazing coral reef.

For beach lovers Bahia Honda State Park is paradise, offering three beautiful sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, as well as kayak and paddle board rentals. Walk the trail to see the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, once part of the Overseas Railroad.

For more details on visiting the Big Pine Key area, see our complete article, Big Pine and the Lower Keys .

While the road trip ends at the lively and historic city of Key West, the fun certainly keeps going.

Take a stroll in Key West’s Old Town and see the beautiful architecture, restaurants and art galleries of the area.  At night, Key West becomes even more animated with live music pouring out of the many bars along Duval Street.

The city’s rich history is on display in Key West’s many museums.  The most popular museum is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum .

Be sure to get your photo beside the Southernmost Point Monument , a huge, colorful buoy.

Finally, no trip to the Florida Keys is complete without witnessing a breathtaking Key West sunset at Mallory Square .

For more incredible things to see in Key West, see our complete article, A Weekend in Key West – The Best Things to Do .

Florida Keys Activities

With its spectacular natural beauty, the Florida Keys offer a variety of outdoor activities for everyone from kids to adults and the thrill-seeker to the lay-on-the-beacher.

Best Beaches in the Florida Keys

All beaches in the Keys offer stunning turquoise water.  Beyond that there is a wide range of water depth, stillness, beach types (sandy, rocky, natural) and nearby amenities.

Here are the 6 most popular beaches in the Florida Keys, each offering something a little different.

Snorkeling and Diving in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are renowned for incredible diving and snorkeling locations.  With vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life and crystal-clear waters, the area is paradise for underwater enthusiasts.  Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice snorkeler, there are lots of awe-inspiring spots to explore.

Here are the 6 most popular places to go snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys.

Birding in the Florida Keys

With its strategic location along bird migration routes and tropical marine climate, there are a wide range of bird species to see in the Florida Keys.  See waders, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, songbirds and thousands of birds flying over during migrations.

Here are the 5 most popular places to go bird watching in the Florida Keys.

Biking in the Florida Keys

No matter your cycling level, the Florida Keys have a cycling experience for you.  Ride along the ocean and by mangrove forests on bridges whose supports were laid over a century ago for the Overseas Railway.  Florida State Parks allow bikes on the main park roads.  Old Town Key West is a great place to explore by bike. 

Here are the most popular places to go cycling in the Florida Keys.

Best Florida Keys Fishing Charters

The waters of the Keys are home to many different fish species in a variety of marine ecosystems.  The area is known to have some of the best fishing opportunities in the world.  Book a fishing charter with experienced local fishing experts and get the most out of your fishing adventure, regardless of whether you are a rookie or a pro.

Islamorada is called the “Sport fishing Capital of the World”, so it’s a great place to start. 

Here are some of the most popular fishing charters in the Florida Keys.

Florida Keys – Know Before You Go

The following are a few things to know it is best to know before you head to the Florida Keys to get the most out of your visit.

How far is it from Miami to Key West?

The distance from Miami Airport to Key West is 160 miles (255 km). The distance from Key Largo to Key West is 105 miles (170 km).

Can you drive from Miami to Key West?

Yes, drive US#1 south from Miami to Key West.  The portion of US#1 from the southern limit of Florida City to Key West is called the Overseas Highway .

How long will it take to drive from Miami to Key West?

The drive from Miami Airport to Key West is about 3.5 hours non-stop.  Just the portion from Key Largo to Key West takes about 2.5 hours.

Best time to visit the Florida Keys

The best time to visit the Florida Keys is between March and May .  The Florida Keys are always a busy travel destination.  These months are considered the shoulder season, and less busy.  They are also still in the dry season with milder temperatures and lower humidity.

Another consideration is mosquitoes.  November through May is considered the dry season.  Outdoor activities are much more pleasant with many fewer of those pesky mosquitoes.

We have been to the Keys in both the summer and the winter seasons.  In June we definitely noticed an increase in the number of mosquitoes when we were out in the mangroves.

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Thanks to the Florida Keys for hosting portions of our stay.

Andy is the co-founder of Avrex Travel, where he shares his many travel experiences. Andy enjoys videography and creating great Road Trips for his readers.

Florida Keys Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know

No matter what season it is, no matter what the occasion, no matter who you’re taking, a Florida Keys road trip is always a good vacation idea.

Driving from mainland Florida all the way to Key West, you’ll get treated to spectacular views of the ocean and pristine landscapes.

Today’s article is an essential guide to taking your Florida Keys road trip; sites to visit, places to eat, activities to do, and everything in between.

The Florida Keys: A Primer

The Florida Keys is an archipelago off the southern coast of Florida composed of hundreds of islands connected by a total of 42 bridges.

For this road trip, you’ll be traveling almost entirely along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, which is a 113-mile section of US Highway 1 starting at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line, all the way to Mile Marker 0 in Key West. If you drove directly from Key Largo to Key West, it would take you around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Uniquely Florida Keys: Mile Markers

Because of the linear nature of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, directions and addresses to establishments and attractions are locally described by the mile markers along this highway.

For instance, if you try to ask for directions to a certain place, you can be told that it’s at Mile Marker 79.1. Of course, there isn’t really a Mile Marker 79.1, this just means it’s a little past Mile Marker 79.

Keep this in mind when asking directions and reading local brochures and guides to the Florida Keys.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary protects the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, protecting the only barrier coral reef in North America, as well as various smaller coral reefs, shipwrecks, seagrass beds, and fisheries.

Remember that every time you set foot in Keys waters, you are in the sanctuary, and thus, you need to abide by sanctuary rules to take care of the ecosystem.

For more information, you can read up Florida Keys Visitor Information before you go on the road trip.

Florida Keys Cuisine and Drinks

Aside from the usual fish, such as yellowtail snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and lionfish, as well as the usual shellfish, the Florida Keys offers various other dishes.

Look for delicacies such as stone crab claws, spiny lobster, hogfish, and wild-caught Key West pink shrimp. For dessert, look for key lime pie, with or without meringue.

Conch used to be almost synonymous with the Florida Keys, but since they’ve been overfished to the point of extinction, conch dishes served nowadays are either not really made of conches or are fished illegally from the Bahamas.

Craft beers and rums are increasingly becoming popular by natives of the Florida Keys. Craft breweries and distilleries are popping up all along the Overseas Highway.

When To Travel

If you live in a place where winters are cold, this is the time you’d probably want to take this road trip, but this is also peak season as many other travelers have the same idea. March to May is a better time to travel because there are fewer tourists and fewer cars on the highway.

As I’ve mentioned before, if you drive straight from Key Largo to Key West, it takes mere hours, but if you’re already in the Florida Keys, you might as well take a day to explore each of the Keys.

The ideal time to spend on this road trip is from 4 to 5 days to fully appreciate everything the Florida Keys have to offer.

Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary

In this itinerary, it is assumed that you’ll enter US 1 through Florida City in mainland Florida.

Key Largo: The Dive Capital of The World

This is the first of the Keys and where you get to start your road trip.

You have two choices when entering Key Largo from Florida City: either follow US Route 1 to get to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line and to the beginning of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, or take Card Sound Road to North Key Largo and follow the 905 south until it merges with the Overseas Highway.

If you choose the latter route, you’ll enter Key Largo on the northern side and will get to see more of what Key Largo has to offer.

Surrounded by Florida Bay, the Florida Straits, and the Atlantic Ocean, Key Largo lives up to its moniker as the dive capital of the world with various travel agencies offering glass boat tours, eco-tours, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, skin and scuba diving, and kayaking around the area.

Where To Eat in Key Largo

• Alabama Jack’s
• Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
• The Fish House
• Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
• Pilot House Marina

Where To Stay in Key Largo

List Of Highly Recommended Key Largo Hotels

Places To Visit in Key Largo

1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The first underwater park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park cover around 70 nautical square miles, featuring coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and glass-bottom boat tours are popular activities you can do in this state park.

It also tops my list of one of the best places to snorkel in the US .

2. Dolphins Plus

Dolphins Plus offers a variety of dolphin experiences, with the structured swim with them being the main attraction.

If you don’t want to get into the water, you can also just stay dockside and have them kiss you or paint a picture with you.

3. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

The Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock State Park is home to 84 protected species of plants and animals and contains one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States.

Its paved trails are accessible to hikers, as well as visitors in bikes and wheelchairs.

Information about the wildlife and ecosystem are also posted along the various trails.

Islamorada: The Sport Fishing Capital Of The World

Islamorada, whose name means “Purple Isle” in Spanish, is made up of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.

Located between Florida Bay (the “backcountry”) and the Atlantic Ocean, Islamorada offers numerous fishing opportunities, so it’s not surprising that backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing started right here.

Islamorada has a less commercial feel than Key Largo, but it has more professional offshore charter boats and definitely more recreational fishers than anywhere else in the Keys.

Where To Eat/Drink in Islamorada

• Islamorada Fish Company
• Morada Bay Beach Café & Bar
• Midway Cafe & Coffee Bar
• Florida Keys Brewing Company

Where To Stay in Islamorada

List Of Highly Recommended Islamorada Hotels

Places To Visit in Islamorada

1. The Rain Barrel Village

You can’t miss it: it has a giant lobster named Betsy out front. The Rain Barrel Village is an artisans’ haven with various shops and galleries featuring works made and sold by local artists.

2. Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada

Robbie’s Marina offers many attractions and activities, such as fishing, sunset cruises, and parasailing, but tourists all over the world come here to feed the wild tarpon.

Tarpon are silver-colored fish that migrate through Islamorada from March through September, and a certain school of a hundred or so tarpon come up to the docks and feed on the bait that visitors dangle.

3. Theater of the Sea

Theater of the Sea houses various sea animals, alligators, and birds. Their mission is to provide a sanctuary for animals while giving visitors a chance to interact and experience these animals up close.

Here’s your chance to swim with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays, as well as interact with sea turtles and sea lions up close and personal.

4. Keys History & Discovery Center

Barely a decade old, this museum and movie theater features exhibits and shows documentaries exploring the rich history of the Florida Keys: from the first people on the keys to Spanish treasure hunts to Henry Flagler’s over-sea railway that was destroyed by a huge hurricane in 1935 and is now the Florida Overseas Highway.

5. History of Diving Museum

If you’re a diver or at least a diving enthusiast, this museum featuring artifacts, documents, antiques, books, photographs, and oral history related to the history of diving and man’s quest to explore the underwater world.

Marathon: The Heart of The Florida Keys

Known as the heart of the Florida Keys because of its central location, Marathon is considered the most marine-friendly cities in the Florida Keys, known for its various facilities to support transient cruisers.

It is also home to the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport , accommodating private planes and chartered planes from Miami.

When leaving Marathon, you’ll go through the Seven Mile Bridge going to the Lower Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge is the longest bridge in the Florida Keys and is included in our list of the most famous bridges in the US .

As with the rest of the Florida Keys, there are many opportunities for sailing, fishing, and diving in Marathon, but probably the most recommended snorkeling spot is the one on Sombrero Key.

Where To Eat in Marathon

• Butterfly Café
• Hideaway Café
• Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House
• Island Fish Company
• Seven Mile Grill

Where To Stay in Marathon

List Of Highly Recommended Marathon Hotels

Places To Visit in Marathon

1. Crane Point Museum, Nature Center, and Historic Site

In 1976, the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust bought the land where this nature center stands to save it from urban development.

Today, Crane Point features a natural history museum, a children’s museum, a bird center, and numerous nature trails for hiking.

2. Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preservation Area

You can rent a boat, sail it from the 33rd Street Public Boat Ramp, tie it off on one of the mooring buoys on the south side of the Sombrero Key Lighthouse.

From here, you can go on snorkeling and diving to see all the colorful marine life in the crystal clear waters. Fishing is strictly prohibited, though; this area is a protected sanctuary.

3. The Turtle Hospital

This is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating endangered sea turtles and educating the public about how to take care of sea turtles and make the environment safe for sea turtles.

Visitors can take a tour of the facilities and even “adopt” a sea turtle (you won’t actually own the turtle, it’s more of a sponsorship).

The Lower Keys: The Natural Keys

The Lower Keys are quieter and less commercialized, and with a national wildlife refuge, a national marine sanctuary, and a state park, you are never far from the natural world; flora and fauna abound with the surrounding marine ecosystem in the background.

Once you get off the Seven Mile Bridge, you’ll pass some minor keys before getting to Bahia Honda Key, which is home to the Bahia Honda State Park.

From here, you’ll be entering Big Pine Key in the Lower Florida Keys, which is the center of a national refuge for miniature Key deer. The species has come back from near-extinction to a thriving population.

Where To Eat in The Lower Keys

• No Name Pub
• Kiki’s Sandbar Bar & Grille
• Mangrove Mama’s
• Bobalu’s Southern Cafe
• Hogfish Bar & Grill

Where To Stay in The Lower Keys

List Of Highly Recommended Lower Keys Hotels

Places To Visit in The Lower Keys

1. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area

The Bahia Honda State Park features endless expanses of white sand beaches.

It also gives you access to hiking up on to one of the original bridges that were constructed from Miami to Key West. It also gives you a vantage point to the abandoned Bahia Honda Rail Bridge on the western side of the Bahia Honda Key.

2. National Key Deer Refuge

The endangered Key deer is only found in the Lower Keys.

Poaching and loss of habitat reduced their population to only a few dozen animals in the 1950s, but with the establishment of this refuge in the 1960s, their population is now closer to a thousand.

The main attraction of the National Key Deer Refuge is the deer, but don’t neglect to visit the Blue Hole, also found within the grounds. This freshwater “lake” is a quarry left over from the construction of the Henry Flagler Railroad that filled up with fresh water from the frequent rains.

From the observation deck in the Blue Hole, you can observe a variety of wildlife such as birds, animals, and reptiles, especially the American alligator.

Drive extra carefully when passing by this area; 5-15% of the Key deer populations are lost to motor vehicle collisions. And don’t feed them!

3. Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary

The Looe Key reef has been federally protected since 1981.

This area includes a Sanctuary Preservation Area that is a popular snorkeling and dive destination to see various fish, such as parrotfish, surgeonfish, barracudas, butterflyfish, and angelfish.

Key West: The Conch Republic

Key West is the last of the keys on your road trip, and probably where you’ll encounter the most tourists. But this is also where you’ll get to experience the most diverse culture, as many of the residents of Key West were Bahamian immigrants and Cuban refugees.

This cultural diversity is evident in local art, architecture, and cuisine.

This rich culture has inspired literary giants such as Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, and Ernest Hemingway.

The Key West has a large angling history, and it remains a fisherman’s haven, from fly fishing to reef fishing. Other water activities, as with the rest of the Florida keys, include diving and snorkeling, as well as kayaking and eco-tours.

This is also home to the most spectacular sunsets in the world; so spectacular that they even built a celebration around it. Plenty of tour operators offer sunset cruises to experience it up close.

Internationally, Key West is known as a gay mecca, where LGBTQ visitors are warmly welcomed.

Before gay marriage was legal, pastors of the local Metropolitan Community Church have been holding commitment ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples. There are even male-only or female-only, gay-exclusive hotels.

If you rented a car, you can actually end your road trip here and fly out of the Key West International Airport to the mainland, or you can turn around and go back to Key Largo and the mainland the same way you came.

Where To Eat/Drink in Key West

• Bagatelle Restaurant
• Key Lime Pie Company
• The Stoned Crab
• Rick’s Bar
• The Waterfront Brewery
• Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

Where To Stay in Key West

List Of Highly Recommended Key West Hotels

Places To Visit/Things To Do in Key West

1. The Southernmost Point Buoy

You simply can’t visit Key West and not stop by the southernmost point in the continental United States, where you are closer to Cuba than to mainland Florida.

The line for photos with this red and white pillar is long unless you get there early in the morning or very late at night.

2. Key West National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge was created in 1908 to preserve and breed various nesting birds and other wildlife. Today, it is a haven for 250 species of birds, as well as green, loggerhead, and hawksbill sea turtles.

You can go snorkeling, diving, boating, and fishing in the area, as long as you follow fishing regulations. You may also opt to simply observe and photograph the wildlife.

3. Dry Tortugas National Park

Escape 70 miles west of Key West to the secluded islands of the Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is so secluded that it is only accessible by boat or by seaplane.

History buffs will enjoy exploring the historic Fort Jefferson and the lighthouse in Loggerhead Key, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy snorkeling, diving, and swimming in one of the many picturesque beaches.

If you want to stay longer, you can stay in a campground on Garden Key. Remember that you’ll need to bring all the supplies you need and that you’ll have to bring out any trash you produce.

4. Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Go back in time and visit the house and gardens that hosted Ernest Hemingway at his most productive.

The Hemingway House was built in the Spanish Colonial style, and Ernest and his second wife Pauline restored and remodeled it in the 1930s, turning it into the grand masterpiece it is today.

Works of Ernest Hemingway are available to purchase on-site. Guided tours are available for this National Historic Landmark, Literary Landmark, and Historic American Building.

5. Mallory Square

All roads lead to Mallory Square, arguably the center of Key West. This bustling plaza overlooking the Key West Harbor is a great place to people watch and is close to many tourist spots in downtown Key West.

Learn about Key West’s marine ecosystem in the Key West Aquarium, take a 90-minute tour aboard the Conch Tour Train, or simply stroll along the Westin Marina or through the Historic Seaport and enjoy the breeze.

An hour before sunset, join the Key West Sunset Celebration featuring street performers, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors. This nightly party hosts tourists and locals alike and is a beautiful celebration of natural beauty and culture.

6. Duval Street

When the sun has set, make your way to Duval Street, a mile-long commercial street running from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the ultimate hub for shopping, sightseeing, local cuisine, and cold brews and spirits.

With over 100 small bars packed in 15 blocks, a Duval bar crawl is certainly going to be an unforgettable experience. Listen and dance to a variety of music ranging from jazz to rock to EDM and hip-hop to Cuban and salsa music.

Wherever you go, you’ll be sure to find something unique and to have a great evening.

7. Night Kayaking and Paddleboarding

This had to be mentioned as a fairly new and unique activity: exploring the ocean floor nightlife with lighted kayaks and paddleboards.

Snorkeling and diving during the day, you get to see fish and other sea creatures that are active during the day. But at night, the nocturnal sea creatures, such as lobsters, crabs, rays, and certain types of fish come out. Night kayaking allows you to see these creatures that you will not be able to see any other time of day.

The two best operators that offer them are Ibis Bay Beach Resort and Night Kayak Key West .

Go On That Florida Keys Road Trip Today!

Well, you know, maybe not today, but soon!

The Florida Keys is an escape from rowdy crowds and a chance to take a breather and relax in the middle of turquoise waters and nature.

It is a great place to sample delicious local seafood, spectacular ocean parks and sanctuaries, awesome wildlife refuges, unique restaurants and bars, and plenty of history, culture, and breathtaking sunsets along the way!

A Florida Keys road trip is truly an awesome experience. Here are other road trips in the US that you can take:

• Pacific Coast Highway
• Great River Road

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Florida Keys Road Trip: 10 Must-See Stops on the Overseas Highway

The 165 mile drive between Miami and Key West is without a doubt one of the most iconic road trips in the US, and if you’ve had the privilege of driving this epic route, then you know why! You could spend weeks trying to do, see, and eat everything along the way! Unfortunately, many people (ourselves included) only have a day or two to squeeze in as much as they can. For that reason, we’ve put together what we think are the 10 must-see stops along the way to help you make the most of your time on Florida’s Overseas Highway!

Be sure to check out our “Florida Keys Road Trip: Miami to Key West in a Day” travel vlog for a closer look at our experience!

:: From Miami International Airport, your first stop will be a 40 min (35 mi) drive ::

1. Robert is Here Fruit Stand ( 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL)

Robert is Here Fruit Stand is a family-owned market selling local & exotic fruits and veggies, and more importantly… MILKSHAKES! But don’t let the name “Fruit Stand” fool you. This place has a full kitchen, a huge selection of snacks and local goods, as well as a feeding/petting zoo which includes a giant tortoise and even an emu!

:: 35 min (30 mi) drive ::

2. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL)

Jeff MacFarland opened Mrs. Mac's Kitchen in 1976 in honor of his mother and her recipes. Today, nearly 5 decades later, Mrs. Macs is a staple in the Key Largo community, and still serves up some of the best fresh seafood and Key Lime Pie you can find! We personally loved the Key Lime Freeze! It’s like drinking a frozen Key Lime Pie! So good!

:: 23 min (18 mi) drive ::

3. Florida Keys Brewing Co. (81611 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL)

Florida Keys Brewing Company is the Upper Keys first microbrewery and offers a selection of crowd favorites as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel-aged beers, on draft. Just remember that you’ve still got another 80 miles to drive, so it’s probably good to practice the one-and-done policy, or have a designated driver!

:: 7 min (4.5 mi) drive ::

4. Robbie’s (77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL)

At Robbies, they do a little bit of everything… Snorkeling tours, party boat fishing, parasailing, and more, but the main reason you have to make a stop at Robbies is the Tarpon feeding! So much so that it was voted the #1 place in the Keys that every tourist should visit!

Robbie’s is open 7am-8pm daily, and while visiting Robbie’s is free, access to the dock will cost you $2.50 per person per day and each bucket of fish (to feed the Tarpon) is $4.50 (5-8 fish per bucket). But be sure to check Robbie’s Website for the most up-to-date hours and pricing.

:: 15 min (10 mi) drive ::

5. Betsy the Lobster (86700 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL)

At around 40 feet long and nearly 30 feet tall, it’s hard to miss this bizarre sight as you drive down Highway 1! Betsy’s original home was in the south Florida Keys where she became a popular photo destination, but in 2009 was moved to her current location in front of the Rain Barrel Artisans’ Village in Islamorada.

:: 45 min (38 mi) drive ::

6. Keys Fisheries (3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL)

Keys Fisheries is known to have some of the best Conch Fritters and Key Lime Pie in all of the keys, so if you’re a foodie like us, then it’s a must-try stop along the drive! And if you're really hungry, give their famous Lobster Reuben a try!

:: 5 min (2 mi) drive ::

7. Old Seven Mile Bridge/Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (4 Kyle Way W, Marathon, FL)

After a 5 year, $44 million renovation, the Old Seven Mile Bridge opened back up in January 2022! The 2.2-mile stretch of the bridge that is now a pedestrian walkway runs between Marathon Key and Pigeon key is one of the most incredible biking/walking/running paths you could dream of! Even if you don’t have time to walk the entire thing, it’s still worth a stop!

Pro Tip: There are only 35 parking spaces on the Marathon Key side of the 7-Mile Bridge, so if you can’t find parking, drive across the bridge and stop at the Little Duck Key Wayside Park Public Boat Ramp (39900 US-1). There, you’ll be able to access another small portion of the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

:: 0 min (0 mi) drive ::

8. 7 Mile Bridge

This one is a given since the 7 Mile Bridge is part of US Highway 1… The only route to get to Key West, but it’s so iconic that it has to be mentioned on our list!

Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for Fred the Tree as you drive along the 7 Mile Bridge. Fred is a salt-sprayed Casuarina (or an Australian pine tree) that is growing out of the roadbed on the Old Seven Mile Bridge which will be on your right as you’re headed southbound. It seems unlikely or even impossible that Fred could have any kind of substantial root system, but he somehow continues to grow. He even survived Hurricane Irma!

:: 6 min (3 mi) drive ::

9. Bahia Honda State Park (36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL)

If it weren’t for Henry Flagler’s bold effort to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s, the remote island of Bahia Honda Key might have remained inaccessible by anything but boat or seaplane, but thanks to his efforts, this premiere tropical destination is accessible to all! Along with the iconic Florida Keys scenery, the 500-acre Bahia Honda State Park features an award winning beach as well as a historic bridge. There are also conveniences such as bathrooms, showers, a gift shop, snack bar, kayak rentals, daily snorkeling tours, and more!

The park is open from 8am to Sundown 365 days a year and the admission fee is $8 per vehicle. It’s also worth noting that the park is very popular and may close when it reaches maximum capacity in its day use areas.

:: 55 min (38 mi) drive ::

10. Southernmost Point (Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040)

Erected by the City of Key West in 1983, the Southernmost Point is without a doubt the island's most iconic landmark! The 12 ft. tall, 7 ft. wide concrete buoy marks the lowest latitude in the continental US and should be on every visitor's bucket list.

Pro Tip: Just like any popular tourist attraction, if you want to get photos without having to wait in line or having other people in your photos, be sure to get there early! We arrived at 7am and were able to get some great photos, but it wasn’t long before the crowds started showing up.

If you have more time on your hand and want to make the most of the road trip, here are some other notable stops along the way (from North to South):

Coral Castle (28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL)

History of Diving Museum in Islamorada (82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL)

Florida Keys Hurricane Memorial (81831 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL)

World Wide Sportsman (81576 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL)

National Key Deer Refuge (​​30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL)

Mile Marker 0 (501 Whitehead St Suite 1, Key West, FL)

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square (Mallory Square, Key West, FL)

We hope that this has helped you plan your road trip on Florida’s Overseas Highway! If you did find it helpful, please consider heading over to our YouTube Channel and subscribing for more travel content, and following us on Instagram . It would mean the world to us!

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Florida Keys Road Trip: Stunning And Affordable Things To Do

By: Author Rob Taylor

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Many Days to Spend in the Florida Keys

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

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

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

“Are there beaches in the Florida Keys?”

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

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

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

Best Things to do in the Florida Keys

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

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

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

Key Largo Things to Do

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

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

Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

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

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

Visit Whaling Wall #95: Keys to the Seas

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

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

Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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

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

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

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

Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

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

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

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

Activities in Islamorada and the Middle Keys

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

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

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

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

History of Diving Museum and Murals

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

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

Kayak to Lignumvitae Key State Park

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

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

Relax at Anne’s Beach

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

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

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

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

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

Nature Trails and Kayaking at Long Key State Park

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

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

SUP at Duck Key around Hawks Cay

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

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

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

Kayaking at Curry Hammock State Park

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

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

Things to do on Marathon and the Lower Keys

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

Sombrero Beach: the best beach in the Florida Keys

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

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

Marathon Turtle Hospital

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

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

Fishing Charters out of Marathon

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

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

Find a Marathon Key fishing charter here!

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

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

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

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

Visit Whaling Wall #87: Florida’s Radiant Reef

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammerhead Sharks at Bahia Honda State Park

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

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

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

Visit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key

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

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

Best things to do in Key West

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

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

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

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

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

Bucket List: Dry Tortugas National Park

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

Check out our complete guide to Dry Tortugas National Park!

Sand Bar Adventure with Island to Island Charters

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

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

Visit Whaling Wall #52: Florida’s Living Reef

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

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

Ride the Conch Trail (tour)

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

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

Book the Conch Train Tour here!

Eco-tour to Key West National Wildlife Refuge

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

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

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

Explore the Historic Key West Town

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

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

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

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

The Vintage Key West Aquarium

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

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

Night Kayaking in Key West

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

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

Visit the Key West Lighthouse

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

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

Beaches in Key West

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

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

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

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

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

Roadside Stops Along the Miami to Key West Drive

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

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

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

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

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

7 Day Florida Keys Road Trip Plan 

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1:  Drive to Key Largo

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

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

Where to Eat on Key Largo

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

Day 2:  Key Largo to Key West Drive

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

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

Where to eat in Key West

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

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

Day 3:  Explore Key West Nature and History

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

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

Day 4:  the Amazing Dry Tortugas National Park

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

Book ferry passage to Dry Tortugas National Park here!

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

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

Day 5:  Discover the Middle Keys

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

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

Where to eat in the Middle Keys

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

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

Day 6:  Florida Keys Fishing and Fun

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

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

Day 7:  Snorkeling and Beach Time

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

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

Download 7 Day Florida Keys Road Trip itinerary here!

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

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

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

Monday 4th of April 2022

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

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

Friday 4th of February 2022

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

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

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12 places you should visit in the florida keys.

Coral Restoration Ecotourism in the Florida Keys

By Dalia Colón

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIG PINE KEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

DRY TORTUGAS

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

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

Stargazing in the Florida Keys

Places to remember.

Florida Keys

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

Adventure awaits in this tropical island paradise.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Related: How to Take the Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

Eat at The Fish House.

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

Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada.

Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images

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

Eat Key lime pie.

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

Eat a sloppy joe at Sloppy Joe’s.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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

Learn about local history.

Paul Harris/Getty Images

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

Attend a festival or two.

Handout/Handout/Getty Images

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

Go deep-sea fishing.

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

Go snorkeling.

SKashkin/Getty Images

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

Go scuba diving.

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

Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park.

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

Go camping.

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

Find No Name Pub.

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

Drink Cuban coffee.

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

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

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

Pet cats at The Hemingway Home and Museum.

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

Try local brews at Islamorada Beer Company.

Courtesy of Islamorada Beer Company

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

Watch the sunset.

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

Order conch fritters.

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

Live the high life at Little Palm Island.

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

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

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

Snorkel to see Jesus.

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

Swim with dolphins.

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

Stay at the only underwater hotel in the United States.

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

Adopt a reptilian friend at the Turtle Hospital.

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

Climb a lighthouse.

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

Experience old Florida at the Caribbean Club.

Courtesy of Caribbean Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this guide to a miami to key west drive.

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

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

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

Miami to Key West Drive: Road Trip Planning

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Time to Drive the Florida Keys

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation: Airports & Car Rental

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

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

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

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

How Long to Stay for a Florida Keys Road Trip

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

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

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

Driving the Overseas Highway | U.S. Route 1

The Florida Overseas Highway spans 113 miles and 42 bridges, connecting the mainland of Florida from Miami to Key West. 

Actually the southernmost leg of U.S. Route 1, the Overseas Highway (or Highway 1) follows a trail which began in 1912 when Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railroad to Key West. This railroad route ran until 1935, when the Keys sustained extensive damage from the strongest hurricane to strike the U.S.

A new highway was built to replace it by the end of the 1930’s, which paved the way for the Keys to become the tourist destination they are today.  In the 1980’s, 37 bridges were replaced with wider, heavier spans, including the most famous portion of the road: the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.

Known as the “Highway That Goes to Sea,” the Overseas Highway is a scenic drive.  Most sections of the road are well-paved, although there is currently some overnight construction near Islamorada (December 2022 – but it didn’t impact my trip much).

Straight through, it would take 4-5 hours to drive from Miami to Key West for the 160-mile trip.  The total time depends on traffic, since parts of the road are still only two lanes.  But there are many sights and stops along the way, making it a perfect leisurely road trip to spread over several days.

Overseas Highway Mile Markers from Miami to Key West

Mile markers along the Overseas Highway are often used as address locators. The highway ends in Key West at mile marker 0.  Other stops: Key Largo is mile marker 102, Islamorada begins at 90, Marathon at mile 60, and the Seven Mile Bridge at 47.

Restrooms/Rest Stops on Your Road Trip

There aren’t any rest areas along the Miami to Key West road trip route, but there are many restaurants and convenience stores that have restrooms available.  If you stop at any of the state parks, you might need to pay an entrance fee.

There is a visitor’s center run by the Chamber of Commerce on Key Largo, and a commercial visitor’s center for Key West located on Big Pine Key.

Gas Stations & Supplies

There are gas stations every few miles along the route through the Keys. The longest stretches in between are perhaps 10 miles, so just keep an eye on your fuel gauge.

Grocery Stores

You’ll also find grocery stores and smaller markets through the Keys. Some of the main grocery stores are:

• Key Largo: Winn-Dixie and Publix
• Islamorada: Publix and The Trading Post, a 24-hour market across from the Cheeca Lodge. *Note that you can buy Key Lime Pie Lady brand goodies here late-night
• Marathon: Winn-Dixie and Publix
• Big Pine Key: Tom Thumb and Winn-Dixie
• Key West: Winn-Dixie and Publix

In case you forget sunscreen, bug repellent, motion sickness tablets, etc. there are several chain pharmacies throughout the Keys. The larger grocery stores have pharmacies, as well as:

• Key Largo: Walgreens and CVS
• Islamorada: CVS
• Marathon: Walgreens and CVS
• Big Pine Key: Walgreens and CVS

Florida Keys Catamaran All-Inclusive

Want to explore the Florida Keys in a totally different way? Check out this luxury Florida Keys catamaran sailing experience !

Miami to Key West Drive Map

The map below shows the best sights for your Miami to Key West drive.  To see details, click the arrow on the top left to view the different layers.  You can scroll to see the different categories – stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants.  You can also click each item on the map for more information.  Save the map by clicking the star after the map name – this will save it to your own Google Maps folder.

Miami to Key West Road Trip Itinerary & Stops

Use this overview to get an idea of the suggested number of nights for each destination, as well as must-see sights.  Keep reading for the full details on each step of the itinerary including more sights, restaurants, tours, and recommended hotels and Airbnbs.

Distance from Miami to Key West: 160 miles | Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours

Itinerary Length: 5-8 nights depending on selected sights & stays

Miami | Bonus South Florida Stop to Start Your Trip

Got extra time? If you haven’t visited Miami before, you should tack on a few days here at the start of your trip. Gorgeous beaches, non-stop nightlife, and luxe hotels have made it one of the most popular vacation spots in the U.S.

• Miami Beaches: Miami Beach has calm, crystal-clear water and soft sands, as well as cafes, sidewalk bars, and a boardwalk for strolling. South Beach is where the action is, with endless nightlife and celebrity-chef eateries. For a quieter spot, check out North Miami Beach, with its open-air bandshell and plenty of bars, restaurants and parks great for families.
• Wynwood Walls: Just minutes from Downtown Miami, this collection of giant wall murals covers six buildings. Wynwood Walls has become a famous Instagram spot thanks to famed artists from across the globe.
• Art Deco Historic District: Miami is famous for sleek, colorful architecture. But Miami is especially famous for its 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach. It’s located between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue
• Everglades National Park: If you want to explore this top 5 U.S. National Park, it’s best seen on a day trip from Miami or a a stop on your first day (turn south at Florida City). The 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve is made up of coastal mangroves and marshes home to hundreds of animal species. Here you can spot leatherback turtles, crocodiles, dolphins, and perhaps even the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.

Upper Florida Keys: Miami to Key Largo – 63 miles, 1 hour

Stay in Key Largo: 1-2 nights

Top Sights: Robert is Here | Alabama Jack’s | John Pennekamp State Park | Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Middle Keys: Key Largo to Marathon – 47 miles, 1 hour

Stay in Islamorada or Marathon: 2-3 nights

Top Sights: Diving Museum | Rain Barrel Village | Robbie’s | Turtle Hospital |Sombrero Beach | Bahia Honda State Park

Alternatively, you can combine the first two stops and use Islamorada as your base for exploring the Upper and Middle Keys.  Islamorada is only about 30 minutes from Key Largo and 35 minutes from Marathon.  I did this so that I could get a weekly vacation rental, and it worked out great.

I’ve also stayed in Layton, between Islamorada and Marathon, to explore the Upper and Middle Keys.

Lower Florida Keys: Marathon to Key West – 50 miles, 1 hour

Stay in Key West: 2-3 nights

Top Sights: Key West Lighthouse | Ernest Hemingway House | Key West Butterfly Conservatory | Duval Street | Smathers Beach | Mallory Square | Southernmost Point Marker | Dry Tortugas National Park

Key Largo | Miami to Key West Drive First Stop

Key Largo is the first stop on a Miami to Key West road trip, and is most famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling.  It’s accessible via U.S. Route 1 or the Card Sound Bridge – take the slightly longer Card Sound toll route if you want to stop at Alabama Jack’s bar.

Key Largo is also known for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. To the west on the mainland lies Everglades National Park.  Read on for the best things to do in Key Largo for your Miami to Key West road trip, as well as a variety of options for where to stay, including family-favorite Baker’s Cay resort .

Top Key Largo Sights

Robert is here | homestead, florida (mainland) fruit stand.

This family owned fruit stand has been around since the 1950’s and is located on the mainland of Florida. It all began when Robert’s dad, a farmer, set him up with a roadside table to sell cucumbers and a sign declaring “Robert is here.” 

Well, Robert is still here, and from those humble beginnings has built a fruit mecca and tourist destination.  In addition to hundreds of exotic fruit varieties, there’s an animal farm, kids’ play area, famous milkshakes (including key lime, of course), and a band on weekends.

Itinerary priority: Add if you have extra time and want a classic Florida experience.  It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh produce and also a good stop if you’re on a longer road trip.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034

Alabama Jack’s | Classic Key Largo Biker Bar

This biker/tiki/dive bar (yes, that’s a lot of slashes!) is found in the town of Card Sound.  It’s been around since the 1950’s and has become a traditional first stop in the Keys for many road trippers.  Alabama Jack’s has the reputation of the best conch fritters in the Keys, cold beers, and friendly service.

On the weekends the house band, Card Sound Machine, has played in the afternoons for over 30 years.  Alabama Jack’s closes at sunset, perhaps so you’re not carried off by mosquitoes from the nearby swamps.

Itinerary priority: Add this if you have extra time and want a classic quirky Keys experience.  Be sure to take the toll road headed out of Miami or Homestead.

Facebook | Google Maps | Address: 58000 Card Sound Rd, Key Largo, FL 33030

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park & Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-see as the first underwater state park in the U.S.  It includes 70 nautical square miles of the Atlantic. The famous “ Christ of the Deep ” statue is here, an 8 foot tall sculpture sunk 25 feet deep. 

You can also snorkel from the shore at John Pennekamp, canoe or kayak, or take a glass-bottom boat tour. Cannon Beach is one of the most popular spots.

The adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary extends 2,800 square nautical miles from Key Biscayne in the north down to Dry Tortugas.  Experienced divers can take an excursion to the artificial reef of the sunken USS Spiegel Grove.  

Itinerary priority: Must-see.  Key Largo is a world-class snorkeling and diving destination and one of the top sights on a Miami to Key West road trip.

Website | Google Maps | 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Tours: In December, I went on this half-day tour with Silent World Dive Center . They have a snorkel-only boat (which I prefer — you don’t have to wait for divers to get in and out of the boat with all their equipment), and the staff was super friendly, knowledgeable, and professional! More top-rated tour options with online booking: | Half Day Snorkeling | Private Snorkeling Tour | Half-Day Scuba Tour

African Queen Canal Cruise | Key Largo Excursion

Yes, that African Queen – from the 1951 movie starring Humprey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn!  Relocated from Africa and restored, the iconic boat now cruises the waters of Key largo offering canal and dinner cruises.  There are several departures daily, and on weekends you can take a dinner cruise with roundtrip transportation to the Pilot House Marina. 

Itinerary priority: A quirky addition for classic movie buffs.

Website | Address: 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary in Tavernier is a center for wildlife rehabilitation, and is home to over one hundred resident birds who cannot be returned to the wild.  See rescued hawks, owls, vultures, pelicans, gulls, songbirds, and more. Visitors can learn about the birds and the ecosystems of the Florida Keys.

Itinerary priority: This is a quick stop – less than an hour – interesting for nature and wildlife lovers.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 92080 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070

Where to Eat & Drink in Key Largo

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen   Iconic Key Largo favorite with kitschy decor, fresh seafood, and some of the best coconut shrimp and key lime pie in the Keys (try it yourself to see if you agree!).  There are two locations on the Overseas Highway – the first is the original and closes mid-afternoon. The second, a few blocks away, is larger and has more parking and seating.

Caribbean Club   Classic dive bar and Key Largo tradition with amazing sunset views

Pilot House Restaurant   Local favorite overlooking a marina with fresh seafood and a tiki bar vibe

Sundowner’s Key Largo Seafood eatery with a glass dining room and outdoor waterfront seating

Where to Stay in Key Largo | Top Accommodation Picks

Check out these top picks in the Key Largo area for your first stop from Miami to Key West.

Best Key Largo Hotels

$ Gilbert’s Resort | Budget waterfront stay with pool, private beach, tiki bar and views. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$ Sunset Cove | Rooms and cottages close to sights; some pet-friendly rooms, breakfast, kayaks, and private beach.  Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$ Coconut Palm Inn | Resort in Tavernier with rooms and suites, breakfast, and thoughtful service touches.  Pool, private beach, kayaks. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$$ Kona Kai | Luxury adults-only resort and botanical gardens in Tavernier. Spa, hot tub, heated pool, tennis in a spectacular setting. Check rates on Booking.com

Key Largo Vacation Rentals

Looking for more space or a local stay? Check out these Key Largo area vacation rentals.

Islamorada | Second Keys Road Trip Stop

Islamorada is a village made up of 6 of the Middle Keys, and the halfway point between Miami and Key West.  It’s known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” thanks to its bounty of options for professional fishing charters with experienced captains. 

There are many choices of mid-range to luxury resorts in Islamorada, as well as shopping, restaurants, sights and eco-experiences. 

During one of my Keys road trips, I stayed here as a base for exploring everything from Key Largo to Marathon.  Read on for the best things to do around Islamorada on your Miami to Key West road trip!

Top Sights In the Islamorada Area

Rain barrel village.

This quirky stop is a garden oasis with shops, galleries, and boutiques.  Spend a few hours and grab a snack at the local eateries too.  You’ll want to get a selfie with its iconic giant lobster named Betsy!

Itinerary priority: A fun stop, great for souvenirs and Instagram ops.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 86700 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

History of Diving Museum

For divers and adventurers, the History of Diving Museum is a cool stop for your itinerary.  Explore more than 4,000 years of diving history (yes, really) from breath-holding divers to early diving machines and helmets to the revolutionary invention of SCUBA.  Includes the world’s largest collection of diving memorabilia.

Itinerary priority: A well-done museum and a must-see for diving aficionados.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Robbie’s | Islamorada Restaurant, Bar & Activities

Robbie’s is a fun waterfront restaurant and bar with a bonus: from its dock, you can feed tarpon fish which grow up to 8 feet. The trick is avoiding aggressive pelicans and trying not to scream when the tarpons jump to snatch the fish!  Robbie’s is also a spot for booking local fishing charters and other excursions.

Itinerary priority: A great photo spot and place to book local tours.  If you’re afraid of fish bigger than you are, skip that part.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Holiday Isle Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn

Calling tiki bar lovers and cocktail connoisseurs! You’ll want to make a stop at the Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn to see where the Rum Runner was invented. 

Legend has it that in 1972, the bartender Tiki John was tasked with creating a cocktail to get rid of excess inventory.  He mixed banana liqueur, Meyers rum, brandy, and grenadine. And behold – the Rum Runner was born!

Itinerary priority: A must-see for tiki and cocktail connoisseurs. It’s been restored and the resort itself is very upscale; if you prefer your tiki bars a little less flashy, try nearby Lazy Days .

Website  | Address: 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Where to Eat & Drink in Islamorada

Florida Keys Brewing Company | Tasting room and beer garden with a fun vibe and pretty courtyard. Try a flight of local beers and get a growler to go. A must for beer lovers!

Morada Bay | Luxury dining at Pierre’s; casual fare at its Beach Cafe, perfect for drinks, dinner, and sunset on a white sand beach

Marker88 | This restaurant has been a Keys tradition since 1967, and offers beachfront dining and amazing sunsets

Lorelei Cabana Bar | Seafood Restaurant known for conch and stone crab chowders, mahi fish tacos, and gorgeous sunsets

Islamorada Brewery and Distillery | Distillery and brewery with a beer garden with food trucks and local music. Try their key lime pie frozen cocktail!

Where to Stay in Islamorada | Top Accommodation Picks

$ Sunset Inn  Trendy, family-friendly budget stay with pool, close to sights. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia  

$$ Lime Tree Bay Resort   Studios, rooms, and 2-3 bedroom suites, some with kitchenettes. Beachfront with pool and breakfast.  I loved my stay here – I had a studio with a kitchenette overlooking the water. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$ Islander Resort   Stylish resort with private beach, 3 pools, lanais, many amenities. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$$ Cheeca Lodge  Luxury resort with spa, golf course, pools, tennis, private beach. Plus there’s a 24-hour grocery store across the street. Check rates on Booking.com   |  Expedia

More Islamorada & Marathon Stays

Marathon | miami to key west drive stop.

The Florida Keys city of Marathon is made up of 13 islands, and is known for beaches, fishing, and a barrier reef. Marathon is a mini archipelago of its own.

Marathon is actually made up of East and West Sister’s Island, as well as a collection of smaller keys, like Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl, Little Crawl, Deer, Fat Deer, Long Pine and Grassy Key.

Find out the best things to do in Marathon for your itinerary, including turtle conservation, snorkeling and nature experiences.

Top Marathon Sights for Your Road Trip

Sombrero beach.

Sombrero Beach in Marathon is a calm public beach perfect for swimming.  There are restroom facilities here as well as picnic shelters with grills, and plenty of room to spread out on its long white sand beach. 

From April through October, loggerhead turtles nest here, so you might see some small areas roped off to protect the eggs.  

Itinerary priority: This is a great option for a beach day if you stay at a hotel that isn’t beachfront – bring a cooler with what you’ll need for the day, and pick out a spot to relax. I think it’s also one of the nicer beaches in the Keys, which are known for rocky rather than sandy coastlines!

Website | Google Maps | Address: Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL 33050

The Turtle Hospital 

This small non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles. Visit on a guided tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at their hospital facilities and see their turtle rehabilitation tanks close-up! 

The entrance fee and gift shop support their rescue efforts.  It’s very popular, so be sure to make a reservation.

Itinerary priority: This is a Florida Keys must-see. It’s a great family activity and unforgettable experience!

Website | Google Maps | Address: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge begins around mile marker 47 and connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. 

This is the most iconic portion of the Overseas Highway, frequently featured in movies about the Keys.  You’ll get spectacular views of turquoise water reaching all the way to the horizon.

A section of the old original bridge has been restored for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This is a great place to watch both sunrise and sunset. A parking lot on the southbound side also has a waterfront park with shelters for picnics.

This is a must-see, obviously, as there’s no other road to Key West!

Bahia Honda State Park | Bahia Honda Key

Bahia Honda is one of the islands of the Keys, and is home to a namesake state park.  It’s possible to visit here on the day that you drive to Key West, since it’s located past the Seven Mile Bridge around mile markers 38.5-36.

Be sure to visit its three beaches. Turn right when you enter the park to get to Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach, located near the concession shop and the Old Bridge. Or turn left and drive past the camping areas to reach mile-long Sandspur Beach.

Other activities at Bahia Honda include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking, and spotting birds and wildlife. Limited campsites are available. There are picnic shelters and tables throughout the park, as well as restrooms in the beach and camping areas.

The hiking trail on the southwest end of the island leads to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, and has spectacular views of the island and the waters below.

Itinerary priority: Bahia Honda State Park is a Florida Keys must-see for your road trip!  Bring a picnic lunch and spend a few hours here.

Website | Google Maps   | Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

National Key Deer Refuge

The endangered Key Deer is the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer. Poaching and habitat loss had reduced their numbers to only a few dozen animals by the 1950’s. Luckily, the establishment of this Refuge allowed for protection and a dramatic recovery.

The deer now number close to a thousand, 75% of which are concentrated on Big Pine and No Name Keys.  Stop at the visitor center for information and drive slowly through Big Pine Key or hike to spot them.

Itinerary priority: This is an interesting addition for nature lovers and photographers.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Where to Eat and Drink in Marathon

Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House | Fine dining favorite of tourists and locals

Fish Tales Market & Eatery | Seafood market and restaurant serving local seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads

Lighthouse Grill | Waterfront restaurant and bar with a menu of fresh seafood and local favorites

Sweet Savannah’s | Bake shop and ice cream spot serving a variety of desserts including key lime pie with an outdoor garden

Irie Island Eats | Hidden local gem with carry out and outdoor seating past the Seven Mile Bridge

No Name Pub | Quirky, iconic Keys bar with pizza, chili and bar food on Big Pine Key

Square Grouper | Highly-rated foodie favorite with fresh seafood, small plates, desserts, and microbrews with a waterfront view on Cudjoe Key

Where to Stay in Marathon | Top Accommodation Picks

$ Coconut Cay Resort | Colorful budget hotel with a pool, mini-fridge, microwave, kayaks. Check rates on Booking.com |  Expedia

$$ Seascape Resort & Marina | Midrange beach resort with kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, mini-fridges, microwaves | Check rates on Booking.com |  Expedia

$$$ Isla Bella  | Luxury resort with rooms and 1-2 bedroom suites, some with kitchenettes. Beachfront with pool, spa and restaurants. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$ Tranquility Bay Resort  | Luxury resort with rooms and 2-3 bedroom cottages. Beachfront with pools, spa and restaurants. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

Key West | Florida Keys Road Trip End

Although Key West might be the final stop on this Florida Keys road trip, the fun is just beginning! Famed for its beaches, water sports, nightlife, and pastel “conch-style” architecture, Key West packs a lot into its 7 square miles. 

It’s also at the southern end of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which extends Key West’s playground with adventurous snorkeling and diving opportunities.  

Read on for the best things to do here and save time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, the top day trip from Key West!

Top Sights and Things to Do in Key West

Duval street.

Duval Street, and specifically its 6-block stretch within the Key West Historic District, is the epicenter of Key West’s famous party atmosphere.  You could spend your entire time in Key West exploring its galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. 

Be sure to check out Sloppy Joe’s Bar , a hangout of Ernest Hemingway and host to the “Papa Look Alike Contest” in July.

Itinerary priority: This is a must-see in Key West!

Mallory Square

Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza at the end of Duval Street, adjoining the seaport. With shopping, restaurants, bars, and the best place in Key West to see the sunset, be sure to save time in your itinerary for this spot!

Itinerary priority: This is an iconic place for sunset, so try to add it if you can.

Website | Google Maps   | Address: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

Smathers Beach | Best Beach in Key West

Located on the south shore of Key West, Smathers Beach is the island’s longest and calmest beach, with nearly a mile of soft white sand and palm trees.  It’s a public beach, with chair rental and food trucks available.

For more beaches, you can also check out Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

Itinerary priority: Add it to the list if you haven’t yet had enough beach time and won’t be able to see Dry Tortugas.

Google Maps | Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Southernmost Point

This simple but iconic monument is located at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S., 90 miles north of Cuba.

Itinerary priority: If you don’t have a photo here, have you even been to Key West?

Google Maps | Address: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Hemingway Home was the residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. Located across from the Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway House is the most popular tourist attraction on the island. 

Legend has it that its many celebrated polydactyl (6-toed) cats are descendants of one that Hemingway owned.  The cats have the run of the home and gardens.  If you have time, visit the lighthouse across the street for the best views of Key West.

Itinerary priority: The Hemingway House is a must-see for history and literature buffs, as well as cat lovers.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Take a break from Duval Street and walk among hundreds of butterflies & birds including flamingos in this glass-enclosed conservatory.  In the learning center, you can explore butterfly migration and science, then look for butterfly souvenirs in the adjoining gift shop.

Be sure to wear bright colors if you want the butterflies to land on you!

Itinerary priority: It might sound nerdy but I loved it, so I’m going to rate this one a must-see.

Website | Google Maps | Address: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip

Almost 70 miles west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.  Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is the home of historic Fort Jefferson, crystal clear blue waters, coral and marine life, and a vast assortment of bird life. 

Get my detailed guide for a Dry Tortugas day trip or camping here .

Itinerary priority: Dry Tortugas is a bucket-list destination as one of the most remote U.S. National Parks.  If you’re out of time or money on this trip, you’ll have to save it for your next Key West visit!

Websit e | Google Maps | Ferry terminal address: 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040

Dry Tortugas National Park: Day Trip, Snorkeling & Camping

Planning a trip to Key West? Be sure to include a visit to Dry Tortugas, one of the least-visited U.S. national parks for pristine beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and even camping.

Take in History at the Truman Little White House

Harry S. Truman vacationed here under orders from his doctor that he take a warm vacation.  He also had friends, cabinet members, and foreign officials visit for fishing trips and poker games. 

Truman set up shop there for 175 days of his presidency from 1946 through 1952, which gave the circa-1890 naval site the name “The Little White House.” The surrounding neighborhood, known as Truman Annex, is a leafy shaded area with parks and vacation homes.

Address: 111 Front St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040 | Website | Google Maps

Where to Eat and Drink in Key West

Captain Tony’s Saloon | Old school pub dating to 1851

Blue Heaven   | Quirky, iconic spot with Floridian-Caribbean cuisine & key lime pie.  Located in a tropical plant-filled garden where Hemingway once officiated boxing matches

The Flaming Buoy Filet Co. | Steak & seafood spot in a funky tropical space

The Stoned Crab | Top Key West eatery specializing in fresh seafood including stone crab and lobster, plus cocktails 

Key Best Pizza and Coffee  | Affordable family-friendly spot with the best pizza on the island

Better Than Sex   | Key West dessert restaurant with a speakeasy atmosphere

Where to Stay in Key West | Top Accommodation Picks

Key West has a wealth of accommodation options for every traveler, from budget and luxury stays to clothing optional resorts . There are also Airbnb rental homes in the traditional Key West “conch-style” architecture.

Old Town is the best place to stay for first-time travelers and for proximity to sights, restaurants, and nightlife.

All of the resorts below offer parking; although most hotels in the historic district add an extra charge for this, since space is limited.

$ Blue Marlin Motel  | Bright budget stay with a pool in a great location. Parking available for an extra daily fee.  Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$ Harborside Motel & Marina  | A top midrange Key West pick with pool, kitchenettes, and free parking.  Check rates on Booking.com | TripAdvisor

$$$ Havana Cabana  | Resort style hotel with pool, bar, restaurant and fun vibe. Hourly shuttle to Duval and free parking.  Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia

$$$$ Southernmost Beach Resort  | Luxury resort in historic Old Town with pools, restaurants, spa, and private beach. Parking available for an extra daily fee. Check rates on Expedia

Don’t miss my guide to the best rentals and Airbnbs in Old Town Key West – from budget options to luxury stays for a group.

Airbnb Key West Florida: Best Rentals with Pools & More!

Planning a Florida vacation? Get tips on the best Key West Airbnb stays for solos, couples or groups of any size: honeymoons, families, bachelorettes & more!

Ready to hit the road?

Have you decided to add a Miami to Key West road trip to your bucket list?  Pin this guide for later, so you’ll have my updated tips when you’re ready to book! 

Save for later or share with a friend!

I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)

The Ultimate Island Road Trip: The Florida Keys & Key West

Not often is it possible to find a land of dichotomy—one marked by serene natural surroundings as well as exhilarating activities and excursions. But the drive down the Florida Keys reveals the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, which you will encounter at each stop along the way. Here are highlights from each of the 5 districts that you simply must see when in town.

The first and northernmost of the Florida’s Keys is Key Largo, known for its fascinating botanical scenery as well as its impressive underwater sanctuaries and subtropical wilderness. A visit to Everglades National Park is a priceless way to see rare and endangered species, such as the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther in their own habitats. The park covers 2,400 square miles packed with outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, fresh and saltwater fishing, biking, and camping in the ultimate wilderness.

Key Largo is also home to the 70-nautical-square-mile John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S. The best way to experience the park fully is to book a snorkeling tour or scuba-diving expedition, which will take you around the living, coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. For those who prefer to experience this beauty in style and comfort, there are glass-bottom catamarans that allow a unique peek at the serene undersea.

Islamorada is known as the sport fishing capital of the world and as the birthplace of backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing. It also boasts a waterfront dining scene that is laidback, unpretentious, and packed with fresh catches for seafood lovers. At Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, the sunsets are famous as is the conch chowder and nightly live bands.

The region also has an arts scene that is supported by the community. The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District is an area within downtown that often hosts special programs and festivals. Locals and tourists alike turnout to discover live music, great food, and installations in support of local artists and gallery owners.

Situated in the middle of the Keys island chain, Marathon is truly a family friendly destination. The Turtle Hospital is a small, nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and return of endangered sea turtles to their natural habitats as well as public education about these amazing creatures. You can take a guided, 90-minute tour that explores the process of the turtles’ rehab and a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities, concluding with the chance to feed the permanent residents.

There is also the Dolphin Research Center where you can interact—and learn more about—dolphins and sea lions. For young families, there is the Family Dolphin Splash experience where a trainer-supervised visit from a dolphin is on the itinerary. A professional photographer will document the session in which guests are submerged only waist deep and get to interact with dolphins in a fun, interactive way.

Jessica Puckett

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS

As you continue down the Keys, you’ll encounter Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, home to national wildlife refuges, a marine sanctuary, a state park, and so much more. On Stock Island, you will find laidback charm in its marinas and resorts. The Perry at Stock Island Marina Village is an industrial-chic hotel characterized by modern rooms with oversized balconies that look out over the 220-slip marina, its beautiful pool deck, and fire pits. Be sure to walk the Marina Village and pop into local artists’ studios, who create eclectic artworks. You might even find a food truck or two where you can indulge in authentic cuisine.

The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957, in order to protect the Key deer and other wildlife in the Florida Keys. Today, it consists of approximately 9,200 acres that include pine rockland forests, freshwater wetlands, and mangrove forests and is home to 23 endangered and threatened plants and animals. Here, you can be the ultimate wildlife spectator. Observation platforms like the one at Blue Hole have large spotting scopes and binoculars. Or, you can take a guided tour—walking, biking, and kayaking excursions are available—with a refuge ranger who will bring you to the best spots for viewing and photographing wildlife, such as Key deer, great white herons, alligators, butterflies, and more

Arguably the most popular “Key,” Key West is a subtropical paradise filled with history, vibrant architecture, natural beauty, and unabashed cultural appeal. The nightlife is a big draw as Key West has so many eateries from which to choose—from laidback local cafes to music-pumping bars to upscale restaurants. Hot Tin Roof is an upscale Latin bistro with al fresco dining on the veranda and Thirsty Mermaid is a chic-yet-casual oyster bar—just two of many amazing epicurean experiences.

After you get your fill of local cuisine, feed your cultural appetite with a visit to Hemingway Home and Museum. Nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, it was the residence and writing studio of one of America’s greatest authors for ten years. Now it is a registered national historic landmark that can be toured along with the accompanying lush grounds and gardens.

A scenic ride along through The Keys is a great way to see and experience this unique land. Just make sure you leave enough time to thoroughly enjoy each stop. Or, you can make plans to come back again, as there is always more to explore.

Plan your next tropical vacation here.

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The Ultimate Miami To Key West Road Trip Itinerary (+Map!)

September 18, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking to plan the ultimate Miami to Key West road trip? Then you’ve come to the right place! I have been exploring Florida for 30 years, and I have tried a lot of things in my home state! So, I’m here to take the guesswork out of planning your Miami to Key West drive.

I’ll be giving you only the best suggestions in the keys. And all of them I have personally tried! So that means you’ll find the things you must see during your Florida Keys roundtrip.

I haven’t put any lackluster stops on this road trip. Every stop is worth it and you’re sure to have a ton of fun exploring the Florida Keys. Which is one of my favorite areas in Florida to explore.

On this itinerary, you’ll have all the information you need. From the mile marker of each location, where to stay on each Key, the best restaurants on each Key, and so much more. There is a reason this is one of the best road trips in the USA!

Literally, all the guesswork has been taken out of the planning for your next Florida Keys road trip. Which means you’ll just be able to hit the road and relax! So, let’s take a look at the ultimate itinerary for your Miami to Key West road trip!

Distance From Miami To Key West

Typically, the distance from Miami to Key West is just over 3 hours, and there are 165 miles between Miami and Key West. But that’s if you’re driving straight through. The directions from Miami to Key West are pretty straightforward and easy to follow as you head south to Key West one one of the greatest East Coast road trips.

When you’re planning on driving to Key West, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore everything you want to see. You can also stop at some of the stops on the way down to Key West, and then the rest on the way back up to Miami. It’s just up to you, and how much time you have to explore!

Miami To Key West Drive Map

When you’re planning your trip, I highly suggest downloading a map of Miami to Key West on your phone. It’s a great way to plan out all your stops ahead of time and get a good idea of where everything is that you want to stop and see.

Generally, the cell service is pretty good in this area, but there can be spots where your service isn’t great. So if you have a map already downloaded, you’ll still be good to go if you’re service is a little spotty while you’re on the road.

Best Stops On The Drive From Miami To Key West

You can absolutely do this road trip in a day, with all of the stops. But it will be a fairly long day if you decide to do that. If you want to hit all of these stops, I suggest planning a day or two for your Florida Keys road trip.

That will give you plenty of time to explore everything you want and not feel rushed. But of course, you can shorten or extend the road trip to fit your needs and interests! I just wanted to walk you through what I would personally suggest as your Miami to Key West Drive highlights!

Start Your Key West Road Trip In Miami

You’ll be starting your Key West road trip in Miami! I do recommend renting a car in Miami and it is often quite affordable to do so from the Airport.

There are tons and tons of things to do in Miami because it’s a pretty popular tourist destination in Florida. Miami is a city that truly has something for everyone and every interest. For foodies, I suggest the Little Havana Walking Food Tour complete with tastings! You’ll get to explore one of the most popular areas of Miami and get to sample the unique Cuban food scene in the city.

Another great option while you’re in Miami is the Biscayne Bay Millionaire Row Sightseeing Cruise . The sightseeing cruise takes you on a tour of Biscayne Bay where you’ll find massive mansions that are definitely a sight to see. It’s a popular thing to do when you’re in Miami, especially if you enjoy checking out unique architecture.

Of course, don’t forget to explore the famous Miami Beach and South Beach during your stay.

Book your Little Havana Walking Food Tour Here: Getyourguide.com

Book your Biscayne Bay Millionaire Row Sightseeing Cruise Here: Getyourguide.com

Coral Castle

Just outside of Miami, you’ll find your next stop on the road trip to Key West – the Coral Castle. The Coral Castle is in Miami-Dade County, in the town of Homestead. This is definitely a unique stop while you’re driving from Miami to Key West. Coral Castle was built by Ed Leedsklanin, a Latvian immigrant, from 1923 to 1951. He spent 28 years building the castle, but no one really knows what his motivation was.

Today, you can visit the castle, which has been turned into a museum. It is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. There is an admissions fee, which helps with castle upkeep and enables it to be open for visitors. If you want to visit this fun road trip stop, make sure you plan to visit when they are open. You definitely don’t want to miss it!

Florida Everglades National Park

From Coral Castle, I suggest heading to the Florida Everglades. It’s definitely a Florida bucket list thing to do. The main entrance for the Everglades is also in Homestead, FL. You’ll find it just off of US 1, on Palm Drive. Once you turn onto Palm Drive, it’ll be very easy to find the entrance to park, as there are a ton of signs. It’s honestly super easy to find! When you’re in the Everglades, there are a ton of things to do.

Easily one of the most popular attractions is the Everglades National Park Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show . Its a short 1 hour tour, so it doesn’t take a ton of time to stop here on your road trip. But you’ll probably want to spend more than 1 hour exploring the park because it’s so cool.

If you’re really planning to take your time on your way to Key West consider doing an Everglades Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour . It’s a three-hour kayak tour, and it’s a great way to see the park.

Book your Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show Here: Getyourguide.com

Book your Everglades Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Here: Getyourguide.com

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The next stop is the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is also off of US 1, on CR 905 North. This unique wildlife refuge was established in 1980 to protect the natural habitat of native several species in this area of Florida. This can also be done as an easy day trip from Miami.

In particular, they rely on the tropical hardwood hammock, the mangrove forest, and the salt marshes in the area. There are currently eight species protected there, like the Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton mouse, and the Keys tree cactus.

In general, the lands are closed to visitors. This is mainly to protect the habitat of the wildlife that live there. Especially because a lot of them are small critters you don’t always see before you step on them! But you can still visit! They have a small visitors center that has a native butterfly garden, an informational kiosk, and knowledgeable staff members who can answer all of your burning crocodile questions!

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Back on US 1, at mile marker 102.5, you’ll find your next stop, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This is another super cool stop while you’re driving the Florida Keys. That’s because it was the first underwater park in the US! It’s a beautiful state park full of unique activities, like kayaking in the mangroves.

However, the big draw to this Florida state park is actually found underwater. There are beautiful coral reefs, an underwater sculpture, and tons of sea life. In fact, you can snorkel in the water and the park and see everything. In the visitors center, there is a 30,000-gallon saltwater tank that has a lot of the same sea life. So if you don’t want to go snorkeling, you can still see the area’s natural sea life in the tank!

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is an absolutely incredible restaurant in Key Largo. You’ll find it on Overseas Highway and it’s open Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a local favorite, and over the years, it’s become a world-famous restaurant. If there’s one thing you skip on this Florida Keys itinerary, don’t let it be this!

I promise you won’t regret stopping for a bite to eat here. On their menu, you’ll find tons of Florida soul food classics. Like fish and grits, crab cakes benedict, conch chowder, Florida lobster, and tons more. You’ll also be able to try more unique Florida dishes like alligator tenders and Key West shrimp on rice.

This is also home to some of the best key lime pies I have ever tried. Don’t miss it!

Dive Spiegel Grove Shipwreck

The next stop is the Spiegel Grove Shipwreck, which is 6 miles off-shore at mile marker 102. This is definitely one of the itinerary stops that won’t be for everyone. Especially because it may be a bit tricky if you’re driving from Miami to Key West by car and you don’t have your diving gear with you!

But, if you are a fan of diving and have your gear, then this is one of the top diving spots in the Florida Keys. It’s super popular thanks to the purposefully sunk navy ship. It’s absolutely massive and it’s created an artificial reef for the local sea life. The combination of the massive ship and the abundance sea life makes it a popular spot for scuba divers.

Where to Stay In Key Largo

The Hampton Inn Key Largo for beach-front views right off of the Overseas Highway.

The Waterside Suites and Marina is perfect if you’re traveling with family or a group, thanks to their two-story houses.

Or the Bayside Inn Key Largo if you want to book a tour with their Key Diver’s Snorkel Tour company for some snorkeling adventures.

Key Largo is also home to one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Florida in case you want to have a luxury getaway!

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

If you’ve stayed the night in Key Largo, then your first stop of the day will be the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. It is located at mile marker 85. The state park is located on Islamorada, a popular island in the Florida Keys to explore. The big draw of this state park is the Key Largo limestone, which is actually fossilized coral.

When you are at the park, you can visit the 8-foot-high quarry walls, which are full of fossils. It’s a cool way to learn about the history of the ancient fossils that used to actually live in the area. One thing to keep in mind is that the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Morada Way Arts District

One of my favorite stops in Islamorada is the Morada Way Arts District. It’s an arts non-profit located in the heart of Islamorada, with proceeds going to support art in the Florida Keys! Every month they host an art walk, typically on the third weekend of the month. There you’ll get to see tons of artwork from local artists and be able to support them by purchasing pieces.

If you can’t make it to one of their monthly art walks, don’t worry. The area is full of studios owned and operated by local artists. They all have different opening times and days, but when you visit there will be plenty of studios open for you to explore. If you want to get a souvenir from your Florida Keys itinerary, this is a great place to find one!

Feed Tarpon At Robbie’s Waterfront

After visiting the Morada Way Arts District, head to Robbie’s Waterfront at mile marker 77. There, you’ll be able to feed the tarpon. For those who might not know, tarpons are large fish native to the Atlantic Ocean and you’ll typically find tons of them around the keys. At Robbie’s Waterfront, you’ll be able to bucket of ‘fish food’ to feed the tarpon.

Be careful though, they are hungry fish who will literally jump 5 feet out of the air to get their food. Standing on the dock along the water, you can hold up a fish and watch the tarpon jump out of the water to grab it from your hand.

There are also TONS of pelicans which I thought was really cool to be up close.

It’s a lot of fun and a super unique stop during any Key West itinerary

Where To Stay On Islamorada

For a tranquil luxury beachfront experience, check out the Islander Resort .

Another excellent resort, right on the beach, is the Lime Tree Bay Resort with its own private beach.

Or you can stay at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa for a luxurious getaway on 26 acres of lush gardens with its own private beach.

The Dolphin Research Center

At mile marker 59, you’ll find the Dolphin Research Center. The research center was originally founded in 1984. It is the permanent home for dolphins and California sea lions who can not be rehabilitated and released back into the wild after they’ve been injured. All animals that call the center home have been rescued and nursed back to health.

You can visit the Dolphin Research Center and learn more about the work they do there. They have seasonal visiting hours, so make sure you check ahead of time to see when they are open. You’ll also need to book your tour ahead of time! So keep all of that in mind and plan ahead before you visit.

Snorkel The Sombrero Key Light

This is another stop on the road trip from Miami to Key West that might not be for everyone. But if you enjoy snorkeling, you’ll definitely want to stop at the Sombrero Key Light, on Marathon Key. There are a few different tour companies that offer snorkeling packages, so you don’t have to bring your own equipment!

What makes Sombrero Key Light a must-stop snorkeling spot? It’s one of the largest, and easily most spectacular, barrier reefs on the planet. Yes, the planet! Offshore, you can snorkel at the Sombrero Key Light, which is a huge lighthouse. You’ll need to ride a boat to get there, which is why using a tour company is a great way to snorkel in the area.

The Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is another great stop on any Florida Keys itinerary, at mile marker 48.5. It’s a small non-profit rehabilitation and rescue center on Marathon Key. They rescue endangered sea turtles and provide hospital services to them. If they can be fully rehabilitated, they will eventually be re-released out into the ocean. But some of them will never be fully rehabilitated, so they call the Turtle Hospital home.

You can visit those turtles while you’re at the Turtle Hospital. Since they can’t be released back into the ocean, they are used to provide a unique educational experience for visitors at the hospital. A lot of them have been injured due to interactions with humans. Or things like eating garbage left by humans on the beaches and in the ocean.

So the hospital uses them to show the harmful impact humans have on them, and hopefully inspire visitors to be better and do better when enjoying the beautiful natural areas in Florida.

Drive The 7 Mile Bridge

You can get to the rest of the Florida Keys without driving on the famous 7 Mile Bridge. The 7 Mile Bridge is easily one of the most impressive bridges you’ll cross. It is actually 7 miles long, that’s not just a random name. You’ll cross it at the west end of Marathon Key, in the Middle Keys, and it takes you to the Lower Keys and Key West.

Here you will also see the famous Duck Key which is also an interesting stop along the way.

As you’re driving across the bridge, you’ll also see the ‘Old 7 Mile Bridge’, which was originally built in the 1900s. The bridge you’ll be driving across was built between 1978 to 1982, so it’s totally safe to drive across. But, if you want, the ‘Old’ bridge is open for pedestrians to walk across, which can be fun, even if you just walk on it for a couple of feet.

Where To Stay In Marathon Key

Just a mile away from Key Colony Beach, you’ll find the budget-friendly Fairfield by Marriot Inn & Suites Marathon Florida Keys .

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, the Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club is an excellent option.

The Hampton Inn Marathon – Florida Keys is another great budget-friendly option with great reviews.

Bahia Honda State Park

At mile marker 37 you’ll find the Bahia Honda State Park located on Big Pine Key. The Bahia Honda State Park is easily one of the best state parks in the Florida Keys. So this is one stop in the Florida Keys that I’d highly suggest you don’t skip. Not only is it one of the best state parks, but it’s also where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys.

At over 500 acres, the park is pretty huge and has plenty of hiking trails, and pristine beaches, and you can even go snorkeling there. You can rent kayaks, grab a snack at the concession stand, or schedule a snorkeling tour through the park itself. You can also camp overnight at the park in a camper, RV, or bring your own tent!

This is my favorite place to recommend in Florida. It is just spectacular.

National Key Deer Refuge

The National Key Deer Refuge is located at mile marker 30.5, in the Lower Florida Keys. It was established in 1957 to protect the Key Deer, a unique species of deer found in the Florida Keys. The park is 8,542 acres and inside the park there is a large variety of habitats that the endangered Key Deer thrive in. From pine rockland forests, freshwater wetlands, mangrove forests, and more.

In the refuge you can go hiking, bird watching, and you can even take part in Ranger-led tours throughout the park. You can also go boating, fishing, snorkeling, and diving off-shore. The trails all have different difficulty levels, but many of them are paved. Just remember that you can not have any motorized vehicles anywhere on the refuge grounds – besides the parking lot.

End Your Florida Keys Road Trip In Key West

You made it and you’re finally in Key West! Key West is probably the most popular Florida Key to visit, and it’s one of my favorite small towns in Florida . So you’ll find tons and tons of things to do there. One of my favorite things to do in Key West is to take a Guided Bike Tour that ends with a slice of famous key lime pie.

You may be surprised to learn that key lime pie was invented in Key West. So you can’t visit Key West without at least trying a slice of locally made Key lime pie from Old Town Key West! Of course, there are lots of great options to try all along Duval Street, the most famous street in the city.

If you like being out in the water, another great activity in Key West is a Sunset Sail with Live Music . You’ll set off on the ocean in a sailboat that is stocked with unlimited drinks and appetizers. While you enjoy the sunset view, you’ll be serenaded by live music. It’s a great romantic activity during your road trip from Miami to Key West.

No matter what you decide to do while you’re in Key West, you’ll have a good time. You can choose to stay the night in Key West, or you can drive from Key West to Miami and hit the stops you missed along the way. It’s really up to you and how you want to spend your time driving the Florida Keys!

Book your Guided Bike Tour Here: Getyourguide.com

Book your Sunset Sail with Live Music Here: Getyourguide.com

Where To Stay In Key West

The Hampton Inn – Key West is a great budget-friendly option for staying in Key West.

If you’re looking for a more elevated experience, try the Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalow , an IHG Hotel.

The Capitana Key West is perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront hotel in Key West.

Best Places To Eat On The Miami To Key West Road Trip

Alabama Jacks , in Key Largo, is a super popular restaurant in the Florida Keys. They’ve been open since the 1950s, and it’s been considered one of the best Florida fish shacks for decades. It truly is a little shack, built over the water, that looks like nothing from the road. But don’t drive by this hidden gem while you’re driving to Key West. Alabama Jacks is known for their conch fritters, so make sure to give them a try!

Hogfish Bar & Grill , in Key West is a favorite with the locals and with tourists. While you enjoy a delicious meal, you’ll also get to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean. That’s because it’s literally on a dock, with plenty of outdoor seating and heaps of character. When you’re there, make sure you try their signature dish – fried hogfish on fresh Cuban bread!

Make sure you stop by Better Than Sex , in Key West, for a post-meal treat. It’s a dessert bar with a speakeasy vibe that makes eating and enjoying dessert an ‘experience’. At this dessert bar you’ll be able to try local specialty, key lime pie. But they also have freshly baked cookies, pies in almost any flavor you can think of, and so much more.

Just a heads up, as the name of the restaurant probably suggests, the menu items are named very cheeky things. So you might want to skip this place if you’re traveling with kids and don’t want to have to answer any awkward questions.

As you can see, there is so much to do and see when you’re road-tripping the Florida Keys! It’s such a cool part of Florida to explore. I hope that you’ve found this Miami to Key West road trip helpful and inspires you to head out onto the road.

Have you ever explored Miami to Key West by car? If so, I’d love to hear about your favorite stops in the comments!

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Reader's Digest

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

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024

Your road trip guide to the Florida Keys

One of the best state road trips in America has to be the sun-kissed drive from Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys. This road, known as the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, takes you through a 125-mile island chain that begins just south of Miami. It hopscotches over 42 bridges and five islands, and has turquoise waters stretching in every direction into the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico.

So if you're looking for the perfect Atlantic Coast road trip or cheap beach vacation , look no further than this road trip guide from Key Largo to Key West. And if you'd rather travel from Key West to Key Largo, rest easy—the route works either way. There are shuttles that run from Key Largo to Key West, but keep in mind, you'd be missing out on all the fun in between.

By the way, once you embark on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, you'll notice that many sites along the way use mile markers (MM) in their address. We use those mile marker points in this story to help you navigate the drive.

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Mile marker: 108–90

The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. Often referred to as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo includes one must-see stop: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5), the first underwater preserve in the United States.

Experienced and novice snorkelers and SCUBA divers will be enthralled by the teeming marine life that lives just below the water's surface, like parrot fish, barracudas and sea turtles. More experienced divers enjoy exploring the USS Spiegel Grove, one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef where pretty fish can thrive.

Back on dry land, travelers can wander nearly six miles of trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, home to more than 80 species of plants and animals. You can also peruse the work of local artists at myriad galleries.

Best beach: Cannon Beach, found within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, has shallow waters that are perfect for wading. You may even spot cannons and anchors on the beach that remain from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck.

Where to eat: Dig into the catch of the day at The Fish House, Key Largo Conch House or Snook's Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, some of the best traditional restaurants in the area. If you'd rather turf than surf, check out Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill.

Where to stay: If you can't get enough of the underwater world, stay at Jules' Undersea Lodge , the world's first underwater hotel. If you'd rather keep dry, try the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo .

Mile marker: 90–63

Next up en route from Key Largo to Key West is the fisherman's paradise known as Islamorada. Considered the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, it's where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing got their start. Countless seasoned boat captains are ready for hire to take you out to catch the wahoo, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna that swim in these waters.

There's an even quirkier way to interact with fish here: hand-feeding the tarpon off the docks of Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5). Since 1976, countless Keys visitors have stopped to feed them, and more than 100 kinds of fish gather at the docks for their daily snacks. Feeding the fishies there is so popular, it's been named the No. 1 activity in all the Florida Keys.

Islamorada is also a terrific spot to kitesurf, stand-up paddleboard, go for a hike or take a bicycle ride. Stop by the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where injured or displaced birdies now make their homes. Or visit the History of Diving Museum, which boasts one of the world's largest collections of diving helmets.

Best beach: Anne's Beach is popular with families (and dogs) because of its shallow waters and lack of waves. Take a walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic at one of the covered tables.

Where to eat: For a quintessential casual Florida Keys meal, go to the Hungry Tarpon. If you want more elegant fare, make reservations at Chef Michael's for creatively inspired local dishes.

Where to stay: When it's time to lay your head for the night, check in to one of the new oceanfront suites at Cheeca Lodge & Spa , or your own cottage at The Moorings Village & Spa .

Mile marker: 63–40

Marathon is the island chain's top boating destination—and for good reason. The area boasts nearly 2,400 boat slips and plenty of facilities to accommodate sailors passing through. But you don't need your own boat to enjoy Marathon and its waters.

For a truly different experience, hop on over to Cruisin' Tikis and have a floating tiki bar adventure. Sunset, mangrove and harbor cruises are all available, as is a swim-stop cruise for a chance to jump into the water.

While you're here, you should also visit Pigeon Key, an island that is accessible by boat, trolley or walking the 2.2-mile Old Seven Mile Bridge. It has a museum to explore, either on a guided tour or on your own. The Bridge is open for walking, running, bicycling, rollerblading and, of course, watching the killer sunrises and sunsets.

Best beach: Sombrero Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the Florida Keys—not to mention one of the best beaches in Florida . And it's not just popular with humans; sea turtles nest here between April and October.

Where to eat: For any meal, stop by Castaway, which has been serving guests for more than 70 years. Or make a night of it at Hide Away Café, which has an extensive wine list.

Where to stay: The Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club is set on the waterfront and gives you a taste of marina life. Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key has spacious townhomes for rent.

The Lower Keys

Mile marker: 40–4

After crossing the Old Seven Mile Bridge out of Marathon, you'll find yourself in the Lower Keys, where natural habitats and wildlife refuges thrive. It's no wonder this part of the Florida Keys is known as the Natural Keys. You might even want to consider taking an electric vehicle on this road trip so you don't disturb the animals.

Your best chance to spot a native Key deer, a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer that somehow made its way south, may be in the National Key Deer Refuge, comprised of 9,200 acres stretching from Bahia Honda Key to Sugarloaf Key on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species can be found within the refuge. Take a quiet walk at dusk or dawn for your best chance to glimpse a Key deer, or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the area.

Aside from all the eco-friendly fun, Stock Island is well worth a stop. Their maritime history goes back generations, and the marina is filled with shrimping and fishing boats. Artists have been flocking to Stock Island, too, and share their works in galleries dotted across the small island.

Best beach: The shallow, clear water and white sand at Calusa Beach make it a locals' favorite. The beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling too.

Where to eat: In addition to the freshest of seafood, Big Pine Rooster serves up ribs and a special-recipe meatloaf. Or sip like the locals at No Name Pub, located on Big Pine Key.

Where to stay: Consider the waterfront Sugarloaf Lodge , stay in an Airstream at Big Pine Key Resort  or pop a tent on one of the reserved campsites at Bahia Honda State Park.

Mile marker: 4–0

You've made it to the end! Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, party atmosphere and laissez-faire vibe, but it's really so much more.

If you're a writer or bookworm, you'll certainly want to make plans to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you should keep an eye out for the famous six-toed cats. Then wander through Key West's Bahama Village, a 12-block area of historic homes and restaurants.

Consider a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, where you'll find some hidden gems . The island, accessible by boat or seaplane, is popular for snorkeling and feeling like you're on your own private island, not to mention touring the Civil War–era fort.

Best beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach—or Fort Zach, as locals call it—predates the Civil War and boasts the island's very best sandy stretch.

Where to eat: No visit to Key West is complete without a meal at Blue Heaven, where you can dine with wandering roosters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or snag a spot on the tiny balcony at Santiago's Bodega for tapas and flowing wine.

Where to stay: The boutique Gardens Hotel , the adults-only Kimpton Hotels Ridley House  or the new Capitana Key West , to name a few. Wherever you stay, you're sure to find your place in Key West, and it's likely you'll follow so many others' lead and start planning your return visit before you even leave.

Art and history in the Florida Keys

Road-tripping from Key Largo to Key West, it's easy to appreciate all the natural beauty. That said, the Keys aren't just a terrific destination for eco-travelers, but artists and history buffs too.

It's easy for artists to find inspiration throughout the Florida Keys. Fortunately for road-trippers, there are many spots to stop and admire their work. One of the largest artists' communities in the Florida Keys is Stock Island in the Lower Keys, just about three miles from the commercial area of Key West. What was once a shrimping boat marina is now a blend of fishermen and painters, sculptors and other artisans who have created an energetic and supportive community.

For history buffs, in addition to Pigeon Key in Marathon and the Civil War–era Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, other must-stops in Key West include the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.

Planning your Florida Keys road trip

Now that you're inspired to hit the road, it's time to start planning. After budgeting for a road trip , your next step is to decide whether you will travel south from Key Largo to Key West, or north from Key West to Key Largo. Or maybe you'll opt for a roundtrip.

If you're starting off in Key Largo, it's important to note that the Florida Keys Overseas Highway begins at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line. So if you're flying to Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the way to go. If you begin in Key West, the airport (EYW) is on the island.

If you're already driving one of the best road trip cars to get to Florida, you're all set. But if you need a loaner, choose one of the best cars to rent for a road trip . Consider packing these road trip essentials and download some of the best podcasts for road trips to make the miles fly by.

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