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Biking the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail; finding safe & scenic sections

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: April 12, 2023

Just as Henry Flagler longed to take his railroad to Key West, bicyclists have long dreamt of riding a safe bike trail to the southern tip of the scenic Florida Keys.

The dream is close to coming true, but we’re not quite there.

There is a bike trail operated by Florida State Parks, but it is not complete and it sustained hurricane damage from both Irma in 2017 and Ian in 2022.

PLEASE NOTE: As of April 2023, some bike bridges in the Lower Keys are still closed from Hurricane Ian damage, causing cyclists to revert to pedaling along the less safe and desirable roadside bike lane. The bridge over the Ohio-Missouri Channel at MM 39 is still closed and areas along Long Key State Park in the vicinity of MM 71 are bumpy and underwater after rain.

Despite the challenges, strong riders with street smarts and/or on guided rides bike the whole 106-mile-long Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail by the dozen every month, raving about the tropical scenery.

The bike trail through the Florida Keys may be flat, but it has its ups and downs. Many riders (me!) would not have fun on sections where you must ride on 3-foot-wide shoulders as cars whiz by at 50 miles per hour with drivers distracted by scenic beauty. If you read trip reports on Trailink , complaints about the bike trail are as common as is awe over the scenery.

On several visits to the Keys where my husband and I bicycled sections of the trail, I concluded there are sections that make the Florida Keys a great place to bicycle for nearly everyone. You just have to pick your spots . And when you do, you get to enjoy one of the key reasons I love to tour by bike: You take in the scenery at a slower pace, where it’s easy to stop and enjoy.

Here are recommendations for bicyclists who want to experience the Keys on their bikes but don’t want to bike the entire length or ride on narrow shoulders adjacent to traffic.

I’ve assembled tips based on my experiences biking and driving the Overseas Highway, information from Florida State Parks and advice from Mark Terrill, biking guru at Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours.

Some sections are more scenic than others. Some are safer and more comfortable than others. And it’s important to note that the entire trail is actually hard to follow, as it regularly crosses from bayside to oceanside and back, or continues on a parallel route not clearly marked and not visible from the U.S. 1.

For those who want to bicycle the entire length, Mark Terrill’s Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours offers one- or two-day tours and a variety of other support services. He also offers bike rentals for longer or shorter rides and tours along specific sections of the trail. He has seen use of the path grow dramatically in recent years.

For shorter trips, riders can easily plan do-it-yourself tours, as I did.

Here are four sections of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail to consider for do-it-yourself Keys bike tours:

Between MM 90 and 80 along the Old Road

For 10 miles, the old state road (State Highway 4A) parallels U.S. 1 on the ocean side.  It’s a scenic stretch, but has only occasional water views as it mostly passes through a woodsy residential area.

The homes range from multi-million-dollar gated mansions owned by celebrities (Coach Jimmy Johnson, actor Gene Hackman) to funky oceanfront trailer courts to resorts and businesses. It’s fun to spend time seeing life in the Keys up close, including places where people live and work.

The bike trail here is actually just a low-traffic residential road and is not clearly marked. (To make it more confusing, there is also a bike lane bayside along U.S. 1 too.)

At two short bridges in this section, the old road rejoins U.S. 1 and bicyclists cross the bridge in a designated lane along the shoulder. While I wouldn’t tackle the long Keys bridges riding in the shoulder (such as the Seven Mile Bridge), these bridges were easy and felt safe. We walked our bikes at the center of the bridges just to enjoy the view.

It’s easy enough to find parking in this area. We started from The Islander Resort, where we were staying, but there are spaces in the nearby Islamorada commercial district at MM 81.5 .

From there we pedaled south, turned around at the Tea Table Channel , then headed north and turned around at Coral Shores High School. Another good place to start your trek might be from that high school area.

On our 20 mile round-trip on this section of the Keys bike trail, we also enjoyed stopping at picturesque marinas like Bud N Mary’s (MM 79.8) and historic sites, including the interesting hurricane memorial at MM 81.5.

The hurricane monument tells the story of the devastating 1935 storm.  In 1937, ashes of many of those who died were buried here when the monument was dedicated. Be sure to see the beautiful tile-mosaic map of the islands hit by the storm in front of the monument.

There’s a charming small residential area between the hurricane monument and ocean in Islamorada and it’s worth exploring on bike to the end, where you’ll find the Moorings, the expensive resort popular for fashion shoots. It’s also where the Netflix series Bloodlines is filmed.

We also shopped at the Old Road Gallery (88.8 on U.S. 1 and with an entrance also on the old road), which has gardens and an adjoining “Red Cross hurricane house” now used as an art gallery, which you can tour.

Islamorada cherishes the historic extra-strong poured concrete houses built by the Red Cross to house survivors of that 1935 Labor Day hurricane. You’ll pass several marked with plaques on the ride.

Around the Old Road Gallery we also admired some of the dozens of peacocks that roam this area.

You’ll have an easy time finding a place to pause for a snack. Here are a few suggestions:   Midway Café and Coffee Bar , MM 80.4,  which earns 4.5 stars on both Yelp and TripAdvisor; Lazy Days Restaurant , MM 79.8 oceanside, has excellent fresh fish and a spectacular ocean view.

Located along the way are two craft breweries in Islamorada that are worthwhile places to end your ride. Here’s more about them. 

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about how Islamorada is emerging as a hub for activities.

Long Key section

Between mm 71 at the channel 5 bridge to the end of the historic long key bridge at mm 62.

This 18-mile-round-trip section of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail has spectacular views of water and sky, including from the 2.2-mile-long historic Long Key Bridge.

Because it is close to the water oceanside, this section was badly damaged by waves and flooding from Hurricane Irma in 2017. During 2020, however, most of this section has been repaired. 

For this ride, you can park at the southern base of the Channel 5 Bridge at MM 71 bayside at a lot for those using the fishing bridge. (One drawback: You almost immediately have to cross the highway as the trail continues on the ocean side.)

On this route, you’ll also cross the shorter Tom’s Harbor Channel Historic Bridge (MM 61), which, like the Long Key Bridge, has cantilevered fishing platforms added to provide space for both fishing and bikes. 

The bike path runs along Long Key State Par k, and has some good views of the beaches and the beguiling turquoise water. (It’s a beautiful park; it’s well worth making a stop here.) 

The Long Key bridge is the second-longest bridge of Henry Flagler’s railroad and is preserved as a bike and pedestrian path parallel to the new highway bridge. Smooth and traffic-free, it is as scenic and safe as a bike trail can get. (My husband, who doesn’t like heights, did have to ride right down the middle to avoid freaking out.)

Once you cross Long Key Bridge, however, the improved trail pretty much ends and is just a 3-foot-lane along the shoulder for the next two miles south. Instead of continuing, we crossed to the bayside and rode through Little Conch Key, a funky island with old cottages, mobile homes, views of the water and lots of general Keys flavor. From there, we turned around at MM 62 and headed back.

If you want a short ride just on the Long Key Bridge and back, you can park at the southern end of the bridge at MM 65.6, where this is a parking lot and signage.

Lower Keys to Key West

From mm 15 to key west and back.

This may be the best section of the FKOHT. My husband and I rode MM15 to MM5 and back in December 2016.  Here’s my full report .

What we liked:

• It’s carefree. For the entire stretch, the trail has its own lane, hugging the water on the ocean side, included its  own dedicated bridges. (NOTE: Hurricane Ian in September 2022 knocked out some bridges and sections in the Lower Keys where bicyclists must use the bike lanes on US 1.)
• The scenery. Highlights are a half dozen bridges and long stretches with open views of water.
• There’s a great starting point where you can park and caffeinate– Baby’s Coffee at MM15 — and some good turn-around spots, like Key West Botanic Gardens on Stock Island in Key West.
• Here are the details on the bike trail into Key West .

Old Seven Mile Bridge to Sombrero Beach

This tour will be about 14 miles roundtrip, but with the scenery and activities, you could spend all day on it.

Start your ride near the start of the Old Seven Mile Bridge at MM 47 bayside. There’s a parking lot there, but it’s hard to find parking there because the newly re-opened bridge is so popular.

It’s a gorgeous 2.2 mile ride on the refurbished section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, so 4.4 miles round trip. There are bike lanes here and views the whole way. Here’s more about biking and visiting the Old Seven Mile bridge .

For a longer ride from the bridge area, pedal north along the Oversease Keys Overseas Heritage Trail for three miles through Marathon. At this point, the trail is separate from the highway and is located bayside. At MM 50, Sombrero Beach Road, leave the Overseas Heritage Trail and ride a dedicated bike path east to Sombrero Beach. This is a beautiful free local beach and well-landscaped park with picnic tables, rest rooms, swimming and snorkeling. The nice thing about biking to Sombrero Beach is that you don’t have to worry about getting a parking space.

General tip for riding the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail:

• On longer rides, flat tires are common because of road debris. Serious cyclists suggest Kevlar-lined tires, fat-tire bikes or at least plenty of spares. (We had two flat tires on one ride.)
• Take special care in crossing busy U.S. 1 and in residential and commercial areas where people are turning into or coming out of driveways. This is the most hazardous aspect of the trail.
• Prevailing winds make a south-bound trip easier than a north-bound one.
• The northern-most section of the trail – from MM 106.5 to 91 — is primarily a paved bike trail separated from the highway. But as nice as the trail quality is, it’s hard to recommend because it’s not terribly scenic.
• To pedal across the famous Seven Mile Bridge, you face a five-foot shoulder, often strewn with debris, as semis roar by and drivers gaze too long at the view. (Note: If you are on a bike and don’t want to ride across the Seven Mile Bridge, you can call a cab. In Marathon, they all have bike racks, Terrill said.)

Resources for planning a trip on the Florida Keys bike trail:

• Map of Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail 
• Most recent trail brochure (PDF)
• State park website for Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
• Electric bikes ARE allowed on the Florida Keys Overseas Trail.
• Mile marker guide with dozens of stops to help make the most of your drive south.
• Islamorada: New things to do make it an appealing stop
• Florida Keys wildlife : Places to see animals
• Tiki bars:  Soak up the Keys atmosphere
• 12 great kayak outings in the Keys
• Best beaches in the Florida Keys

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law.

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a sall commission when a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about Florida at no cost to you.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Friday 7th of April 2023

Hopefully doing the ride December 2023, has the damage from the two hurricanes been repaired?

Bonnie Gross

Wednesday 12th of April 2023

Chris: A state park representative said bridges are big, expensive projects and the damage to bridges (the largest being at MM39, the bridge over the Ohio-Missouri Channel) has not been completed. -- Bonnie

Friday 9th of December 2022

My wife, her friend and I completed an ebike ride from Key Largo to Key West and back from Nov 28 to Dec 2. The ride south was great, with the wind at our backs; the north return was no fun with 20-30 mile headwinds. The ride north is not for the faint of heart! Many of the lower Keys pedestrian bridges are closed due to storm damage so you must ride on the highway bike paths or along the road shoulder. With strong winds, these roadside rides become a real adventure.

I wish locals who ride bikes would practice good bike manners and call out a loud verbal warning, "Passing on the left," when overtaking another rider. Not once was I notified of approaching riders with the result in Marathon that a rider squeezed in on me on a narrow path and forced me off the path, hitting a large boulder and knocking me to the ground. My back and hip are still very sore and my injuries could have been much, much worse.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Prevailing winds make that northward trip a bear -- I guess even with an e-bike! I recently drove to Key West and was so sorry to see the two bridge outages in the Lower Keys. That used to be the safest and best section of the trail. My experience with previous hurricane damage is that the state park system, which manages that trail, takes a LONG time to make repairs. So I'm afraid it will be years before those bridges are reopened. As for biker etiquette. It's a shame! I'm a slower rider and I have had that experience.

Florida Rambler

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

Note to our readers: For those looking to pedal the entire bike trail south to Key West and looking for a way back without making it a round-trip, there are two public transportation options to consider.

There is a bus operating from Key West to Marathon, where you can transfer to a Miami-Dade bus that continues on to Key Largo. Here’s a link for more information: http://www.kwtransit.com/ Flixbus, http://www.FlixBus.com, a European company that operates service from Miami to Key West with several stops. In looking at the reservation site, it appears "bike slots" are largely taken. You can also call 855-626-8585.

Mike Nanoff

Bonnie, great article and love your site!

To anyone reading, I plan to bike the FKOTH the full 105 miles Key Largo to Key West on Saturday, Nov 12, hopefully departing Key Largo by 8am. Would be great to not do it alone, if anyone adventurous riders would like to join reply and we'll connect. I'm probably an "above-average" cyclist (I guess tackle this that would be expected), maybe hoping to average 17-18 mph (wind dependent) with a couple brief stops along the way. I'll spend the night and try the bus route Bob Rountree suggested below to get back to Key Largo on Sunday. If the bus plan fails, I get another century ride to get back. Still looking for the best overnight parking in Key Largo, and hopefully this Hurricane Nicole doesn't linger long enough to ruin my plan!

Ride safe! Mike

Friday 4th of December 2020

Hi, is there a part of the trail that would be safe to ride with children (9 yo)? We are staying on Islamorada, would it be possible to ride bikes with the kids there?

Wednesday 9th of December 2020

The section of the trail in Islamorada is actually the Old Road, which parallels the main highway. It does have cars on it, though traffic is light, but I probably wouldn't choose it for kids. 

What I think would be fun for kids would be the part of the trail that is on the Long Key bridge. It's about 15 miles south of Islamorada.  The Long Key bridge is the second-longest bridge of Henry Flagler’s railroad and is preserved as a bike and pedestrian path parallel to the new highway bridge. Smooth and traffic-free, it is as scenic and safe. The bridge is 3 miles long, so it's a 6-mile round trip. At the southern end of the bridge at MM 65.6, where this is a parking lot and signage on the bayside of the road.  

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Florida Keys Bike Tour

January 5-10, 2025 january 12-17, 2025 january 19-24, 2025 january 26-31, 2025, the everglades, florida keys, and key west.

Turquoise water, towering palms, and warm ocean breezes. Imagine yourself whisked away to this tropical paradise where you can indulge your mind, body, and spirit. The Florida Keys is that place. So kick off your shoes and come join us next January. We have everything you could possibly want for a laid-back vacation – the only thing missing is you!

Perfect Weather for January

It seems the Florida Keys weather is always better than elsewhere, and that’s part of the reason why people love it here. With an air temperature in the upper 70s and water temperature in the low 70s, January is the perfect time to bike the Florida Keys.

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Very easy – 15-30 miles/day, with total mileage of 85-135. Expect flat terrain, tailwinds, and lots of bike paths. Cycle at your own pace. Get a lift in the van whenever you like. E-bikes available (limited supply)

• Cycle through Everglades National Park on a 15-mile paved biking path (no cars allowed), enjoying the quiet beauty of the sawgrass prairies of this UNESCO World Heritage Area
• Experience one of the “Five Great Tailwind Rides” of the world ( Bicycling Magazine ), as we head towards Key West on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail , a multi-use paved path that skips across dozens of islands and sails over the water
• Stay at three gorgeous waterfront resorts featuring heated outdoor pools & Jacuzzi’s, spa treatments, tiki bars, hammocks, beach cafés, yoga on the beach, and water-sports rentals
• Delicious outdoor meals at tiki huts & cafés set in the fine white sand (think palm trees, warm ocean breezes, and tiki torches)
• Private guided kayak eco-tour through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S.

Highlights (continued)

• Guided tour of the non-profit Turtle Hospital , the only veterinary hospital in the world for rehabilitating injured sea turtles, and returning them to the wild
• Private guided tour of the non-profit Dolphin Research Center (swimming with the dolphins is extra)
• Great wildlife , including manatees, alligators, large wading birds, giant tarpon fish, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, iguanas, loggerhead sea turtles, manta rays, and roosters
• Two exciting days in Key West , the eclectic town that Ernest Hemmingway described as “ the best place I’ve ever been anytime, anywhere .”
• Memorable sailing trip aboard a 60-foot schooner, along with bottomless cocktails
• Enjoy perfect cycling weather (January has temps in the high 70s)

What's Included?

• 6 days of bike riding, boat trips, ecotours, and other activities
• 5 nights of lodging overlooking the water
• 10 meals, catering to all dietary needs
• Free use of our bikes , plus a helmet, rear rack bag for your personal items, rear safety light + triangle, water bottle, and T-shirt. E-bikes available
• Superior level of support throughout your stay (each trip comes with two 15-passenger vans and three professional bike tour guides )
• Ride with GPS navigation (using your own phone) or paper route notes
• Exclusive GBT activities, including a guided kayak ecotour through the mangroves and an afternoon sail aboard 60-foot yacht
• Admission to Everglades National Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dolphin Research Center, and Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital
• Complimentary transportation back to Miami at end of tour (in our vans)
• Full access to our online photo gallery with photos/videos from your trip
• Small group size of 15-20 people (or organize your own private trip )
• Superior level of support throughout your stay (each trip comes with two 15-passenger vans and three professional bike tour guides )

Multi-activity getaway

We offer a full scope of activities for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. You could spend the whole day trying out all the activities offered by our lodges, or just relax by the pool, take in a massage, and then wander over to their beachside tiki bar. We’ll take you on several exciting ecotours, including visits to the non-profit Dolphin Research Center  and the  Turtle Hospital  (for rehabilitating injured loggerhead sea turtles). Out on the water we’ll treat you to a sunset sailing excursion on a 65 ft schooner, along with a guided kayak trip through the mangrove mazes of  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park .

Cycle through the Everglades National Park

While many folks explore the Everglades on foot, by airboat or kayak, we’ve opted for a totally unique bike ride on a car-free paved trail. Our ride takes us through a freshwater ecosystem of sawgrass prarie and tree islands, with ample opportunities to observe turtles, wading birds, and the occasional alligator. Prized for its biodiversity, the Everglades is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, right up there with the Grand Canyon and Stonehenge.

Easy flat bike rides with short mileage and tailwinds

The majority of our bike rides will be along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a multi-use paved path along the 106-mile corridor between Key Largo to Key West. The trail closely parallels U.S. Highway 1, which has been federally recognized as a National Scenic highway and an All-American Road. And even better, you can expect a tailwind most of the week! In fact Bicycling  magazine recently rated this route as one of the “Five Great Tailwind Rides” of the world.

Explore the tropical turquoise waters

Admire the unspoiled and pristine beaches from your bicycle, or get off your bike and do some power lounging on some of America’s Top Beaches, or even better, jump in with both feet and get wet! The clear warm waters beckon you to explore the 3rd largest coral reef in the world, revealing a Technicolor explosion of tropical fish and calming coral gardens. Take an optional glass-bottomed boat tour of the reef, or float gently on the surface (snorkeling) as you watch the snappers, parrotfish, starfish, tarpon, and schools of silversides swim among colorful corals and sponges. Other optional water-based adventures include parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming-with-the-dolphins.

We offer a full scope of activities for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. You could spend the whole day trying out all the activities offered by our lodges, or just relax by the pool, take in a massage, and then wander over to their beachside tiki bar. We’ll take you on several exciting eco-tours, including visits to the non-profit  Dolphin Research Center  and the  Turtle Hospital  (for rehabilitating injured loggerhead sea turtles). Out on the water we’ll treat you to a sunset sailing excursion on a 65 ft schooner, along with a guided kayak trip through the mangrove mazes of  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park .

Deluxe lodging and oceanside dining

Our Florida Keys Bike Tour will offer you an atmosphere of sheer indulgence. We have chosen three special properties beside the azure water for which the area is famous:

• Reefhouse Resort in Key Largo
• Courtyard Marathon in Marathon
• Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West

If you’re looking for some down time, our hotels feature palm-fringed beaches, pools, hammocks, tiki bars, spa treatments, massages, and beachside yoga. Your meals on tour will be events to be remembered. Warm ocean breezes, exotic Caribbean-style drinks, tables & chairs on fine white sand, tiki torches all around… what could be better! This is your chance to try a warm conch fritter, followed by a fresh sea-to-table main course. And to top it off, nothing but Key Lime pie will do.

Visit Iconic Key West

We will finish up the tour with two exciting days in the iconic town of Key West. This town is hard to describe without actually being there to experience it, but some of the highlights include:

• Visiting the southernmost point in the continental United States
• Watching the sunset celebration in Mallory Square
• Visiting the many art galleries and museums (including the Ernest Hemmingway House and the Butterfly Conservancy)
• Great restaurants, shopping, cabaret acts & other live shows on Duval Street

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Florida Keys Bicycle Tour by Intrepid Trails

Description.

Florida Keys Bicycle Tour Round-Trip 5 Days 200 Miles

DAY 1 Our Florida Keys Bicycle Tour starts out in Key Largo, Florida. In the morning we group together with introductions and a overview of our ride. We begin our 44 mile day with a casual warm-up through Key Largo. From there our ride begins along the bike trails and Overseas Highway taking in the beautiful ocean views and beach towns along the way.

Our first SAG stop is at Long Key State Park. Here we can take some time off the bike and enjoy the scenic walks and beaches. The final 12 miles take us to the city of Marathon where our stay at The Hammocks offers us fantastic views, wild life and beaches.

DAY 2 We leave our "Hammock" and begin heading south toward Key West. Once our pace will pick up we enjoy the ride over 7 Mile Bridge. This is the type of riding we have been seeking with endless water on each side of us.

We continue our ride to the "End of the Road" passing through many of the Florida Keys with many opportunities to soak up the experience. After our 55 mile ride our destination is complete. We can now sit back, relax and enjoy Key West! Bottoms Up!

DAY 3 Enjoy Key West from the Pegasus International Hotel in the heart of town.

Southern Most Point Ernest Hemingway House Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Aquarium Snorkeling Beaches Night-life and Osters!

DAY 4 Back on our bicycles, today we ride 65 miles to Layton where we stay at the Lime Tree Bay Resort near Long Key State Park. After this ride you will be ready to enjoy the beach and kick back.

DAY 5 Our last day on our tour but it doesn't mean it has to be your last day in the Florida Keys. Our ride back reminds us of why we came, the 30 mile ride brings us back to Key Largo where we can stay a few more days. As the tour is completed we can imagine making this an annual event.

Tour Dates 2015

Tour Dates 2016

Each date is limited to 40 riders Hotels are included All Tours are Monday thru Friday Register 90 days in advance for guaranteed spot

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Complete Florida Keys Bike Tour

February 10 - 16, 2024, (7 days, 6 nights; sat - fri).

Family Friendly

Double Booking

$3685/person, single booking, roommate rebate.

Includes all lodging, breakfasts, dinners, leaders, snacks, support van, park entrance fees, airport transfers, ferry transfers, tour maps and narratives.

Assembly Point

Ft. lauderdale, fl.

Timberline van shuttle is included from Ft. Lauderdale to the start of the tour, and from Fort Meyers to the Southwest Florida International Airport following the tour.

Not Included: Airline Service; Guide Gratuity.

Meeting Time

Fort lauderdale airport hotel 8:30 am, drop-off time, southwest florida international airport, 4 pm.

“ A great way to cure the winter blues ”  B.T.

“ Beautiful scenery coupled with highly enjoyable riding! ”  Judy Z.

Key Largo to Key West Bike Tour

Ready for a spectacular winter bike ride in 70 degree weather?  We have found an ideal ride, call it early season or winter getaway, to hold your attention, with enough quirky sideshows to keep you amused. We will ride the entire 113 mile length of the famed Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West. Although there are about 1700 keys in the archipelago, there are only 43 connected by bridges – and we will ride most of them! From Key West, we cruise to Fort Meyers on a modern, luxury catamaran and from there, ride Sanibel and Captiva Islands . These islands are a special place, whether it is your first time to the famous islands or you are a regular. Sanibel Island is the perfect place to stroll by the lighthouse or enjoy a trip through Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge looking for amazing animals and birds. The tour is also ideal for couples or those who might want a beach vacation without actually lying around on a beach.  As with all our bike tours, e-bike rental is also now available.

Explore All That The Florida Keys Has to Offer

In riding the Keys, we discovered some truths: the ocean and Gulf are as wide and at least as blue as Montana’s Big Sky ; as deep as the Rockies are high; the coral reefs of the Keys rival the color country of Utah’s canyons and its wildlife is as fascinating as that of Yellowstone . Palm trees and mangrove swamps and tropical orchids are the wildflowers of the Keys; crocodiles and manatees and the occasional panther are the protected wildlife. In the West we have Bear Valley and Death Valley ; in the Keys there is Shark Valley . Road signs in the West warn of elk or deer crossings; in the Keys are alligator warnings; river valleys in the Keys are rivers of grass and snorkeling or kayaking replace hiking as offered activities on layover days. In short it reinforces what we all know-there is no part of America that is not special and glorious. This is a unique and beautiful tour and we are excited to be offering a Florida Keys trip.

See Detailed Florida Keys Cycling Itinerary Here!

Contact Timberline Adventures here or explore our full tours calendar here to find the perfect group adventure for you!

Total Distance: 211 miles

Inn highlights.

• 'Tween Waters Island Resort
• Pelican Key Largo Cottages
• El Patio Motel

Timberline Adventures / 214 Mohawk Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 / 1-800-417-2453 or 303-664-8388 / Fax: 303-664-8395

Routes, mileage and accommodations are subject to change due to safety, road/trail conditions, weather and availability.

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Cruisers and Hybrid bikes available !!! BOOK NOW !!! Islamorada Tavernier Key Largo

[email protected] 305-783-6066

• Where to Ride
• Cruisers/Hybrid
• Self-guided Tours
• Tour Key Largo - Key West

Key Largo to Key West: 6 days/5 nights

Guided e-bike tour.

Embark on this unique adventure to explore hidden gems of the Florida Keys. Complete VIP experience with local guides, all inclusive. ~102 miles from Key Largo to Key West (+15 miles at Everglades). 

Cost: 

$3,900 per person. All prices based on double occupancy

Dates: Dec 2 - 7 2024

Book online or call 305-783-6066

Our differentiators

• We are locals ! The Florida Keys is our backyard and we don't offer other tours in other areas of the country/world
• Small groups: Max 8 people for more individualized attention
• We are family owned and we care about your satisfaction ! The whole experience has been carefully curated and is customizable !

Guided E-Bike Tour - What's included ?

• Transportation from Miami to Everglades/Key Largo (and back to MIA)
• E-bikes with helmets, bottle holder, chargers, dry bag
• All meals included (breakfasts = quick bites)
• Daily excursions
• Water/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray

Day #1 (Tuesday) - Miami, Everglades, Key Largo

Gators, birds, lunch, dinner.

Outline of the day: ~15-miles of bike riding

- Pickup in Miami

- E-Bike ride @ Everglades National Park

- Lunch in Key Largo

- Check-in to hotel

- Free afternoon

- Welcome Dinner in Key Largo

Day #2 (Wednesday) - Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada

Snorkel, lunch, dinner.

Outline of the day: ~17-miles of bike riding

- Snorkeling trip in the morning

- E-Bike ride toward Islamorada

- Lunch 

- Beer tasting at Islamorada Brewing Co or Morada Way Arts & Cultural District

- Quick stop at Hurricane monument

- Visit Windley Key State Park

Day #3 (Thursday) - Islamorada, Marathon

Kayak, mangrove, lunch, ride, dinner.

Outline of the day: ~30-miles of bike riding

- Kayak/Eco-tour @ Robbie's in the morning

- E-Bike ride toward Marathon

- Ride old 7-mile bridge

- Dinner 

Day #4 (Friday) - Marathon, Looe Key, Ramrod Key

Ride, lunch, dinner.

Outline of the day: ~25-miles of bike riding

- E-Bike ride to Looe Key

- Turtle Hospital

Day #5 (Saturday) - Key West

Ride, southernmost point, lunch, sunset cruise, dinner.

- Snorkeling trip in Looe Key

- E-Bike ride to Key West

- Pictures @ Southernmost point of the USA

- Sunset Cruise

Day #6 (Sunday) - Key West, Miami

Explore on your own, mia.

Outline of the day:

- Free morning to explore at your own pace:  Hemingway House & Museum, Truman Little White House, Smathers beach, Mallory square, Lighthouse. 

- Shuttle back to Miami @ 2pm. Arrival in Miami ~6pm (drop off at hotel or Miami International)

Disclaimers

Important considerations.

- Tips to excursion's guides are NOT included and are customary !

- Alcohol drinks NOT included

- Weather may be a factor and schedules/itineraries are simply a guideline and subject to change. 

- We recommend planning flights back on Monday.

- Extend your stay in Key West and fly out of EYW if you wish !

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Florida Keys Bike Trail

March 8th - 10th 2024, tackle the 3 day florida keys ride from miami to key west..

About the Florida Keys Ride

Experience paradise on two wheels with the florida keys bike trail.

Discover the Florida Keys like never before on our thrilling three-day cycling adventure. Starting in vibrant Miami and culminating in the tropical paradise of Key West, this 170-mile journey offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Pedal along over 90 miles of paved bike paths, winding through lush mangroves, pristine beaches, and enchanting gumbo limbo forests. Explore charming spots like Key Largo, Grassy Key, Saddlebunch Keys, and Key West, each offering unique vistas and tranquil cycling experiences.

Join us on the Florida Keys Bike Trail for a cycling adventure that promises stunning natural beauty, serene coastal towns, and the satisfaction of supporting the MS community.

Ready. Set. Ride for MS.

Are you ready to take on the florida keys bike trail here’s a couple of pointers of what to expect., fundraising.

With an achievable $1,000 fundraising minimum ($6 per mile) we are here to help you reach and surpass your goal!

Accommodation

A mix of camping in various parks, staying at churches, community centers and schools awaits.

We provide you the platform to help you reach your goal of riding the Florida Keys. This is a supported bike tour where roughing it is embraced.

Preparation

We’ll plan the trip so you can focus on training, preparing your gear and planning your journey to and from the event.

Gearing up to pedal through Miami Key Largo Marathon Key West in:

We are pedalling north for Bar Harbor!

Explore the Florida Keys Bike Trail

Where will cycling the florida keys take you.

2024 Florida Keys Overnights

Have a look at the preliminary overnights and daily mileage for the Florida Keys ride.  Naturally, these are subject to change, but it’s a good starting point!

Destination

• Coral Gables / Miami

Meet the 2024 Bike Florida Team

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$1800 per person

Bike ride through the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West on the 90-mile flat terrain Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. We’ll break it up over two days allowing plenty of time for breaks, sightseeing, vising a turtle hospital, snorkeling, and kayaking through mangroves. Our luggage will be transported for us from hotel to hotel along the way so we can enjoy the Keys up close and personal at our own pace. There will be a private van service always close by should anybody wish to call it a day and be whisked away to our next hotel for a head start on sipping a cool tropical drink.

Destination

Not included, from our gallery.

April 19 / Day 1: Arrive in Key Largo

April 20 / day 2: ride to marathon key, april 21 / day 3: ride to key west, april 22/ day 4: mangrove kayak tour and walking tour of key west.

• three nights double occupancy hotel accommodations (single supplement available)
• choice of a road or highland bike / helmet
• luggage transfer while biking on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
• van support service
• local guide
• snorkel tour
• turtle hospital tour
• magical mangrove maze kayak tour
• Key West walking tour
• all ground transportation during the trip.
• all breakfasts, welcome dinner, farewell dinner
• alcoholic beverages
• travel insurance
• itinerary subject to change
• please wear face mask inside ground transportation vehicle
• group size limited to 10 people.

Bike the Florida Keys

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E-Bike Rental in the Florida Keys

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Bike the Florida Keys - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Palm Beach Bike Tours

Two Wheels, one GPS and a Camera

100 Miles: Key Largo to Key West by Bicycle

Five of us rode from Key Largo to Key West in February.

If you’re talking about a serious touring-type ride, the ride TO Key West was enjoyable (the operative word is FEBRUARY).

If you want to do serious riding, Key West isn’t where you want to be. If you want to putz around on a rented cruiser or a beater bike to keep from having to find a parking spot in a tiny town that is in total gridlock, then Key West is your spot. Bikes, mopeds and other small transportation vehicles are readily available. (The bikes even come with D-cell flashlights strapped to the handlebars for night riding. Probably to give the drunks something to aim at.) It’s a tourist town/Bourbon Street wannabe.

There is ample shoulder, bike lane or bike path the whole 106 miles, except for a few hundred yards at Bahia Honda. Even though the shoulder is fairly narrow and traffic is running 45 to 65 mph, I never had a close brush. There is enough utility biking in the keys that the local motorists are very bike-aware. A car would pull out onto the bike lane to get on the road, see us, then back up to clear the way. Most of the time they’d give us a friendly wave or a greeting.

We encountered our first certifiable a-hole in 106 miles about 100 yards into Key West: a Hummer full of college kids who deliberately pulled out to block the bike lane just as I approached them.

My Keys advice in June would follow your N’awlins advice: find a cool spot and hunker down. It was a hot ride in FEBRUARY. It would be a killer in the summertime. I had a couple of friends who rode it in July. Took ’em four days with all the stops they made to jump in the water to cool off.

In 1980, I spent a month in Key West as a photographer covering the Cuban Boatlift . Like I’ve posted before, the sun in Key West is exactly twice as bright as it is in West Palm Beach, FL. By light meter reading, the sun in West Palm Beach is twice as bright as the sun in southern Ohio. Use your sunblock accordingly.

If you want more details about the Keys ride, lemme know. (By the way, the beaches in Key West ain’t all that great.)

28 Replies to “100 Miles: Key Largo to Key West by Bicycle”

Your page was referred to me by Adventure Cycling on questions I had related to riding Key West to Key Largo. She said you rode in 2001. We want to do this in Feb 2010. Since you rode in 2001 I was wondering if anything has changed (for the worst). Is is it still a nice ride with mostly bike paths? We have gotten some mixed reviews on other websites.

Key Largo to Key West is on my list of places to revisit, hopefully before 2010. I’ve been waiting for the temperatures to get reasonable.

When we rode it, there were a few segments with separate bike paths, which are nice because they isolate you from the constant roar of traffic. Since then, I’ve been told that more have been added.

The whole route from Key Largo to Key West has good shoulders, except for a short stretch that is easily sprinted.

It’s not my favorite ride, but it’s one that everyone should do just to say they did it.

I’ll probably start about 20 miles or so south of Key Largo when I do it next time. I wanted to get in a century on that first ride, but the area around Key Largo is like riding through strip malls with all the ugliness.

Seven Mile Bridge and some of the others are well worth the ride.

Keep in touch. I’ll try try to get you an update.

Bourbon street wannabe?!

There’s no place on earth like Key West… just get off Duval St.

Tina, My father, brother and I are doing the ride in Feb. for the second year…Leaving on Wed…..have a great adventure!

I was planing on doing a Keys Ride update this year, but I’m not sure I’m going to be able to sneak it in before it gets too hot.

I’d love to post a ride report and some pictures from your trip if you want to send me something.

Have a good ride – take lots of sunscreen.

Several of my friends and I have been thinking about doing this ride from Key Largo to Key West. We’d like to fly in and rent bikes rather than drive, since it would be about a 30 hour drive for us one way. Any chances of renting some good bikes, perhaps in Key Largo for this? If so, can you recommend some good places to contact?

It’s been a number of years since I did that ride. One of my brother’s buddies rented a bike here in West Palm Beach, where I live, for the trip. I’m not sure about renting a bike in Key Largo. Key West has lots of bike rentals, but they’re mostly beaters for around town.

Is there a certain place you could recommend to rent from there in West Palm Beach? I would like to contact them and get an idea of how much it would cost for 4 of us to do it.

I Googled Bike Rental West Palm Beach and got several hits:

My kid is fond of http://www.oymbike.com/

Palm Beach Bicycle Trails Shop caters to folks who want to ride the Palm Beach bike trail on cruisers, but I think that might be where my kid’s friend rented his road bike for our trip. A couple of my friends have bought used rentals there, so so they may have some road bikes available.

If the Bicyclery doesn’t have rentals, ask for Tom. I bet he can help you find some place. Nice folks.

Let me know if you strike out and I’ll do some calling around myself.

Thanks so much for your help! I’ll let you know if I don’t have any luck.

visiting key west in march. found a road bike rental. wondering what it is like going north 50miles then turning round for my century??? good/bad idea???

March is still OK, temperature-wise. When I’ve ridden it, we’ve started in Key Largo and done a straight century from MM 100 to MM 0 in Key West.

The prettiest part of the Florida Keys, in my opinion, is the Middle Keys. The north end is too much like urban strip mall riding; the last miles into Key West were boring to me. Key West is just a mad house.

Other than heat, your biggest problem is wind. On an out-and-back, you’re going to have a headwind one way or the other (unless you get REALLY lucky and have it shift so that you get a headwind both ways.).

Drink lots of water, slather on the sun screen. You probably heard me mention that the sun in West Palm Beach is twice as bright as the sun in Athens, OH, based on actual light meter readings. The sun in Key West is twice as bright as the sun in West Palm Beach. Do NOT assume that since you don’t burn when you’re home in the Midwest or even the South that you won’t burn in the Keys. Take it from a guy who learned the hard way covering the Cuban Boatlift in 1980.

really just looking for exercise in between hammock naps so headwind will be perfect. yes sunscreen will be key thx for the info. if you ever bike up wisconsin way just ask for best routes. [email protected]

Exercise? What’s that?

Have a blast. If you’ve not done the Keys, they’re worth doing at least once so you can cross them off your list.

Hey Ken. Sounds like you live just north of me in West Palm. I live in Boynton and I am thinking of going for the century ride sometime soon.I training locally now and started also doing the local Off-road path up your way in Pinehurst (LOTS of FUN!!)I’d like to ask a few questions about the century trip. If you’re open to a phone call let me know. otherwise email exchanges are fine. I go to Sugarloaf often and always interested in biking partners. (my wife is not into biking)

Cheers, Mike

my wife and I will ride from key largo to KW. we will ride 50 miles stay in a hotel, and then make it to KW. Spend two nights in Kw and then repeat our return journey. My concern is our return . Is there a prevailing head wind? No worries, just wondering

The only thing you can count on is that you WILL have a headwind sometime. You MAY have a headwind all of the time. I don’t think I’ve ever done a ride where I had a tailwind the whole time.

It all depends on the weather patterns on any given day. Wish I could be even more vague, but it’s always a crap shoot. Good luck. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

I was thinking of cycling from Key Largo to Key West & back this Friday or Saturday (the 27th or 28th of May). Anyone wanna come? Anyone know where to rent a decent road bike near Key Largo?

Hello, my name is Jeff Buyer, and I represent Advanced Sports, a Philadelphia based manufacturer and distributor of bicycles. We have been offering bicycle rental shops the opportunity to purchase bikes directly from us, at pure wholesale costs. Well, last night those prices just got better! Fuji has reduced the cost on almost all of our bikes (see attached) to make way for the 2012 product. If you have been considering upgrading your current fleet, or just want to bring in new product…. This is the time to do it!!! Please check out our new prices. At these prices, inventories won’t last long. Please contact me at any of the below numbers. To view our product line, please check out http://www.fujibikes.com . Thanks ~~ Jeff

If you guys are interested, there is a wrestling club in Islamorada that does fundraisers several times a year where they offer a SAG support vehicle, water and food stops on a one day Century Ride. They will take you and your bike back to Islamorada or Key Largo. You can kick around Key West for dinner and come back that night. It’s limited to 6 riders and geared towards riders who can make the ride in 6 to 8 hours.

Just returned to Scotland from vacation in the keys. I would like to return and hire a bicycle and cycle from Key Lago to Key West. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Jim, I own Key Largo Bike Tours and Bike Shop. We rent Jamis Road bikes and allow our customers to put their pedals and saddle on if they like. We also run Century Rides once a month. They are Sag supported and offer lunch and hydration stations. We give rides back to Key Largo or if you want to stay the night in Key West, we can get you the next day. Otherwise, you can just rent the road bike.

Thanks for weighing in. I could have found someone in the West Palm Beach area, but he was looking in your direction.

Hey Mark: Looking to do a century ride in Februray 2013 from key largo, some folks in my group may do a half. do u have any planned supported rides that month? if so, what date.

if not, can you help w/ a non supported ride in the way of rental bike?.

Key Largo Bike shop rents road bikes

I do Peter Feb 9th and we rent Jamis Venturas sizes 48 to 61 cm. FYI we have another supported tour Jan 19 as well

Great post, I love the pics. I have a design blog that posts articles about finding design inspiration through travel. I would love to include your Key West image with the bridge in one of my posts. Of course, I would credit the image to you and link it back to your site. What do you think?

if your doing this ride and want to leave your car in Key Largo, rent a bike and be picked up in Key West, contact Mark at Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours 305-395-1551. We did the ride and Mark picked the 4 of us and our bikes up in Key West and drove us back to our cars at his shop.. Mark is a wealth of knowledge on the Keys and will certainly give you tips to make the trip to Key West most enjoyable..

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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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