Miami to Key West Drive – Best Florida Key Road Trip

There are such a lot of locations to go to from Miami to Key West that it may be complicated realizing the place to start. This nice American highway journey is unquestionably one so as to add to your bucket listing, and a drive to Key West from Miami will transport you to the Caribbean with no need to hop on a airplane. Dave and I’ve taken a Miami to Key West highway journey 3 times plus as soon as from Miami to Key Largo so we all know a factor or two about this drive. That will help you plan your final Florida Keys highway journey itinerary, we’ve rounded up the most effective stops on a Miami to Key West drive

Miami to Key West Drive

The Miami to Key West drive is 164.4 mi through US-1 S and takes 3 hr 30 min with out site visitors. You would drive on to Key West from Miami in a single afternoon however that might take all the enjoyable out of visiting the superb stops and the Florida Keys alongside the way in which. You may additionally like: The Greatest Locations to Keep in Florida

Abroad Freeway

When driving from Miami to Key West, you can be taking some of the distinctive highway journeys on this planet by a series of 800 Keys which are related by a collection of 142 bridges spanning 124 miles. (Be aware: Not all Keys are reachable by automobile)

The Abroad Freeway is 113 miles lengthy. This chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida divides the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico and every Key has its personal actions and advantages for visiting.

As you head south, take your time to essentially soak within the expertise. At instances, you’ll be utterly surrounded by water. In brief, the drive to by the Florida Keys is as spectacular as it’s distinctive.

Whereas the Miami to Key West drive is 164 miles, the actual highway journey begins on the gateway to the Florida Keys. Whereas this highway journey information begins in Miami, it focuses extra on the stops south from Key Largo as that’s the place the majority of the enjoyable really takes place.

• These are nice assets to learn earlier than you start your Miami to Key West drive.

Miami to Key West Map

Are you able to discover the most effective stops from Miami to Key West on one of many nice highway journeys on this planet? We’ve included a map you can observe alongside in your drive to make issues simpler.

The drive from Miami to Key West might be completed in 3 1/2 hours however to essentially respect it, it’s best to take your time and spend the night time on a few Keys earlier than reaching your closing vacation spot. The steered period of time for a Miami to Key West highway journey is 7 days.

Many individuals fly on to the Key West Worldwide Airport with out ever leaving the island. Regardless that we love to go to Key West, we expect that might be a disgrace as the opposite Florida Keys have quite a bit to supply. So even in case you are flying directl, hire a automobile for a day or two to see these different stops within the Florida Keys.

Ideas for Driving From Miami to Key West

When you get to the south of the mainland in your drive from Miami to Key West, the actual highway journey begins simply previous Florida Metropolis crossing over Jewfish Creek. Crossing that first bridge is thrilling. It feels such as you’re heading to the Caribbean however as a substitute of a five-hour flight, you’re driving straight to the tropics!

You may be following mile markers for reference all through your highway journey along with your abroad freeway. You formally enter the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 127 at Florida Metropolis with is on the Junction of the Florida Turnpike and U.S. 1. You’ll then observe the mile markers all the way in which to Mile Marker 0.

Abroad Freeway Self-Diving Tour

We extremely suggest renting a automobile in Miami in your Key West Street Journey. Examine Rental Automotive costs and comparisons at CarRentals.com

Get your Key West Abroad Freeway Self Driving Tour that highlights the highest sights from Miami and the Florida Keys together with Hollywood landmark the African Queen riverboat to Plantation Key, the Smuggler’s Haven. It additionally provides ideas to take a look at Huge Betsy, the large lobster, and Theatre of the Sea. Particulars right here

Toll Roads: Florida has numerous toll roads and we recommend getting a SunPass. All tolls in Florida are collected electronically in case you don’t have a Solar Move, you can be billed using the TOLL-BY-PLATE system the place you can be charged a $25 charge on prime of the toll. Examine the Florida Turnpike web site for particulars.

Concerning the Abroad Freeway

The Miami to Key West drive then takes you thru Islamorada and on to Anne’s Seaside, Lengthy Key, and Marathon till you attain Key West.

There are 42 bridges connecting 34 of the 800 keys from the mainland to Key West spanning 124 miles. Probably the most well-known bridge on the highway journey from Miami to Key West is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.

Abroad Freeway to Key West Historical past

Constructed within the Thirties the Abroad Freeway adopted the East Coast Railroad line which was broken by a hurricane. Due to that feat of engineering, 3 million guests make their option to the Florida Keys every year.

It’s straightforward to search out sights and issues to do on the Abroad Freeway by following the mile markers. The highway is well-marked with Mile Marker Zero positioned in Key West. When driving south from Key Largo, you’ll be counting down from mile marker 106 letting you understand how far it’s a must to go to Key West. Good!

Now that you’ve a little bit of background on the freeway, let’s see what there may be to do on a Miami to Key West highway journey.

High Issues to See on a Miami to Key West Street Journey

Our drive to Key West begins on the Miami airport the place you possibly can decide up your rental automobile to start out this iconic highway journey and drive all the way in which to the southernmost tip of the Continental United States in Key West. How cool is that? For rental automobile costs, you possibly can evaluate charges at CarRentals.com

1. Miami

After touchdown on the Miami Airport, decide up your rental automobile (a convertible is preferable) and begin your journey in Florida’s most enjoyable metropolis. No journey to South Florida can be full with out seeing the glitz and glamor of Miami.

Take a stroll alongside the white sands of South Seaside and discover the gorgeous architectural designs of the Artwork Deco District. Don’t overlook to drive your rental automobile alongside Ocean Drive and hop on a ship and take a tour of Millionaires Row. There’s a well-liked cruise that takes you by the estates, with nice return views of the Miami skyline. And ensure to take a look at Miami’s nightlife.

This highly-rated tour consists of takes you thru the glitz and glamor of the Artwork Deco District to see historic landmarks akin to Versace’s decadent mansion and beloved Hollywood stops showcasing the likes of Miami Vice. For extra Miami sights, learn our put up Issues to do in Miami

The place to Keep in Miami

Miami has been a pacesetter in tourism in the US for many years so there’s something for each funds and journey sort. However to get you began, listed here are just a few of our suggestions.

• Mid-Vary – Proper on the seashore and alongside Ocean Drive, Marriott Stanton is an excellent alternative for touring households. Take advantage of two on-site swimming pools, spas, saunas, and a health club with the seashore and eating places all inside strolling distance. Examine charges and opinions on Reserving.com
• Luxurious – Occupying a complete metropolis block, 1 Lodge South Seaside is the epitome of Miami luxurious. Soak within the expansive floor-to-ceiling ocean views, with beautiful decor and the most important rooftop pool on the town. Examine charges and opinions on Reserving.com
• Price range – Miami isn’t a haven for funds vacationers, however Lodge Shelley comes with cozy rooms with Artwork Deco allure. Get pleasure from trendy facilities, free WiFi, and near all of the motion. Examine charges and opinions on Reserving.com

2. Everglades Nationwide Park

Since you might be driving, you can also make a detour out of your Miami to Key West drive and see Everglades Nationwide Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Website is an Worldwide Biosphere Reserve and is residence to a lot of endangered species together with the Florida panther.

Positioned simply 30 miles west of Miami, the Everglades Nationwide park is a wetland oasis primed for an eco-adventure and makes for an awesome cease in your Miami to Key West Street Journey. If you wish to guide a tour from Miami as a substitute of driving, you possibly can guide this non-public tour to discover the immense 1.5 million acres. Particulars right here.

Everglades Nationwide Park additionally gives Airboat excursions so that you get to see every kind of locations whereas cruising by the water. The park additionally has trails and 4WD excursions. Learn extra: Greatest Nationwide Parks – USA Version

The place to remain in Everglades

We recommend staying in Miami or Key Largo and making a day journey to Everglades Nationwide Park. However Florida Metropolis is a good cease to interrupt up your Miami to Key West Drive and is near each the Florida Keys and Everglades.

• Travelodge by Wyndham in Florida Metropolis is an inexpensive choice glorious place to remain. It’s positioned simply off Freeway 1 and makes for an awesome gateway to the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton – Is one other good selection within the coronary heart of Florida Metropolis.

3. Key Largo

Issues are getting thrilling now. The primary cease off the mainland out of your Miami to Key West highway journey is Key Largo. you possibly can keep for a full trip in case you like! We did this throughout our first journey to the Florida Keys, and my brother did simply final yr when he took a protracted highway journey all the way in which from Canada to Key West. They made a base in Key Largo and explored the encircling islands and even did a full-day journey to Key West with Key Largo as their base.

Key Largo is fairly superior. Films and songs have been written about Key Largo, and soak in a few of that nostalgia go to The Caribbean Membership. The Caribbean Membership is the oldest bar within the higher keys, relationship again to 1938.

It has seen numerous motion over the a long time, most notably internet hosting Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall as they filmed the film Key Largo. It’s nonetheless a family-run enterprise and an awesome place to cease for some Key Lime Pie, a Bloody Mary or to take heed to some dwell music.

There are many issues to do in Key Largo, so we recommend spending not less than the night time right here and trying out just a few of the gadgets we’re about to say as you observe alongside on this Miami to Key West highway journey.

• Miami to Key Largo is roughly 70 miles and takes 1 hour and quarter-hour to drive.

4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

In case you are seeking to have an journey, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is among the prime issues to do in Key Largo. It’s residence to the one residing coral reef in the US and if you wish to discover underwater, that is the place to go.

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

Ebook this snorkeling tour from Key Largo – this half-day tour takes you to essentially the most lovely places within the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary and Pennekamp State Park. Discover the coral reefs of Molasses, Elbow, French Reef, and the well-known Christ of the Abyss on Dry Rocks.

The place to Keep in Key Largo

• Luxurious – Playa Largo Resort – The Playa Largo Resort and Spa has luxurious rooms, bungalows, and a seashore home. You may guide many Key West water sports activities on the resort.
• Mid Vary – Key Largo Reefhouse Resort – You may by no means go unsuitable with a Marriott. It’s our favourite mid to upper-range resort chain. It has an onsite marina and dive store providing loads of water sports activities to guide on the resort.
• Price range – Dove Creek Resort and Marina – This intimate boutique resort was impressed by Caribbean Hemingway Hideaways. Positioned on the Atlantic Ocean, in Key Largo, Dove Creek lodge sits adjoining to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

5. The Fish Home

An incredible cease for lunch is the Fish Home to seize a staple Florida Keys dish of Conch Fritters, fish tacos, and Florida lobster and stone crab. It’s an awesome environment and has been a Key Largo staple since 1982. We loved a starter of coconut shrimp adopted by a scrumptious portion of Mahi Mahi.

6. Alabama Jack’s

One other quirky place that may solely be discovered en path to the Florida Keys is Alabama Jacks. Sitting between two barges within the mangroves, it’s famend for its conch fritters.

Common with motorcyclists Alabama Jack’s is positioned beneath Card Sound Bridge which is the outdated toll highway on an alternate route from Florida Metropolis. As an alternative of taking Freeway 1, take 905A card sound highway. However be warned, that you must have the money to cross the toll bridge.

7. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen

For a novel and scrumptious slice of Key Lime Pie head to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen that was so good its turn into well-known within the higher keys. You may order an entire key lime pie to go!

8. Islamorada Key

The subsequent island in your Florida Keys Street Journey is Islamorada Key. We liked Islamorada Key a lot, we wrote a complete article about all of the issues to do. Issues to do in Islamorada. However simply in case you don’t need to click on off of our highway journey itinerary, let’s undergo all of the issues that you just can’t miss.

We recommend spending an evening on Islamorada Key to essentially take pleasure in its laid-back vibe. Scroll all the way down to see why.

9. Robbie’s Marina

Robbies Marina is the place to be in Islamorada with watersports, eating places, bars, and sights, it’s a place you possibly can spend your entire day. Benefit from the day hanging out at Robbie’s Marina. There’s an awesome restaurant, outside outlets and loads of water sports activities depart from right here.

10. Feed the Tarpon

A singular factor to do in Islamorada is to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s. After nursing an injured Tarpon method again in 1976, the pleasant Tarpon named “Scarface” got here again repeatedly for some meals and to say hey. He ultimately introduced his mates and the tarpon have been coming to the docks ever since to leap out of the water for a tasty deal with.

11. Parasailing

Parasailing within the Florida Keys is an incredible option to see the bridges and keys from above. It’s a beautiful view to see the bridges spanning over blue waters with islands dotting the panorama.

You can also make out the coral reefs and it really is a blast. In case you’ve by no means gone parasailing earlier than, that is the place to do it. Parasailing with Sundance Watersports. 

12. Different issues to do on Islamorada

If you wish to do some buying, head into Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery at Rain Barrel Village, it’s been one of many prime Florida Keys locations for greater than 40 years. You may’t miss it, simply search for the large rock lobster out entrance.

In case you are staying over or have a delegated driver, don’t miss hitting the beer backyard of the Florida Keys Brewing Firm. We liked sampling their microbrews. The Florida Keys Brewing Firm additionally has a trip rental the place you possibly can keep. The homeowners are tremendous pleasant and get this, he’s Canadian!

The place to Keep in Islamorada

Islamorada is a good place to make a base earlier than heading farther south. From right here you possibly can discover Duck Key, Decrease Matecumbe Key to the South, and Plantation Key to the North.

• Postcard Inn at Vacation Isle – That is the preferred place to remain in Islamorada providing cottages and rooms with Marina and Atlantic Ocean views. There are water sports activities on website and you’ll guide scuba diving, glass backside boat excursions, and snorkeling journeys. It additionally has the favored Tiki Bar on the seashore so even in case you aren’t staying there, be certain that to have a cocktail or slice of Key Lime Pie at this world-famous location.
• Hadley Home Resort – We stayed at Vacation Home Resort a boutique resort with cottages. I’d suggest staying on the constructing overlooking the water. Cottages are set again from the ocean and the resort constructing appeared a lot better. Your $25 resort charge covers the usage of Arise paddleboards and kayaks. There’s parking and a pool.

13. Marathon

Marathon is a metropolis that spreads throughout a number of Florida Keys. Beginning simply previous Duck Key it spans throughout seven keys: Knight’s Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Fats Deer Key, Lengthy Level Key, Crawl Key, and Grassy Key islands.

From the Dolphin Analysis Middle to Aquarium Encounters it has all of the makings for a great household trip. Marathon can be the gateway to Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key Island.

There are some good seashores on Marathon Key as nicely, Sombrero Seaside and Coco Plum Seaside are good locations to hang around. And there’s a canine park which is an efficient cease in case you are touring with pets. Learn 18 Greatest Seashores in Florida for Enjoyable within the Solar

The place to Keep on Marathon Key

Marathon has numerous choices for lodging and is extra inexpensive than Key West. You will discover motels starting from luxurious to funds. Lots of people take day journeys to Key West from Marathon.

14. Turtle Hospital

What we suggest visiting is the Turtle Hospital. The Turtle Hospital is among the hottest stops. This heartwarming cease enables you to see the work that goes into the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles. We love supporting initiatives like this and proceeds in your guided tour and entrance go to assist save the ocean turtles. Learn extra: 10 Methods to Assist Save the Oceans – World Oceans Day and Past

15. Keys Fisheries

Be certain to cease at Keys Fisheries for lunch. We loved chillaxing on the outside patio. It’s a quick meals joint the place you order from a window after which discover a picnic desk within the packed restaurant. Get the grilled Mahi Mahi, Conch Chowder, or its signature dish, the Lobster Reuben.

16. Seven Mile Bridge

Leaving Marathon Key, Seven Mile Bridge is the most important segmental bridge on this planet! This lengthy bridge connects the higher Keys to the Decrease Keys.

Be certain to take the ferry throughout to Pigeon Key which was a former work camp of the Florida East Coast Railway. You may catch the ferry over from Pigeon Key Present Store at mile marker 48.

17. Bahia Honda State Park and Huge Pine Key

You have got now entered the Decrease Keys. You’ve made it farther than most, so maintain going! Coming throughout 7 Mile Bridge, most individuals b-line it to Key West because it’s more than likely been a protracted drive, however Huge Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park are two nice locations to cease for not less than just a few hours.

Do you know that there are wild deer within the Florida Keys? Huge Pine Key homes the endangered Key deer, and they’re protected by Nationwide Key Deer Refuge Nature Middle. These small deer really swim between islands!

In case you like seashores, you’re going to love Bahia Honda State Park. This state park has almost totally recovered after Hurricane Irma however components of the park are nonetheless being restored. Bahia Honda State Park has tenting and two seashores of be aware. Sandspur Seaside has reopened after Hurricane Irma and has restrooms and pavilions and Calusa Seaside.

18. No Title Pub

Whereas on Huge Pine Key, cease for lunch at No Title Pub. This cease is value it simply to see the greenback payments hanging from its ceiling. No Title Pub dates again to 1931 when it was a fishing retailer. In 1936 they a restaurant was added and the No Title Pub was born.

19. Key West

Congratulations! You’ve made it to your closing vacation spot in your drive from Miami to Key West which is clearly Key West. Key West is a good place to spend just a few days taking within the Caribbean environment. Key West not looks like the US, it looks like a little bit slice of the tropics.

20. Southernmost Level – Key West

The very first thing most guests do in Key West is head to the Southernmost Level marker. That is the southernmost level on mainland USA and everybody that makes it to Key West stops right here for his or her required picture op.

21. Watch Sundown at Mallory Sq., Key West

Mallory Sq. is among the most occurring locations in Key West and it is a great spot to look at the sundown over the Gulf of Mexico. There are many issues to do in Mallory Sq. as nicely, so make sure you head over there in the course of the day. In case you are on the lookout for a enjoyable journey, guide a sundown tour on Aqua bikes to take pleasure in views of Sundown Key and Key West from the water. You may even carry two drinks with you.

• The Maritime Museum – The Mel Fisher Heritage Maritime Museum shows many artifacts from Seventeenth-century ships.
• The Waterfront Playhouse – The longest-running theatre in Florida has nightly rotating exhibits all yr lengthy.
• Key West Shipwreck and Treasure Museum – There’s a 65-foot lookout tower, shipwreck artifacts, and actors recreating the Seventeenth-century really feel wearing interval clothes. Ebook your ticket prematurely 
• The Memorial Sculpture Backyard is positioned immediately in entrance paying tribute to well-known patrons of the theatre and residents. Take a stroll by the traces of sculptures of well-known residents together with the busts of Ernest Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Tennessee Williams, and lots of different vital folks.

22. Get together on Duval Avenue in Key West

It’s no secret that folks come to Key West for partying, and Duval Avenue is the place to do it. You may go bar hopping all night time lengthy on Duval Avenue. A few of our favorites are Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, (no journey to Key West can be full with out visiting Jimmy Buffet’s) and the Onerous Rock Cafe, Lucy’s Retired Surf Bar, Sloppy Joes, Virgillios, Rick’s Café, and our private favourite The Wine O Bar and Lounge.

If you wish to be part of a tour of Duval Avenue to see the highest bars and eating places whereas making new mates, try this implausible pub crawl tour that stops at 5 prime rated pubs with a cocktail at every cease.

23. Get on the Water in Key West

Journey lovers will take pleasure in Key West and in case you don’t get on the water, you’ll be lacking out. A wonderful tour is to guide an eco-tour to discover Key West Wildlife Refuge. Go kayaking by the mangroves, take pleasure in snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and luxuriate in a sail on an eco-friendly catamaran with Sincere Eco Excursions. 

• Ebook this top-rated Sundown Tour tour right here free from worries as excursions might be canceled as much as 24 hours prematurely with a full refund.
• Search for extra water and sundown excursions right here with Get Your Information to search out your alternative of floating bars, schooners, and catamarans that can take you out to look at the gorgeous sunsets. They provide last-minute bookings and full refunds on cancellations inside 24 hours of the tour.

Considered one of our favorite issues to do in Key West was to go to the Positioned (113km) 70 miles from Key West, the Dry Tortugas is among the most distant nationwide parks in the US. Learn all about it at Our Key West Trip with IHG Rewards Membership Factors

24. Go Dolphin Watching off the Coast of Key West

200 bottlenose dolphins dwell within the heat waters off the Florida Keys and you’ll take a dolphin-watching tour or we had it as a part of our Sincere Eco Tour. When reserving a dolphin or wildlife tour make sure you use a sustainable acknowledged tour operator like Sincere Eco Excursions primarily based out of Key West or You Can guide this Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Tour in Advance.

25. Mile Marker 0 – Key West

Properly, you made it! All the way in which to Mile Marker 0, the underside of the US. It’s customary to seize a selfie at this signal positioned on Whitehead Avenue simply south of Duval Avenue.

You’ve earned it. That is the tip of the road and a well-liked place to make be aware that you’ve accomplished your drive from Miami to Key West. Wasn’t it superb?

Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

You might have reached mile marker 0 however do you need to maintain this Miami to Key West highway journey going a little bit longer? From Key West, you possibly can attain some of the distant nationwide parks in the US. Positioned (113km) 70 miles south of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a spectacular day journey.

Positioned in the midst of the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas can solely be reached by boat or seaplane. It was used as a fort between 1845 and 1876 to defend in the course of the Spanish American Conflict. You may take a day journey out to discover the island and exquisite sandy seashores and you’ll even camp in a single day on Backyard Key. Ebook this cruise from Key West to Dry Tortugas or you possibly can guide a flight to the nationwide park as nicely.

The place to Keep in Key West

There are various locations to remain within the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West. However in excessive season it may be almost unimaginable to guide a room with out reservations. We recommend selecting one place to remain and making it your property base to discover the Keys.

La Concha Crown Plaza is the right place to remain within the coronary heart of the motion, is positioned immediately on Duval Avenue. The foyer is inside strolling distance from all the highest key west sights. There’s a pool for visitors solely. There’s a luxurious rooftop spa and beautiful sundown views. Examine for Evaluations and pricing on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

Perry Lodge Key West is a quiet retreat on the marina of Inventory Island. Inventory Island is an extension of Key West that feels worlds away. This boutique resort has elegant rooms overlooking the waterfront. What we liked about it was the native vibe. Test it out on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com

See our full breakdown: The place to Keep within the Florida Keys

As soon as you might be within the Florida Keys, it’s straightforward to discover. With Key Largo being the northernmost island, chances are you’ll need to transfer on to Islamorada or Marathon. Key West is pricier than different keys, so chances are you’ll need to select a trip rental on one of many smaller keys.

When to do a Street Journey to Key West from Miami

We have now taken a highway journey to Key West from Miami in October, November, and December. December is method too busy and you’re going to have the best costs.

November is a quieter time and the climate is nice. You can too discover extra inexpensive lodging and excursions aren’t booked up.

December to February is the excessive season and also you’ll have increased costs and numerous crowds. However you might be just about assured good climate.

Late February to April is one other good time to go to for decrease charges and good climate.

June to November is hurricane season and it is very important plan accordingly. Hurricane Irma did in depth harm to the Florida Keys in 2017 nevertheless it has recovered properly. This yr Florida was hit by Hurricane Ian however the Florida Keys managed that hurricane quie nicely. That mentioned, we’ve been to the Keys in October and had superb climate. The summer season months are sizzling and moist.

We had been additionally in Key West for Fantasy Fest in October. It is a busy time, however it’s a distinctive time to go to to see the loopy characters that stroll the streets.

And these are our prime stops on a drive from Miami to Key West. The Florida keys are so plentiful, it is going to take a number of journeys to essentially see all of them. Tell us what we missed and we’ll make sure you add it on throughout our subsequent rip.