Fort Lauderdale to Key West: A Road Trip Guide
From the bustling beaches of A1A and the glittering skyline of Las Olas Boulevard to the tropical turquoise waters brimming with sea life and the hip, artsy, “anything goes” vibe of Duval Street, Fort Lauderdale and Key West are two iconic towns on the must-visit list!
One of the best ways to experience all the best that these two towns have to offer, plus some amazing sights along the way, is with a road trip. Whether you’re a local or flying into Fort Lauderdale International Airport to start your vacation, Fort Lauderdale makes a great starting point for a Florida Keys road trip.
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Gas up the car, book your Key West vacation home, grab some breakfast on the beach, and start your journey from Fort Lauderdale to Key West.
What to Know Before You Go
It’s easy to go from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, but here are a few must-knows before you hit the road.
Drive Time, Weather, and Road Conditions
The drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West can take about 4 to 5 hours, depending on your starting point, route, weather, and traffic conditions. And of course, once you add in some stops, it can become a whole day event, but this is all part of the fun!
It’s best to factor in 5 hours as a starting point when planning your itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, then add stops as you see fit.
Also, be sure to check the weather before you go. If there’s rain in the forecast, you may want to leave a little earlier or allot extra drive time in your schedule for the day. The Keys are connected by many small, two-lane roads and bridges, which can experience some slower traffic during inclement weather.
Food and Gas Stations Along the Way
While there’s no shortage of gas stations, grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants along the roads and highways that will take you from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, there is one particular area to be aware of if you’re running low on anything — Florida City.
Situated south of Miami and Homestead, Florida City is the last stop for gas or food before entering an isolated 22-mile stretch that runs through the Florida Everglades to connect to the Overseas Highway (the main road that takes you through the Florida Keys).
Once you’re on the Overseas Highway, you’ll find plenty of food options and gas stations along your route to Key West.
Navigating Through Mile Markers
Navigating the Keys is a bit different than mainland Florida, as most addresses contain mile markers. These indicate where you are and how many miles you have left until you reach Key West. For example, the landmark Old Seven Mile Bridge is at MM 47, which means when stopping here, you’ll have 47 more miles to go to Key West.
As you travel through the Keys, you’ll see mile marker (MM) signs beginning in Florida City, with MM 126, and ending in Key West with MM 0.
The Best Attractions from Fort Lauderdale to Key West
The route from Fort Lauderdale to Key West is filled with unique things to do. While you could easily spend a few days traveling and exploring every landmark and island along the way, we’ve compiled some of the top attractions that can easily be done in a day. Pick a few of your favorites, or leave a little early and make a whole day of it!
1. Stroll Las Olas Boulevard & A1A
If you’re spending the night in Fort Lauderdale before your departure, Las Olas Boulevard is a great place to stroll, shop, and dine. You’ll find trendy boutiques, upscale restaurants, live music, art galleries, and so much more.
Before heading out in the morning, consider taking a short scenic drive down Las Olas Boulevard to A1A, where you can cruise the coastline, visit a seaside farmer’s market, or grab breakfast overlooking the beach.
2. Explore The Florida Everglades
As you head further south towards the Keys, you’ll be coming upon one of the nation’s great ecological treasures, the Florida Everglades. The Everglades are home to hundreds of species of animals, most notably alligators, crocodiles, wading birds, owls, panthers, manatees, and much more. If you have the time, the Everglades are a must-see!
The best ways to see the Everglades on your way to the Keys include Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Preserve. Both will require a slight detour from your main route, but the views are well worth it if you have the time.
If you’re short on time or just want to make a quick stop, the Loop Road Scenic Drive only adds about an extra hour or two to your drive and offers some incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
3. Enjoy Nature in Key Largo
The very first Key in the island chain that makes up the Florida Keys, Key Largo, has some of the most beautiful natural areas to explore.
If you love sea creatures, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit. You can go swimming or snorkeling at Cannon Beach, or take a boat tour to snorkel the offshore reefs brimming with tropical fish, sea turtles, sting rays, and much more. Have little ones with you or just want to stay dry? You can still catch great underwater views on one of their famous glass-bottom boat tours.
If you prefer a relaxing nature hike over being out on the water, check out Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This peaceful oasis has shaded nature trails filled with birds and butterflies, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a crocodile along the waterways.
3. Relax, Dine, and Shop in Islamorada
After some time on the road and exploring various outdoor sites, you may be looking to take a break, grab a bite, and enjoy some indoor, air-conditioned attractions. Look no further than Islamorada.
Stop by the famous Rain Barrel Village to shop for local art and souvenirs, grab a refreshing juice, and of course, take photos with Betsy, the iconic 30-foot-tall lobster — it’s a Keys road trip rite of passage! Afterwards, head over to the History of Diving Museum to browse early dive suits and artifacts, and learn about the history of underwater exploration, a favorite among history buffs.
If you’re hungry, Robbie’s Marina is a great spot to stop for lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh, local seafood, Key lime pie, and try your hand at feeding the famous tarpon.
4. Learn About Sea Turtles in Marathon
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about sea turtles and perhaps meet some up close, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a must-visit.
The Turtle Hospital rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles, which are unfortunately commonly found throughout the Florida Keys. You can tour the hospital, meet the “patients,” and maybe even get to feed some turtles.
While you can stop by and purchase tickets on-site, sometimes they do sell out, so it’s advised to make a reservation online in advance for your Turtle Hospital tour.
5. Cruise the Seven Mile Bridge
Sure to be the highlight of your drive to Key West, the Seven Mile Bridge is not only your connection to the Lower Keys, but it’s a famous landmark of its own.
You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views from your car while you cruise through seven miles of salty air, sunny skies, and sparkling water, or make a pit stop at the Old Seven Mile Bridge, where you can walk around and enjoy the sights.
6. Search for Tiny Deer in Big Pine Key
It may be called Big Pine Key, but this island is most famous for its tiny deer residents, known as Key deer, the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer.
You might spot Key deer almost anywhere on Big Pine Key, but they are most concentrated on the National Key Deer Refuge, which was created to protect and preserve these incredible little creatures and their habitat.
It’s a great spot to stop for a quick hike or scenic drive.
You’ve Arrived in Key West
We’ve all heard the saying “save the best for last,” and as you complete your road trip through the Florida Keys, you’ll be doing just that!
Once you arrive in Key West, there are endless things to do, from beaches, snorkeling, and watersports to famous landmarks, like the Hemingway Home and Southernmost Point Buoy. Of course, you’ll need a relaxing home base for all of your Key West adventures. Book your stay with VHKW for the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Enjoy lounging in a comfy, fully furnished vacation home, making your morning coffee just the way you like it in your own kitchen, swimming in your own private pool, and so much more.
