Miami and Key West two iconic Florida towns that make for one epic road trip. From the glitz and glam of South Beach and Downtown Miami to the laid-back, tropical vibes of Duval Street and Smathers Beach,
Key West makes for a perfect weekend getaway.
Ready for a road trip? Gas up the car, book a beautiful
vacation home for the weekend, grab some Cuban coffee on your way out of Miami, and hit the road to visit Key West!
Must-Knows Before You Hit The Road
Drive Time From Miami to Key West
The drive from Miami to Key West takes about 3.5 hours to complete. However, this can vary based on your starting point, traffic, and what stops you make along the way and trust us, youll want to make some stops!
To play it safe, factor in at least 4 hours as a starting point when planning your itinerary to ensure you have enough time to make the drive before adding in stops.
Fuel Up in Florida City
While there are plenty of gas stations and convenience stores along the route from Miami to Key West, if your gas tank is getting low or your stomach is grumbling at the beginning of the drive, be sure to fuel up in Florida City.
Florida City is your last stop for gas or snacks before hitting a rural, 18-mile stretch of roads and bridges that wind through the Everglades before connecting you to the Overseas Highway. Once on the Overseas Highway, there are plenty of places to stop for gas or snacks.
Check The Weather Forecast
While a little rain certainly shouldn't keep you from heading to Key West, if you see storms in the forecast, you may want to leave early or allow extra drive time in your schedule for the day.
Many of the roadways in The Florida Keys are small, two-lane roads and bridges surrounded by water. High winds and heavy rain can significantly slow down traffic, especially if you happen to get stuck behind some camper vans, RVs, or trucks towing boats on the road, which is not uncommon in the Keys. Just be patient; storms and traffic will eventually pass.
Know The Lingo: Mile Markers
Youll notice as you drive through the Keys that most addresses contain
mile markers. These are not only helpful for finding your way around, but they also indicate how many miles you have left in your journey.
Mile markers begin in Florida City, with MM 126, and end in Key West, with MM 0. Each island has mile markers to indicate the location of various sights and offer a countdown to Key West. For instance, the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which is a major landmark, is at
MM 47, meaning that stopping here leaves you with 47 more miles to go to Key West.
Must-See Stops From Miami to Key West
Bahia Honda State Park
The route from Miami to Key West is full of amazing sights,
restaurants, boutiques, and unique things to do. While you could easily spend a few days making this drive and exploring each island along the way, weve compiled some of the top sights that can easily be done in a day trip. Pick a few of your favorites to stop by, or leave extra early and try to hit them all!
1. Everglades National Park
The Florida Everglades is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world, full of rich history, stunning scenery, and incredible wildlife. It's home to hundreds of species of animals, including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, deer, owls, wading birds, and so much more
One of the best ways to get a taste of the Everglades is with a visit to Everglades National Park. The park is massive, spanning over 1.5 million acres with several entrances, but for the purpose of a pit stop on your way out of Miami, the
Homestead entrance is the best way to maximize your time.
From the Homestead entrance, you can do a short hike or two, or just stroll one of the boardwalks or overlooks to get some great wildlife photos.
2. Key Largo
The very first Key at the beginning of The Florida Keys, Key Largo is home to many beautiful sights and definitely deserves a stop on your Key West road trip.
Check out
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, where you can stroll shaded nature trails and watch birds and butterflies. Keep your camera handy; if youre lucky, you may spot a crocodile in the water.
Stop at
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and swim or snorkel at Cannon Beach, or if you have time, take a glass-bottom boat tour or snorkeling tour of the only living coral reef in North America, which stretches all along the keys.
3. History of Diving Museum
Whether youre a SCUBA diver yourself or just fascinated by the history of underwater exploration, the
History of Diving Museum is a must-stop. You can explore hundreds of artifacts from different eras of diving, some of the earliest diving suits and helmets, and learn about the likes of Jacques Cousteau and other famous divers.
4. Robbies Marina
Voted the #1 Place in the Keys Every Tourist Should Visit,
Robbies of Islamorada is an absolute must-stop! Grab a bite at
The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, browse the outdoor market, pick up some Key lime pie, and of course
feed the famous tarpon.
If you have extra time, you can also rent kayaks at Robbies Marina and explore the beautiful, serene mangroves.
5. Dolphin Research Center
The
Dolphin Research Center in Marathon has been a local landmark and must-stop for Florida Keys visitors for over 40 years. This sanctuary is home to dozens of dolphins that reside in its natural saltwater lagoons.
You can tour the center, learn about the background of each dolphin, and even get in the water with them through special dolphin encounters a true bucket-list experience!
6. Bahia Honda State Park
A great stop if you're looking to put your toes in the sand,
Bahia Honda State Park near Big Pine Key is home to one of the most picturesque beaches in the Keys. Take a stroll in the sand, a dip in the ocean, or just stop for a picnic and take some pictures under the iconic Bahia Honda Bridge.
7. National Deer Key Refuge
Whether you just have a few minutes for a quick scenic drive or an hour or so for a hike, the
National Deer Key Refuge is a great spot to stop and take in some of the lesser-known forest scenery of the Keys. Throughout the refuge, youll have the chance to spot the tiny, adorable Key deer for which the refuge is named, as well as other local native species like birds and rabbits.
8. Seven Mile Bridge
Traversing seven miles of turquoise waters so clear, you can often spot sea life swimming in them; the
Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most iconic places in the Keys.
While the bridge itself is one youll have to drive over to get to the lower Keys and Key West, you can also stop before the bridge and take a stroll along the
Old Seven Mile Bridge, which is now only open to pedestrian traffic.
Whether you decide to stop and explore the old bridge on foot or just take in the sights while you drive over the new bridge, the Seven Mile Bridge will surely be the highlight of your Key West drive!
The Perfect Getaway to Key West
Your road trip may be over but the fun has just begun once you arrive in Key West!
Be sure to take some time to enjoy all the sights. Visit the iconic
Ernest Hemingway House, stroll Mallory Square, snap some pictures at the
Southernmost Point, and dine on Duval Street.
Still looking for a place to relax and unwind after your road trip? Book your stay with
VHKW and choose from fully furnished vacation homes with full kitchens, private pools, ocean views, and more. Youll have your own private sanctuary to retreat to after a long day of driving.
