Dave and also I have actually taken a Miami to Key West journey 3 times plus as soon as from Miami to Key Largo. With winter season industrious, we believed it was time to upgrade our Florida Keys journey plan for 2023. This fantastic American Road journey is most definitely one to contribute to your container listing, and also a drive to Key West from Miami will certainly transfer you to the Caribbean without requiring to get on an aircraft.
Miami to Key West Drive
Hurricane Update: The Florida Keys stay open after Hurricane Ian with the facilities undamaged. All 142 bridges are open attaching the 124-mile-long island chain. Plus filling station function. Most tourist attractions are running – nevertheless, look for minimal hrs of procedure.
The Miami to Key West drive is 164.4 mi through US-1 S and also takes 3 human resources 30 minutes without web traffic. You might drive straight to Key West from Miami in one mid-day however that would certainly take every one of the enjoyable out of going to the impressive quits and also the Florida Keys along the road.
Overseas Highway to Key West
When driving from Miami to Key West, you will certainly be taking among one of the most distinct journey on the planet via a chain of 800 Keys that are attached by a collection of 142 bridges covering 124 miles. (Note: Not all Keys are obtainable by automobile)
The Key West Overseas Highway is 113 miles long. This chain of islands off the southerly coastline of Florida separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico and also each Key has its very own tasks and also advantages for going to.
As you head southern to Key West, take your time to actually take in the experience. At times, you’ll be totally bordered by water. In short, the drive to Key West is as amazing as it is distinct.
We’ve shared some enjoyable points to do in Key West that you can have a look at right here 33 of the Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida. We additionally have actually an article devoted to Miami Read a lot more: 30 Fun Things to do in Miami, Florida. These are fantastic sources to review prior to you start your Miami to Key West drive.
While the Miami to Key West drive is 164 miles, the genuine journey starts at the entrance to the Florida Keys. While this journey overview begins in Miami, it concentrates a lot more on the quits from Key Largo to Key West as that is where the mass of the enjoyable genuinely happens.
Miami to Key West Map
Are you all set to discover the most effective quits from Miami to Key West on among the fantastic journey on the planet? We’ve consisted of a map that you can adhere to along on your drive to Key West to make points less complicated.
The drive from Miami to Key West can be carried out in 3 1/2 hrs however to actually value it, you need to take your time and also invest the evening on a number of Keys prior to reaching your last location. The recommended quantity of time for a Miami to Key West journey is 7 days.
Key West is a location unto itself and also lots of people fly straight to the Key West International Airport without ever before leaving the island. Even though we like Key West, we believe that would certainly be an embarassment as the various other Florida Keys have a great deal to use. So also if you are flying straight to Key West, rent out a cars and truck for a day or 2 to see these various other drop in the Florida Keys.
Tips for Driving From Miami to Key West
Once you reach the south of the landmass on your drive from Miami to Key West, the genuine journey starts simply previous Florida City going across over Jewfish Creek. Crossing that initially bridge is thrilling. It seems like you’re heading to the Caribbean however as opposed to a five-hour trip, you’re driving right to the tropics!
You will certainly be complying with mile pens for referral throughout your journey with your abroad freeway. You formally go into the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 127 at Florida City with goes to the Junction of the Florida Turnpike and also U.S. 1. You will certainly after that adhere to the mile pens right to Mile Marker 0 in Key West.
Key West Overseas Highway Self-Diving Tour
We very advise leasing a cars and truck in Miami for your Key West Road Trip. Check Rental Car rates and also contrasts at CarRentals.com
Get your Key West Overseas Highway Self Driving Tour that highlights the leading tourist attractions from Miami to Key West consisting of Hollywood spots the African Queen riverboat to Plantation Key, the Smuggler’s Haven. It additionally provides pointers to have a look at Big Betsy, the huge lobster, and also Theatre of the Sea. Details right here
Toll Roads: Florida has a great deal of interstate and also we recommend obtaining a SunPass. All tolls in Florida are gathered online if you don’t have a Sun Pass, you will certainly be billed making use of the TOLL-BY-PLATE system where you will certainly be billed a $25 cost in addition to the toll. Check the Florida Turnpike web site for information.
About the Key West Overseas Highway
The Miami to Key West drive after that takes you via Islamorada and also on Anne’s Beach, Long Key, and also Marathon till you get to Key West.
There are 42 bridges attaching 34 of the 800 tricks from the landmass to Key West covering 124 miles. The most popular bridge when driving journey from Miami to Key West is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
Overseas Highway to Key West History
Built in the 1930s the Overseas Highway complied with the East Coast Railroad line which was harmed by a typhoon. Thanks to that task of design, 3 million site visitors make their method to the Florida Keys yearly.
It’s simple to locate tourist attractions and also points to do on the Overseas Highway by complying with the mile pens. The roadway is well-marked with Mile Marker Zero situated in Key West. When driving southern from Key Largo, you’ll be counting below mile pen 106 allowing you recognize exactly how much you need to go to Key West. Nice!
Now that you have a little history on the freeway, allow’s see what there is to do on a Miami to Key West journey.
Top Things to See on a Miami to Key West Road Trip
Our drive to Key West begins at the Miami flight terminal where you can get your rental automobile to begin this legendary journey and also drive right to the most southern pointer of the Continental United States in Key West. How cool is that? For rental automobile rates, you can contrast prices at CarRentals.com
1. Miami
After touchdown at the Miami Airport, get your rental automobile (a convertible is better) and also begin your journey in Florida’s most interesting city. No journey to South Florida would certainly be total without seeing the glamour and also beauty of Miami.
Take a stroll along the white sands of South Beach and also discover the stunning building styles of the Art Deco District. Don’t neglect to drive your rental automobile along Ocean Drive and also get on a watercraft and also take a trip of Millionaires Row. There’s a prominent cruise ship that takes you by the estates, with fantastic return sights of the Miami horizon. And make certain to have a look at Miami’s night life.
This highly-rated trip consists of takes you via the glamour and also beauty of the Art Deco District to see historic sites such as Versace’s decadent manor and also cherished Hollywood quits showcasing the similarity Miami Vice. For a lot more Miami tourist attractions, review our message Things to do in Miami
Where to Stay in Miami
Miami has actually been a leader in tourist in the United States for years so there is something for every single budget plan and also traveling kind. But to obtain you began, right here are a few of our suggestions.
Mid-Range – Right on the coastline and also along Ocean Drive, Marriott Stanton is an exceptional selection for taking a trip households. Make one of the most of 2 on-site swimming pools, health spas, saunas, and also a health club with the coastline and also dining establishments all within strolling range. Check prices and also evaluations on Booking.com Luxury – Occupying a whole city block, 1 Hotel South Beach is the embodiment of Miami high-end. Soak in the extensive floor-to-ceiling sea sights, with splendid decoration and also the biggest roof swimming pool around. Check prices and also evaluations on Booking.com Budget – Miami isn’t a place for budget plan tourists, however Hotel Shelley includes relaxing areas with Art Deco appeal. Enjoy contemporary facilities, totally free WiFi, and also near to all the activity. Check prices and also evaluations on Booking.com
2. Everglades National Park
Since you are driving, you can make a detour from your Miami to Key West drive and also see Everglades National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is an International Biosphere Reserve and also is residence to a variety of threatened types consisting of the Florida panther.
Located simply 30 miles west of Miami, the Everglades National park is a marsh sanctuary topped for an eco-adventure and also creates a terrific quit on your Miami to Key West Road Trip. If you intend to reserve a trip from Miami as opposed to driving, you can reserve this exclusive trip to discover the enormous 1.5 million acres. Details right here.
Everglades National Park additionally uses Airboat excursions so you reach see all type of areas while travelling via the water. The park additionally has routes and also 4WD excursions. Read a lot more: Best National Parks – United States Edition
Where to remain in Everglades
We recommend remaining in Miami or Key Largo and also making an excursion to Everglades National Park. But Florida City is a terrific quit to separate your Miami to Key West Drive and also is close to both the Florida Keys and also Everglades.
Travelodge by Wyndham in Florida City is an economical choice exceptional area to remain. It lies simply off Highway 1 and also creates a terrific entrance to the Everglades and also the Florida Keys. Home2 Suites by Hilton – Is an additional excellent selection in the heart of Florida City.
3. Key Largo
Things are obtaining interesting currently. The initially visit the landmass from your Miami to Key West journey is Key Largo. you can remain for a complete holiday if you like! We did this throughout our very first journey to the Florida Keys, and also my bro did simply in 2015 when he took a lengthy journey right from Canada to Key West. They made a base in Key Largo and also discovered the bordering islands and also also did a full-day journey to Key West with Key Largo as their base.
Key Largo is quite incredible. Movies and also tunes have actually been discussed Key Largo, and also take in a few of that fond memories check out The Caribbean Club. The Caribbean Club is the earliest bar in the top tricks, going back to 1938.
It has actually seen a great deal of activity over the years, most especially organizing Humphrey Bogart and also Lauren Bacall as they recorded the flick Key Largo. It’s still a family-run service and also a terrific area to pick up some Key Lime Pie, a Bloody Mary or to pay attention to some real-time songs.
There are a lot of points to do in Key Largo, so we recommend investing at the very least the evening right here and also looking into a few of the things we will discuss as you adhere to along on this Miami to Key West journey.
Miami to Key Largo is around 70 miles and also takes 1 hr and also 15 mins to drive.
4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
If you are seeking to have a journey, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is just one of the leading points to do in Key Largo. It is residence to the just living reef in the United States and also if you intend to discover undersea, this is the area to go.
What makes snorkeling or diving various in Key Largo is that you can dive to see “Christ of the Abyss” a nine-foot-tall undersea sculpture of Christ situated in simply 25 feet of water off the coastline of Key Largo.
Book this snorkeling trip from Key Largo – this half-day trip takes you to one of the most stunning areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and also Pennekamp State Park. Explore the reef of Molasses, Elbow, French Reef, and also the popular Christ of the Abyss on Dry Rocks.
Where to Stay in Key Largo
Luxury – Playa Largo Resort – The Playa Largo Resort and also Spa has high-end areas, cottages, and also a coastline home. You can reserve numerous Key West water sporting activities at the resort. Mid Range – Key Largo Reefhouse Resort – You can never ever fail with a Marriott. It’s our preferred mid to upper-range resort chain. It has an onsite marina and also dive store offering a lot of water sporting activities to publication at the resort. Budget – Dove Creek Resort and also Marina – This intimate store resort was influenced by Caribbean Hemingway Hideaways. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, in Key Largo, Dove Creek lodge rests beside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
5. The Fish House
An excellent quit for lunch is the Fish House to get hold of a staple Florida Keys meal of Conch Fritters, fish tacos, and also Florida lobster and also rock crab. It’s a terrific ambience and also has actually been a Key Largo staple because 1982. We took pleasure in a starter of coconut shrimp complied with by a scrumptious part of Mahi Mahi.
6. Alabama Jack’s
Another unusual area that can just be located en path to the Florida Keys is Alabama Jacks. Sitting in between 2 intrude the mangroves, it is renowned for its conch fritters.
Popular with motorcyclists Alabama Jack’s is found under Card Sound Bridge which is the old interstate on a detour from Florida City. Instead of taking Highway 1, take 905A card noise roadway. But be cautioned, you require to have the cash money to go across the toll bridge.
7. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
For a unique and also tasty piece of Key Lime Pie head to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen that was so excellent its arrived in the top tricks. You can purchase an entire essential lime pie to go!
8. Islamorada Key
The following island on your Florida Keys Road Trip is Islamorada Key. We liked Islamorada Key a lot, we created a whole write-up concerning all the important things to do. Things to do in Islamorada. But simply in situation you don’t intend to click off of our journey plan, allow’s experience all the important things that you merely cannot miss out on.
We recommend investing an evening on Islamorada Key to actually appreciate its easygoing ambiance. Scroll to see why.
9. Robbie’s Marina
Robbies Marina is the area to be in Islamorada with watersports, dining establishments, bars, and also tourist attractions, it is an area you can invest the whole day. Enjoy the day hanging out at Robbie’s Marina. There’s a terrific dining establishment, exterior stores and also a lot of water sporting activities leave from right here.
10. Feed the Tarpon
A unique point to do in Islamorada is to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s. After taking care of a hurt Tarpon back in 1976, the pleasant Tarpon called “Scarface” returned time and again for some food and also to greet. He at some point brought his pals and also the tarpon have actually been involving the anchors since to jump out of the water for a delicious reward.
11. Parasailing
Parasailing in the Florida Keys is an outstanding method to see the bridges and also tricks from above. It’s a stunning sight to see the bridges covering over blue waters with islands populating the landscape.
You can construct out the reef and also it genuinely is a blast. If you’ve never ever gone windsurfing previously, this is the area to do it. Parasailing with Sundance Watersports.
12. Other points to do on Islamorada
If you intend to do some purchasing, head right into Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery at Rain Barrel Village, it’s been among the top Florida Keys locations for greater than 40 years. You can’t miss it, simply search for the huge rock lobster out front.
If you are remaining over or have actually a marked motorist, don’t miss out on striking the beer yard of the Florida Keys Brewing Company. We liked tasting their microbrews. The Florida Keys Brewing Company additionally has a holiday service where you can remain. The proprietors are incredibly pleasant and also obtain this, he’s Canadian!
Where to Stay in Islamorada
Islamorada is a terrific area to make a base prior to heading further southern. From right here you can discover Duck Key, Lower Matecumbe Key to the South, and also Plantation Key to the North.
Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle – This is one of the most prominent area to remain in Islamorada offering homes and also areas with Marina and also Atlantic Ocean sights. There are water sporting activities on website and also you can reserve diving, glass base watercraft excursions, and also snorkeling journeys. It additionally has the prominent Tiki Bar on the coastline so also if you aren’t remaining there, make certain to have a mixed drink or piece of Key Lime Pie at this world-famous place. Hadley House Resort – We remained at Holiday House Resort a store hotel with homes. I would certainly advise remaining at the structure forgeting the water. Cottages are held up from the sea and also the resort structure appeared better. Your $25 hotel cost covers using Stand up paddleboards and also kayaks. There’s auto parking and also a swimming pool.
13. Marathon
Marathon is a city that spreads out throughout numerous Florida Keys. Starting simply previous Duck Key it extends throughout 7 tricks: Knight’s Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Long Point Key, Crawl Key, and also Grassy Key islands.
From the Dolphin Research Center to Aquarium Encounters it has all the ingredients for a great household holiday. Marathon is additionally the entrance to Seven Mile Bridge and also Pigeon Key Island.
There are some wonderful coastlines on Marathon Key too, Sombrero Beach and also Coco Plum Beach are excellent areas to hang around. And there is a canine park which is a great quit if you are taking a trip with family pets. Read 18 Best Beaches in Florida for Fun in the Sun
Where to Stay on Marathon Key
Marathon has a great deal of alternatives for lodging and also is a lot more budget-friendly than Key West. You can locate resorts varying from high-end to budget plan. A great deal of individuals take field trip to Key West from Marathon.
14. Turtle Hospital
What we advise going to is the Turtle Hospital. The Turtle Hospital is just one of one of the most prominent quits on a Miami to Key West drive. This heartfelt quit allows you see the job that enters into the recovery of damaged sea turtles. We like sustaining jobs such as this and also continues for your led trip and also entryway most likely to conserve the sea turtles. Read a lot more: 10 Ways to Help Save the Oceans – World Oceans Day and also Beyond
15. Keys Fisheries
Make certain to quit at Keys Fisheries for lunch. We appreciated chillaxing on the exterior patio area. It’s a convenience food joint where you order from a home window and after that locate an outing table in the stuffed dining establishment. Get the smoked Mahi Mahi, Conch Chowder, or its trademark meal, the Lobster Reuben.
16. Seven Mile Bridge
Leaving Marathon Key, Seven Mile Bridge is the biggest segmental bridge on the planet! This lengthy bridge links the top Keys to the Lower Keys.
Make certain to take the ferryboat throughout to Pigeon Key which was a previous job camp of the Florida East Coast Railway. You can capture the ferryboat over from Pigeon Key Gift Shop at mile pen 48.
17. Bahia Honda State Park and also Big Pine Key
You have actually currently gone into the Lower Keys. You’ve made it further than the majority of, so maintain going! Coming throughout 7 Mile Bridge, many people b-line it to Key West as it’s probably been a lengthy drive, however Big Pine Key and also Bahia Honda State Park are 2 fantastic areas to pick up at the very least a couple of hrs.
Did you recognize that there are wild deer in the Florida Keys? Big Pine Key houses the threatened Key deer, and also they are secured by National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center. These tiny deer really swim in between islands!
If you like coastlines, you are mosting likely to like Bahia Honda State Park. This state park has actually almost totally recouped after Hurricane Irma however components of the park are still being recovered. Bahia Honda State Park has outdoor camping and also 2 coastlines of note. Sandspur Beach has actually resumed after Hurricane Irma and also has toilets and also structures and also Calusa Beach.
18. No Name Pub
While on Big Pine Key, pick up lunch at No Name Pub. This quit deserves it simply to see the buck expenses hanging from its ceiling. No Name Pub go back to 1931 when it was an angling shop. In 1936 they a dining establishment was included and also the No Name Pub was birthed.
19. Key West
Congratulations! You’ve made it to your last location on your drive from Miami to Key West which is clearly Key West. Key West is a terrific area to invest a couple of days absorbing the Caribbean ambience. Key West no more seems like the United States, it seems like a little piece of the tropics.
20. Southernmost Point – Key West
The very first point most site visitors carry out in Key West is head to the Southernmost Point pen. This is the most southern factor on landmass United States and also everybody that makes it to Key West quits right here for their called for media event.
21. Watch Sunset at Mallory Square, Key West
Mallory Square is just one of one of the most occurring areas in Key West and also it is a superb area to view the sundown over the Gulf of Mexico. There are a lot of points to do in Mallory Square too, so make sure to head over there throughout the day. If you are trying to find an enjoyable journey, publication a sundown trip on Aqua bikes to take pleasure in sights of Sunset Key and also Key West from the water. You can also bring 2 beverages in addition to you.
The Maritime Museum – The Mel Fisher Heritage Maritime Museum shows numerous artefacts from 17th-century ships. The Waterfront Playhouse – The longest-running theater in Florida has nighttime turning programs all year long. Key West Shipwreck and also Treasure Museum – There’s a 65-foot search tower, shipwreck artefacts, and also stars recreating the 17th-century feeling worn duration clothes. Book your ticket ahead of time The Memorial Sculpture Garden lies straight ahead commemorating popular clients of the theater and also homeowners. Take a walk via the lines of sculptures of popular homeowners consisting of the breasts of Ernest Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Tennessee Williams, and also numerous various other crucial individuals.
22. Party on Duval Street in Key West
It’s obvious that individuals concern Key West for partying, and also Duval Street is the area to do it. You can go bar jumping all evening long on Duval Street. Some of our faves are Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, (no journey to Key West would certainly be total without going to Jimmy Buffet’s) and also the Hard Rock Cafe, Lucy’s Retired Surf Bar, Sloppy Joes, Virgillios, Rick’s Café, and also our individual preferred The Wine O Bar and also Lounge.
If you intend to sign up with a trip of Duval Street to see the leading bars and also dining establishments while making brand-new pals, have a look at this superb bar crawl trip that quits at 5 leading ranked bars with a mixed drink at each quit.
23. Get on the Water in Key West
Adventure fans will certainly take pleasure in Key West and also if you don’t jump on the water, you’ll be losing out. An exceptional trip is to reserve an eco-tour to discover Key West Wildlife Refuge. Go kayaking via the mangroves, take pleasure in snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and also take pleasure in a sail on a green catamaran with Honest Eco Tours.
Book this premier Sunset Tour trip right here without concerns as excursions can be terminated as much as 24-hour ahead of time with a complete reimbursement. Look for even more water and also sundown excursions right here with Get Your Guide to locate your selection of drifting bars, schooners, and also catamarans that will certainly take you bent on view the magnificent sundowns. They use final reservations and also complete reimbursements on terminations within 24-hour of the trip.
One of our much-loved points to do in Key West was to see the Located (113km) 70 miles from Key West, the Dry Tortugas is just one of one of the most remote national forests in the United States. Read everything about it at Our Key West Vacation with IHG Rewards Club Points
24. Go Dolphin Watching off the Coast of Key West
200 bottlenose dolphins reside in the cozy waters off the Florida Keys and also you can take a dolphin-watching trip or we had it as component of our Honest Eco Tour. When reserving a dolphin or wild animals trip make sure to utilize a lasting acknowledged trip driver like Honest Eco Tours based out of Key West or You Can publication this Dolphin Watch and also Snorkeling Tour in Advance.
25. Mile Marker 0 – Key West
Well, you made it! All the method to Mile Marker 0, all-time low of the United States. It is traditional to get hold of a selfie at this indicator situated on Whitehead Street simply southern of Duval Street.
You’ve gained it. This is completion of the line and also a preferred area to make note that you have actually finished your drive from Miami to Key West. Wasn’t it impressive?
Dry Tortugas National Park
You may have gotten to mile pen 0 however do you intend to maintain this Miami to Key West journey going a little longer? From Key West, you can get to among one of the most remote national forests in the United States. Located (113km) 70 miles southern of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a magnificent field trip.
Located in the center of the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas can just be gotten to by watercraft or seaplane. It was made use of as a ft in between 1845 and also 1876 to safeguard throughout the Spanish American War. You can take an excursion bent on discover the island and also stunning sandy coastlines and also you can also camp over night on Garden Key. Book this cruise ship from Key West to Dry Tortugas or you can reserve a trip to the national forest too.
Where to Stay in Key West
There are numerous areas to remain in the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West. But in high period it can be almost difficult to reserve a space flat-out. We recommend picking one area to remain and also making it your home to discover the Keys.
La Concha Crown Plaza is the ideal area to remain in the heart of the activity, lies straight on Duval Street. The entrance hall is within strolling range from all the leading secret west tourist attractions. There’s a swimming pool for visitors just. There is an elegant roof medical spa and also lovely sunset sights. Check for Reviews and also prices on TripExpert / Booking.com
Perry Hotel Key West is a silent hideaway on the marina of Stock Island. Stock Island is an expansion of Key West that really feels globes away. This store resort has classy areas forgeting the beachfront. What we liked concerning it was the regional ambiance. Check it out on TripExpert / Booking.com
Once you remain in the Florida Keys, it’s simple to discover. With Key Largo being the northern most island, you might intend to proceed to Islamorada or Marathon. Key West is more expensive than various other tricks, so you might intend to select a holiday service on among the smaller sized tricks.
When to do a Road Trip to Key West from Miami
We have actually taken a journey to Key West from Miami in October, November, and also December. December is method as well hectic and also you are mosting likely to have the greatest rates.
November is a quieter time and also the climate is fantastic. You can additionally locate even more budget-friendly lodging and also excursions aren’t reserved up.
December to February is the high period and also you’ll have greater rates and also a great deal of groups. But you are basically ensured excellent climate.
Late February to April is an additional great time to see for reduced prices and also excellent climate.
June to November is cyclone period and also it is necessary to intend appropriately. Hurricane Irma did substantial damages to the Florida Keys in 2017 however it has actually recouped perfectly. This year Florida was struck by Hurricane Ian however the Florida Keys handled that cyclone quie well. That stated, we’ve been to the Keys in October and also had impressive climate. The summer season are warm and also damp.
We were additionally in Key West for Fantasy Fest in October. This is a hectic time, however it is a unique time to see to see the insane personalities that stroll the roads.
And these are our leading quits on a drive from Miami to Key West. The Florida tricks are so bountiful, it will certainly take numerous journeys to actually see them all. Let us recognize what we missed out on and also we’ll make sure to include it on throughout our following split.
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