Miami to Key West: The Best Stops on a Florida Keys Road Trip
The drive from Miami to Key West is one of Florida's most memorable road trips. Stretching roughly 160 miles, the journey follows the Overseas Highway through a chain of tropical islands, with ocean views, small waterfront communities, and plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Without stops, the drive takes approximately three and a half to four hours, depending on traffic. But traveling straight through means missing much of what makes the Florida Keys worth visiting. With a little extra time, the route becomes an opportunity to explore some of South Florida's most distinctive destinations.
For visitors who need a vehicle, Discover Cars allows travelers to compare rental car offers from multiple providers in Miami before heading south. Whether driving a rental or their own car, the best approach is simple: leave early, keep the schedule flexible, and enjoy the stops along the way.
Key Largo: The First Stop in the Florida Keys
After leaving the Miami area and traveling south through Florida City, the Overseas Highway leads into Key Largo, the northernmost of the main Florida Keys.
Known for its diving, snorkeling, and marine life, Key Largo is an excellent place to begin exploring the islands. One of its main attractions is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours, join snorkeling excursions, or explore the park's beaches and nature trails.
The park protects part of the Florida Keys' coral reef ecosystem, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the region's natural environment. Boat excursions take several hours, so travelers planning to get out on the water should allow enough time and consider booking ahead.
For a shorter visit, Key Largo also offers waterfront restaurants and places to relax before continuing south.
Islamorada: Waterfront Dining and Local Art
Approximately 20 miles farther along the highway, Islamorada offers a different side of the Keys.
Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, the area is home to marinas, fishing charters, waterfront restaurants, and art galleries. It's an ideal place to stop for lunch, particularly at one of the restaurants overlooking Florida Bay.
Visitors interested in local art can explore the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, where galleries and working studios showcase artists inspired by the surrounding islands.
Islamorada is also a good place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. A short walk along the waterfront or a stop for coffee can easily turn into a longer visit.
Marathon: Sea Turtles and the Seven Mile Bridge
Continuing south, the highway reaches Marathon, a collection of islands in the Middle Keys.
One of the area's most interesting attractions is The Turtle Hospital, a rehabilitation facility dedicated to rescuing and treating injured sea turtles. Guided educational tours give visitors an opportunity to learn about the hospital's conservation work and see turtles undergoing rehabilitation.
Marathon is also home to the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge. A restored section is open to pedestrians and cyclists, offering sweeping views of the surrounding water and access to Pigeon Key, a small island with a history connected to the construction of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway.
Just beyond Marathon comes one of the most recognizable stretches of the entire journey: the modern Seven Mile Bridge.
Crossing the bridge, with open water extending on both sides, is a highlight of the Miami-to-Key-West drive. It's worth taking in the scenery, although drivers should save photographs for designated stopping areas rather than attempting to pull over on the bridge.
Bahia Honda: A Beach Stop Before Key West
South of the Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park offers one of the best opportunities to spend time on the beach during the journey.
The park is known for its sandy shoreline, clear water, and views of the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge. Visitors can swim, walk along the beach, enjoy a picnic, or simply spend some time by the water.
It's a particularly appealing stop for travelers who want a break from driving before continuing toward Key West.
The park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, and an entrance fee applies. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable, particularly during busy travel periods.
Key West: The Final Destination
The last stretch of the Overseas Highway leads through the Lower Keys before arriving in Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States.
Key West has a character of its own, with colorful historic homes, narrow streets, waterfront restaurants, and a lively arts and entertainment scene.
Visitors can explore Old Town, walk along Duval Street, or stop at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about the writer's years on the island.
In the evening, Mallory Square is a popular gathering place for the nightly Sunset Celebration, featuring street performers, local vendors, and views across the water.
While arriving in Key West marks the end of the drive, it's worth spending at least one night here. Much of the historic district is easily explored on foot, making it convenient to park the car and enjoy the city at a slower pace.
Planning Your Miami to Key West Road Trip
Although the drive can be completed in a single day, allowing two or three days makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
An early departure from Miami provides time to visit Key Largo and Islamorada before continuing into the Middle Keys. Travelers with an extra day can explore Marathon, stop at Bahia Honda, and arrive in Key West without rushing.
The route follows U.S. Highway 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, and is marked by mile markers that count down toward Mile Marker 0 in Key West. These markers are useful when locating attractions, restaurants, and turnoffs.
Traffic can be heavy during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist periods, particularly because much of the route has only one lane in each direction. Checking road conditions and the weather before departure is a good idea, especially during Florida's hurricane season.
For the best experience, leave room for unplanned stops. A waterfront restaurant, a quiet beach, or a view from one of the islands may turn out to be the most memorable part of the trip.
After all, the appeal of driving from Miami to Key West isn't simply reaching the end of the highway. It's everything there is to discover along the way.