Taking a road trip from Miami to Key West? The journey is one of the most picture-perfect treks in the United States that you can take.
With this trip taking you from the fast-paced glitz and glamour of Miami to the relatively untouched natural beauty of the Florida Keys, the drive is better experienced in the light of day. So, let’s reveal Miami to Key West Road Trip – Picture Perfect Stops to Make.
Miami to Key West – Not Just a Short Drive
As with any Florida road trip, there will always be plenty of clear water and beautiful white sandy beaches. But the trip over the Overseas Highway bridge surrounds you with gorgeous ultramarine waters. It is only a 3 to 4 hour drive so we recommend that you take it easy and split up the 164-mile drive so you can catch some of these great sights.
First Leg – Miami, Florida
You’ll want to spend a few days in Miami to begin this road trip. It’s such a vibrant city and there are a ton of things to do there and plenty of hidden gems along with some new and exciting attractions.
We recommend that you take some time to relax on South Beach in Miami. Take a side tour of Little Havana and maybe sample some of the Cuban sandwiches you’ll find there. Don’t forget to spend at least one evening in Miami and experience the nightlife there.
For accommodation while spending time in Miami check out the Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Miami. You might also want to check out Hotel East Miami. It features and great on-site restaurant, a fitness center, retail shops, spas, and bars.
Second Miami to Key West Road Trip Stop – Boating the Florida Everglades
Take a short jaunt west before hitting the road south, 30 minutes to the Everglades. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the country. The Everglades is a 78,000 square mile (about twice the area of Kentucky) wetland made up of marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes and mangroves.
The area is teeming with various species of wildlife. You could spend a week here and not experience everything. So, we recommend a relatively short air boat tour. Reserve your tour with GetYourGuide for the best deals and ensure you have a spot reserved.
Second Stop – Snorkeling at Beautiful Key Largo
An hour’s drive away from your Everglades boat ride and you’ll hit the first of the Florida Keys. Known as the dive capitol of the Keys dee to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the world’s largest artificial reef.
Spend a few hours swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in around the reef as well as a Spanish shipwreck before refueling somewhere like Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen or Sundowners.
Eat at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Factory
Just a short 20 minutes down the Overseas Highway will bring you to the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Factory where you can sample some native Key’s key lime pie. They’re made from key limes grown only on the Key islands and are found in diners, cafes, and bakeries across the coral cay archipelago.
Begin your foodie journey at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Factory, located in Tavernier off Mile Marker 92.2, and set the bar high.
Check Out the Critters in Marathon, Florida
Marathon, Florida spans 13 islands and boasts the obvious, beaches, barrier reef and azure waters. It’s also home to the loggerhead turtles that live around Coco Plum and Sombrero beaches. You can learn about the turtles by visiting the Turtle Hospital which rescues injured sea turtles and returns them to the sea once they recover.
You can also visit the Dolphin Research Center, Marathon Wild Bird Center and the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon, Florida. There are many of these sanctuaries along the journey to Key West that you can visit.
Visit Bahia Honda State Park
At the end of Seven Mile Bridge (the longest bridge in the Keys) you’ll reach the Bahia Honda State Park which is a beautiful beach haven and marine sanctuary. For $8 a vehicle you can check out this place and spend a few hours kicking back.
You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, kayak, bird watch, boat, or bike. And if you happen to be here as dusk, it’s a great spot to stargaze.
Kayak at Big Key Pine
Up next is Big Pine Key. The waters are calm, and you can kayak and see the Blue Hole where you might see some gators or otherwise catch a glimpse of the island’s deer. The National Key Deer Refuge is a highly rated activity topped only by a Key West eco tour, which involves dolphin spotting.
While there, before you head out, you can make a pit stop at the No Name Pub.
Now You’re in Key West – Enjoy!
So, yu’ve made the journey and will have some great memories to take with you. Now kick back and enjoy Key West. Be sure to see Hemingway’s Cats at the Hemingway House and Museum. It’s the last place where Earnest Hemingway once lived.
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