Imagine this: Your car is loaded up, and you’re all set to embark on a journey from Miami to
Key West
In just a few hours, you’ll reach this charming small city where it feels like it’s perpetually five o’clock, people are relaxed, and melodies fill the air from every street corner.
There’s just one approach to driving through this.
the Keys
, which runs directly along US-1 known as Overseas Highway. The speed limit for this two-lane route generally maxes out at 45 mph, serving as a gentle nudge that you’re now living life at an island pace. During your journey lasting about three and a half hours, expect to cross more than 44 bridges and pass approximately 42 distinct islands. Below are some top spots worth stopping at during your road trip from Miami to Key West.
Tip
As you travel, keep an eye out for petite green and white indicators alongside the roadway; these have numerical markings. The mile markers decrease as you progress towards Key West, concluding at MM 0 within the city limits. This system serves as a straightforward method to gauge your distance from your final stop, yet interestingly, many locations along this lengthy stretch of highway mention their corresponding mile marker nearby, which greatly simplifies pinpointing exactly where you need to be.
Related:
20 Hidden Spots in Florida Known Only to Residents
Start with Something Sweet
As you travel south and leave Miami, you have to make a stop at
Robert Is Here
It’s a roadside fruit stall that has gained popularity for its extensive range of milkshakes and smoothies crafted from freshly picked fruits, offering countless flavor combinations. Expect a queue, but after placing your order, explore inside the store which stocks various items like local preserves, gels, fruits, and additional treats—ideal choices for presents to bring back home to loved ones or as provisions for your accommodation.
Discover America’s First Submarine Park
If you want to dive straight into activities, think about making a stop here.
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
In Key Largo (the initial key you’ll traverse during your journey), situated at mile marker 102.5, lies the nation’s first underwater park. Spanning roughly 70 nautical square miles, it serves as an enchanting destination for both diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Related:
Pennekamp Park in Florida Reigns Supreme for Snorkeling
Dine in Islamorada
Of course, hunger will likely strike during your journey, making Islamorada an ideal spot for a midday break since it sits roughly at the halfway mark of your expedition. Being the second-largest island in the Florida Keys, Islamorada offers numerous delightful dining options where you can step in to savor both scenic water vistas and freshly caught sea fare. Be sure to explore
Hungry Tarpon at Robbie’s
(ensure you feed the tarpon)
Morada Bay
for an incredible blackened fish sandwich,
Wahoo’s Seafood Bar & Grill
where the Mahi tacos always impress, or
Marker 88
for tasty ahi tuna nachos.
Stop for Wildlife Encounters and Flea Markets
Since you now have the energy to keep going with your journey, driving directly to Key West should be quite simple. Should you wish to explore other locations en route,
Rain Barrel Village
(at kilometer marker 86.7) you’ll find a creatively designed outdoor marketplace perfect for shopping. It’s worth stopping here.
Dolphin Research Center
At Grassy Key (located at mile marker 59), you can spend time with dolphins, sea lions, and manatees. Further along in Marathon, you’ll find the
Turtle Hospital
(at kilometer marker 78) where various sick and wounded sea turtles receive care and shelter until they regain their health and can be returned to nature.
Extend Your Limbs at Bahia Honda State Park
Once you’ve crossed Seven Mile Bridge, which spans the longest distance among the Keys bridges,
Bahia Honda State Park
At kilometer post 37, this location offers a wonderful opportunity for some invigorating outdoor time. It serves as a perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, or simply strolling along the beach. Additionally, you have the chance to see a historical remnant: an iron-frame bridge that was formerly part of the Overseas Railway and continues to span the Bahia Honda Channel.
Celebrate Your Arrival
Check in and Relax
Once you’ve reached Key West, make sure to head over to your hotel for check-in upon arriving—you might want to think about this step.
Kimpton Key West
,
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
,
Southernmost Beach Resort
, or
Marquesa Hotel
Once you’ve completed check-in, leave your car keys aside. A highlight of Key West is that all attractions within reach are perfect for walking. If you wish to travel more swiftly, observe that scooters or golf carts reign supreme as favored modes of transport in the Conch Republic; renting one might be worthwhile.
rent them
all over the island.
Head to Happy Hour
Once it hits happy hour (a perpetual event here), head over to Duval Street and treat yourself to a beverage along with some appetizers. Crowded favorites comprise of
Sloppy Joe’s
,
Rick’s
,
Smokin’ Tuna Saloon
,
Captain Tony’s Saloon
, but you genuinely can’t make a mistake anywhere. Afterwards, make your way to Mallory Square for the renowned sunset celebration.
Sunset Celebration
This event happens daily for two hours just prior to sunset. It’s an enormous festivity held on Wall Street, a street exclusively for pedestrians, featuring vendors, street performers, and live music. Everyone gathers here to socialize and enjoy the sunset—one of the most breathtaking spots in the nation.
Related:
The Top 15 Activities to Enjoy on Duval Street in Key West
Fill up the Tank
For dinner, you’ll discover an abundance of freshly caught seafood just about anywhere you visit. Dishes like conch fritters and Key West pink shrimp stand out as favorites, appearing on almost every menu with their own distinct preparations. Popular places for dining out encompass various locations.
Little Pearl
,
Eaton Street Seafood Market
,
El Siboney
,
Blue Heaven
, and
The Lobster Shack
If you’re seeking some after-dark sweet indulgence, head over to
Better Than Sex
. It’s strongly advised to make reservations since this dessert haven is much sought after—the menu boasts an array of extremely indulgent treats and chocolaty drinks designed to satiate even the most avid sweet lovers.
Don’t Miss the Pie
Before beginning your trip back home, it’s crucial that you head over to
Kermit’s Key West
For his renowned Key lime pie, this cherished store presents various versions such as frozen slabs dipped in chocolate—mounted on sticks, sweets, gels, biscuits, and naturally, the classic version. They also provide chilled pies which make ideal choices to take back home and relish as keepsakes post your visit.
Conclude Your Journey with Brunch
As you conclude your Key West escapades, be sure to
Bagatelle
or
Blue Heaven
For one last brunch before embarking on your journey. Should you desire one final opportunity to enjoy the ambiance of the Florida Keys as you head back, make sure to drop by.
Sundowners
In Key Largo for a scrumptious meal by the waterside. If you synchronize your visit perfectly, you could witness the sunset.
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