Road Trip Guide
Overseas Highway: The Drive Across the Ocean
Miami, FL to Key West, FL
Start
Miami, FL
Finish
Key West, FL
Distance
Approximately 160 miles from Key Largo to Key West (180 miles from South Miami)
Duration
2-3 days for a relaxed, immersive experience
Best Months
December - April
Budget
$$$
EV Ready
8/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Miami, FL
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Florida City (The Gateway)
Fuel, EV Charging, & Full Supplies
This is your final opportunity to stock up on groceries and fuel at mainland prices before crossing the sparse stretch of the upper Keys.
Marathon (The Midpoint)
Fuel, EV Charging, & Rest
Located roughly halfway, this is the most reliable hub for rapid charging and emergency supplies before the long, isolated drive across the Seven Mile Bridge.
Big Pine Key (The Final Stretch)
Fuel & Essential Supplies
This is your last major chance to refuel or grab snacks before entering the final, more remote stretch of the lower Keys leading into Key West.
Insider Driving Tips
**Go Slow, Enjoy the View:** The speed limit is often 45 mph or less in populated areas. Embrace the 'Keys disease' – a relaxed pace that encourages you to savor every mile and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
**Book Accommodations in Advance:** Especially during peak season (winter and spring break), hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly. Secure your lodging well before your trip to avoid disappointment.
**Hydrate and Protect from the Sun:** The Florida Keys sun is intense. Drink plenty of water, wear high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the tropical rays.
**Explore the Side Roads:** Don't just stick to US-1. Many islands have charming side roads leading to local beaches, hidden restaurants, and unique shops that offer a glimpse into authentic Keys life.
**Embrace Seafood:** Freshly caught seafood is a staple here. Be adventurous and try local delicacies like conch fritters, Key West pink shrimp, and of course, the iconic Key Lime Pie.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Key Largo
Skipper's Dockside Restaurant & Bar
“Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning waterfront views at this local favorite. Their dolphin (mahi-mahi) preparations are legendary, and the casual, lively atmosphere perfectly encapsulates the Keys vibe.”
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Glass-bottom boat tour or snorkeling)
Capture the vibrant underwater world, whether through a glass-bottom boat or with an underwater camera while snorkeling amongst colorful coral and marine life.
Caribbean Club (Mile Marker 104)
Immortalized in the movie 'Key Largo,' this historic bar offers incredible sunset views over Florida Bay. The rustic charm and classic Keys ambiance make for atmospheric photos.
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Escape the crowds and discover one of the largest remaining tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. Perfect for a quiet walk amidst rare plants and wildlife, offering a serene contrast to the bustling underwater world.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
State Park
“It is the first undersea park in the United States, offering world-class snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours to explore vibrant coral reefs.”
African Queen Canal Cruise
Historic Landmark
“Take a relaxing cruise on the iconic steamboat featured in the classic 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.”
Dolphin Plus Marine Mammal Responder
Marine Education Center
“This facility offers unique opportunities to learn about and interact with dolphins in a natural lagoon setting focused on conservation.”
Islamorada
Lazy Days Restaurant
“Perched right on the ocean, Lazy Days offers spectacular views and an extensive menu of fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta. Their famous 'Lazy Days Seafood Platter' is a must-try, best enjoyed as the sun dips below the horizon.”
Robbie's of Islamorada (feeding the tarpon)
Capture the thrilling experience of hand-feeding massive tarpon right off the dock. The expressions on people's faces and the sheer size of the fish make for dynamic and memorable shots.
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park)
Photograph the ancient coral quarry walls at Windley Key, revealing fascinating geological layers. The unique textures and historical context offer a different kind of Keys beauty.
Anne's Beach
A truly unique and tranquil spot, Anne's Beach features a shallow, calm bay perfect for wading and a lovely boardwalk winding through natural hammocks. It's a slice of untouched paradise, ideal for a quiet stroll or a picnic.
Robbie's of Islamorada
Marina and Attraction
“Visit this iconic spot to feed giant tarpon right off the dock and enjoy a vibrant open-air marketplace.”
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
State Park
“Explore the fascinating history of the Florida Keys by walking through an ancient coral reef quarry that provided stone for the Overseas Railroad.”
Theater of the Sea
Marine Mammal Park
“Experience up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles in a beautiful, natural lagoon setting.”
Marathon
Keys Fisheries Restaurant
“A true Marathon institution, Keys Fisheries offers incredibly fresh seafood in a casual, dockside setting. Their lobster Reuben is legendary, and you can often watch the boats unload their catch right outside.”
Old Seven Mile Bridge (from Pigeon Key)
Capture the grandeur of the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, especially from Pigeon Key or the fishing pier section, showcasing its impressive length stretching across the ocean.
Sombrero Beach
This beautiful, expansive public beach with soft sand and clear waters is perfect for wide-angle shots, especially during sunrise or sunset, with palm trees framing the ocean.
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
Explore a pristine 63-acre preserve with nature trails, a historic Bahamian village, and a fascinating museum. It's a step back in time and a deep dive into the natural history of the Keys, far from the typical tourist path.
The Turtle Hospital
Educational Center
“This unique facility offers guided tours where you can learn about the rehabilitation process for rescued sea turtles and even see them up close.”
Sombrero Beach
Public Beach
“This picturesque, palm-lined beach is the perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the serene turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.”
Seven Mile Bridge
Historic Landmark
“Driving across this iconic engineering marvel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean on both sides of the road.”
Big Pine Key & Lower Keys
No Name Pub
“A quirky, historic pub on Big Pine Key, famous for its dollar-bill-covered walls and delicious pizza. It's a true local dive bar experience with character and great food, hidden away from the highway.”
Bahia Honda State Park (Calusa Beach or Sandspur Beach)
Photograph the iconic old railroad bridge arching over the clear turquoise waters at Bahia Honda, with the pristine beaches and swaying palms in the foreground or background.
National Key Deer Refuge
Capture the charming and rare Key Deer in their natural habitat, often seen grazing peacefully along the roadsides or in wooded areas, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Blue Hole
Located within the National Key Deer Refuge, the Blue Hole is an abandoned rock quarry that now serves as a freshwater pond, a crucial water source for local wildlife including alligators and various bird species. It's a unique ecological spot off the main road.
National Key Deer Refuge
Wildlife Refuge
“This protected habitat offers the best chance to spot the rare and endangered tiny Key deer roaming through pine forests and marshlands.”
Bahia Honda State Park
State Park
“Renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and iconic views of the historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Florida Keys.”
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
Marine Sanctuary
“Known as one of the most spectacular coral reef ecosystems in North America, this area is a premier destination for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving.”
Key West
Blue Heaven
“An iconic Key West experience, Blue Heaven offers Caribbean-American cuisine in a whimsical outdoor setting with roosters and cats roaming freely. Their breakfast and Key Lime Pie are legendary, embodying the island's eclectic charm.”
Southernmost Point Buoy
The quintessential Key West photo op! Capture yourself (and the crowds) at the famous red, black, and yellow buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental U.S., just 90 miles from Cuba.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Mallory Square sunset celebration. Photograph the street performers, craft vendors, and the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, a nightly ritual.
Key West Cemetery
Beyond the typical tourist spots, the Key West Cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's unique history and humor. Look for the famous 'I Told You I Was Sick' gravestone and other quirky epitaphs amidst beautiful, aged monuments.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Historic Landmark
“Explore the former residence of the legendary author and meet the famous six-toed cats that roam the lush tropical grounds.”
Duval Street
Entertainment District
“This iconic thoroughfare is the heartbeat of Key West, offering a vibrant mix of eclectic bars, unique shops, and lively live music venues.”
Mallory Square
Public Plaza
“Visit this waterfront square in the evening to experience the famous sunset celebration featuring local street performers, artists, and food vendors.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Robbie’s of Islamorada
A rustic, open-air marketplace and marina where you can hand-feed massive wild tarpon directly from the dock.
Why It's Worth It
“It offers a rare, adrenaline-pumping encounter with nature that feels like stepping into a classic, salt-crusted Florida Keys tall tale.”
Bahia Honda State Park
A pristine coastal gem featuring some of the best sandy beaches in the Keys and a historic, weathered railway bridge.
Why It's Worth It
“Walking the old bridge provides a hauntingly beautiful vantage point above the crystal-clear water, offering the most dramatic photography spot on the entire highway.”
National Key Deer Refuge
A protected wilderness area on Big Pine Key dedicated to the conservation of the endangered, dog-sized Key Deer.
Why It's Worth It
“Observing these tiny, gentle creatures in their natural habitat provides an intimate, quiet connection to the unique biodiversity that exists nowhere else on Earth.”
Ready to book your Key West, FL trip?
No extra cost to you • Supports free travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time to visit the Florida Keys is from November to May when the weather is dry, sunny, and temperatures are pleasantly warm (70s-80s°F). This avoids the summer heat, humidity, and hurricane season (June-October).
While the drive can be done in about 3.5-4 hours without stops, we highly recommend allocating at least 2-3 days to truly experience the beauty and unique attractions of the Florida Keys. Rushing through means missing out on incredible sights and experiences.