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Thinking of driving from Miami to Key West? You’ve come to the right place!
There is a reason why this route through the Florida Keys is one of the most famous drives in the United States, it’s absolutely stunning!
It’s 165 miles long and it will take you through so many islands and beautiful places!
Along the way you’ll find coral reefs, mangroves, beautiful beaches and some very unique stops.
While it is technically not a long drive, you can still make it as long as you want as there are many places to stop at.
Here are some of the best stops to make on a road trip from Miami to Key West.
Miami
Miami is the starting point of the trip and a great place to spend a bit of time before heading to the Keys.
The city is known for its beaches, Art Deco architecture and lively atmosphere.
South Beach is probably the most famous area, with its pastel-coloured buildings, palm-lined streets and long sandy beach but I would also recommend visiting more unique places such as Wynwood Walls or Little Havana.
Once you leave Miami, head towards the keys and your first stop will be the beautiful John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the first island in the Florida Keys and often considered the gateway to the archipelago.
It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, waterfront restaurants and beautiful sunsets. Many visitors stop here for snorkeling trips, fishing excursions or boat tours.
It’s a good place to take a break from driving before continuing further down.
You can also go to the Florida Keys Visitor Center if you want to ask for more information.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first major stop once you reach the Florida Keys.
The park is famous for its coral reefs and marine life. It’s one of the best places in Florida to go snorkeling or diving. The water is incredibly clear and you can see colourful fish, coral formations and sometimes even sea turtles.
It was the first undersea park in the US and encompasses 70 nautical square miles.
While diving is the main reason people visit, kayaking and canoeing are also very popular and you can even go on a glass-bottom boat tour.
Tavernier
Tavernier is a quieter stop between Key Largo and Islamorada. One of the best things to do here is kayaking through the mangroves.
I highly recommend booking a tour for this as it makes it a lot easier and the guides will be able to point out a lot of things you wouldn’t see otherwise including birds, fish and if you are lucky, manatees.
It’s a peaceful and scenic experience that feels very different from the busier tourist spots.
This was my favourite thing to do in the Florida Keys and it truly felt unique.
Betsy the Lobster
Betsy the Lobster is a giant lobster statue that has become a well-known roadside landmark in the Keys.
It might be a quick stop, but it’s a fun place to take a photo and a classic Florida Keys roadside attraction.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a beautiful island with marinas, restaurants and incredible ocean views.
There are several small beaches and plenty of places to stop for seafood while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the Keys.
That’s also where you’ll find the History of Diving Museum which is an interesting stop.
Robbie’s of Islamorada
Robbie’s is one of the most popular stops in the Florida Keys.
The main attraction here is feeding the tarpon. These huge fish gather around the docks and visitors can buy a small bucket of fish to feed them. Watching them jump out of the water is quite an experience.
There are also small shops, food stands, kayaks and boat tours available.
Sombrero Beach
Located in Marathon, Sombrero Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys.
It’s a great place to take a break, go for a swim or simply enjoy the view.
About 10% of the beach is also a nesting site for sea turtles from April through October.
Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a rescue centre that helps injured sea turtles and rehabilitates them before releasing them back into the ocean.
They run guided 90-minute educational programs every day which is an interesting thing to do as you can learn about the work they do and see the turtles being cared for.
It’s a great educational stop and supports an important conservation effort.
Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world!
It stretches across the ocean and connects Marathon to the Lower Keys.
This was one of my favourite part of the drive as it really feels like you’re driving the over the sea.
You’ll notice there is an older bridge next to it as well. You can’t drive on it but it’s still an interesting sight.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is another great state park to visit in the keys.
Here you’ll find white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water and excellent snorkelling spots.
It’s also a great place for kayaking, swimming or simply relaxing.
No Name Pub
This is a quick and quirky stop. Once you reach Big Pine Key, you can take a short detour to the No Name Pub.
Besides the unusual name (or lack of, should I say), you can get yourself a drink and enjoy the quirky decor with all the dollar bills that cover the walls and ceiling.
Also, as you drive to the pub, keep an eye on your surroundings as you can often spot some Key Deer and they are super cute!
Key West
Key West is the final stop on the journey and one of the most unique towns in Florida.
Make sure to head to Duval Street where you can find most of the quirky bars and restaurants.
Another popular place is Mallory Square as it’s where the sunset celebration takes place every day (and what a sunset that is there!)
You can also visit the house of Ernest Hemingway and roam around the historic streets.
I would recommend spending a couple of days in Key West as it truly is a unique and magical place.
Also, if you like haunted places and spooky stories, you can join one of the local ghost tours.
Map of this Miami To Key West Road Trip
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