Taking a street journey by way of the Florida Keys is among the finest adventures you’ll be able to have within the USA. The 110 mile stretch from Miami to Key West traverses the appropriately named Abroad Freeway, crossing 42 bridges whereas taking you on a wild experience by way of probably the most picturesque, quirky and enjoyable locations within the USA.
Whereas the drive to the Southernmost metropolis in america solely takes 4 hours to finish, you’d be at a complete loss to overlook the numerous stops alongside the best way. Every island gives one thing completely different and units the tone to your arrival into the fabled Key West, 90 miles north of Cuba.
Maintain on to your hat, the Florida Keys is open for enterprise and an epic street journey awaits you.
Don’t go away dwelling with out: Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys (Journey Information)
Epic Miami to Key West Florida Keys Street Journey Information
Miami to Key West Street Journey Information
- Distance from Miami to Key West – the full distance from the Miami Worldwide Airport to Key West is 110 miles. The complete stretch of street is a paved freeway.
- Miami to Key West drive time – for those who had been to drive straight by way of, the drive would take you on common of 4 hours. One thing to notice is that the Abroad Freeway is a slower shifting 4 lane freeway, 2 northbound lanes, and a pair of southbound lanes, with a mean velocity restrict of 40MPH.
- Greatest time to go to the Florida Keys – the very best season in between March and Could because the climate is steady and the massive crowds from the winter season have begun to vanish. You’ll additionally get pleasure from extra affordable costs. July is the most popular month averaging 86°F (30°C) and January is the coldest month averaging 70°F (21°C). Essentially the most rain falls in September.
- The really helpful variety of days – our street journey lasted 6 days and we structured it with 2 nights in Key Largo whereas heading southbound, 2 nights in Key West and 1 evening in Marathon whereas heading northbound. This stated I might extremely suggest that you just prolong your journey to a full 7-8 days providing you with an additional 1-2 nights in Key West.
Lease a Automotive in Miami
Until you’ve determined to drive out of your hometown, you’ll be flying into the Miami Worldwide airport and be in want of a car to start out your Florida Keys street journey.
Make sure to make a rental automobile reservation earlier than flying to Miami as all lessons of leases are in excessive demand and the probabilities of there being an inexpensive choice accessible on arrival are slim.
The roads from Miami to Key West are paved and simply traveled, so it actually comes all the way down to desire for the kind of car you select to lease.
We went with a mid-sized automobile for consolation and gas economic system however that’s to not say it wouldn’t be enjoyable to lease a jeep or convertible for the drive.
Automotive Insurance coverage for Your Street Journey
Rental automobiles include the minimal ranges of legal responsibility insurance coverage required by the state that’s offered by the rental firm.
Whereas it meets the necessities, it’s not sufficient protection to have peace of thoughts or cowl you within the case of a severe accident.
You’ve the choice of buying an prolonged coverage whenever you decide up your rental but additionally do not forget that journey insurance coverage plan will even give you nice automobile rental insurance coverage.
Florida Keys Street Journey Highlights Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll discover a map of our highlights on the Miami to Key West drive within the Florida Keys. Click on on the highest left of the map to search out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You may conceal and present completely different layers, or click on icons on the map to see the names of locations we point out on this journey information. “Star” the map to put it aside to your individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model.
Can’t Miss Stops from Miami to Key West
Skip forward to:
- Key Largo
- Islamorada
- Marathon
- Massive Pine
- Key West
Key Largo – Florida Keys
The closest Key to mainland Florida, Key Largo is an absolute gem with some superb pure panorama to get pleasure from making it a improbable first cease when heading type Miami to Key West on a street journey.
Whereas it’s no Key West, this island is an absolute paradise bursting with native character and stress-free Caribbean vibes.
To not point out, Key Largo is an icon having debuted in literature written by Ernest Hemmingway and a well-known track by the Seaside Boys.
Key Largo is a superb place to discover the water. You will see a number of corporations providing snorkel or diving adventures.
If snorkeling or diving is just not your factor, you possibly can as an alternative ebook a Kayak or Paddleboard Eco Tour permitting you to discover the attractive mangroves of Key Largo.
Touring 68 miles from Miami it takes round 1 ½ hours to achieve Key Largo, which is the proper quantity of driving for the primary day.
This provides you time to reach, discover your resort and get settled earlier than heading off to dinner for a spectacular sundown on one of many islands many piers.
Locations to Go to in Key Largo
JOHN PENNEKAMP STATE PARK
Nearly all of our time on Key Largo was spent exploring this gorgeous pure space.
We began our day with a ship journey out to the one residing coral reef in america, the place we spent 2 hours snorkeling within the waves. Ebook your snorkeling journey at this time in John Pennekamp State Park.
Regardless of us having the privilege to snorkel and dive on among the finest reefs on this planet, we discovered the reef right here wholesome and delightful.
What stood out probably the most was the massive populations of colourful fish, so it’s positively well worth the effort.
Again on land, we spent a few hours strolling the paths within the park. The paths are well-groomed and straightforward to observe providing improbable views of the ocean and thriving mangrove forests alongside the shore.
Entrance into the John Pennekamp State Park prices $8USD per car (2-8 individuals) and the park hours are 8 AM till sundown.
Snorkeling excursions value $29.95 for a 2.5-hour journey and run at mounted instances 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM and 4:30 PM every day.
Getting Right here: the State Park entrance is positioned at Mile Marker 102.5 on the Oceanside of the freeway.
Locations to eat in Key Largo
- SUNDOWNERS: That is the place to be for sundown as they’ve a major location on the water. To not point out the flowing plates of seafood and tropical cocktails on supply. Even for those who simply come for drinks and appetizers, we loved stay music and a really spectacular sundown. Sizzling tip: Make sure to make a reservation if you wish to dine throughout dawn.
- THE FISH HOUSE: Simply because the title suggests, that is the place to go for those who like contemporary fish. The proper place to seize lunch, this restaurant makes a speciality of contemporary native seafood together with snapper, mahi-mahi, grouper, Florida lobster and stone crab.
- MRS MAC’S KITCHEN: Enjoyable and quirky, that is the place to satisfy locals whereas having fun with the proper mesh of southern fare and island seafood. If the meals isn’t sufficient to draw a go to, perhaps the tons of of license plates that enhance the inside of this eatery will draw you in for a glance.
Locations to remain in Key Largo
Kona Kai Resort– two phrases for this charming boutique property, merely paradise. Tucked away off the busy freeway, this resort is an oasis of well adorned rooms, white sand, swaying palms, and salty ocean breeze.
Every room includes a small house full with a bed room, sitting space, and kitchen. They supplied continental breakfast and a wide range of complimentary non-motorized water actions from their personal dock.
We discovered the Kona Kai extraordinarily comfy and would suggest any size of keep whereas in Key Largo.
Islamorada – Florida Keys
What we beloved about Islamorada was the whole change in vibe from Key Largo. They’re so shut collectively, but supply such a unique expertise and really feel. Islamorada has a much less industrial really feel to it and was a spot we felt that we might join with the native individuals of the Florida Keys.
To not point out that the street main each onto and off of the island gives a spectacular show of shiny turquoise water with entry from small pull-offs the place white sand rolls gently into the water.
Spend a while right here having fun with the water actions accessible. Islamorada gives a variety of choices, from guided fishing excursions to native island brewery excursions.
We used Key Largo as a base for exploring Islamorada, because the islands are very shut collectively. It is a nice choice when you have a restricted period of time however nonetheless need to expertise each islands.
It’s additionally good to verify into a spot for two nights as an alternative of 1, so we’d suggest this method.
Locations to Go to in Islamorada
HISTORY OF DIVING MUSEUM
That includes one of many world’s largest collections of worldwide diving helmets and artifacts, this museum is a must-stop for anybody who scuba dives, is fascinated with historical past or goals of underwater exploration.
We had been completely enamored by the format of this museum, taking us by way of the complete evolution of diving from open backside helmets to at this time’s well-liked SCUBA and every thing in between.
I particularly beloved the show that includes the historical past of underwater images and the possibility to see the evolution of cameras, onerous to consider how far we’ve come from Ikelite housings the dimensions of briefcases to a GoPro.
Entrance into the Historical past of Diving Museum prices $12USD for adults, $6USD for kids 6-11 and free for kids underneath 5. The museum hours are 10 AM to five PM each day of the week.
FLORIDA KEYS BREWING
Situated within the coronary heart of the Morada Method’s Arts and Cultural District we loved a day within the tasting room of this locally-owned brewery.
Proprietor Craig McBay, along with his spouse Cheryl, opened the doorways to the Florida Keys Brewing Firm in March 2015 as the primary brewery to take up residence within the Florida Keys. We beloved the sense of island life that they bring about to their brews, that includes Key limes, citrus, hibiscus, and honey.
The Tasting Home is open each day of the week from Midday to 10 PM.
ROBBIE’S
This place is an establishment and no street journey from Miami to Key West could be full and not using a cease to feed the Tarpon from Robbie’s pier.
Even for those who can’t deliver your self to dangle your arm over the dock edge for the fun of an as much as 100-pound monster fish leaping as much as retrieve the fish in your fingers, it’s price paying the $2.00 admission to observe the spectacle in individual.
While you’ve had sufficient of the fun, you’ll discover that Robbie’s additionally gives a full market of regionally made crafts to buy and quirky meals stands to take a look at.
With public restrooms accessible, it is a great spot to tug over and stretch your legs in your drive from Miami to Key West.
Admission to the Tarpon dock at Robbie’s value $2.00 per individual. Buckets of fish will be bought for $3.00 every. Hours for visiting are 7 AM to eight PM.
Locations to eat in Islamorada
MARKER 88
Sticking to the theme of a basic Florida Keys sundown, the Marker 88 is positioned on a pier dealing with the Gulf, full with a white sand seashore, music, and Caribbean vibe, it’s THE place to observe the sundown in Islamorada.
That includes Florida Keys impressed flavors infused into freshly caught seafood, it’s a tasty place to sip on a Hemmingway and watch the solar disappear on the horizon.
Locations to remain in Islamorada
Cheeca Lodge: that includes 214 spacious rooms on 27 acres of lush backyard, all lined with turquoise water and towering palms, this lodge is an oasis in paradise. The property additionally includes a 525-foot pier, touting it because the longest within the Keys, which is the proper place to benefit from the sundown or solid a reel. This Islamorada luxurious resort gives snorkeling, sea kayaking, bicycling, scuba diving, and three first-class eating places.
Casa Morada: this privately owned resort gives 16 upscale suites giving an environment that’s personal, peaceable and serene. The spotlight of the resort is Casa Morada’s spectacular personal island which is accessed by a dramatic footbridge and includes a freshwater pool, secluded cabana and the Sundown Gazebo bar with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Marathon – Florida Keys
Our cease in Marathon was a brief one, as we used the island for a transit cease to interrupt up the journey again to Miami from Key West.
We ended up leaving Key West within the early afternoon, round 2 PM and started driving north.
We stopped on the Bahia Honda State Park after which cruised into Marathon by 5 PM. This gave us sufficient time to settle into our room and head all the way down to the water for the most effective sunsets we had throughout our street journey.
If in case you have the time, there’s a nice helicopter tour that leaves from Marathon. You get to fly over town of Marathon, then alongside the complete size of the Seven Mile Bridge to the small island of Cash Key.
Get pleasure from trying down into the clear blue water, stuffed with marine life and colourful reefs.
Locations to Go to in Marathon
BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK
Situated earlier than you arrive at Marathon when heading northbound on the Abroad Freeway, this park is gorgeous and to suppose we virtually drove proper by with out stopping makes us cringe.
What the park lacks in inexperienced vegetation it makes up for in countless expanses of white sand seashores. It additionally offers you entry to climbing up on to one of many unique bridges that had been constructed from Miami to Key West.
Bahia Honda State Park did expertise some injury when Hurricane Irma got here by way of on the finish of 2017 however rehabilitation efforts are in place and many of the park continues to be accessible.
Positively make a while to tug into this state park, deliver some drinks, snacks and plan a while simply stress-free.
Entrance into the park is $8USD per car (2-8 individuals) and the hours are 8 AM to sundown each day of the yr.
Locations to eat in Marathon
BUTTERFLY CAFE
Situated contained in the Tranquility Bay Resort, this café gives an intimate and comfy setting with a wide selection of meals choices.
Meshing collectively Italian fare with contemporary seafood, it’s an excellent place to sit down outdoors and benefit from the ocean air amongst tiki torches. Try the menu right here.
Locations to remain in Marathon
Tranquility Bay Resort: This property is the sort of place you’ll be able to verify into for a week-long trip and by no means go away from.
It’s large, providing all of the facilities you possibly can think about, a number of swimming pools, a personal white sand seashore, towering palm timber, golf course and extra.
The lodging options spacious townhouse-style rooms laid out as 2 stage flats with a residing space, full kitchen, higher and decrease decks, a number of bedrooms and en-suite laundry. It’s a real dwelling away from dwelling.
Massive Pine Key – Florida Keys
This a part of the Florida Keys holds the essence of the island chain, a chance to step away from the commercialism and discover the wild facet of Florida.
With many of the land being a protected protect, it’s the proper place to go into the uninhabited backcountry with a kayak and rise up shut with the character that makes Florida such an American icon.
Of all of the islands on our journey, Massive Pine Key was the one one which confirmed any lasting injury from Hurricane Irma.
Sadly, this was the hardest-hit space and the storm pulled up an enormous quantity of mature mangrove forest in its path altering the face of the island.
Regardless of this, it’s nonetheless attractive and completely price a cease for a kayaking journey, on the naked minimal.
Our Stops in Massive Pine Key
BIG PINE KAYAK
Invoice Keogh has lived within the decrease keys for twenty years, which means he is aware of the world higher than anybody might think about.
His every day kayaking eco-tours supply the chance to discover dense mangrove forests, be taught concerning the steadiness of the native eco-system, see wildlife and throughout get pleasure from a big day on the water.
If in case you have extra time to spend and need to actually get into the guts of the backcountry, Massive Pine Kayak gives multi-day paddling journeys that mix time on the water with tenting.
Kayaking day journeys on Massive Pine Key value $50USD and function seven days per week. Bookings are important to make sure availability, so you’ll want to plan forward for those who’d prefer to go on a kayak journey throughout your Florida Keys street journey.
Locations to eat in Massive Pine Key
NO NAME PUB
The primary time we learn their slogan ‘a pleasant place if you will discover it’ we knew we needed to go to. Fortunate for us, this little dive pub is positioned simply down the street from Massive Pine Kayak and about as native as you will get.
The excessive of your go to will likely be strolling by way of the doorways to find the partitions coated in hanging foreign money from world wide. Not one sq. inch of area has been left uncovered.
You’ll discover typical pub meals, beneficiant parts, and pleasant locals. Our suggestion? Strive the Fish Dip.
Key West – Florida Keys
Wonderful, iconic and legendary, this island on the finish of the street lives as much as its repute.
For so long as I can bear in mind I’ve dreamed a couple of street journey from Miami to Key West, to not solely go to the superb islands alongside the route however to reach in Key West and partake in all the journey there may be on supply.
The dream lastly got here true this yr and Key West didn’t hesitate to satisfy and exceed my expectations.
From the historical past to the thrilling journey on supply and every thing in between, Key West is a spot that each traveler ought to go to no less than as soon as of their lives.
An absolute should is escaping to the secluded islands and tropical seashores off the coast of Key West on this guided, full-day catamaran journey to historic Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park.
Historical past buffs and out of doors fanatics alike will love this distinctive voyage on an opulent, state-of-the-art catamaran.
Get pleasure from snorkeling (gear offered) within the crystal blue waters and take within the navy fort, nationwide park, campground, sandy seashores and coral reefs that make this space particular. One other bonus, breakfast, and lunch are included!
If you’re in search of a day of extra lively water actions you’ve got many nice choices to select from. Key West gives a plethora of excursions from a Sail, Snorkel & Kayak journey to Shipwreck Snorkel & Wild Dolphin Encounter.
High adventures in Key West
BACKCOUNTY HELICOPTER TOUR
Fingers down probably the most spectacular strategy to expertise Key West is from above. The usual helicopter journey takes you over and across the complete island earlier than touchdown you again on the airport.
Nonetheless, we’d extremely suggest a splurge on the Final Expertise tour that features the usual and eco backcountry excursions in a tremendous 30-minute flight.
Flying away from Key West, over the large reef that surrounds the island and out over an enormous expanse of uninhabited islands was the spotlight of our journey.
Not solely is it completely attractive however the quantity of marine life you’ll be able to see from the air can have you second-guessing a swim later.
On the day of our flight, we noticed a number of sharks together with a large Bull Shark that was simply 12 toes in size.
Helicopter excursions with Air Adventures, the one helicopter tour operator on the island, go away from the Key West Worldwide Airport.
PARASAILING
For so long as I can bear in mind I’ve wished to take a street journey from Miami to Key West and go parasailing.
Name me loopy, however it was a satisfying second to be tethered from the again of a velocity boat hovering 300 toes up within the air over the brilliant blue waters of probably the most southern tip of the USA.
We sailed excessive above the water with Fury Adventures and beloved the enjoyable employees and top-notch gear. Parasailing journeys final 1 hour and depart on the hour from 9 AM to six PM every day.
REEF SNORKELING TRIP
One of many issues that make Key West interesting is the shut entry to the one residing coral reef in america and there’s no scarcity of accessible boat excursions that may take you there.
We booked a morning snorkel journey with Sebago Watersports and lucked out with good climate, which means we had been in a position to journey out to probably the most stunning sections of the reef.
To not point out, since Key West is a infamous celebration vacation spot, the morning snorkel departure was solely half full. This made for a tremendous, uncrowded snorkeling journey.
Our sizzling tip, skip the drinks the evening earlier than and ebook a morning tour to essentially have an intimate expertise with the Florida Keys reef.
SHIPWRECK MUSEUM
Not solely is Key West a improbable place to take in the tropics however it’s also an island that’s wealthy in historical past.
Throughout the instances of pirates and colonization, many ships ran aground on the large reefs off the shores of Key West. It turned often called one of many richest locations to plunder and salvage amongst ship crews.
In consequence, many ships relaxation on its shores and the museum takes you thru the historical past of the numerous shipwrecks fabled pasts. If you happen to like pirate lore or are in any respect fascinated by the colonial days, this museum is price a go to.
SMATHERS BEACH
The perfect seashore in Key West is an compulsory go to. As you’ll be able to think about, it options gorgeous stretches of white sand that ease gently into heat Caribbean waters.
Seaside chair and umbrella leases can be found on-site, in addition to free parking entry in lots throughout the street from the seashore entrance.
Essentially the most gratifying side is the boardwalk-style entry factors that lead you thru avenues of palm timber. Many meals vans additionally frequent the world so you possibly can simply spend a full day right here for those who had the time.
SOUTHERNMOST POINT
While you stand at this monument you’ll be able to look out and know that you’re precisely 90 miles from Cuba. You’re additionally on the Southernmost Level within the continental United States.
It’s a improbable spot for an compulsory journey picture however take into accout it’s in all probability probably the most well-liked issues to do in Key West.
It’s finest to reach both very first thing within the morning or within the night because the strains in the midst of the day can go on for blocks. I’m speaking hours of wait time to have your likelihood on the buoy.
SUNSET AT MALLORY SQUARE
Watching the sundown in Key West is an compulsory exercise and also you haven’t performed it proper till you’ve attended the sundown celebration at Mallory Sq.. The long-lasting celebration takes place every day, beginning two hours earlier than sundown.
The sq. fills with individuals and distributors promoting a wide range of Key West nibbles like conch fritters, fresh-made guacamole, and coconut drinks. To not point out the road performers. It’s the good strategy to finish the day.
If you’re in search of one thing just a little quieter, or perhaps you simply need to have fun the sundown on the water, then reserving a Champagne Celebration Sundown Cruise is the tour for you.
Benefit from the peaceable calm of a late afternoon sail on a snug catamaran restricted to simply 14 passengers. Get pleasure from an excellent collection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and a connoisseur cheese buffet.
Then watch because the solar glistens and gently settles into the water, an ideal ending to an ideal day.
NIGHT KAYAKING ON IBIS BAY
We’ve by no means gone for a paddle in illuminated kayaks earlier than, so this was one thing very distinctive for us to attempt in Key West.
The tour departs from the pier in entrance of the Stoned Crab restaurant subsequent to the Ibis Bay Resort after sundown and spends the higher a part of 3 hours paddling across the Ibis Bay in the hunt for marine life.
It’s an eco-conscious tour and we discovered the information to be each humorous and informative. He identified all kinds of marine life and we discovered lots concerning the eco-system of the waters that encompass Key West.
The glass backside kayaks with gentle illumination offered an fascinating factor and allowed us to see every thing on the ocean ground as we handed by. If you happen to’re in search of one thing distinctive and completely different, positively give the evening kayaking tour a attempt.
Greatest Locations to eat in Key West
THE STONED CRAB
Merely put, this place is superb and our favourite place to dine in Key West. Set on the pier on the Ibis Bay Resort, The Stoned Crab lets you benefit from the environment of Key West paired with probably the most superb choices of seafood one might want for.
All of their seafood is regionally sourced and on the finish of every meal, you’re introduced with the playing cards of the fisherman that made your catch. It’s a novel side and an all-around gratifying expertise.
KERMIT’S KEY LIME SHOPPE
Whilst you can actually order a sandwich right here, your main motive to go to is their well-known Key Lime Pie on a stick.
No go to to Key West, or the Florida Keys for that matter, could be full and not using a go to to Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe. And it doesn’t cease on the pie, you’ll additionally discover Key Lime salsa, chutney, taffy, jelly beans, tea, olive oil and effectively, you get the image.
LUCY’S RETIRED SURFER BAR
What we beloved about this restaurant was the situation, away from the bars and busy piers on Key West. From the second we had been seated, we had been in a position to calm down and benefit from the quiet ambiance round us.
It’s a refreshing place to get away from the hustle of Duval Road they usually serve a scrumptious number of seafood, artistic burgers and tropical island cocktails. Make sure to order a Shark Assault drink.
Locations to remain in Key West
The Marker – that includes 96 visitor rooms with personal balconies, swimming pool, eating choices, and onsite valet parking, The Marker blends the standard structure of the island with luxurious. Notably, it’s the solely new resort to be in-built Key West in 20 years.
We beloved our spacious room and located the situation to be good for exploring extra of the island on foot. The resort is positioned roughly a 10-minute stroll from Duval Road and it’s straightforward to hop proper onto the boardwalk that follows the sting of town.
Certainly one of America’s Greatest Street Journeys
It’s plain {that a} street journey from Miami to Key West by way of the Florida Keys is a basic American street journey.
From the second we arrived in Key Largo till we drove all the best way down and again, we discovered ourselves immersed in distinctive American tradition, gorgeous surroundings and a spot like no different within the USA.
Somebody as soon as instructed me, ‘you haven’t lived till you’ve street tripped by way of the Florida Keys’ and I’ve to confess, they had been proper.
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