The Ultimate Guide to Driving From Miami to Key West
Looking for the best way to get to Key West? Sure you can fly there, but the drive from Miami is a must-experience road trip.
For road trip enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than driving the Florida Keys. The drive from Miami to Key West isn’t one of Florida’s most scenic routes for no reason. This 166-mile drive with pitstops that include the Everglades, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Islamorada, Seven Mile Bridge, and of course Key West, is one of the most popular drives in the country.
It’s such a beautiful and scenic route with so much to do that I don’t recommend racing against the clock to fit it all in a day. Trust me, you’ll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West.
Why Should You Drive from Miami to Key West
I couldn’t recommend driving through the Keys to get to Key West more. Especially if you’ve never been to Key West. I highly suggest driving instead of flying directly in because the views are truly unbeatable on the road as opposed to in the air.
Not to mention, there is just so much to do that driving the Keys itself should be part of the itinerary. I recommend flying into Miami, renting a car and driving through the keys, and then flying out of Key West when you’re done with your trip. When it comes to this drive, it truly is as much about the journey as it is the destination.
Where to Stay and Fuel Up on Your Drive from Miami to Key West
The drive from Miami to Key West takes a total of 3 ½ hours. But if you want to take your time as you gawk your way through scenic viewpoints, I recommend taking a few days to squeeze in all the quirky and beautiful roadside attractions this route has to offer.
If you’re opting for the slow-paced, unrushed road trip, here are some places to fuel up and rest before heading back out on the road.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the perfect place to rest your head as it is laidback while offering an array of aquatic activities. Go snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking--if it takes place on the water, Key Largo has it.
Islamorada
Translating to “purple island,” Islamorada encompasses 6 of the Florida Keys. Islamorada was aptly named for the purple sunset that Spanish explorers witnessed (according to legend). If hiking and exploring shipwrecks is your vibe, Islamorada is more than accommodating.
Marathon
Marathon is a great halfway point between Miami and Florida. So if you’re short on time but still want to split the drive up, I recommend spending the night in Marathon. If you’re looking for aquatic activities, Marathon will deliver in the form of deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
Key West
As the final destination on your itinerary, you’re more than likely to spend several days in Key West. And while you can check out the best things to do in Key West here, I recommend booking your stay at either the Casa Marina Key West (A Waldorf Astoria) or The Reach, both of which are Hilton properties.
The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Miami to Key West
Now that all the logistics are out of the way, let’s dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. First stop…
Miami
Since you’re starting your journey here, I recommend taking a few days to explore this Florida hotspot. There’s so much more to Miami than partying. Check out the amazing restaurants the city has to offer, visit the culturally rich Little Havana, and spend a day soaking in the art scene at the PAMM (Perez Art Museum Miami) or at the Wynwood Murals.
Coral Castle Museum
The Coral Castle Museum is a quirky and eclectic roadside attraction that has many people scratching their heads. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin.
It has been said that Ed was 5 feet tall and a total of 100 lbs. So how exactly he constructed this massive mix of castle, part garden, and part sculptures has left lots of people with questions.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. It is teeming with wildlife and it is arguably one of the best National Parks on the East Coast.
Go on a Floridian safari as you spot alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther at this lush, marsh landscape.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Consider yourself an amateur ornithologist? The Florida Keys is a great place to bird-watch as you can catch glimpses of owls, shorebirds, pelicans, and hawks. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option.
The center nurses and provides a home for sick and injured birds who aren’t quite fit to survive in the wild. This non-profit center offers educational tours and an opportunity to donate to a great cause.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
As you make your way through Key Largo, be sure to check off a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Labeled the first subaquatic park in the United States, the Coral Reef State Park offers guests a chance to take their explorations underwater.
The best way to experience the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park? Dive beyond the surface. Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. However, staying above water means missing out on the park’s magic and allure. If swimming isn’t your strong suit, you can book a glass-bottom boat tour so that you can peek through the glass into this underwater world.
Key Largo Chocolates
Welcome to the only chocolatier in the Florida Keys. Key Largo Chocolates is the brainchild of Bob and Kristie Thomas, and it features handmade truffles crafted using ingredients including the best chocolates from all around the world.
You have to get the specialty chocolate bark with key lime and pistachios. And for a real quirky treat, order the “chocodile” which is a 9-inch long chocolate crocodile made of either white or dark chocolate.
Key Largo Conch House
We all get hungry on the road. And no matter how many bags of Hot Cheetos we consume, we still can’t get enough. If you’re looking for an air-conditioned restaurant to rest and indulge, check out the Key Largo Conch House. Select from a menu of fresh local seafood and delicious desserts.
Snook’s Bay Restaurant and Grand Tiki Bar
If you’re making a pitstop in Key Largo, plan for a dinner at Snook’s Bay Restaurant and Grand Tiki Bar. Snook’s is an open-air eatery that offers sprawling views of the gorgeous Key Largo waterfront. The specialty here is their daily fresh-caught fish, Angus beef and chicken dishes, and of course their tropical cocktails.
History of Diving Museum
Curious about the discoveries and life under the surface? The History of Diving Museum is a great place in Islamorada that expands on man’s never-ending quest to venture under the sea.
Rain Barrel Artisan Village
Explore your artistic side by visiting the open-air Rain Barrel Artisan Village. Here you’ll find works by local sculptors, artists, and creatives that will be sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Robbie’s Marina
You cannot miss this stop in Islamorada. I’ve been coming here since I was in the 3rd grade! My first visit here was memorable to say the least (I was bit by a pelican), but I still enjoyed feeding the tarpon. Since then, Robbies has grown from a little pit-stop to the place you must stop on your drive from Miami to Key West.
Robbie’s Marina is the number one place to be for tourists traveling through the keys. Robbie’s offer a ton of activities from snorkeling, boat rentals, SNUBA diving (no certification required), sunset cruises, parasailing, and so much more.
Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. Not hungry? Feed the Tarpon instead for $2.25 per person.
Dolphin Research Center
Head over to Grassy Key in Marathon and visit the Dolphin Research Center. This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. This is a great place for animal lovers as it provides educational resources for those curious about one of the world’s smartest creatures.
Turtle Hospital
Continuing on in Marathon, animal lovers won’t want to miss a stop at the Turtle Hospital. Just like the Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital gives a home for injured and sick turtles as they nurture these endangered creatures back to health.
This is a very popular spot on any drive from Miami to Key West, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.
Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge is arguably the most iconic view on a Miami to Key West road trip. Starting in Knight’s Key and ending in Duck Key, this scenic bridge is your key to unlocking some of the lesser-known islands in the Florida Keys. Soak in the azure waters as you drive this lengthy stretch, and take in the views of the little islands. And if you can, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins.
Bahia Honda State Park
Go off the beaten track and head to Bahia Honda State Park. While most unassuming tourists will visit beaches in Key Largo and Key West, locals know that the most beautiful beaches like Sandspur Beach and Loggerhead Beach can be found at Bahia Honda State Park.
National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center
Did you know that the Florida Keys is home to an endangered species of deer known as the Florida Key deer? While most naturally assume that the keys play home to more aquatic life, it is also home to these adorable little deer. You aren’t likely to find one of them in the wild so visiting the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key is your chance to catch a rare glimpse.
Key West
You’ve made it to your final destination! But before you even think about hopping on a plane back home, there is plenty for you to still explore.
The Best time to Drive From Miami to Key West
The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Otherwise, the best time to drive from Miami to Key West largely depends on your taste in crowds or a lack thereof.
Flocking with the herd? Visit in the wintertime where it’s most popular to drive from Miami to Key West. The downside is that you can expect more traffic and higher accommodation costs.
Avoiding the crowd? Your best bet is to plan your drive between March and the end of May.