Miami To Key West: An Epic Road Trip
Imagine driving along the overseas highway from Miami to Key West, cruising along with the 100-mile road stretching out in front of you, pausing only to soak up the sights and dive into its delicious seafood. This is one of the great American road trips with some of the best fishing spots, authentic food experiences, and unique festivals. The bottom line: it’s the sunny escape you've been looking for.
This will help you and your road trip buddies create an unforgettable 3-day experience to ensure the best journey possible - whether you plan to stay just for a day or even a week in the Keys.
Starting wiiiiith (drums please)...
Key West from Miami? How Far Is It?
Driving down to the Florida Keys, all the way from Miami to Key West, is about a three or four-hour drive, making it the perfect weekend road trip. Or even a spontaneous romantic day trip in Key West with your boo.
Day 1: Starting point, Miami
How long should you stay in Miami before embarking on your road trip to Key West? Well, it will depend on the time you have. We heartily recommend enjoying the calm and colorful lifestyle for at least one day and night. Here are our five favorite spots to explore while in Miami:
Iconic Fontainebleau Hotel
Downtown Miami
Mary Brickell Village
HistoryMiami Museum
Bayside Marketplace
Day 2: Moving on to Key Largo & Islamorada
Once your full-day Miami experience ends, it's time to embark on your road trip. Key Largo and Islamorada are the most popular stops on your way to Key West. However, as travel plan experts, we can help you explore the keys as a local. You’ll pass over 30+ beaches with restaurants, historical landmarks, and numerous sights, but here are some of the most exclusive, picturesque, and unique attractions.
Key Largo Highlights: The scuba diving capital of the world. Entirely dedicated to providing locals and tourists with a world-class scuba diving experience. Dive trips are planned by scuba divers for scuba divers. Plus, many companies in Key Largo offer combo scuba/snorkel packages, so they can help you find a location that works for everyone.
Just south of Key Largo, you reach Islamorada! Although best known for water sports and incredible ocean life, Islamorada allows you to learn about history at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center and the History of Diving Museum. Round out your stop with a stroll and your first taste of hogfish or Key Lime Pie at the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District.
Day 3: Duck Key & Seven Mile Bridge
Hey, you are halfway there! And just before driving over Seven Mile Bridge, you should stop at the relaxed and lesser-known Duck Key.
Duck Key Highlights: With tropical vegetation, beaches, Hawks Cay Resort, and more, this is well worth a brief stop or even an overnight stay.
Moving on to the Seven Mile Bridge: It connects Marathon with Little Duck Key. It offers the best part of this section of your road trip with the experience of driving for miles on end with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other!
You made it; final stop: Key West
Once you arrive, you'll want to take the ultimate selfie posing under Mile Marker 0 and spend at least one night and a day in Key West.
You're in for a treat. Remember that at Vacation Key West, planning your vacation is a breeze. We help you plan (for free) your entire trip, including as many activities as possible in and around the city's hub, Duval Street. Not to mention all kinds of tours, activities, foodie experiences, and much more. This place has it all.
Key West is something for everyone. Book your free travel plan.