A road trip from Miami to Key West is not just a journey but an adventure! Spanning nearly 165 miles, this scenic drive on the Overseas Highway takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Florida. The road trip is filled with fascinating stops, delicious waterfront dining in Key West, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking views.
Here is a comprehensive guide featuring things to see and do in the Florida Keys on a road trip from Miami to Key West, along with helpful tips for your travel.
How to Get to Key West from Miami
Starting your road trip from the vibrant city of Miami offers an array of travel possibilities. Hop on Florida’s Turnpike and transition onto US-1 S, better known as the Overseas Highway. This iconic highway will guide you across a series of mesmerizing bridges, ultimately leading you to Key West. Approximately a four-hour drive, this scenic route is just as much a part of the adventure as the Florida Keys themselves.
About the Overseas Highway
Driving from mainland Florida down the Overseas Highway, it’s easy to understand why the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 is often referred to as the “Highway that Goes to Sea.” A modern marvel, the 113 miles of roadway from Key Largo to Key West incorporates an astonishing 42 bridges that leapfrog from key to key, forming giant arches of concrete and steel over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors traveling on this highway see countless coral and limestone islets in the sprawling Keys chain. Despite their small size, these islands support vibrant and scenic communities. In 2009, the Overseas Highway was designated as Florida’s first and only All-American Road by the US Federal Highway Administration, joining the ranks of only 30 other roadways in the nation that hold this prestigious title.
First Stop: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Established in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park in the United States. Combined with the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, it covers approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. The park extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean and spans around 25 miles in length. Its primary purpose is to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The park hosts a variety of tropical vegetation, shorebirds, and marine life, with coral formations being the main attractions. Visitors can experience snorkeling tours, scuba tours, or glass-bottom boat tours to marvel at the underwater beauty.
Snorkel at Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area is renowned for its accessibility and popularity, particularly for scuba diving. It is considered one of the most heavily visited reef dive sites globally due to its clear waters, abundant fish population, and numerous boulder corals. The reef is a classic example of an outer reef with a well-defined spur and groove system of coral development. Several prominent dive spots, including North Star, Hole in the Wall, and Fire Coal Cave, make Molasses Reef stand out. Visitors can witness a large ship’s winch and historic Spanish anchor resting on the seafloor near the central portion of Molasses, just offshore of the Molasses Reef Light.
Feed Tarpins by Hand at Robbie’s
Robbie’s is a must-visit stop known for its world-famous tarpon feeding. Here, visitors can hand-feed massive tarpons and enjoy water sports or shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the local shops. The school of more than 100 tarpons visits Robbie’s daily, creating an exciting experience for any traveler. Robbie’s also offers open-air shopping, selling items like art, jewelry, sunglasses, and clothing. Visitors can enjoy cold drinks and music while browsing the shops in this quaint slice of paradise. Additionally, Robbie’s Eco-Tours provide a two-hour trip through the tranquil beauty of Islamorada’s mangroves, perfect for discovering the raw beauty and diverse wildlife of Florida Bay.
Eat at the Iconic Islamorada Fish Company
Famous for its great atmosphere and the freshest Florida seafood, Islamorada Fish Company is a dining experience not to be missed. Guests can dine in an open-air setting overlooking the Florida Bay and enjoy breathtaking sunsets, followed by a stroll along the beaches and docks to discover Florida’s diverse sea life. Some menu highlights include the Oysters Bienville, a dish of baked oysters stuffed with a creamy blend of shrimp, cheese, bacon, vegetables, and aromatics, and the Lobster Mac & Cheese, featuring creamy lobster cheese sauce, lobster pieces, cavatappi pasta, topped with breadcrumbs, and a split lobster tail. A seafood market next door allows guests to purchase the freshest seafood to take home.
Find Fun at the Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center provides an all-natural outdoor setting where visitors can spend an hour or the whole day watching dolphins and sea lions. General admission provides an up-close look at these marine animals during behavior sessions, or visitors can opt for interactive programs, including swimming with the dolphins. The center offers various activities every half-hour, spotlighting different social groups of dolphins and sea lions. Guests can learn fun facts about dolphins, observe ongoing research studies, see how the animals practice behaviors, engage in playtime, and more.
See the Endangered Key Deer at Big Pine Key
Key deer, found only in the Florida Keys, inhabit around 26 islands from Big Pine Key to Sugarloaf Key. With a population estimated to be between 700 and 800 deer, these creatures are considered stable but remain listed as a federally endangered species. Visitors can see Key deer using all habitats within their range, including pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and freshwater wetlands. The smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer, the Key buck, grows to less than a yard high at the shoulders and weighs about 80 pounds, while the does are 24 to 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh about 65 pounds.
Final Stop: The Historic No Name Pub
The No Name Pub has a long and storied history, dating back to 1931 when it was a general store and bait and tackle shop. In 1936, the owners added a small room to create a restaurant, thus birthing the pub. The No Name Pub offers a range of delicious dishes. Start with their Spinach Lobster Artichoke dip, served with tortilla chips. For the main course, try their California Club, which is made with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. The establishment offers a cozy atmosphere and a rich history, making it an excellent final stop on your road trip.
Plan Your Key West Vacation!
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Stay with Key West Vacation Homes
When it comes to accommodations, there are numerous Key West rentals to choose from. Our Key West vacation homes offer an array of options, ranging from quaint rentals to luxurious beachfront homes, providing the perfect base for exploring Key West Florida attractions. Our Key West vacation rentals offer the comforts of home, privacy, and the flexibility to cook your meals, making them a preferred choice for many travelers.
