Hey, no hard feelings if you didnt like something I recommended! First stop. Flocking with the herd? Day 1: Arrive in Key West. With an unobstructed view to the west, this is also a great spot for sunset and a few sundowners. The Key West highway passes through some 40+ islands before reaching the southernmost city in the continental United . If you want a table here, you should put your name on the list before you even start planning your road trip. Since then, they have rehabbed and released more than 1,500 turtles back into the water surrounding the Florida Keys. They are one of the first companies to ever start offering airboat tours through the Everglades, the tour guides were entertaining & educating, was the lowest priced, had thousands of 5* reviews, and we saw TONS of Alligators! On my road trip, I was cursed with very bad weather most of my trip (which is extremely rare in the Florida Keys). 1:51 pm Miami. With Cuba being 90 miles from Key West, that is simply too far to spot. If swimming isnt your strong suit, you can book a glass-bottom boat tour so that you can peek through the glass into this underwater world. But before you even think about hopping on a plane back home, there is plenty for you to still explore. Fun fact: The highway is Florida's only All-American Road, a distinction awarded by the Federal Highway . When Joseph and I went to the Florida Keys Brewery, a famous country band (LoCash, heard of them?!) 23 UNIQUE Things to do in La Fortuna Time for an adventure! Movie buffs will surely want to pull over to take a scenic ride through the canals of Key Largo aboard the ship from the movie, The African Queen. From here, you are just over 100 miles from Key West, with lots of fun adventures ahead of you. Schnebly is also hugewith lush walkable grounds perfect for sipping and strolling. The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway. Driving from the city of Miami to Key West in Florida and along Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) is a classic American road trip. If you want to do snorkel cruises and relax at the beach, you will want to go late spring / early fall. In this Key West Road Trip travel guide, I detail my 3 recommended sleeping spots, a few must-pack items, common questions, an extremely detailed road trip from Miami to Key West itinerary, and a little bonus section incase you want to swap anything out! The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the world's best scenic drives and the only road to Key West. There's one main road into and out of Key West, and that's the Overseas Highway. Best Time for Driving from Miami to Key West. Pull up a seat at the bar and grab a flight of tasty beers from the long list of brews. You can scroll to see the different categories - stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants. During his time in the keys was when his most successful books were published. Length: 106 miles. Miami To Key West Drive. Its not too big but also covers your face perfectly, highly recommend. Once you arrive in Key West, check into your hotel and head to Mallory Square for their nightly Sunset Celebration! Key West is 165 miles from Miami on US1, about 3 hours and 45 minutes on a good day. Click here to check out the property I stayed at that was right in the heart of Key Largo! The menu often changes as everything is fresh. Most people rush their way down to Key West, which is deserving of your time, but there are lots of things to see in the Northern and Middle Keys too. The map below shows the best sights for your Miami to Key West drive. If you have the time and desire you can drive. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option. A: There are 165 miles between Miami and Key West, and if you drove it straight, it would take a little over 3 hours. The weekends are when the real parties are, while regional visitors are also coming down to partake in the parties. If you drive from Miami as suggested, the best way to get to Key Largo is to take LeJeune Road south to 836 West, take the Florida Turnpike south toward Key West where the turnpike will end at Overseas Highway US 1 in Florida City. You dont have to go very far between stops on a road trip from Miami to Key West to find fun places to grab a drink. Where: The Florida Keys Highway starts at the southern tip of Florida near Miami and continues from Key Largo to Key West. Islamorada was aptly named for the purple sunset that Spanish explorers witnessed (according to legend). Visit in the wintertime where its most popular to drive from Miami to Key West. Robbies because famous for its terrapin feeding, which started after trying to nurse an injured fish back to health. It is the first & biggest Key in the Florida Keys and is home to the first underwater state park in the USA! You cannot miss this stop in Islamorada. Day 3: Road Trip to Key West - One of the most Scenic Drives in the USA. How long is the drive from Miami to Key West? Here is a fun private tour that takes you out to sand bars! 27 Things to do in Buena Park for the PERFECT Girls Weekend! This will give ample time to hit the highlights with some time to truly experience the Keys. Since then, Robbies has grown from a little pit-stop to the place you must stop on your drive from Miami to Key West. The drive time is roughly 3.5 hours if you drove straight through, but as you can tell from this itinerary.. there is much to see along this 165 mile stretch! Over 100 miles and 42 bridges connect 34 islands. For road trip enthusiasts, it doesnt get much better than driving the Florida Keys. As you make your way through Key Largo, be sure to check off a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The Seven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. But it gets scorchingly hot during summers and the hurricane season begins in the month of June till about September - October. It doesnt feel overly touristy or overran by large chains like Best Westerns, Marriots, and Hyatts (nothing against those, but its nice to stay in a local, boutique hotel!). , I would HIGHLY recommend stopping at least once on your Road trip from Miami to Key West! 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo. There are two signs, one on each side of the road one for the end of the road and one for the beginning. The Miami to Key West drive via the Overseas Highway is one of the great American road trips and one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles (257 km). If you can get a reservation, we highly recommend it. The drive from Miami to Key West isnt one of Floridas most scenic routes for no reason. It is located 30 mins away from the Miami zoo area and about an hour from North Miami / Miami Beach area. and leave at 7:36 pm. Your first stop is just about an hour south of the city. Here's avery worthy member of Homesteads legendary repertoire of Mexican food. There is also an abundance of Uber / Lyfts (which I was really shocked about)! Plan to pack and re-pack your bag a few times, but I promise it will be worth it! Day 2: Key West. Not to mention, there is just so much to do that driving the Keys itself should be part of the itinerary. If you are thinking about making the drive from Miami to Key West, this guide is for you. . They do the classics here and they do them damn well. You can join this Hemingway Food and Walking tour. The route is best driven in a convertible, takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands, and historical sites . , On the last day of your Miami to Key West road trip, its time to end with a BANG! The world-renowned author Ernest Hemingway called Key West home for most of the 1930s. It has been said that Ed was 5 feet tall and a total of 100 lbs. You can rent boats or go with a tour company, but their are many different sand bars a short boat ride away. If youre not exhausted from the day, you can end your night bar hopping along Duval Street! Cuban sandwich: $8.50-10. Established in 1967, Mrs. Mac's Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is an awesome place to stop for a snack along the drive from Miami to Key West. On your road trip in the Keys, you can stop in and see the turtles that are currently being treated on one of their 90-minute tours that start on the hour from 9 am-4 pm daily. It is an Opal property, which if you have never stayed at an Opal property before.. you can thank me later. Stop 1: Coral Castle. 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. Go snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking--if it takes place on the water, Key Largo has it. Key Largo to Key West is a classic Florida Keys road trip!Within a 100-mile distance from Key Largo to Key West along the Florida Overseas Highway, you can go snorkeling, kayaking, try many local delicacies, stroll on endless beaches and soak in the views.. You can plan a Florida Keys road trip in several different ways. Theres so much more to Miami than partying. The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. Head over to Grassy Key in Marathon and visit the Dolphin Research Center. The last good thing to know before visiting Key West, Florida is that Key West is a big cruise ship port. this hotel, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel, this hotel Uma House by Yurbban South Beach. The many bridges offer the most dramatic views of the endless expanses of beautiful Caribbean waters. This highway crosses 42 bridges, providing plenty of picturesque vantage points to stop and take photos. Whether you want to stay in an Old Victorian style bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or luxury resort.. there is an option for everyone! Islamorada's premier taproom is full of Keys charm. They also make some great brunch. The Florida Keys are one of the best spots in the US to go on a road trip. Card Sound Road roughly parallels Route 1. I hope you love this little piece of the world as much as I do!! As the final destination on your itinerary, youre more than likely to spend several days in Key West. If you are staying in the Brickell area of Miami like I recommended, catch an Uber / Lyft to Miami Beach for some site seeing during the day and then explore downtown Brickell at night! I knew I was going to be on the beach for an entire week eating beach bar food, so I wanted [], [] actually did a full Miami to Key West Road Trip, but I have to admit.. the highlight of that week long trip was definitely Key West! Your best bet is to plan your drive between March and the end of May. This is when it pays to be a passenger. So if youre short on time but still want to split the drive up, I recommend spending the night in Marathon. For this reason, people are constantly turning on and off the main highway, causing everyone to drive pretty slow. This painted concrete buoy is a popular photo spot that marks the piece of land furthest south in the Continental United States. Its the little things, isnt it? Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille (at the Galleon Resort): 617 Front St, Key West, FL 33040. Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. I do think you should drive from Miami to Key West, but then FLY out of Key West to go home! When it first opened with a female lighthouse keeper in the 19 th century, it was quite a rarity.. Have the most amazing sushi and Asian food at, See downtown Miami from the best view possible at. Even on a Tuesday night when we went the place was packed, which always means the food & drinks are good! The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant is located at the famous Robbies of Islamorada for feeding the tarpon. We stopped at the original Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for food on the way to Key West and had a wonderful experience. Located 150 miles southwest of Miami, Key West is the most distant inhabited part of the Florida Keys archipelago. You cant miss the bright yellow building that make up Islamorada Beer Company and their adjoining distillery. We luckily got paired on board with, what Joseph and I think, were professional dancers. You can also click each item on the map for more information. This is a great place for animal lovers as it provides educational resources for those curious about one of the worlds smartest creatures. Heres a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Key West and standout meals from our recent trip to Key West. Welcome to the only chocolatier in the Florida Keys. There are over 43 bars on Duval Street, but here are some of my recommendations: Ive written a full Key West Itinerary listing everything you can do in Key West, but I will give you a quick run through here, Key West is definitely where all the action is in the keys and you will want to make sure you give yourself at least a full day to explore all the sites! Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. The islands are all connected by Highway 1 or The Overseas Highway.. Mile marker: 108-90 The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. This massive Navy ship sits about 6 miles from the shore of Key Largo and is one of the top dive sites in the Florida Keys. Bonus Ideas for your Road Trip From Miami to Key West, What to Pack for a Miami to Key West Road Trip. We went on this Key West Mangrove Kaying tour with Lazy Dog. Since youre starting your journey here, I recommend taking a few days to explore this Florida hotspot. That way you can spend about an hour at the Everglades and still get a good amount of the day to spend in Key Largo! The hotel I chose to stay in was the brand new Captiana Key West! They are connected by a series of bridges, making for quite a memorable road trip. Shuttles like Greyhound Lines and Key Shuttles are also available in Miami Beach . We suggest a 2-3 day road trip driving through the Florida Keys to hit most of the highlights with a few nights in Key West at the end. We suggest staying at least a night or two in the Northern or Middle Keys and if you have time on your road trip, both. Driving from Miami to Key West takes around four hours over the Overseas Highway (Highway 1) and its 42 bridges. OR if you just want to extend and spend some more time in Key West or Miami, you can add these to your itinerary! Yes, hurricanes do happen in the Keys, though not as often as people think. (plus 190 nautical miles) 5 hours 30 minutes. This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. One of the best things to do after a road trip down the Florida Keys is to sit back and let someone else do the driving or sailing rather aborad a sunset catamaran cruise. Miami was a city that completely surprised me, in a good way! The previous hurricanes have created big havoc and hence it is advisable to avoid that duration. Many tourists choose this island for vacation every year due to its tropical climate and fun atmosphere. Marathon is a perfect rest stop because it's directly halfway between Miami and Key West. There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. Its the only way youre getting to Key West via car. This 3-day Miami to Key West itinerary provides the most memorable experience, from stunning views, artistic streets, and the loveliest beaches. Just about any night of the year, you can find great live music, fun, and entertainment. Itll take you just under four hours (with light traffic) to get to Key West from Miami. After youve done plenty of adventuring, its time to reward yourself with comfort food, good drinks, and the best atmosphere in the Keys at the Florida Keys Brewery! The movie starred Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Visiting Clearwater Beach is without a question a lovely choice on the road trip from Orlando to Key West. Lauderdale. We started our meal with the crab beignets and, scallops & bacon, and each got todays catch blackened. Dinner tables book up months in advance. Feed the Tarpon instead for $2.25 per person. Manatee Bay Eco Tours. There are mangrove swamps to kayak and hammocks to lounge in, but the main draw to the park is what lies beneath the surface. And, if you like what you try, you can take home a few bottles foryour collection. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Every night you can expect crowds to form in Mallory Square to witness the best sunset in the keys. favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. We already have this email. While in Key West, you can visit the home he shared with his wife of the time, Pauline. DUH, of course you need a good set of presets so you can quickly edit on the go! The Keys stretch across 125 miles. The keys are very narrow with everything being right off the highway (not a town that you get off the highway and can walk around). Because Key West is both a tourism hotspot and the last island in the chain, the already high costs of the Keys are exacerbated here. Like how this photo was edited?! At the southwestern end of Key West lies the end of the road at Mile Marker 0. I couldnt recommend driving through the Keys to get to Key West more. The chef, Graham Dailey, has been on Iron Chef and trained under Anthony Bourdain. Authentic, delicious and cheapTaqueria Morelia is a perfect place to fuel up before strapping in for the last couple hours of your drive. The Florida Keys were not as heavily affected by Hurricane Ian as other areas of Florida. If you are looking for a more filling meal, make sure to check out our best Cuban food in Key West article. $152 - $456. This is the kind of quirky sight that Florida is famous for, so it's a great start to your Miami to Key West road trip. Continuing on in Marathon, animal lovers wont want to miss a stop at the Turtle Hospital. The climate is warm year round. Unfortunately, no! The best dive bar in all of Key Largo, featuring a lively cast of all the lovable misfits who find themselves down in this area of South Florida. and leave at 5:21 pm. The Best Time Of Year For A Miami To Key West Road Trip: In this guide, you learned a perfect road trip itinerary, my recommended 3 stopping points, common questions about the Florida Keys, a few must-pack items, and a list of bonus ideas to swap out anything on the itinerary! Day 4: Key West Site Seeing + Catamaran Sunset Cruise. For dinner, head to Half Shell Raw Bar which had the BEST stone crab Ive ever had! The restaurant is one of Zagats highest-rated restaurants in Key West. Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping in Everglades National Park, Day 3: Road Trip to Key West One of the most Scenic Drives in the USA, Day 4: Key West Site Seeing + Catamaran Sunset Cruise, Day 5: Sand Bar Boat Tour + Farewell Dinner, On your Florida Keys road trip, I would recommend stopping in three different spots to break up your drive. Take the iconic Overseas Highway and travel from Miami to Key West. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign With over 600 keys strung together by overwater bridges, this marks one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Between those mile markers, there are plenty of amazing stop-offs with lots of fun and adventures. My first visit here was memorable to say the least (I was bit by a pelican), but I still enjoyed feeding the tarpon. This place is full of kitsch, with the walls and ceilings covered in dollar bills. Many of the dishes here take hints of Caribbean Influences. Here at Cheeca Lodge, they have one of the top spas in the Keys. Theres no shortage of great food in Key West. Ive been coming here since I was in the 3rd grade! Stop at this very pretty beach/park in Marathon. Soak in the azure waters as you drive this lengthy stretch, and take in the views of the little islands. From Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key West, it is 189 miles (304 km). Make sure to indulge in some fresh fish too. On the way from Miami to Key Largo, you will be passing right by one of the most unique and largest National Parks in the USA.. Top 17 Places to Stop on the drive from Miami to Key West. Follow U.S. 1 south to the Keys. A Miami to Key West Road Trip is something that should be on EVERYONES bucket list. Not only can you look at it, but the African Queen is available for private cruises. This tasty little shop has two locations, one downtown and another by the waterfront. Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. A Jam-Packed Capri Day Trip from the Amalfi Coast! . Sample a few, pick one you like and throw a 12-pack in the car. Okay, now that you know where to stay to break up your road trip, lets dive in! Get a little beach time in before you head into the final half of your Key West trip. . That way you can have more time to explore all the sites between Miami and Key West. Best time to visit: September to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds. Robbies Marina is the number one place to be for tourists traveling through the keys. 5 Main regions of the Keys : Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and . We stopped in for breakfast. Allowing for driving and check-in time, the total journey time for this option will take around 8 hours. There are so many things to do in Key West that you would be remiss if you didn't budget some time to stay at least overnight and sample a few. Which just means I have to go back for round two . Set sail with Key Wests first electric catamaran for a truly memorable eco-friendly experience with local wildlife. Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. drive for about 2 hours. US1 is open all the way. Inka Piegsa Quischotte. Hostel beds start at $69 per person; bare-bones motel rooms at $119. 5. On your way to Key West, Youll pass through hundreds of small islands that make up the Florida Keys. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In addition to the pies, Kermits is a locals favorite lunch spot. Is it worth driving from Miami to Key West? Dont miss the giant Key West postcard painted on the side of their waterfront location. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. After a long day of driving, nothing works out the kinks like a good massage. The spots I would recommend are Miami, somewhere in between Miami & Key West (like Key Largo), and Key West! While most naturally assume that the keys play home to more aquatic life, it is also home to these adorable little deer. Rent bikes to cruise along the bike path along the beach! No matter what time of year you visit Fort Myers, its, Bucket List: 6 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico | 2023 Guide, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The Old Key West Lighthouse. My love for travel has taken me all over the world at only 24. On weekends, its a huge party out there. Driving Stop 3: Islamorada (40 min drive from Key Largo) Despite Islamorada being a small town, it is in our opinion one of the best places to visit in the Florida Keys due to the abundance of fun activities in the area. This was my thought process.. I dont think this is a big deal if you are aware, but just keep in mind that you cant be in a rush for your Key West Road Trip! Go on a Floridian safari as you spot alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther at this lush, marsh landscape. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! The drive from Miami to Key West is absolutely breathtaking and is one of the best road trips in the world! Depending on traffic, the drive will take about four hours. 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. If youre looking for an air-conditioned restaurant to rest and indulge, check out the Key Largo Conch House. Get off the beaten path. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! It is one of the best restaurants in Key Largo for sure. The drive to Key West from Miami is stunning. If you join the Hemingway Food and Walking tour, you will visit Sloppy Joes, as it is an important stop.

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