Stretching 113 miles across turquoise waters, the Overseas Highway is an iconic tropical drive connecting vibrant island communities. Discover the best of the Keys, from snorkeling reefs in Key Largo and quiet beaches in Marathon to the historic charm of Key West.
Our complete Florida Keys road trip guide includes an interactive map, stop highlights, and practical tips for planning your road trip from Miami to Key West.
Table of Contents
Florida Keys Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days
We recommend one week to visit the major attractions along the Florida Keys on this Miami to Key West road trip. To shorten your trip, remove the optional days.
After visiting the city of Miami, hit the road to the Keys.
- Day 1: Key Largo
- Day 2: Islamorada and Marathon
- Day 3: Big Pine and Lower Keys
- Day 4: Big Pine and Lower Keys (optional day)
- Day 5: Key West
- Day 6: Key West
- Day 7: Key West (optional day)
Florida Keys Road Trip Map
The Florida Keys are made up of 5 regions.
Key Largo
Spend the first day of your Florida Keys road trip in Key Largo.
Key Largo is known for spectacular coral reefs, abundant wildlife and agencies dedicated to conserving and protecting both. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park protects part of the only living coral reef system in the continental United States, teeming with colorful marine life. Explore the reef on diving, snorkeling, or glass-bottom boat tours.
The African Queen, the actual vessel used in the classic film, offers a nostalgic cruise through Key Largo’s canals and near-Atlantic waters. We enjoyed recreating scenes from the film and the Captain’s entertaining commentary.
At the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, walk the boardwalk surrounded by native vegetation and wetlands to see a variety of bird species. The birds are housed in large enclosures with natural perching areas and are fed an appropriate diet. The sanctuary is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of non-releasable birds. Don’t miss the daily pelican feeding sessions.
For more details on Key Largo’s natural wonders and attractions, see our full Key Largo guide.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a great destination to explore unique tropical attractions, or just to unwind and relax. This village-like area, spread over six islands, offers activities for every interest.
Stop at the Rain Barrel Village and take your photo with ‘Betsy’, the giant lobster sculpture. Inside this artisan village, find an eclectic collection of crafts and art galleries and fun shops showcasing local artists.
For a get-up-close interaction with marine life, visit Theater of the Sea. Experience the thrill of wading or snorkeling with dolphins, sea lions or sharks. This marine park is a great family destination. Everyone, parents and kids alike, enjoy the dolphin, sea lion and parrot shows.
Robbie’s of Islamorada is a must-visit attraction. Witness the tarpon feeding frenzy while enjoying a delicious seafood sandwich and local beer at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant. After your meal, buy a bucket of fish and feed the tarpon from the dock. Be careful, they have a good jump as they grab the food from your hand. Robbie’s is truly a unique experience.
For more unique attractions, review our Islamorada attractions guide.
Marathon, Florida
Marathon is the half-way point of the Florida Keys. Learn about railroad history, sea turtle rescue and more.
The Pigeon Key Historic District is the former work camp where workers constructing Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad lived. The island’s museum and buildings showcase the story of these workers and the railway they built.
Located at the end of the restored eastern section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key is accessible by walking, biking or taking a tram from the Visitor Center. On the island, enjoy a guided tour and explore the public buildings before returning on the tram. Visitors have the option of snorkeling or fishing from the dock and beach area as well.
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is dedicated to rehabilitating injured sea turtles. Enjoy a guided public tour through the facility. See the different tanks where they rehabilitate the turtles for their eventual release back to ocean.
For those wanting to have intimate encounters with marine life but in controlled environments, there are several top quality locations. Interact with marine creatures in touch tanks at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. At the Dolphin Research Center, there are up-close encounters, swimming and wading with the dolphins. Learn about dolphins and sea lions at this interesting facility.
For more details on the Marathon area, use our complete Marathon Florida visitor’s guide.
Big Pine and the Lower Keys
The Big Pine Key and the islands of the Lower Keys offer a variety of outdoor activities which showcase the areas less-developed natural environment.
Looe Key Reef, part of the only coral reef in the continental United States, is a popular snorkeling and diving spot known for its diverse marine species. Book a chartered boat tour to explore this amazing coral reef.
Kayaking is the best way to explore the untouched mangroves of the Lower Keys. Book a guided kayak tour to get the most out of this adventure through the pristine waters of a natural paradise.
Learn about the endangered Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge. Drop into the refuge visitor center located on Big Pine Key. There are several hiking trails on Big Pine and Upper Sugarloaf Keys to explore the area and, maybe, see the small deer.
For beach lovers Bahia Honda State Park is paradise, offering three beautiful sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, as well as kayak and paddle board rentals. Walk the trail to see the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, once part of the Overseas Railroad.
For more details on visiting the Big Pine Key area, see our outdoor Big Pine and the Lower Keys guide.
Key West
You’ve reached the star attraction on the road trip, the quirky and historic city of Key West, at the southern tip of the Florida Keys.
Take a stroll in Key West’s Old Town and see the beautiful architecture, restaurants and art galleries of the area. At night, Key West becomes even more animated with live music pouring out of the many bars along Duval Street.
The city’s rich history is on display in Key West’s many museums. The one of the most popular museums is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Be sure to get your photo beside the Southernmost Point Monument, a huge, colorful buoy.
Finally, no trip to the Florida Keys is complete without witnessing a breathtaking Key West sunset at Mallory Square.
For more details on visiting Key West, see our complete Key West guide.
Florida Keys Activities
With its spectacular natural beauty, the Florida Keys offer a variety of outdoor activities for everyone from kids to adults and the thrill-seeker to the lay-on-the-beacher.
Best Beaches in the Florida Keys
All beaches in the Keys offer stunning turquoise water. Beyond that there is a wide range of water depth, stillness, beach types (sandy, rocky, natural) and nearby amenities.
Here are the 6 most popular beaches in the Florida Keys, each offering something a little different.
| Beach Name | Location | Known for |
| Bahia Honda State Park | Big Pine Key | Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, Old Bahia Honda Bridge |
| Smathers Beach | Key West | Long stretch of sandy shoreline, water sports |
| Anne’s Beach | Islamorada | Secluded and tranquil atmosphere, mangrove boardwalk |
| Higgs Beach | Key West | Serene atmosphere, fishing pier, adjacent garden |
| Sombrero Beach | Marathon | Family-friendly, calm waters, nature trails |
| Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach | Key West | Blend of history and natural beauty, snorkeling |
Snorkeling and Diving in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are renowned for incredible diving and snorkeling locations. With vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life and crystal-clear waters, the area is paradise for underwater enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice snorkeler, there are lots of awe-inspiring spots to explore.
Here are the 6 most popular places to go snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys.
| Name | Location | Known for |
| John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Key Largo | Colorful coral reefs, Christ of the Abyss statue |
| Sombrero Reef | Marathon | Diverse marine life, vibrant coral gardens |
| Molasses Reef | Key Largo | Exceptional visibility, diverse marine biodiversity |
| Looe Key Reef | Big Pine Key | Pristine marine sanctuary, abundance of marine life |
| Alligator Reef | Islamorada | Towering lighthouse, vibrant coral formations, sea turtles |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Approximately 70 miles west of Key West | Remote and pristine marine wilderness, historic Fort Jefferson |
Birding in the Florida Keys
With its strategic location along bird migration routes and tropical marine climate, there are a wide range of bird species to see in the Florida Keys. See waders, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, songbirds and thousands of birds flying over during migrations.
Here are the 5 most popular places to go bird watching in the Florida Keys.
| Name | Location | Known for |
| Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden | Key West | Diverse bird species, tropical habitats |
| National Key Deer Refuge | Lower Keys | Endangered Key deer, wading birds, migratory birds |
| Curry Hammock State Park | Marathon | Coastal habitats, mangrove forests, white-crowned pigeon |
| Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge | Lower Keys | Wading birds, nesting grounds, salt marshes |
| Long Key State Park | Between Islamorada and Marathon | Coastal birds, shorebirds, migratory species |
Biking in the Florida Keys
No matter your cycling level, the Florida Keys have a cycling experience for you. Ride along the ocean and by mangrove forests on bridges whose supports were laid over a century ago for the Overseas Railway. Florida State Parks allow bikes on the main park roads. Old Town Key West is a great place to explore by bike.
Here are the most popular places to go cycling in the Florida Keys.
| Biking Area | Location | Known for |
| Overseas Heritage Trail | Key Largo to Key West | Scenic route along historic railroad. Note: Cycling the whole route involves some riding with vehicles on the Overseas Highway. Parking areas are plentiful so it is easy to find short stretches to cycle without having to hit the highway. |
| Old Seven Mile Bridge | Marathon | Cycle above the sparkling Atlantic Ocean to Pigeon Key. Note: there is an admission fee to visit Pigeon Key but not to cycle the bridge. |
| Key West Historic District | Key West | Charming streets, Victorian homes, vibrant atmosphere |
| National Key Deer Refuge | Upper Sugarloaf Key | Encounter endangered Key deer on the route. Biking is allowed on most rustic trails/fireroads, but not at Blue Hole, the Nature Trails or Long Beach. |
Best Florida Keys Fishing Charters
The waters of the Keys are home to many different fish species in a variety of marine ecosystems. The area is known to have some of the best fishing opportunities in the world. Book a fishing charter with experienced local fishing experts and get the most out of your fishing adventure, regardless of whether you are a rookie or a pro.
Islamorada is called the “Sport fishing Capital of the World”, so it’s a great place to start.
Here are some of the most popular fishing charters in the Florida Keys.
| Name | Location | Known for |
| Bud N’ Mary’s Marina | Islamorada | Deep-sea and backcountry fishing |
| Sea Horse Private Charters | Islamorada | Sportfishing in area reefs and Gulf Stream. |
| Captain Hooks Marina | Marathon | Diverse fishing charters for all skill levels |
| Gulf Stream Fishing | Key West | Great for beginners. |
| Key Largo Fishing Adventures | Key Largo | Specialize in family fishing. |
Know Before You Go – Visiting Florida Keys
How far is it from Miami to Key West?
The distance from Miami Airport to Key West is 160 miles (255 km).
The distance from Key Largo to Key West is 105 miles (170 km).
Can you drive from Miami to Key West?
Yes, drive US#1 south from Miami to Key West. The portion of US#1 from the southern limit of Florida City to Key West is called the Overseas Highway.
How long will it take to drive from Miami to Key West?
The drive from Miami Airport to Key West is about 3.5 hours non-stop. Just the portion from Key Largo to Key West takes about 2.5 hours.
Best time to visit the Florida Keys
The best time to visit the Florida Keys is between March and May. The Florida Keys are always a busy travel destination. These months are considered the shoulder season, and less busy. They are also still in the dry season with milder temperatures and lower humidity.
Another consideration is mosquitoes. November through May is considered the dry season. Outdoor activities are much more pleasant with many fewer of those pesky mosquitoes.
We have been to the Keys in both the summer and the winter seasons. In June we definitely noticed an increase in the number of mosquitoes when we were out in the mangroves.
Explore All of Our Florida Keys Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed Florida Keys guides to help you plan your perfect road trip down the scenic Overseas Highway.
Main Article: Florida Keys Road Trip (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 1: Key Largo – Snorkeling, diving, and laid-back island adventures
Part 2: Islamorada – Tarpon Feeding and Sport Fishing Capital
Part 3: Marathon – Turtle Hospital and Pigeon Key History
Part 4: Big Pine Key – Kayaking and Pristine Beaches
Part 5: Key West – Hemingway, Sunsets and Duval Street Nightlife
Thanks to the Florida Keys for hosting portions of our stay.
