Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. Every good road trip needs a destination, but many times the things to see along the way are what really make the trip, and the drive from Miami to Key West is no different. I price shopped and went based on reviews and decided to go with Coopertown Airboat Tours! From Miami Airport to the start of the Keys is about 55 miles. Luckily, your drive is lined with some of the best attractions in Miami, some of the best tacos in Miami and much, much more. I assumed it would be miles of swamp land, it would smell, and be quite dangerous with all the Alligators.. but all of that is false! 11. It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! 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. And if you can, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. Click here to check out the hotel I stayed at! Youll have a chance to spot all sorts of wildlife above and below the surface. Arriving in Key West. The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. The drive from Coopertown Airboat Tours to Key Largo is a little over an hour, so if you take my advice to by at the Everglades by 10am, you should arrive in Key Largo around 12pm 12:30pm! For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here, Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping at Everglades National Park. Most beaches are free in Key West as long as they are not a state or National park. Q: How is the drive from Miami to Key West is it Worth it? There are a lot of great sights, beaches, and of course, amazing restaurants in Miami. This 159-mile (256 km) drive from Miami takes around four hours nonstop on the Overseas Highway and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Florida. . So if youre short on time but still want to split the drive up, I recommend spending the night in Marathon. Made famous by one of Key Wests most memorable residents, Ernest Hemmingway, who frequented the bar and allegedly had a hand in naming the place. Yes, hurricanes do happen in the Keys, though not as often as people think. We saved a little money and returned the car when we got to Key West. How long is the drive from Miami to Key West? TIP: I would plan to leave your hotel in Miami pretty early and get to the Everglades no later than 10am! With over 600 keys strung together by overwater bridges, this marks one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Avoid the traffic and make your drive during the week. . You cannot miss this stop in Islamorada. In addition to the pies, Kermits is a locals favorite lunch spot. Especially if youve never been to Key West. First stop. The African Queen is the original vessel from the Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn film of the same name. Re: Best time to drive from Miami to Key West. Looking for the best way to get to Key West? 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). 3. Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West Florida? Taqueria Morelia often finds itself in the conversation of the areas best Mexican joints. Key West is 165 miles from Miami on US1, about 3 hours and 45 minutes on a good day. Itll take you just under four hours (with light traffic) to get to Key West from Miami. If you join the Hemingway Food and Walking tour, you will visit Sloppy Joes, as it is an important stop. East to west. Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. . However, this doesnt mean there isnt anything to see on Duval Street while the sun is out. This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. Florida Keys Facts. 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. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! It's a gorgeous drive with lots to do. Make your reservations well in advance. Plan to pack and re-pack your bag a few times, but I promise it will be worth it! 1 Miami to Key West road trip - In a nutshell; 2 Miami to Key West road trip - Drive it in 1 day. Here is a fun private tour that takes you out to sand bars! The Turtle Hospital started helping everyones favorite sea creatures back in 1986. AKA we need to protect it at all costs! If you have the time and desire you can drive. Even on a Tuesday night when we went the place was packed, which always means the food & drinks are good! Weve got your essential list of pit stops for your road trip from Miami to Key West. During most times of the year, youll have no problem finding a spot to lay your beach towel. The drive to Key West from Miami is stunning. There are endless things to do on this 100 mile stretch between Key Largo and Key West, and here are some of my must-see recommendations: You can definitely see all of these things in one day, at a comfortable pace. Get Cuban Coffee from any of the small Cuban stands around Miami! You can pick your own strawberries to snack on during the trip too. Just about any night of the year, you can find great live music, fun, and entertainment. But these five-foot-long fish weren't always grazing the surface of the marine for something to eat. In a car, you'll pass through the Keys; on a motorcycle, you'll be part of them. Key West Drive Time From Miami. For example, they offer snacks and unlimited complimentary water bottles for their guests. In this guide, we are going to share some of our favorite experiences and essential stops in the Florida Keys! Whether you want to stay in an Old Victorian style bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or luxury resort.. there is an option for everyone! The other reason to venture here: the milkshakes! Over 100 miles and 42 bridges connect 34 islands. The first thing to understand is that most of the attractionson a Miami to Key West Road Trip are referenced by what Mile Marker they are located near. You can rent boats or go with a tour company, but their are many different sand bars a short boat ride away. Location: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036. BUT, I always like to recommend a few must-haves for this specific trip. Spend the day at the most beautiful beach, Get Cabana Rentals and relax on Miami Beach. 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. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option. For me, the sign that we're getting close is crossing the 7 mile bridge. If you prefer your bar with a little more elegance, maybe this aint for you. 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. The hotel is new, has a great location, and is an easy walk to South Beach and restaurants. The Miami to Key West distance i s between 110 and 160 miles, depending on where you start from in Miami. We just spent 2 weeks in the Florida Keys in November of 2022, and everything is open as far as hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This street is filled with live music shows, bars of every shape and size, and easily the most lively area of Key West. That way you can have more time to explore all the sites between Miami and Key West. Youve probably never had wines like this before. This is the exact tour we took with Honest Eco. For those wondering when is the best time to take the drive from Miami to Key West, consider that the Keys are one of the sunniest and warmest places in the country, averaging between 75 and 80 . On your way to Key West, Youll pass through hundreds of small islands that make up the Florida Keys. I absolutely LOVED Miami and already want to go back to spend some more time exploring it. And on top of that, the view from their wrap around deck is 10/10!! I do think you should drive from Miami to Key West, but then FLY out of Key West to go home! Robbies Marina is the number one place to be for tourists traveling through the keys. If you have the time to spare, I would consider extending your time in Miami and spending two days . Tired of driving? . The ferry journey to Key West takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign Key West is the southernmost city of the continental USA. Best Time for Driving from Miami to Key West. The Everglades! Allowing for driving and check-in time, the total journey time for this option will take around 8 hours. Located 150 miles southwest of Miami, Key West is the most distant inhabited part of the Florida Keys archipelago. This historic street is home to a number of great art galleries, shops, and attractions plus, youre on vacation, and the bars are open during the day too! The drive from Key Largo to Key West is going to be where you will want to take your time and explore all the beautiful scenery! A Jam-Packed Capri Day Trip from the Amalfi Coast! Swim with dolphins, chill with a sea lion or pet a ray. Their IPAs were pretty solid, and it was fun to try some of the beers that included regional ingredients and local flare. Its the little things, isnt it? But it gets scorchingly hot during summers and the hurricane season begins in the month of June till about September - October. The Overseas Highway, the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 and sometimes called, "The Highway That Goes to Sea," is a modern wonder. Here is everything you need to know, from the best stops on a Florida Keys road trip. I am not kidding when I say there was a maximum 2 minute wait for a car at any area of Key West. When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. The tour follows in Hemingways footsteps, giving you a glimpse of his life and the history of Key West. It is part of a long chain of islands that branch off Florida's southern coast and is home to only about 26,500 people.. It has been said that Ed was 5 feet tall and a total of 100 lbs. 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. And for a real quirky treat, order the chocodile which is a 9-inch long chocolate crocodile made of either white or dark chocolate. The drive from Miami to Key West is absolutely breathtaking and is one of the best road trips in the world! On your way down to the Florida Keys on Highway 1, a turn-off just south of Florida City will take you into a portion of the Everglades National Park. There are no road closures from Hurricane Ian on the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. and leave at 5:21 pm. Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille (at the Galleon Resort): 617 Front St, Key West, FL 33040. . This guide contains 16 worthy stops between Miami and Key West . We luckily got paired on board with, what Joseph and I think, were professional dancers. Day 3: Road Trip to Key West - One of the most Scenic Drives in the USA. , Okay, thats a wrap! Avoiding the crowd? Click here to check out the property I stayed at that was right in the heart of Key Largo! And on top of all that.. the staff was seriously the nicest people I have ever met. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the world's best scenic drives and the only road to Key West. , I would HIGHLY recommend stopping at least once on your Road trip from Miami to Key West! Day 3: Key Largo > Key West, One of the most scenic drives in the world! It is a super cute smaller hotel that has room options with separate. But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. About 10 miles in, you'll see Alabama Jacks. FAQ For Miami To Key West Road Trip How Long Is The Drive From Miami To Key West? It is connected to Miami via the Overseas Highway. Catch the bus at the Miami Main Bus Station at 3801 NW 21st St. and take it to the Key West Bus Station at 3535 S Roosevelt Blvd. Take the iconic Overseas Highway and travel from Miami to Key West. Save yourself the stress!! Marathon is a great halfway point between Miami and Florida. Day 1: Arrive in Key West. The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. 10 Days in Costa Rica Explore The Jungle & The Coast! This Florida State Park was the first underwater park in the United States and covers about 70 square nautical miles. Miami to Key West Road Trip Overview. and then head to the first ever underwater state park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! Sure you can fly there, but the drive from Miami is a must-experience road trip. The small propeller planes that fly you above the keys let you see a completely different perspective . This 3-day Miami to Key West itinerary provides the most memorable experience, from stunning views, artistic streets, and the loveliest beaches. We have personally done this drive 8 times and heading back again this year because we love it so much. Self-proclaimed as the Dive Capital of the World, there are endless amounts of underwater activities and things to do in Key Largo. 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. This itinerary is for 5 full days (not including travel days), but I will have a section at the bottom titled, Bonus Ideas if you plan on spending more time or want to swap something out! All the locals said it hasnt rained like that day in over a year so, just bad luck I guess? . You can charter a boat of the day and enjoy this unique local party. They also make some great brunch. Chef Michaels is one of the best upscale restaurants in the Upper Keys. I would recommend packing some drinks and sandwiches and spending the day on your own little slice of paradise! The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. You know, just in case. For the most part, the highwayUS Highway 1is 2-lane and runs through all the island towns in the Keys, meaning that the traffic feels more like local traffic than open highway driving. You can join this Hemingway Food and Walking tour. From here, its said only to be a short 90 miles to Cuba. Another great option if you are traveling with a group and looking to go on a fun tiki boat, you can rent this Tiki boat for a private 3 hours Islamorada Sandbar Tour. If there was ever a trip worth taking your time and making a couple of pit stops, Miami to Key West is it. I hope you love this little piece of the world as much as I do!! Key West is the Southernmost town in the United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. Rent bikes to cruise along the bike path along the beach! We enjoyed everything we had. They are known for their fresh seafood and steaks at Chef Michales. This is easily one of the best things to do from Miami to Key West. You can scroll to see the different categories - stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants. Table of Contents. Duval Street is to Key West, as Bourbon Street is to New Orleans. Even though we had a really bad weather day (link sprinkling and no sunset), we still had SO much fun! The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. After exploring the Everglades, head onto Key Largo! If you want to do snorkel cruises and relax at the beach, you will want to go late spring / early fall. Robbies offer a ton of activities from snorkeling, boat rentals, SNUBA diving (no certification required), sunset cruises, parasailing, and so much more. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. For road trip enthusiasts, it doesnt get much better than driving the Florida Keys. 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. . Stop at this very pretty beach/park in Marathon. TIP: Try to go at sunset to get the best view possible! The drive from Miami to Key West isnt one of Floridas most scenic routes for no reason. Indulge in a massage on your way to Key West and make time to have lunch at the Atlantic Edge restaurant on the property with great views of the sea. Length: 106 miles. Dj vu! Did you know that the Florida Keys is home to an endangered species of deer known as the Florida Key deer? The Florida Keys are split up into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Summer is warm but VERY humid, so beware! Here are my top recommendations for a day in Miami: I dive into WAY more detail on my One Day in Miami Travel Guide,which includes a full walking tour of Miami Beach, restaurant recommendations, and tons of photos! Mostly everyone in Miami knows about thisimmensely popular farm and bakery selling tasty, local and fresh treats. Recommended by Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road. Islamorada was aptly named for the purple sunset that Spanish explorers witnessed (according to legend). Like how this photo was edited?! For me, I chose to stay in Key Largo, which was great! , On the last day of your Miami to Key West road trip, its time to end with a BANG! I hope you found this Miami to Key West Road Trip super useful and have the best time EVER! Unfortunately, no! Miami to Key West Drive Map. They do the classics here and they do them damn well. 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! This one from ASOS is my FAVORITE! Stop here because you need to fill up on beer for your trip and you might as well drink local. TheSeven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. Its rare when you go to a resort and they make you feel like they are welcoming you into their home. 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.. 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 . This spot here ceremoniously marks the end of your Miami to Key West drive. Begin your adventure in Miami. YES, ABSOLUTELY YES! Go off the beaten track and head to Bahia Honda State Park. Follow U.S. 1 south to the Keys. Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. Its such a beautiful and scenic route with so much to do that I dont recommend racing against the clock to fit it all in a day. It is an Opal property, which if you have never stayed at an Opal property before.. you can thank me later. The islands are all connected by Highway 1 or The Overseas Highway.. Once you arrive in Key West, check into your hotel and head to Mallory Square for their nightly Sunset Celebration! Dive beyond the surface. This road trip from Miami to Key West is a no-miss for you. The climate is warm year round. Fly from Miami (MIA) to Key West (EYW) 3h 17m. Before or after visiting the park, stop at Alabama Jacks, our favorite tiki bar in Key Largo. I strive to share my travel journey to inspire YOU to see this beautiful world we live in! I recommend making the most of the drive by spending a night or two on one of the centrally located keys. With Cuba being 90 miles from Key West, that is simply too far to spot. The map below shows the best sights for your Miami to Key West drive. We are Hannah & Adam, a Wisconsin couple who left behind the American dream to travel the world and chase our own dreams. $152 - $456. However, staying above water means missing out on the parks magic and allure. 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. From Miami to Key West by Bus Southernmost point in the continental USA in Key West. Here youll also find a walking bridge that was once a railway it spans this stretch too. Most of the boat tours are just north of the town of Homestead, which there will be several tours to choose from. There are tons of great Cuban restaurants in Key West. This brewery had amazing beer and the cutest beer garden in the back! Theres so much more to Miami than partying, utah, road trip, north america, usa, Guides. Female Solo Travel Blog - Travel like a local Not a Tourist. Once you're ready to leave Miami, you'll head south on U.S. Highway 1. Speaking of winter - that season is the island's busiest and priciest. 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. Key Largo. drive for about 1.5 hours. The hotel I chose to stay in was the brand new Captiana Key West! Check rates here, this guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West. YES its as good as it sounds. Under the waves, youll find beautiful coral reefs, plenty of sea life, and even an underwater sculpture. Drive safely and take your time and get ready for a great road trip! It will give you the lay of the land and include five drinks, and youll probably make a few friends to join you out later that night. You can rent kayaks here or take a guided tour which will bring you to the beautiful backwaters of Key West. In Key West, there are TONS of options for hotels. Inka Piegsa Quischotte. This can save you a few days worth of car rental payments! You may also like: The Best Places to Stay in Florida. 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. If it is your first time in Key West, we suggest joining this Key West Pub Crawl. Now that all the logistics are out of the way, lets dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. Rather than doing the 3-4 hour drive all in one, Id recommend breaking up the 164-mile distance from Miami to Key West with some of these top attractions. We really like to stay at this hotel, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel. The Miami to Key West drive takes about 3 and a half hours if you don't stop, although I definitely recommend stopping at least once or twice at a few key places! In a city full of top-notch restaurants, it can be hard to pick where to go. Where else in the world can you have a 5-foot-long fish jump out of the water to grab a fish from your hand? US1 is open all the way. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. The Key West Shuttle operated by Keys Shuttle is a popular option . Trust me, youll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West. The Fish House is a beloved seafood joint with all the salty Florida kitsch you could hope for. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! NO! A: There are 165 miles between Miami and Key West, and if you drove it straight, it would take a little over 3 hours. 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! Otherwise, the best time to drive from Miami to Key West largely depends on your taste in crowds or a lack thereof. The Florida Keys were not as heavily affected by Hurricane Ian as other areas of Florida. There are a lot of fun and exciting things to do during this trip with some . Here is a quick reference guide to the stops we love and think should be included in your Florida Keys itinerary: Coral Castle. Youll get about an hour and a half in the water and the chance to observe wildlife and the famous underwater Christ of the Deep statue. This will give ample time to hit the highlights with some time to truly experience the Keys. You have to get the specialty chocolate bark with key lime and pistachios. The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. The road, that follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 by Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad, stretches from Miami to Key West . 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 Key West highway passes through some 40+ islands before reaching the southernmost city in the continental United . This pub with no name is worth the short detour off of the Overseas Highway near the key that shares the No Name name. 5. Part II: Miami to Key West Road Trip. We were really surprised at all the good food we had while visiting we didnt have a plate that we werent impressed with. This tiny animal park will put you up close with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles and more fish and marine mammals. 16. The daily snorkeling tours are one of Pennekamps most popular attractions. Heading to the Keys on Friday or Saturday is when traffic will be its heaviest. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Once you reach Key West, youll have enough things to do to fill a few days and then some. It is located 30 mins away from the Miami zoo area and about an hour from North Miami / Miami Beach area. The Coral Castle Museum is a quirky and eclectic roadside attraction that has many people scratching their heads. Where: The Florida Keys Highway starts at the southern tip of Florida near Miami and continues from Key Largo to Key West. We started our meal with the crab beignets and, scallops & bacon, and each got todays catch blackened. The specialty here is their daily fresh-caught fish, Angus beef and chicken dishes, and of course their tropical cocktails. Flocking with the herd? We highly recommend the shrimp & grits appetizer and beignets as a dessert. Visit the African Queen. Portions are large, the food is tasty, and its a great value. Their bottle cap tiled beer garden and taproom are surely worth pulling over for in your voyage down the Keys. Key Largo is the perfect place to rest your head as it is laidback while offering an array of aquatic activities. Day 1: Explore Miami. The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles (257 km). Keep reading to see all of the best stops between Miami and Key West. Many people choose to start their Miami to Key West Drive by flying into this vibrant city but dont just land and leave. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Here at Cheeca Lodge, they have one of the top spas in the Keys. One of our favorite stops on our Florida Keys road trip was Robbies Restaurant. stay for about 3.5 hours. The road trip between Miami and Key West is the only time during the trip that you'll need a rental car. Dont miss the giant Key West postcard painted on the side of their waterfront location. Thoughthe farm is only open for part of the year (roughly November through April) Knaus Berrys cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend. The Florida Keys are one of the best spots in the US to go on a road trip. As a bonus, on some tours, you can even bring your dog! Get the latest travel tips and updates from all over the world! 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. Address: 10750 County Rd 905, Key Largo, FL 33037. Featured in the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, this boat was built in 1912 and worked in East Africa building railroads before it became a star. The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant is located at the famous Robbies of Islamorada for feeding the tarpon. Distance between Miami International Airport and Key West is about 110 miles. Shuttles like Greyhound Lines and Key Shuttles are also available in Miami Beach . As the name of the island suggests, the sunsets here are pretty amazing and make for a special night. Welcome to the only chocolatier in the Florida Keys. Lauderdale. If you are looking for a more filling meal, make sure to check out our best Cuban food in Key West article. The 100-plus-miles stretch features plenty of great stops for any Miami to Key . On the menu are nice wraps and awesome fries for reasonable prices.

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best time to drive from miami to key west