Miami to Key West Road Trip (Can’t-Miss Stops in)

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Key West is the home of key lime pie, which, if you ask me, is as good a reason as any to go there during your USA trip!

It has also been the home of famous writers like Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway. So, it’s a mecca for those who (or at least aspire to) make a living through the published word. In fact, Hemingway has a six-day party thrown in his honour every year to celebrate the fact that the Nobel Prize winner lived in the region. Trust me. It’s quite an event!

However, from a road-tripping perspective, the stretch between Miami and Key West is utterly irresistible. On one side, you’ve got the Atlantic; on the other is the Gulf of Mexico. In between them is a ribbon of tarmac that skims across islands, bridges, and turquoise waters. 

Without question, it’s one of the most spectacular drives in the USA. So, once you’d had your fill of the amazing things to do in Miami, it’s time to jump in the car and get your road trip on.

Reasons to hit the road:

1. Scenery that never quits: You’ll cruise the Overseas Highway with nothing but ocean, palms, and blue skies all around you.
2. Freedom to stop anywhere: There are so many places to pull over for a swim, grab a bit to eat at a roadside seafood shack, or take an Insta-worthy photo.
3. Iconic pit stops: On this drive, exploring Key Largo’s dive sites and the quirky charm of Islamorada are some of the main things you can see or do.
4. Wildlife encounters: There is a good chance you’ll spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even the tiny Key deer if you keep a lookout.
5. A journey that feels like the destination: Driving to Key West is just as much of a part of the travel experience as exploring the area once you are there.

When doing this road trip, just remember, it is not a race. Behind the wheel, you’re in control of the pace and the vibe. So, if you want to, you can blitz it in a day or spend a good few days lingering and discovering hidden beaches and roadside oddities on every key.

However you choose to do it, driving from Miami to Key West lets you soak up the magic of the Florida Keys on your own terms. Trust me when I say that freedom makes a world of difference.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, I can highly recommend DiscoverCars; it’s my go-to platform when I need to rent a car. They will help you to compare prices, company reviews and have a fab customer support system. Plus, they offer insurance packages too.

The Classic One Day Route – 1 Day

The Island Hopper Adventure – 3 Days

The Backroads & Hidden Gems Journey – 4 Days

• From: Miami
• To: Key West
• Total Distance: 166 miles / 266 km
• Days: 1
• Top Road Trip Stops: Key Largo, Islamorada, Seven Mile Bridge

For backpackers on a tight time or cost schedule, families interested in seeing the Keys, or anyone wanting to do a road trip, the classic one-day route is your best bet. However, I’d recommend leaving as early as possible. This way, it will give you time to enjoy a stop or two.

Starting in Miami, you’ll weave past Key Largo’s dive sites, cruise through laid-back Islamorada, and roll across the epic Seven Mile Bridge. You can complete this journey to Key West in as little as three hours from Miami, and it’s one of the more popular day trips for people just staying in and around the city.

However, stretching it out to eight or more hours will enable you to soak in the jaw-dropping ocean views and visit some landmarks or attractions. 

Road Trip Highlights

• Driving the legendary Overseas Highway
• Quick snorkel or swim in Key Largo
• Seafood lunch in Islamorada
• Crossing the Seven Mile Bridge
• Watching the sunset roll in at Key West

Day 1: Miami to Key West (4–5 hours)

While it is a bit of a whirlwind, this drive is all about soaking up the magic of the Overseas Highway in a single go. I highly recommend planning your itinerary for Miami around at least doing this one-day road trip.

From Miami, I recommend heading straight for Key Largo (singing the famous Bertie Higgins song along the way is optional!). However, when you get there, you should head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This is America’s first underwater park and is a fantastic place for snorkelling.

Further along the route, stop off at Islamorada, where you can enjoy a delightful seafood lunch at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar. It is actually open from around 7 am to 10 pm (at the time of writing), so you can even grab breakfast or dinner, depending on when you get there.

When you eventually arrive in Key West, you might want to head to Mallory Square to watch the sunset.

• Best Stops: Key Largo, Islamorada, Seven Mile Bridge
• Where to Eat: Islamorada Fish Company – 81532 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
• Where to Stay: Not Your Average Hotel, Island City House, Garden House Cosy King Room

• From: Miami
• To: Key West
• Total Distance: 166 miles / 266 km
• Days: 3
• Top Road Trip Stops: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Bahia Honda State Park

The Island Hopper Adventure is an ideal route for anyone who has a few days to spare. But especially couples and families.

Instead of rushing through to Key West, you’ll be able to spread the drive across three days (or more!). So, this will give you ample time to swim, snorkel, and explore each key in a more qualitative way. You can also grab a nice place to base yourself in Key West to make the most of your adventures.

You can start by exploring the reefs and underwater wonders in Key Largo, before moving on to Islamorada. There, you can enjoy the thrill of a dolphin encounter at the Theatre of the Sea. It is a brilliant experience that will be one of the highlights of your road trip. 

Another good stop to make is at Marathon, where you can hire a kayak and take it out onto the water. If you love beaches, you should head to Bahia Honda State Park. There are some awesome ones there!

Road Trip Highlights

• Snorkelling in Key Largo
• Dolphin encounters in Islamorada
• Kayaking around Marathon
• Relaxing at Bahia Honda State Park

Day 1: Miami to Key Largo (1.5 hours)

Ease into your Florida Keys stay with a short but scenic drive down to Key Largo. 

Once you’re there, dive straight into the underwater world at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Alternatively, you can join a snorkel tour to spot colourful fish and coral gardens. 

If you’d rather stay dry, you can always wander through the mangroves or visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. Wrap up the day with a meal at The Fish House. This place is an institution in town and serves up an awesome Mahi Sandwich Platter!

Best Stops: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Key Largo waterfront
Where to Eat: The Fish House – 102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Where to Stay: Atlantic Bay Resort, Entire holiday home

Day 2: Key Largo to Marathon (2 hours)

Start the day with a coffee by the water and then cruise towards Islamorada. This stretch of your mini East Coast road trip has plenty of excellent fishing spots and some fabulous art galleries, which you might find interesting.

Stop by Robbie’s Marina to feed the giant tarpon or treat yourself to a cheeky beer or cocktail with splendid ocean views. Then continue south to Marathon, where you can kayak through mangroves or visit the Turtle Hospital. These guys rock! Since opening in 1989, they have rescued and rehabilitated over 1000 sea turtles.

End your day with a nice meal and a relaxed evening by the water.

• Best Stops: Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada Art District, Turtle Hospital
• Where to Eat: Keys Fisheries – 3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL 33050
• Where to Stay: Coconut Cay Marina & RV Park, Entire villa in Marathon

Day 3: Marathon to Key West (1.5–2 hours)

The last day’s drive is a real showstopper. This is when you will get to glide across the Seven Mile Bridge and take in the magnificent sight of the endless turquoise waters on either side of you.

Before you get to Key West, make sure you drop into Bahia Honda State Park for a swim and relax on the beach. Once there, you should have a good amount of time left to explore the Old Town.

Spend the night enjoying a drink on Duval Street, or join the legendary sunset celebration at Mallory Square.

• Best Stops: Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Old Town Key West
• Where to Eat: Blue Heaven – 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040
• Where to Stay: Seashell Motel & International Hostel, The Capitana Key West, Mallory House Room #3

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• From: Miami
• To: Key West
• Total Distance: 190 miles / 305 km (with detours)
• Days: 4
• Top Road Trip Stops: Everglades National Park, Key Largo, Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park

If you’re the kind of traveller who loves venturing off the main drag, then the Backroads & Hidden Gems Journey route should pique your wanderlust. Here you’ll explore one of the best national parks in Florida, as well as venture further than most do into the lesser-visited areas of the Keys.

Instead of rushing down the Overseas Highway, this route takes you on detours through the Everglades, where you can enjoy airboat rides and spot gators. It also incorporates side trips to hidden state parks and quiet stretches of beach where you might have the sand all to yourself.

Perfect for vanlifers and nature lovers, this route showcases parts of the area many tourists don’t see.

Road Trip Highlights

• Airboat rides in Everglades National Park
• Snorkelling reefs in Key Largo
• Spotting Key deer in Big Pine Key
• Chilling at Bahia Honda State Park

Day 1: Miami to Everglades National Park (1–2 hours)

Rather than jump straight on the Overseas Highway, this route takes you on a detour west into the wild Everglades.

There, you can spend the day zipping through sawgrass marshes on an airboat and spot gators, turtles, and countless bird species. If you fancy stretching your legs, you can also hike one of the various boardwalks located around the park.

This is a side of Florida many visitors skip on a road trip from Miami to Key West. But I think it’s the perfect way to start your adventure.

Best Stops: Shark Valley Visitor Center, Anhinga Trail, Airboat Tour
Where to Eat: Gator Grill – 36650 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034
Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Homestead, GATED king studio on 5 acres

Day 2: Everglades to Key Largo (1 hour)

If you decide to stay in Homestead, it’s just a short hop to Key Largo, which is often referred to as the gateway to the Keys.

Here, life slows down. To the point that time is almost of no consequence! I’d recommend spending most of your day snorkelling or taking a glass-bottom boat tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are also a handful of quiet nature trails you can wander through.

For most people, Key Largo will be their first real taste of Florida island life. So, it is one you’ll really want to savour.

Best Stops: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Sundowners waterfront bar
Where to Eat: The Fish House – 102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Key Largo, Romantic, cosy, peaceful Guesthouse

Day 3: Key Largo to Big Pine Key (2–3 hours with stops)

As you wind further south on day three, you should take the opportunity to check out the fishing villages and quirky shops in Islamorada. It is also worth seeing their excellent work at Turtle Hospital in Marathon and enjoying a quick dip at Sombrero Beach.

You can end your day at Big Pine Key. This quieter spot is home to the National Key Deer Refuge. So, it is highly likely that you might spot the tiny, endangered Key deer wandering around, especially if you happen to be there around dusk.

• Best Stops: Robbie’s Marina, Turtle Hospital, National Key Deer Refuge
• Where to Eat: No Name Pub – 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
• Where to Stay: Big Pine Key Motel, Old Island Life

Day 4: Big Pine Key to Key West via Bahia Honda (1–2 hours)

On this day, you’ll arrive in Key West. But before you do, make time to swing by Bahia Honda State Park. Here, you can swim, snorkel or just laze on the sand by one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Florida Keys. 

When you’ve had your fill, continue over the famous Seven Mile Bridge until you reach Key West. Hopefully, you’ll be able to cruise slow enough to soak up the incredible panoramic views without annoying other drivers.

Best Stops: Bahia Honda State Park, Seven Mile Bridge, Mallory Square
Where to Eat: Blue Heaven – 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040
Where to Stay: Hyatt Vacation Club at Windward Pointe, At Mine | Lovely Suite steps from Duval Street

The drive from Miami to Key West is one of the smoothest road trips you can take in the USA.

You’ll find the Overseas Highway to be a well-maintained, single main route that’s clearly signed. So, even if you have the worst sense of direction in the world, as long as you keep going straight, you shouldn’t get lost!

The great thing about this route is that you won’t face winding mountain passes or tricky terrain here. Just a straight stretch of road with no confusing intersections or potential for wrong turns, that is flanked by glistening turquoise water. 

You should be aware that traffic can build up around Miami and in Key West. But in between both, it’s usually a breezy ride. In fact, depending on when you drive, you might be the only vehicle in sight!

Along the way, there are also several fuel stations and convenience stores. This means you’ll never be far from a pit stop.

Renting a Vehicle in Miami

If you are looking to rent a car for a road trip in Miami, the good news is that this is very easy to do. Most of the major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget have offices at Miami International Airport and in the downtown area. There are also some smaller players around that might have good deals at any given time.

Overall, prices are competitive, especially if you book ahead. I recommend doing this because you usually get on the road quicker if you do. Of course, don’t forget to take out insurance. (More about that later).

If your driving licence is in English, you shouldn’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, it doesn’t hurt to carry one just to be on the safe side.

My go-to company for renting cars is DiscoverCars. They are a platform that allows you to compare multiple car rental companies, prices and reviews. They also offer insurance packages. I can highly recommend them 🙂 Check Car Rental Price

If you’re gearing up to drive from Miami to Key West, there are a few things you should know about road rules.

First off, in Miami (and the rest of the US), you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. This can be confusing if you are from the UK, Australia, India, or Japan. But trust me, you will soon get the hang of it.

Something that might take a little more getting used to is the fact that in Florida, you can legally turn right on a red light after a full stop (unless a sign says otherwise). 

Miami traffic has a bit of a reputation for being busy, fast, and sometimes chaotic, especially during rush hours. Moreover, locals aren’t exactly shy with their horns, so keep your cool and drive defensively. Given the country’s relaxed gun laws, it’s not a good idea to engage in road rage!

On the way to Key West, you’ll find that all road signs are in English. However, given Miami’s strong Latin influence, don’t be surprised to spot a little Spanish here and there. 

Insurance in Florida

Florida law requires all drivers to have at least the minimum liability coverage. That said, all rental companies will always ask if you want to add extra protection.

It’s worth remembering that medical and damage costs can add up quickly. Therefore, going beyond the bare minimum is often a smart move.

Providers like RentalCover.com can offer fully comprehensive insurance with roadside assistance. Taking it out is a good idea, especially when you consider that help isn’t always around the corner when driving between the islands.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Before you set off on your adventure to Key West down the Overseas Highway, you probably have a few questions. Here are some answers to the most common ones I am asked.

Whether you go for the one-day dash, the chilled island-hopping adventure, or the hidden gems detour, the drive from Miami to Key West is one you should do. The key is to match the route to your travel style. 

At the end of the day, road tripping gives you the freedom to stop where you like, set your own pace, and soak up the magic of the Florida Keys on your own terms. And that is exactly what you should do if you plan to head down to Key West.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out DiscoverCars for the best deals on rental cars ?