Key West is the southernmost city of the continental USA. 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. Weekend in Vegas Itinerary A Perfect 3 Days in Las Vegas! The small propeller planes that fly you above the keys let you see a completely different perspective . There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. In addition to the pies, Kermits is a locals favorite lunch spot. This non-profit center offers educational tours and an opportunity to donate to a great cause. There are tons of different species of fish, turtles, birds, manatees, snakes, panthers, and of course, Alligators! 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! Looking for the best way to get to Key West? If you plan to do a boat tour out to sand bars, catamaran snorkel cruises, or other excursions, I would say three to four days! Unfortunately, no! 11. 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. So keep the bread crumbs in your bag and enjoy the chickens from a distance. It is a fairly small area, so if you plan to just explore what is on the island, I do not think you would need more than two days. Manatee Bay Eco Tours. . 8 Great Scenic Drives in South Florida Near Miami This deep sandy beach located on the southern shoreline of Key West is arguably the best beach on the island. 9:40 pm arrive in Key West. Homestead. Its a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink before or after feeding the tarpon. For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here, Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping at Everglades National Park. The journey is around 1hr 15 mins to Key Largo from Miami then another 4 hours along highway 1 to Key west. Make sure to check out our complete best restaurants in Key West article. With over 600 keys strung together by overwater bridges, this marks one of the most scenic road trips in the world. It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! It is the first & biggest Key in the Florida Keys and is home to the first underwater state park in the USA! The Overseas Highway (Key West) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 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. Schnebly is also hugewith lush walkable grounds perfect for sipping and strolling. Interested to try some avocado wine? This place is a must for breakfast or brunch before continuing your Key West Road Trip. East to west. It is an Opal property, which if you have never stayed at an Opal property before.. you can thank me later. Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Awesome Activities You Need to Do If you love brunch, you have to go to Matts Stock Island for their Sunday brunch. Like how this photo was edited?! Here's avery worthy member of Homesteads legendary repertoire of Mexican food. For me, I chose to stay in Key Largo, which was great! The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. However, this doesnt mean there isnt anything to see on Duval Street while the sun is out. On the weekends hundreds of boats gather for an informal party in the crystal clear waist-deep water! If you have less time, you can also dine here for lunch too, but you wont get the full effect without the sunset, but still some great food. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the world's best scenic drives and the only road to Key West. Self-proclaimed as the Dive Capital of the World, there are endless amounts of underwater activities and things to do in Key Largo. If you have time, this is our favorite snorkel trip in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It was first completed in 1912 but hasthankfullybeen updated since. They provide bottomless wine, beer, margaritas, food & have a live band on board! Curious about the discoveries and life under the surface? Miami to Key West Road Trips. Since then, they have rehabbed and released more than 1,500 turtles back into the water surrounding the Florida Keys. TheSeven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. Depending on traffic, the drive will take about four hours. Miami to Key West Road Trip: Perfect One Week Itinerary At the southwestern end of Key West lies the end of the road at Mile Marker 0. Stop 1: Coral Castle. Key West Travel Guide: Must-Sees and Hidden Gems in Florida's Conch The Key West highway passes through some 40+ islands before reaching the southernmost city in the continental United . Best Times to Visit Key West | U.S. News Travel TIP: I would plan to leave your hotel in Miami pretty early and get to the Everglades no later than 10am! Visit in the wintertime where its most popular to drive from Miami to Key West. We were really surprised at all the good food we had while visiting we didnt have a plate that we werent impressed with. Pull up a seat at the bar and grab a flight of tasty beers from the long list of brews. In a car, you'll pass through the Keys; on a motorcycle, you'll be part of them. The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. Mrs. Mac's Kitchen is a Florida Keys institution. Miami to Key West Drive: Florida Keys Stops, Stays + Map! As you make your way through Key Largo, be sure to check off a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Weve got your essential list of pit stops for your road trip from Miami to Key West. Female Solo Travel Blog - Travel like a local Not a Tourist. 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.. The 100-plus-miles stretch features plenty of great stops for any Miami to Key . We really like to stay at this hotel, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel. Things to do on the way from Miami to Key West. Flocking with the herd? Reviews are mixed. Speaking of winter - that season is the island's busiest and priciest. This painted concrete buoy is a popular photo spot that marks the piece of land furthest south in the Continental United States. How to Travel From Miami to Key West | USA Today The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. And for a real quirky treat, order the chocodile which is a 9-inch long chocolate crocodile made of either white or dark chocolate. 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. But it gets scorchingly hot during summers and the hurricane season begins in the month of June till about September - October. The road, that follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 by Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad, stretches from Miami to Key West . Best (And Worst) Times To Drive To Key West From Miami Q: Is it safe to drive from Miami to Key West? Stop here to see the Coral Castle Museum. 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. We went on this Key West Mangrove Kaying tour with Lazy Dog. Here are my top recommendations for visiting Key West: After youve played tourist all day, its time to unwind and see a famous Key West Sunset from another perspective a sunset Catamaran Cruise! Best time to Visit Key West. Take time to meander round the colorful and unique streets of Fort Myers. From Miami to Key West by Bus Southernmost point in the continental USA in Key West. How Long Does It Take To Drive From Miami To Key West? The Key West Shuttle operated by Keys Shuttle is a popular option . In addition to coffee, the Cuban Coffee Queen serves up smoothies, Cuban-inspired sandwiches, breakfast favorites, and even desserts. This guide contains 16 worthy stops between Miami and Key West . You can scroll to see the different categories - stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants. And no matter how many bags of Hot Cheetos we consume, we still cant get enough. Now for the adventurous part of the trip: driving south over 40 bridges through the Florida Keys on Highway 1 (aka the Overseas Highway). They do the classics here and they do them damn well. 25 Best Activities In Key West (The Conch Republic) - Expert Vagabond We started our meal with the crab beignets and, scallops & bacon, and each got todays catch blackened. Robert's is a delightfulthrowback Florida fruit stand where you can buy fresh-as-it-gets produce as well as other local products and treats. Now that all the logistics are out of the way, lets dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. Miami to Key West Drive Frequently Asked Questions Best Time of Year to Drive from Miami to Key West. The 135 mile long Miami to Key West drive will take you down through Florida to the first "key" (island) of Key Largo then across the amazing Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. 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. We dined for dinner one evening as we werent in town on a Sunday morning. We enjoyed everything we had. Miami to Key West drive time - if you were to drive straight through, the drive would take you on average of 4 hours. 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! Hey, no hard feelings if you didnt like something I recommended! With sweeping scenery, fun pit stops and quirky things to see and do during the 165-mile trip, you'll want to leave plenty of time to enjoy the experience fully. Check rates here, this guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West. I am not going to lie, I had completely false stereotypes about the Everglades. Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. Thanks for subscribing! I'm Monique - a Las Vegas native who doubles as a HR Manager & travel junkie (contradicting, I know). 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. It will take you over the famous overseas Highway 1, and meander through over 40 islands before reaching Key west. 3. TIP: Try to go at sunset to get the best view possible! Well, its not like you can avoid it. I recommend flying into Miami, renting a car and driving through the keys, and then flying out of Key West when youre done with your trip. Have the most amazing sushi and Asian food at, See downtown Miami from the best view possible at. This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. adventures you can experience in Key Largo. Starting in Knights Key and ending in Duck Key, this scenic bridge is your key to unlocking some of the lesser-known islands in the Florida Keys. Theater of the Seas animal interaction packages give you a good chance to get much closer to the wildlife than youd expect. Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. The scenic Miami to Key West Drive has over 120 miles (193 km) of amazing things to see from gorgeous beaches and the sparkling blue ocean to cultural stops and hidden gems. At the time of the sinking, the 512 ft ship was the largest ship ever to be intentionally sunk for use as an artificial reef. For road trip enthusiasts, it doesnt get much better than driving the Florida Keys. Miami to Key West Drive Your Epic Florida Keys Road Trip Planner Where: The Florida Keys Highway starts at the southern tip of Florida near Miami and continues from Key Largo to Key West. At Mile Marker 118, you are officially in the Florida Keys! If this sounds like your kind of place, be sure to build it into your road trip itinerary for a drink or a bite to eat. 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! The Everglades! rent this Tiki boat for a private 3 hours Islamorada Sandbar Tour, this sunset sail with a full bar and live music with Sebago Watersports, this Key West Mangrove Kaying tour with Lazy Dog, This is the exact tour we took with Honest Eco. The Coral Castle Museum is a quirky and eclectic roadside attraction that has many people scratching their heads. Miami To Key West Road Trip: Ultimate Driving Guide - Expert Vagabond Your road trip will be a wonderful experience, and tarpon feeding at Robbie's Marina is definitely one of the best places to stop on the road trip from Miami to Key West. (plus 190 nautical miles) 5 hours 30 minutes. 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! Tired of driving? This restaurant has been around since 1972, which just shows how good their food is! 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! AKA we need to protect it at all costs! Avoid the traffic and make your drive during the week. If you want to hit some of the best Florida Keys bars, make sure to pull off at Mile Marker 88! Try another? Line 2300 train, fly. Miami to Key West drive in 4 epic days! - Blogger at Large This was my thought process.. Theres so much more to Miami than partying. It was super easy to get around without a car once youre there, but you definitely need one to explore all the sites between Miami and Key West . This is when it pays to be a passenger. The restaurant is one of Zagats highest-rated restaurants in Key West. The movie starred Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. There are several ways to plan your Florida Keys road trip. Maybe thats because the drive is a bit longer than most people think it is. 10 Days in Costa Rica Explore The Jungle & The Coast! Fly from Miami (MIA) to Key West (EYW) 3h 17m. We stopped at the original Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for food on the way to Key West and had a wonderful experience. If you dont like something I recommended OR want to extend your time in Key West, be sure to check out my bonus ideas section below. -Those planning on sticking around Key West for a while should take a guided tour of The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum to learn about one of the 20 th century's greatest adventurers.-To get back to Miami, you can either rent a car at Key West International Airport or take a bus for $29. Even though I had an amazing trip and saw so much, I didnt get to do everything on my itinerary. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Which just means I have to go back for round two . When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. It is connected to Miami via the Overseas Highway. The previous hurricanes have created big havoc and hence it is advisable to avoid that duration. Epic Florida Road Trip: Miami To Key West | TravelAwaits Whether you want to stay in an Old Victorian style bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or luxury resort.. there is an option for everyone! It is located in South Beach, but not right on the beach. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. The African Queen is a vessel that was used during the filming of a movie of the same name. Key West Drive Time From Miami. 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! This thin strand of pavement skipping along bridges through the Florida Keys is one of the best road trips in the country. 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. The Best Scenic Miami to Key West road trip itinerary - step by step Do some sightseeing or take a dinner cruise to the Pilot House Marina. Perfect Miami to Key West drive for VIEWS + camping Inka Piegsa Quischotte. Dolphins are regularly spotted in the water just offshore of Key West, and the snorkeling is good with clear waters. I did spend the day on Miami Beach, but I felt food and bars were better in the downtown Brickell area. Day 4: Key West Site Seeing + Catamaran Sunset Cruise. After exploring the Everglades, head onto Key Largo! You won't be driving long from Key Largo to reach Islamorada, only a 40 minutes away drive away. 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. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option. this is our favorite snorkel trip in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 30 things to do from Miami to Key West There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. Florida Keys Facts. How to get from Miami to Key West by bus, car, train or plane - Rome2rio Miami to Key West | EnjoyTravel.com 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. Their bottle cap tiled beer garden and taproom are surely worth pulling over for in your voyage down the Keys. This is a great budget travel hack because you can return your rental car when you arrive in Key West instead of when you fly out. While most naturally assume that the keys play home to more aquatic life, it is also home to these adorable little deer. You can learn all about it at the museum for an admission of $18 for adults. Florida Keys Highway - Drive From Miami to Key West. Epic Miami To Key West Road Trip Itinerary - JR Locatedat Sombrero Beach Rd and Corte Del Brisas. The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway. Key Largo is the longest key at 30 miles. Best time to visit: September to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds. In this guide, we are going to share some of our favorite experiences and essential stops in the Florida Keys! A Miami trip to Key West is 159 miles (256 KM) and takes approximately 3 hours from Miami, depending on traffic it could take longer. The Best Time to Visit Key West in 2023 | Travellers Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. Key West, just like the entire state of Florida, can experience some pretty interesting weather. If hiking and exploring shipwrecks is your vibe, Islamorada is more than accommodating. Even on a Tuesday night when we went the place was packed, which always means the food & drinks are good! From Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key West, it is 189 miles (304 km). When it first opened with a female lighthouse keeper in the 19 th century, it was quite a rarity.. 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. Day 5: Sand Bar Boat Tour + Farewell Dinner. The Seven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. After several months of not traveling, our family took a 2-week spring break vacation back to Florida. With Cuba being 90 miles from Key West, that is simply too far to spot. In just 100 miles, hop from key to key, go snorkeling, dine at seafood restaurants, try key lime pie, go shopping, and enjoy endless views of brilliant aquamarine water. On a Miami to Key West road trip, the route takes a super long highway that extends from Florida's mainland to Key West called "The Overseas Highway" (or Highway1 . 15 Reasons to Put Panama City Beach, Florida on YOUR Bucket list. For specifics, I stayed at the Kona Kai Resort! The weekends are when the real parties are, while regional visitors are also coming down to partake in the parties. This road trip from Miami to Key West is a no-miss for you. bedrooms which are great for families. The menu often changes as everything is fresh. For an interesting side trip on your way to Key West, you will see Card Sound Road on your left just after the freeway ends (just beyond all the gas stations outside Homestead). Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West Florida? The Best Time Of Year For A Miami To Key West Road Trip: This is something that I plan on coming back to Key West to do because we ended up having a REALLY rainy day on our last day. Taqueria Morelia often finds itself in the conversation of the areas best Mexican joints. Key West on a budget: Tips for Key West on the cheap - Florida Rambler This is a very popular spot on any drive from Miami to Key West, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time. As you make your way further south, the Keys become less populated and more natural until you get to the final few islands, like Key West.