The Ultimate Florida Road Trip: Miami to Key West Itinerary Along the Overseas Highway (2025 Guide)

Are you dreaming of turquoise waters stretching endlessly, bridges that seem to float over the ocean, and the salty breeze whipping through your hair as you cruise toward paradise? The Miami to Key West road trip along the legendary Overseas Highway delivers all this and more.

This isn't just any drive—it's one of America's most spectacular coastal journeys, taking you across 42 bridges and through a string of tropical islands that feel worlds away from the mainland. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned road tripper, this comprehensive guide will help you plan the perfect Florida Keys adventure from Miami to Mile Marker 0 in Key West.

Why the Miami to Key West Drive Is Bucket-List Worthy

The Overseas Highway isn't just a road; it's a destination unto itself. This 113-mile highway carries U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys, with large sections built on the former right-of-way of the Overseas Railroad, creating a unique engineering marvel that connects island after island.

What makes this drive truly special:

• 42 breathtaking bridges connecting the Florida Keys, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge
• Unparalleled ocean views with the Atlantic on one side and Florida Bay on the other
• Unique island culture at every stop, from dive bars to world-class snorkeling
• Year-round tropical weather with temperatures rarely dropping below 70°F
• Easy accessibility from major airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Ready to experience one of the world's most stunning coastal drives? Rent your perfect vehicle for this adventure and let's map out your journey.

Planning Your Miami to Key West Road Trip

How Long Does the Drive Take?

Driving straight from Miami to Key West can take about four hours if things go smoothly. However, rushing through would mean missing the magic of this journey. Most travelers spend 2-3 days exploring the Keys, though you could easily stretch it to a week with all the activities available.

Recommended timeframes:

• Day trip: 10-12 hours (4 hours driving each way, 2-4 hours in Key West)
• Weekend getaway: 2-3 days (allows for several stops and overnight in Key West)
• Full Keys experience: 5-7 days (explore multiple islands thoroughly)

Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys

Timing your trip can make a significant difference in your experience. The best time to visit Key West is December through April, when the island rewards visitors with mild temperatures averaging highs in the mid-seventies, sunny days, and little rainfall.

Season breakdown:

Winter (December-February): Peak season with perfect weather and the highest prices. Expect crowds but beautiful conditions for all activities.

Spring (March-May): Sweet spot for many travelers. Between March and May, winter crowds taper off, hotel rates become reasonable, and the weather remains in the blissful 70s and 80s.

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but great for water activities. Summer is also the best time for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Keys, with warm ocean, calm seas, and clear water. Hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30.

Fall (September-November): Lower prices and fewer crowds, but September marks peak hurricane season. By November, conditions improve significantly.

What You'll Need

Before hitting the road, ensure you have:

• Valid driver's license and rental car confirmation
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses
• Swimwear and beach towels
• Light layers for air-conditioned spaces
• Cooler for drinks and snacks
• Cash for tolls and small purchases
• Underwater camera or waterproof phone case

The Ultimate Miami to Key West Itinerary: Stop-by-Stop Guide

Starting Point: Miami

Before heading south, spend some time exploring Miami's vibrant neighborhoods. Little Havana's Calle Ocho offers authentic Cuban culture, while South Beach provides iconic Art Deco architecture and people-watching opportunities.

Pro tip: Start your journey early in the morning (7-8 AM) to avoid Miami traffic and maximize daylight hours on the Keys.

Alternative Route: Card Sound Road

Instead of taking US-1 directly, consider starting with Card Sound Road. The Card Sound Road toll is about $1.50 for a car, and it's a long, straight stretch with plenty of places to pass slow-moving vehicles. The Card Sound Bridge offers spectacular views of Key Largo and the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

First stop: Alabama Jack's (Mile Marker 58, Card Point) This quintessential dive bar sits right on the water and serves up cold drinks and conch fritters. Open from 11-5:30, it's the perfect introduction to Keys culture.

Everglades National Park (Optional Detour)

If you have extra time, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is just off Highway 1. The park offers airboat tours through mangroves and marshes, where you can spot alligators, manatees, and exotic birds.

Key Largo: Your Gateway to Paradise (Mile Marker 100-107)

Key Largo marks your official entry into the Florida Keys and offers some of the best underwater experiences in North America.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Mile Marker 102.5) Known as the first underwater state park in the United States, John Pennekamp includes both land and sea. This is ground zero for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Activities at John Pennekamp:

• Snorkel tours to see vibrant coral reefs and the underwater Christ of the Abyss statue
• Glass-bottom boat tours (perfect if you prefer to stay dry)
• Kayak rentals for mangrove exploration
• Beach access with picnic areas
• Entry fee: $8 per vehicle

Where to stay: Key Largo offers everything from budget motels to upscale resorts, making it an excellent overnight stop.

Tavernier: Wildlife Encounters (Mile Marker 93.6)

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center & Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary Watch rehabilitated birds and learn about local conservation efforts. Suggested donation: $10.

Islamorada: The Sport Fishing Capital (Mile Marker 80-90)

Known as the "Village of Islands," Islamorada combines upscale restaurants with Old Florida charm.

Islamorada Brewery & Distillery (Mile Marker 82) As soon as you step into the tasting room, the smell of hops permeates the air, immediately indicating this is an active brewery. Try their signature No Tan Lines Citrus Wheat Ale or a Frozen Key Lime Pie cocktail in the palm-shaded beer garden.

Robbie's Marina (Mile Marker 77.5) This is one of the Keys' most unique attractions. Pay a few bucks to visit their dock and get a bowl of fish parts to feed the group of massive tarpon that hang around. These fish can grow several feet long—just watch out for pelicans trying to steal your bait! Also keep your eyes open for manatees and small sharks.

Other Islamorada highlights:

• Theater of the Sea for dolphin encounters
• Founder's Park Beach for swimming
• World-class fishing charters
• Morada Way Arts & Cultural District

Marathon: The Middle Keys Hub (Mile Marker 47-54)

Marathon offers the perfect mid-point break with family-friendly activities and the approach to the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center Explore 63 acres of natural Florida Keys habitat, including nature trails, a butterfly garden, and the Museum of Natural History.

Curry Hammock State Park Great for paddleboarding, kayaking, and kiteboarding with shallow waters and mangrove trails.

Sombrero Beach One of the Keys' best public beaches with soft sand, clear water, and excellent facilities.

Seven Mile Bridge: The Instagram-Worthy Moment (Mile Marker 40-47)

The Seven Mile Bridge, constructed from 1978 to 1982, towers at a height of 20 meters above sea level. This engineering marvel provides unobstructed 360-degree ocean views that will take your breath away.

Photo opportunities:

• Stop at the rest area on the Marathon side for panoramic shots
• Visit Pigeon Key via the old bridge for historical insights
• Sunrise or sunset drives offer magical lighting

Big Pine Key & Bahia Honda (Mile Marker 30-37)

Bahia Honda State Park (Mile Marker 37) Consistently ranked among America's best beaches, Bahia Honda features pristine white sand, clear turquoise water, and the remnants of Henry Flagler's railroad bridge.

Activities:

• Swimming and snorkeling from Sandspur Beach
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Nature trails
• Camping facilities
• Entry: $8 per vehicle

National Key Deer Refuge Big Pine Key is home to the endangered Key deer, a miniature subspecies found nowhere else on earth. Drive slowly through residential areas in early morning or late afternoon for the best viewing opportunities.

Lower Keys: The Final Stretch (Mile Marker 10-30)

As you approach Key West, the Keys become more residential and laid-back. Stop at small local seafood shacks for fresh catch and chat with locals about their island lifestyle.

Sugarloaf Key: Home to the quirky Bat Tower Stock Island: Working marina with authentic fishing village atmosphere

Key West: Mile Marker 0 (Your Final Destination)

Congratulations—you've reached the southernmost point in the continental United States! Key West deserves at least 2-3 days of exploration.

Must-see Key West attractions:

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration Join the nightly tradition of watching street performers, artists, and musicians celebrate another perfect Keys sunset.

Duval Street The main drag offers shopping, dining, and nightlife in historic buildings. It's touristy but undeniably fun.

Southernmost Point Buoy Get your photo at this iconic concrete marker (arrive before 8 AM to avoid cruise ship crowds).

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum Tour Papa Hemingway's former residence, now home to dozens of polydactyl (six-toed) cats descended from his original pets.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Best beach in Key West with excellent snorkeling and historic Civil War fort.

Dry Tortugas National Park Take a ferry or seaplane 70 miles west to explore Fort Jefferson and pristine coral reefs.

Key West food experiences:

• Blue Heaven for breakfast with roosters
• Santiago's Bodega for tapas
• El Siboney for authentic Cuban cuisine
• Key lime pie from Kermit's or Key West Key Lime Pie Company

Essential Tips for Your Overseas Highway Adventure

Understanding Mile Markers

The Overseas Highway uses mile markers to mark every stop and sight instead of street addresses. They count down from 127 in Florida City to 0 in Key West, making navigation incredibly simple.

Traffic and Timing

The Upper Keys can be "a parking lot on the weekends", especially during peak season. Build flexibility into your schedule and start early to beat crowds.

Safety Considerations

• The Overseas Highway is mostly a two-lane road with numerous bridges
• Speed limits are typically 45-55 mph (strictly enforced)
• Passing zones are limited—be patient
• Watch for cyclists, especially on the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
• Never drive while intoxicated—DUI laws are strictly enforced

Money-Saving Tips

• Fill up with gas before entering the Keys (prices increase as you go south)
• Pack snacks and drinks in a cooler
• Book accommodations in Marathon instead of Key West for better rates
• Visit during shoulder season (May or November) for lower prices
• Many beaches and nature areas have free or low-cost entry

Sustainable Travel

• Reef-safe sunscreen only (regular sunscreen damages coral)
• Take trash with you and use designated bins
• Respect wildlife—don't feed or touch marine animals
• Stay on marked trails in natural areas
• Support local businesses and restaurants

Extend Your Adventure: Side Trips and Activities

Water Sports Paradise

The Keys offer world-class opportunities for:

• Scuba diving: Explore shipwrecks and coral reefs
• Snorkeling: Accessible sites at most beaches and parks
• Kayaking: Mangrove tunnels and backcountry adventures
• Paddleboarding: Calm shallow waters perfect for beginners
• Fishing: Deep sea, flats, or backcountry charters
• Parasailing: Aerial views of the Keys

Island Hopping Beyond the Highway

Consider adding these experiences:

• Sunset cruises from Key West or Islamorada
• Catamaran sailing to secluded islands
• Kayaking to backcountry islands for primitive camping
• Day trip to the Dry Tortugas via ferry or seaplane

Making the Return Journey

Don't forget—the best part about this drive is you get to drive it both ways, so if you miss a stop on the way down, just hit it on the way back up!

Many travelers prefer to spend more time in Key West and rush less on the return trip. Consider staying overnight in a different Key on your way back to experience more of what the islands offer.

Your Keys Road Trip Awaits

The Miami to Key West road trip along the Overseas Highway is more than just a drive—it's a journey through one of America's most unique landscapes. From the moment you leave the mainland to the instant you reach Mile Marker 0, every mile offers new discoveries, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're watching the sunset over the Seven Mile Bridge, hand-feeding tarpon at Robbie's Marina, or sipping mojitos on Duval Street, the Florida Keys deliver a tropical escape unlike any other road trip in the United States.

Ready to start planning your ultimate Florida Keys adventure? Find the perfect rental car for your journey and begin creating memories that will last a lifetime. The Overseas Highway is calling—will you answer?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Miami to Key West Road Trip

Q: How long is the drive from Miami to Key West? A: The distance is approximately 165 miles via US-1, taking 3.5-4 hours of straight driving. However, most travelers spend 2-3 days making stops along the way.

Q: Do I need a passport to drive to Key West? A: No, Key West is part of Florida and the United States. You only need a valid driver's license.

Q: What's the best vehicle for this road trip? A: A convertible is ideal for maximum enjoyment, but any reliable vehicle works. Ensure it has good air conditioning and working sunshades for summer trips.

Q: Are there tolls on the Overseas Highway? A: Tolls were eliminated in 1954. The only toll you'll encounter is if you take the Card Sound Road ($1.50 for cars), which is optional.

Q: Can I bike the Overseas Highway? A: Yes! The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is being developed for cyclists and pedestrians. However, many sections remain incomplete, and the highway itself can be dangerous for cycling.

Q: Where should I stay overnight? A: Popular options include Key Largo (gateway to the Keys), Islamorada (upscale island vibe), Marathon (mid-point), and Key West (ultimate destination). Book well in advance during peak season.

Q: Is the drive suitable for families with children? A: Absolutely! The Keys offer family-friendly beaches, snorkeling, wildlife centers, and educational experiences. Just plan frequent stops to keep kids engaged.

Q: What's the hurricane risk? A: Hurricane season runs June 1-November 30, with September being peak month. Monitor weather forecasts and have flexible travel plans during this period. The Keys have excellent evacuation procedures if needed.

Q: Can I drink alcohol on the beaches? A: It depends on the specific beach. Many Florida Keys beaches allow alcohol, but always check local regulations. Glass containers are typically prohibited.

Q: Should I book tours and activities in advance? A: Yes, especially during peak season (December-April). Popular activities like snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, and restaurant reservations fill up quickly.