The Ultimate Florida Road Trip: Miami to Key West Itinerary (2025 Travel Guide)

Dreaming of crystalline waters, sky-blue horizons, and a coastal drive that feels like a movie scene? The Miami to Key West road trip along the Overseas Highway is one of America’s most iconic journeys—a 113-mile stretch of highway that threads island to island through the Florida Keys, framed by turquoise seas on both sides.

This guide is built for travelers who want a clear plan—including how long it actually takes, where to stop, what to do (and when), and practical money tips to make the most of your ride.

🚗 Your Trip at a Glance

• 📍 Route: Miami → Key West
• 📏 Distance: ~113 miles (~182 km)
• 🕒 Driving time (direct): ~4 hours.
• 📅 Ideal trip length: 2–5 days
• 🚙 Best months: December–April for mild weather, fewer storms

Forget trying to rush this—every mile is a view, a story, and a photo waiting to happen.

🧭 Why This Route Is Legendary

The Overseas Highway isn’t just another road. It’s a feat of engineering that connects Key Largo to Key West across 42 bridges, including the unforgettable Seven Mile Bridge—where you feel like you’re suspended between ocean and sky.

🌴 This road trip blends:

• Tropical scenery
• Beach stops
• Wildlife and snorkeling
• Island culture
• Hidden local food spots

…and it’s not just about the destination—it’s about what you discover along the way.

🌅 Days 1–2: Miami—Start With Culture & Coast

Kick things off in Miami before you hit the Keys:

Must-See in Miami

• South Beach: Pastel art-deco buildings and expansive beaches—perfect for sunrise photos
• Little Havana: Cuban coffee, Calle Ocho vibes, salsa rhythms
• Biscayne Bay Views via the MacArthur Causeway—an iconic drive from Miami proper into the open road ahead.

Pro tip: Begin early (7–8 AM) to beat weekend traffic and make headway before the sun gets high.

🐊 Detour Option: Everglades National Park

Before leaving Miami’s urban buzz behind, consider a quick morning detour to the Everglades National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site where you might spot alligators, manatees, and wide marshlands that feel entirely different from Caribbean vibes. It’s a scenic detour worth a few extra hours. The Planet D: Adventure.

🏝️ Key Stops Along the Overseas Highway

Here’s how to break down your drive—with practical stops that make your trip feel worth every mile:

🐬 Key Largo – Coral Reef Gateway

What to do

• Snorkel or dive at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the U.S.
• Glass-bottom boat tours for views of marine life

Why stop? It's the best way to transition from big city to sea adventure.

🎣 Islamorada – Sportfishing & Island Eats

This string of islands is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Grab a fresh catch lunch or just wander around local boutiques, and Robbie’s Marina is a fun quick stop where you can feed tarpon right off the dock.

Great midway pit stop: Islamorada makes a perfect lunch or overnight break if your timing is relaxed.

🌉 Marathon & Seven Mile Bridge

Crossing the Seven Mile Bridge is often the highlight of the trip—a long stretch of road suspended over brilliant water. There’s a scenic rest area where you have to stop for photos.

Marathon offers beaches, family-friendly attractions, and calmer shores before you hit the Lower Keys.

🦌 Bahia Honda State Park & Big Pine Key

This part of the Keys is more laid-back and nature-oriented—with beaches that feel tropical and untouched. It’s a great place for a picnic, paddleboarding, or a chill sunset.

🎯 Final Destination: Key West

Reaching Key West feels like arriving at the end of the world—and in the best way possible.

Must-Do in Key West

• Duval Street—funky shops, lounges, and nightlife galore.
• Southernmost Point Buoy—classic photo spot
• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration—artists, performers, and sunset views
• Historic Old Town—walkable, colorful, and rich in island vibe

Key West deserves at least 2 full days if you want to dive into its culture, food, and scene.

💡 Practical Tips for Your Road Trip

1. Fill up early & pack snacks
Gas gets pricier the farther south you go — fill up before the islands.

2. Head out early to beat crowds
The Upper Keys can clog during peak travel hours—early starts pay off.

3. Respect the island pace
Speed limits are strict, the lanes are two-way, and scenery temptations mean slow driving anyway.

4. Watch weather + hurricanes
Summer brings tropical thunderstorms and hurricane season lasts June to November—plan accordingly.

📊 Quick Florida Keys Road Trip Planner

Section	Must-See	Suggested Time
Miami	South Beach, Little Havana	Half day
Key Largo	Snorkeling & Reef Park	Half day
Islamorada	Lunch & Marina fun	Half day
Marathon	Seven Mile Bridge	Afternoon
Bahia Honda	Beach & sunset	Half day
Key West	Duval St., Sunset	2–3 days

🛫 Wrap-Up: Why It’s Worth It

This isn’t just another road trip. It’s where ocean meets asphalt, where every mile feels like a postcard—and every stop earns a memory.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, fish tacos, reef colors, or island culture, the Miami to Key West drive is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Florida in 2025