Florida Keys Road Trip Guide
Drive the spectacular Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. 113 miles of tropical paradise, turquoise waters, and island vibes.
Quick Overview
113 miles (182 km)
2-4 days
Dec-April (dry season)
$150-400/day
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of America's most scenic drives, connecting a chain of tropical islands via 42 bridges over turquoise waters. This engineering marvel stretches from mainland Florida to Key West, offering stunning ocean views, world-class snorkeling, fresh seafood, and laid-back island culture.
This guide will help you plan the perfect Keys road trip with detailed island stops, water activities, budget breakdowns, and insider tips for experiencing paradise on wheels.
Complete Island-by-Island Guide
Key Largo (Mile Marker 106-126)
Distance from Miami: 60 miles (1 hour)
Duration: Half day to 1 day
Known For: Diving capital of the world, John Pennekamp State Park
Must-Do Activities:
- • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - First underwater park in US
- • Christ of the Abyss - Underwater statue, snorkeling/diving
- • Molasses Reef - Best snorkeling in the Keys
- • Glass-bottom boat tours - See reef without getting wet
- • Kayaking through mangroves - Eco-tours available
Pro Tip: Book snorkeling tours early morning for calmest waters and best visibility. The Christ of the Abyss statue is iconic!
Islamorada (Mile Marker 73-90)
Distance from Key Largo: 20 miles (30 min)
Duration: 1 day
Known For: Sport fishing capital, beautiful beaches, art galleries
Must-Do Activities:
- • Theater of the Sea - Marine mammal park, swim with dolphins
- • Anne's Beach - Peaceful beach with boardwalk
- • Robbie's Marina - Feed giant tarpon fish
- • Indian Key Historic State Park - Kayak to abandoned island
- • Windley Key Fossil Reef - Geological site with trails
Pro Tip: Don't miss feeding the tarpon at Robbie's Marina. These massive fish jump right out of the water! Bring $4 for a bucket of fish.
Marathon (Mile Marker 47-53)
Distance from Islamorada: 25 miles (35 min)
Duration: 1 day
Known For: Seven Mile Bridge, turtle hospital, family-friendly
Must-Do Activities:
- • Seven Mile Bridge - Iconic bridge with stunning views
- • Turtle Hospital - Rescue and rehabilitation center (tours)
- • Sombrero Beach - Best public beach in Middle Keys
- • Crane Point Museum - Nature trails and history
- • Dolphin Research Center - Educational programs
Pro Tip: Stop at the old Seven Mile Bridge (now a pedestrian path) for photos. The Turtle Hospital tour is educational and heartwarming - book ahead!
Big Pine Key & Bahia Honda (Mile Marker 28-37)
Distance from Marathon: 15 miles (20 min)
Duration: Half day
Known For: Key deer, best beach in the Keys
Must-Do Activities:
- • Bahia Honda State Park - Best beach in Florida Keys
- • National Key Deer Refuge - See endangered miniature deer
- • Blue Hole - Freshwater quarry with alligators
- • Snorkeling at Looe Key - Pristine coral reef
- • Old Bahia Honda Bridge - Historic railroad bridge
Pro Tip: Bahia Honda has the best beach in the Keys. Arrive early as parking fills up by 10am. Key deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
Key West (Mile Marker 0-9)
Distance from Big Pine: 30 miles (40 min)
Duration: 2-3 days
Known For: Southernmost point, Duval Street, sunset celebration
Must-Do Activities:
- • Southernmost Point Buoy - Iconic photo spot (90 miles to Cuba)
- • Mallory Square Sunset - Nightly celebration with street performers
- • Duval Street - Bars, restaurants, shopping
- • Ernest Hemingway Home - Historic house with 6-toed cats
- • Fort Zachary Taylor - Best snorkeling beach in Key West
- • Dry Tortugas National Park - Day trip by ferry or seaplane
- • Key West Butterfly Conservatory - Tropical paradise
Pro Tip: Visit the Southernmost Point early morning (7-8am) to avoid the long line for photos. Sunset at Mallory Square is a must-do experience!
Best Water Activities
Snorkeling & Diving
- • Molasses Reef - Best overall reef
- • Christ of the Abyss - Underwater statue
- • Looe Key - Pristine coral gardens
- • Fort Zachary Taylor - Beach snorkeling
- • Dry Tortugas - Remote paradise
Cost: $50-80 for half-day snorkel tour
Boat Tours
- • Glass-bottom boats - See reef without swimming
- • Sunset cruises - Romantic evening sails
- • Fishing charters - Deep sea or backcountry
- • Dry Tortugas ferry - Full-day adventure
- • Dolphin watching - Eco-tours
Cost: $40-200 depending on tour
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
- • Mangrove tunnels - Key Largo eco-tours
- • Indian Key - Paddle to historic island
- • Backcountry flats - Calm shallow waters
- • Sunset paddles - Magical evening tours
- • Rentals available - Most islands
Cost: $30-60 for rentals or tours
Marine Life Encounters
- • Swim with dolphins - Theater of the Sea
- • Feed tarpon - Robbie's Marina
- • Turtle Hospital - Educational tours
- • Key deer viewing - Big Pine Key
- • Shark feeding - Florida Keys Aquarium
Cost: $25-200 depending on activity
Complete Budget Breakdown
| Expense Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $100-150 | $180-280 | $350-600+ |
| Food (per day) | $40-60 | $80-120 | $150-250+ |
| Car Rental (per day) | $40-60 | $70-100 | $120-200 |
| Gas (total trip) | $30-50 | $30-50 | $30-50 |
| Water Activities | $30-50/day | $60-100/day | $150-300/day |
| Attractions & Tours | $20-40/day | $50-80/day | $100-200/day |
| TOTAL (per day) | $150-250 | $290-480 | $620-1,100+ |
| 3-DAY TRIP TOTAL | $480-800 | $900-1,490 | $1,910-3,350+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- • Visit in shoulder season (May-June, Sept-Nov) for 30-40% lower prices
- • Book accommodations with kitchenettes to cook some meals
- • Many beaches and viewpoints are free
- • Bring your own snorkel gear to save on rentals
- • Happy hour specials are common at restaurants
- • State parks offer great value ($8 entry, all-day access)
Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys
Best Months
December-April (Dry Season)
- ✓ Perfect weather (70-80°F)
- ✓ Low humidity
- ✓ Minimal rain
- ✓ Best water visibility
- ✗ Peak crowds
- ✗ Highest prices
Shoulder Season
May-June & September-November
- ✓ 30-40% lower prices
- ✓ Fewer crowds
- ✓ Still warm (80-85°F)
- ✓ Good for budget travelers
- ✗ More rain (afternoon showers)
- ✗ Hurricane season (June-Nov)
Summer (July-August)
Pros & Cons
- ✓ Family vacation season
- ✓ Warm water temperatures
- ✓ Lower prices than winter
- ✗ Very hot and humid (85-90°F)
- ✗ Daily afternoon thunderstorms
- ✗ Peak hurricane season
Avoid If Possible
Peak Holiday Weekends
- • Spring Break (March)
- • Memorial Day weekend
- • 4th of July weekend
- • Labor Day weekend
- • Fantasy Fest (late Oct)
- • Extreme crowds and prices
Essential Tips for Your Keys Road Trip
Driving Tips
- • Only one road (US-1) - impossible to get lost!
- • Mile markers (MM) count down from 126 to 0
- • Allow 3-4 hours driving time Miami to Key West (without stops)
- • Traffic can be heavy, especially weekends and holidays
- • Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass
- • Gas stations are frequent - no need to worry
Accommodation Tips
- • Book 3-6 months ahead for winter season
- • Key Largo and Marathon offer better value than Key West
- • Oceanfront properties command premium prices
- • Consider vacation rentals for longer stays
- • Many hotels have minimum night requirements in peak season
Food & Dining
- • Fresh seafood is a must - try conch fritters, stone crab, key lime pie
- • Waterfront restaurants offer best atmosphere
- • Happy hour deals are common (4-6pm)
- • Food trucks and casual spots offer great value
- • Reservations recommended for popular restaurants
Water Activity Tips
- • Book snorkel/dive tours in advance during peak season
- • Morning tours offer calmest waters and best visibility
- • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral
- • Underwater camera or GoPro highly recommended
- • Check weather and water conditions before booking
Safety Tips
- • Sun is intense - wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- • Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water
- • Watch for jellyfish when swimming
- • Don't feed or touch wildlife (except at designated places)
- • Hurricane season June-November - monitor weather
- • Respect coral reefs - look but don't touch
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Miami to Islamorada
John Pennekamp snorkeling, Christ of the Abyss, feed tarpon at Robbie's, overnight Islamorada
Day 2: Islamorada to Key West
Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Bahia Honda beach, Seven Mile Bridge photos, arrive Key West evening
Day 3: Key West
Southernmost Point, Hemingway House, Fort Zachary Taylor snorkeling, Duval Street, Mallory Square sunset
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing the Drive
Don't try to do Miami to Key West and back in one day. You'll spend all your time driving and miss everything.
Skipping the Middle Keys
Many people rush to Key West and miss the best snorkeling, beaches, and wildlife in the Middle and Upper Keys.
Not Booking Water Activities
Popular snorkel tours and water activities book up weeks in advance during peak season. Reserve ahead!
Visiting During Hurricane Season
August-October is peak hurricane season. While not guaranteed, storms can ruin your trip. Winter is safer.
Forgetting Sun Protection
The tropical sun is intense. Sunburn can ruin your trip. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Driving at Night
The Overseas Highway has limited lighting. Drive during daylight to enjoy the views and stay safe.