Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. This guide contains 16 worthy stops between Miami and Key West . Fort Myers is located 160 miles west of Miami, which is a drive of 2 hours and 30 minutes. You should probably get one to-go too. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Florida Keys Facts. Female Solo Travel Blog - Travel like a local Not a Tourist. You can learn all about it at the museum for an admission of $18 for adults. It is the first & biggest Key in the Florida Keys and is home to the first underwater state park in the USA! The drive from Miami to Key West isnt one of Floridas most scenic routes for no reason. If you want perfect weather with no humidity and no rain, I would recommend the early spring / late fall & winter months. When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. BUT, I always like to recommend a few must-haves for this specific trip. Go snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking--if it takes place on the water, Key Largo has it. Like I said before, the 165+ mile stretch between Miami to Key West is scenic and has tons to see! From Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key West, it is 189 miles (304 km). Day 2: Key West. Snooks is an open-air eatery that offers sprawling views of the gorgeous Key Largo waterfront. Avoiding the crowd? Miami to Key West Road Trips. Depending on traffic, the drive will take about four hours. Once you reach Key West, youll have enough things to do to fill a few days and then some. We stopped at the original Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for food on the way to Key West and had a wonderful experience. Labeled the first subaquatic park in the United States, the Coral Reef State Park offers guests a chance to take their explorations underwater. Over 100 miles and 42 bridges connect 34 islands. Make sure to check out our complete best restaurants in Key West article. Click here to browse hotels in Brickell, Miami! and then head to the first ever underwater state park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! While it hasn't been used as a functioning lighthouse since 1969, the museum stands testament to the maritime heritage of . I hope you found this Miami to Key West Road Trip super useful and have the best time EVER! US1 is open all the way. Every good road trip needs a destination, but many times the things to see along the way are what really make the trip, and the drive from Miami to Key West is no different. This small, boutique resort was right on the water, had an art gallery on site, pool / hot tub on the property, and each room was an individual cottage with tons of privacy! 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. But if you bring us a strawberry key lime pie shake then we are officially best friends again. Cuban coffee: $3.50-6. While in Key West, you can visit the home he shared with his wife of the time, Pauline. Miami to Key West Drive Map. On weekends, its a huge party out there. Miami was a city that completely surprised me, in a good way! Just like the Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital gives a home for injured and sick turtles as they nurture these endangered creatures back to health. Whether you want to stay in an Old Victorian style bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or luxury resort.. there is an option for everyone! Q: How is the drive from Miami to Key West is it Worth it? Rent bikes to cruise along the bike path along the beach! It was right on the water with its own private beach, the rooms were all HUGE with a couch area to hang out on, all of the balconies face the ocean, and they have so many nice details! Arriving in Key West. It's a gorgeous drive with lots to do. Also, one in Islamorada is the Florida Keys Brewing Company which is one of the top breweries in the area. Built in 1848, visiting the Key West Lighthouse and climbing up the 88 steps to check out the view is one of the top things to do in the Keys. Literally so cute and is super durable for travel!! From Miami Airport to the start of the Keys is about 55 miles. On your way down to the Florida Keys on Highway 1, a turn-off just south of Florida City will take you into a portion of the Everglades National Park. When it first opened with a female lighthouse keeper in the 19 th century, it was quite a rarity.. Its rare when you go to a resort and they make you feel like they are welcoming you into their home. On one of their tours, youll paddle through mangrove creeks with blueish-green water, at some points only a few inches deep. 16. Stop 1: Coral Castle. Visit in the wintertime where it's most popular to drive . If swimming isnt your strong suit, you can book a glass-bottom boat tour so that you can peek through the glass into this underwater world. So how exactly he constructed this massive mix of castle, part garden, and part sculptures has left lots of people with questions. 3 hours 50 minutes. YES its as good as it sounds. The route is best driven in a convertible, takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands, and historical sites . The 100-plus-miles stretch features plenty of great stops for any Miami to Key . This means that if you make a purchase through one of these links I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosies dog treats! I did spend the day on Miami Beach, but I felt food and bars were better in the downtown Brickell area. Grab a paddle and head out into the mangroves. But these five-foot-long fish weren't always grazing the surface of the marine for something to eat. Itll take you just under four hours (with light traffic) to get to Key West from Miami. 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. Part II: Miami to Key West Road Trip. Soak in the azure waters as you drive this lengthy stretch, and take in the views of the little islands. The Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sammich is where its at! If your time is limited, then do a day trip from Miami to the Florida Keys. 2. 2.1 Morning - Early start to the Everglades National Park; 2.2 Morning - Keep driving to Key Largo (mile marker 106) for lunch; 2.3 Afternoon - visit to Dolphins Plus Bayside or the Theater of the Sea; 2.4 Afternoon - Relaxing at Sombrero Beach Nurse sharks, jellyfish, and sea birds are frequently seen while kayaking in the lower keys. Recommended by Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road. Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping in Everglades National Park, Day 3: Road Trip to Key West One of the most Scenic Drives in the USA, Day 4: Key West Site Seeing + Catamaran Sunset Cruise, Day 5: Sand Bar Boat Tour + Farewell Dinner, On your Florida Keys road trip, I would recommend stopping in three different spots to break up your drive. There are endless things to do on this 100 mile stretch between Key Largo and Key West, and here are some of my must-see recommendations: You can definitely see all of these things in one day, at a comfortable pace. Most of the boat tours are just north of the town of Homestead, which there will be several tours to choose from. While there may not be as many pull-offs with signposts, there are still many natural places to explore in this more rugged and wild stretch of the Florida Keys. Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida is quite unique among the places to stop on the way to Key West. . However, it's actually against the law to feed them and it's punishable by a $250-$500 fine. The drive from Miami to Key West is absolutely breathtaking and is one of the best road trips in the world! The best part of this Florida Keys road trip is the drive and exploring whatever looks inviting to you. If you plan on snorkeling in the Florida Keys, they have the only living coral reef in North America. This historic street is home to a number of great art galleries, shops, and attractions plus, youre on vacation, and the bars are open during the day too! If you drive from Miami as suggested, the best way to get to Key Largo is to take LeJeune Road south to 836 West, take the Florida Turnpike south toward Key West where the turnpike will end at Overseas Highway US 1 in Florida City. . Here is a fun private tour that takes you out to sand bars! Plus, you will want to make sure you get to Key West in time for sunset (trust me on this one!!). Grab yourself some lunch at The Fish House (which was featured on Drivers, Dive ins and Dives, Food Network, and many other news stations!) LLs test kitchen has amazing, high quality food! The second best rates were that of Enterprise & Dollar rent-a-car; while the compact and economy car rental deals started at $35 per day, van rental (15 passengers) deals were offered . This is the end of the road Mile Marker Zero. The Key West Shuttle operated by Keys Shuttle is a popular option . Card Sound Road roughly parallels Route 1. Their IPAs were pretty solid, and it was fun to try some of the beers that included regional ingredients and local flare. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. We enjoyed everything we had. Or Fort Lauderdale to Key West in about four hours.. I was shocked by how many UBers / Lyfts were available in Key West. Schnebly is also hugewith lush walkable grounds perfect for sipping and strolling. While every storefront from Mile Marker 118 to the furthest piers in Key West all claim to have the best Key Lime Pie, Kermits is the real deal. For specifics, I stayed at the Kona Kai Resort! Try another? This painted concrete buoy is a popular photo spot that marks the piece of land furthest south in the Continental United States. This road trip from Miami to Key West is a no-miss for you. I've got a whole post . The specialty here is their daily fresh-caught fish, Angus beef and chicken dishes, and of course their tropical cocktails. If you join the Hemingway Food and Walking tour, you will visit Sloppy Joes, as it is an important stop. Stop at this very pretty beach/park in Marathon. On your way out of Miami stop at this gorgeous national forest. Since then, they have rehabbed and released more than 1,500 turtles back into the water surrounding the Florida Keys. Distance between Miami International Airport and Key West is about 110 miles. There are several catamaran cruises in Key West, but the most popular one (that I feel is more of a fun, party vibe) is Fury Key West! Your list of things to do on the way from Miami to Key West is longer than one might think. But before you even think about hopping on a plane back home, there is plenty for you to still explore. They do the classics here and they do them damn well. The menu often changes as everything is fresh. Have the most amazing sushi and Asian food at, See downtown Miami from the best view possible at. Plus, there is sometimes traffic along the main highway, so depending on what time of year / day of the week / time of day it might take you much longer! Trust me, youll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West. Of course, save room for pie because leaving without trying a slice would be a sin! The Best time to Drive From Miami to Key West. A: YES! The lowest prices were that of Fox rent-a-car; only $8 per day for an economy car, $10.74 per day for a standard SUV, and $11.78 for a luxury/convertible rental. For example, La Pensione has rooms for $150 in early December. There are two signs, one on each side of the road one for the end of the road and one for the beginning. At this state park, you can go to one of the few white sand beaches in the area (Canon Beach), kayak through mangroves, or go on snorkeling boat tours! 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. Thislocal winery (with a restaurant and brewery also on the property) makes some pretty unorthodox wines from local fruits like avocados and lychees. The Florida Keys were not as heavily affected by Hurricane Ian as other areas of Florida. Luckily, your drive is lined with some of the best attractions in Miami, some of the best tacos in Miami and much, much more. They are connected by a series of bridges, making for quite a memorable road trip. Length: 106 miles. Its an excellent place for a special dinner or just to celebrate being in the Keys! You could drive directly to Key West from Miami in one afternoon but that would take all of the fun out of visiting the amazing stops and the Florida Keys along the way. The distance to Key West is about 125 miles (201 km). Driving distance: 118 mi / 189 km. Head to Fort Myers, home to some of the best beaches in Florida! If you are starting your Florida Keys drive in Miami, do yourself a favor and spend at least a night. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami. This will give ample time to hit the highlights with some time to truly experience the Keys. That's because traffic will be lighter during these periods, which can help cut back on your time in the car. I never want to bore you with a long packing list, especially when you came here to read an itinerary! They were putting on a show during the cruise and putting everyone else to shame, ha! The first thing to understand is that most of the attractionson a Miami to Key West Road Trip are referenced by what Mile Marker they are located near. Some hurricanes did cause damage such as Hurricane Irma in 2017. Traveling to Florida? We compiled a shortlist of our favorite things to do in Key West to help you make the most of your next road trip. Its one of those old-time places that they just dont make anymore. Marathon is a perfect rest stop because it's directly halfway between Miami and Key West. Dinner tables book up months in advance. However, it's a lot of fun to break up the journey with interesting stops along . 6:36 pm Key Largo. 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. While most naturally assume that the keys play home to more aquatic life, it is also home to these adorable little deer. Here are some of our favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. Visiting Clearwater Beach is without a question a lovely choice on the road trip from Orlando to Key West. 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. During most times of the year, youll have no problem finding a spot to lay your beach towel. 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. A road trip from Miami to Key West, is one of the most scenic and breathtaking driving routes in America! It starts outside the Hemingway House (it does not go inside the house, so youll have to do that on your own). 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! As the final destination on your itinerary, youre more than likely to spend several days in Key West. Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West Florida? Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Theater of the Seas animal interaction packages give you a good chance to get much closer to the wildlife than youd expect. 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. After youve done plenty of adventuring, its time to reward yourself with comfort food, good drinks, and the best atmosphere in the Keys at the Florida Keys Brewery! Even though we had a really bad weather day (link sprinkling and no sunset), we still had SO much fun! This is when it pays to be a passenger. If youre not exhausted from the day, you can end your night bar hopping along Duval Street! If youre looking for aquatic activities, Marathon will deliver in the form of deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The ferry journey to Key West takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. The keys are very narrow with everything being right off the highway (not a town that you get off the highway and can walk around). It's worth the trip if only becauseEd worked awfully hard on all these carvings and his story is actually quite incredible and slightly unbelievable. However, this doesnt mean there isnt anything to see on Duval Street while the sun is out. Plan to pack and re-pack your bag a few times, but I promise it will be worth it! The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. Now that all the logistics are out of the way, lets dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. Head over to Grassy Key in Marathon and visit the Dolphin Research Center. Line 2300 train, fly. Drive safely and take your time and get ready for a great road trip! TIP: I would plan to leave your hotel in Miami pretty early and get to the Everglades no later than 10am! This was my thought process.. I would recommend packing some drinks and sandwiches and spending the day on your own little slice of paradise! From here, you are just over 100 miles from Key West, with lots of fun adventures ahead of you. For those wondering when is the best time to take the drive from Miami to Key West, consider that the Keys are one of the sunniest and warmest places in the country, averaging between 75 and 80 . For the most part, the highwayUS Highway 1is 2-lane and runs through all the island towns in the Keys, meaning that the traffic feels more like local traffic than open highway driving. Heres a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Key West and standout meals from our recent trip to Key West. But it gets scorchingly hot during summers and the hurricane season begins in the month of June till about September - October. The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles (257 km). Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. This deep sandy beach located on the southern shoreline of Key West is arguably the best beach on the island. Flocking with the herd? The Everglades! Sundowners: 103900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037. Get off the beaten path. Since youre starting your journey here, I recommend taking a few days to explore this Florida hotspot. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). Once you're ready to leave Miami, you'll head south on U.S. Highway 1. For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here, Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping at Everglades National Park. Taqueria Morelia often finds itself in the conversation of the areas best Mexican joints. From here, its said only to be a short 90 miles to Cuba. 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! Well, its not like you can avoid it. But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. One thing I was surprised about in Key West was how easy it was to get around! Pro tip: its cash-only! The most popular beach in Key West, Smathers Beach, is completely free other than the small parking fees for street parking. It is a super cute smaller hotel that has room options with separate. We highly recommend the shrimp & grits appetizer and beignets as a dessert. Table of Contents. How long is the drive from Miami to Key West. The tour follows in Hemingways footsteps, giving you a glimpse of his life and the history of Key West. To see details, click the arrow on the top left to view the different layers. Save yourself the stress!! 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