So if youre short on time but still want to split the drive up, I recommend spending the night in Marathon. Miami to Key West drive time - if you were to drive straight through, the drive would take you on average of 4 hours. Is it worth driving from Miami to Key West? 25 Best Activities In Key West (The Conch Republic) - Expert Vagabond Fort Myers is located 160 miles west of Miami, which is a drive of 2 hours and 30 minutes. So keep the bread crumbs in your bag and enjoy the chickens from a distance. HI! How many days should I spend in Key West? You cant miss the bright yellow building that make up Islamorada Beer Company and their adjoining distillery. They are situated right on a dock and bring in all their fresh catch daily. Tired of driving? It starts outside the Hemingway House (it does not go inside the house, so youll have to do that on your own). 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. Miami to Key West road trip - best things to do in 3 itineraries - MEL365 Made famous by one of Key Wests most memorable residents, Ernest Hemmingway, who frequented the bar and allegedly had a hand in naming the place. Do your part by buying reef safe sunscreen, which my favorite is Sunbum! First stop. Maybe thats because the drive is a bit longer than most people think it is. After exploring the Everglades, head onto Key Largo! The African Queen is a vessel that was used during the filming of a movie of the same name. Youve made it to your final destination! Key Largo; Islamorada Taqueria Morelia often finds itself in the conversation of the areas best Mexican joints. Female Solo Travel Blog - Travel like a local Not a Tourist. They are known for their fresh seafood and steaks at Chef Michales. US1 is open all the way. I've got a whole post . The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. We have personally done this drive 8 times and heading back again this year because we love it so much. Located 150 miles southwest of Miami, Key West is the most distant inhabited part of the Florida Keys archipelago. When Joseph and I went to the Florida Keys Brewery, a famous country band (LoCash, heard of them?!) If you only have one splurge meal, it should probably be Latitues out on Sunset Key, and it should be dinner at sunset. The Best Scenic Miami to Key West road trip itinerary - step by step 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 drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. They don't happen every year and they don't always hit Key West. In this guide, you learned a perfect road trip itinerary, my recommended 3 stopping points, common questions about the Florida Keys, a few must-pack items, and a list of bonus ideas to swap out anything on the itinerary! Key West is a big cruise ship port. 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! Plus, Marathon has different kinds of restaurants, a true beachfront area . Anyways, many locals told us about their favorite activity in Key West which is taking a boat out to the sand bars! Stop here because you need to fill up on beer for your trip and you might as well drink local. There are several ways to plan your Florida Keys road trip. 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! This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. This is where all the best food is, much closer to the airport / start of the keys, and tons of rooftop bars! When it comes to this drive, it truly is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Table of Contents. Manatee Bay Eco Tours. Snooks is an open-air eatery that offers sprawling views of the gorgeous Key Largo waterfront. It is in a great location right on Miami Beach, with a nice pool, a beach area with chairs & umbrellas (a big selling point for us), parking, and more. This street is filled with live music shows, bars of every shape and size, and easily the most lively area of Key West. 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. 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! Bonus Ideas for your Road Trip From Miami to Key West, What to Pack for a Miami to Key West Road Trip. This restaurant sits right on the water and is only a 15 minute walk from Mallory Square. Thislocal winery (with a restaurant and brewery also on the property) makes some pretty unorthodox wines from local fruits like avocados and lychees. Planning Your Miami to Key West Road Trip | AMA Travel Theres so much more to Miami than partying. Explore your artistic side by visiting the open-air Rain Barrel Artisan Village. Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. Visiting Clearwater Beach is without a question a lovely choice on the road trip from Orlando to Key West. Like I said before, the 165+ mile stretch between Miami to Key West is scenic and has tons to see! Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille (at the Galleon Resort): 617 Front St, Key West, FL 33040. From here, you are just over 100 miles from Key West, with lots of fun adventures ahead of you. We just spent 2 weeks in the Florida Keys in November of 2022, and everything is open as far as hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Exploring Key West on a budget - Lonely Planet Heading to the Keys on Friday or Saturday is when traffic will be its heaviest. Cuban sandwich: $8.50-10. The Best Time Of Year For A Miami To Key West Road Trip: 16. It will give you the lay of the land and include five drinks, and youll probably make a few friends to join you out later that night. Once you arrive in Key West, check into your hotel and head to Mallory Square for their nightly Sunset Celebration! Highway 41. Inside there is a fascinating collection of diving equipment dating back hundreds of years and YES, you can even put on an old-school diving helmet! Self-proclaimed as the Dive Capital of the World, there are endless amounts of underwater activities and things to do in Key Largo. Stop thinking about a Miami to Key West road trip and start planning. This vintage piece of movie history was built in 1912 and is a registered National Historic site. Set sail with Key Wests first electric catamaran for a truly memorable eco-friendly experience with local wildlife. How long is the drive from Miami to Key West? A Miami to Key West Road Trip is something that should be on EVERYONES bucket list. Day 1: Arrive in Key West. From Miami to Key West: 5 Best Ways to Get There | PlanetWare Only 30 minutes out of the way, you can do an airboat tour through the Everglades to see some gators & other amazing wildlife. One thing I was surprised about in Key West was how easy it was to get around! Miami to Key West Road Trip Overview. Its the only way youre getting to Key West via car. Even though I had an amazing trip and saw so much, I didnt get to do everything on my itinerary. For me, I chose to stay in Key Largo, which was great! 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. Miami To Key West: The Ultimate 3-Day Trip Itinerary The small propeller planes that fly you above the keys let you see a completely different perspective . Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. We suggest a 2-3 day road trip driving through the Florida Keys to hit most of the highlights with a few nights in Key West at the end. They provide bottomless wine, beer, margaritas, food & have a live band on board! There are mangrove swamps to kayak and hammocks to lounge in, but the main draw to the park is what lies beneath the surface. 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. Flocking with the herd? On the overseas coastal bridge, it takes around a four hours drive from Miami to Key West. 7 - 10 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Miami, Key West & the National Parks The sandbar located right offshore from Islamorada is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in the Florida Keys! From Miami to Key West by Bus Southernmost point in the continental USA in Key West. Day two is the first true day of your road trip! We really like to stay at this hotel, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel. 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. The water in the everglades is actually a river that is very clean. For those on a tight budget - and who aren't in a hurry (it can take up to five hours) - the regular bus service between Miami and Key West is certainly a good option.Greyhound Lines offer frequent daily departures, including pickups and drop-offs at Miami International Airport and, of course, Key West . Flocking with the herd? Its one of those old-time places that they just dont make anymore. 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! Most of the boat tours are just north of the town of Homestead, which there will be several tours to choose from. Also, one in Islamorada is the Florida Keys Brewing Company which is one of the top breweries in the area. Dj vu! Whether you want to stay in an Old Victorian style bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or luxury resort.. there is an option for everyone! . The climate is warm year round. The PERFECT Weekend in Key West Itinerary - For First Timers! . This place is full of kitsch, with the walls and ceilings covered in dollar bills. You can rent kayaks here or take a guided tour which will bring you to the beautiful backwaters of Key West. How Far Is Key West From Miami By Boat - BoatProClub.com For this reason, people are constantly turning on and off the main highway, causing everyone to drive pretty slow. You dont have to go very far between stops on a road trip from Miami to Key West to find fun places to grab a drink. . Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. Here are some of our favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. The Overseas Highway (Key West) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go and leave at 7:36 pm. While only slightly tamer (certain festivals excluded), Duval street has a reputation for great Key West nightlife. 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. Before or after visiting the park, stop at Alabama Jacks, our favorite tiki bar in Key Largo. Whether you are a diving enthusiast or not, the history of Diving Museum should be a part of anyones Key West road trip itinerary. Weve got your essential list of pit stops for your road trip from Miami to Key West. The smoked fish dip, the fried conch, the snapper and especially the key lime pie, which is an essential dessert here. $152 - $456. Re: Best time to drive from Miami to Key West. Duval Street is to Key West, as Bourbon Street is to New Orleans. There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. Go Pro is completely waterproof, durable, and is perfect for action shots! The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. With an unobstructed view to the west, this is also a great spot for sunset and a few sundowners. Florida Keys Road Trip: 25 Awesome Things To Do Between Key Largo and Okay, that wraps up my overly-detailed Miami to Key West Road trip guide! When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. Its a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink before or after feeding the tarpon. 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 . Here is a quick reference guide to the stops we love and think should be included in your Florida Keys itinerary: Coral Castle. Here is everything you need to know, from the best stops on a Florida Keys road trip. Get off the beaten path. This is when it pays to be a passenger. A MUST READ Miami to Key West Road Trip Guide! - My Perfect Itinerary During his time in the keys was when his most successful books were published. For the worst times to head to Key West from Miami, you want to avoid driving . This thin strand of pavement skipping along bridges through the Florida Keys is one of the best road trips in the country. Click here to browse hotels in Brickell, Miami! The most popular beach in Key West, Smathers Beach, is completely free other than the small parking fees for street parking. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! drive for about 1.5 hours. 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 I absolutely LOVED Miami and already want to go back to spend some more time exploring it. We went on this Key West Mangrove Kaying tour with Lazy Dog. There are tons of great Cuban restaurants in Key West. No matter what time of year you visit Fort Myers, its, Bucket List: 6 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico | 2023 Guide, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I was shocked by how many UBers / Lyfts were available in Key West. If you want a table here, you should put your name on the list before you even start planning your road trip. Theres so much more to Miami than partying, utah, road trip, north america, usa, Guides. This 159-mile (256 km) drive from Miami takes around four hours nonstop on the Overseas Highway and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Florida. There are no road closures from Hurricane Ian on the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. On the way from Miami to Key Largo, you will be passing right by one of the most unique and largest National Parks in the USA.. stay for about 1 hour. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. Between those mile markers, there are plenty of amazing stop-offs with lots of fun and adventures. The spots I would recommend are Miami, somewhere in between Miami & Key West (like Key Largo), and Key West! 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! Visit in the wintertime where its most popular to drive from Miami to Key West. Ultimate Miami to Key West Road Trip Itinerary - Travelling Dany 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! For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here, Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping at Everglades National Park. Well, its not like you can avoid it. The best dive bar in all of Key Largo, featuring a lively cast of all the lovable misfits who find themselves down in this area of South Florida. Snapping a selfie here is a must on a Florida Keys road trip. Lucky for you, I have a wide selection of presets that you can choose from starting at only $3.49 per pack!! Take time to meander round the colorful and unique streets of Fort Myers. Our favorite meal in Key West was at Cafe Marquesa. My first visit here was memorable to say the least (I was bit by a pelican), but I still enjoyed feeding the tarpon. Another great option if you are traveling with a group and looking to go on a fun tiki boat, you can rent this Tiki boat for a private 3 hours Islamorada Sandbar Tour. 1. This is the kind of quirky sight that Florida is famous for, so it's a great start to your Miami to Key West road trip. Self-catering apartment: $250-500. OR if you just want to extend and spend some more time in Key West or Miami, you can add these to your itinerary! On the weekends hundreds of boats gather for an informal party in the crystal clear waist-deep water! What I loved the most about the few days I spent in Key Largo was that even though the Florida Keys is a popular tourist destination, they have done a great job at keeping their small town charm! You pass so many different areas so the time really flies by. Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping in Everglades National Park. The world-renowned author Ernest Hemingway called Key West home for most of the 1930s. This 166-mile drive with pitstops that include the Everglades, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Islamorada, Seven Mile Bridge, and of course Key West, is one of the most popular drives in the country. Epic Florida Road Trip: Miami To Key West | TravelAwaits Follow U.S. 1 south to the Keys. We highly recommend the shrimp & grits appetizer and beignets as a dessert. Its rare when you go to a resort and they make you feel like they are welcoming you into their home. This pub with no name is worth the short detour off of the Overseas Highway near the key that shares the No Name name. BUT, I always like to recommend a few must-haves for this specific trip. Make your reservations well in advance. 6 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Guide for an Epic Miami to Key West Drive 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. It is a must for divers visiting the Florida Keys. Key Largo. The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. Need a break? 20 Best Stops On Your Miami To Key West Drive Pro tip: its cash-only! Epic Miami To Key West Road Trip Itinerary - JR The drive from Coopertown Airboat Tours to Key Largo is a little over an hour, so if you take my advice to by at the Everglades by 10am, you should arrive in Key Largo around 12pm 12:30pm! Even on a Tuesday night when we went the place was packed, which always means the food & drinks are good! 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. If youre opting for the slow-paced, unrushed road trip, here are some places to fuel up and rest before heading back out on the road. Key West is the southernmost city of the continental USA. You should probably get one to-go too. Nurse sharks, jellyfish, and sea birds are frequently seen while kayaking in the lower keys. For example, La Pensione has rooms for $150 in early December. For a mid-day snack, be sure to grab a chocolate-dipped frozen slice of Key Lime pie on a stick. 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. Best Times to Visit Key West | U.S. News Travel Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida is quite unique among the places to stop on the way to Key West. Driving to Key West: A Road Trip in the Florida Keys 9:40 pm arrive in Key West. Every Sunday from 10:30 am 2 pm includes three buffets (including a raw bar), unlimited small plates, and bottomless Bloody Marys & Mimosas. I was a passenger on this trip a few years ago, squished in to the back seat of a 16-seater van. I would recommend a few days in Key West, especially if you plan on doing a few boat excursions! Miami to Key West Drive: Florida Keys Stops, Stays + Map! TIP: I would plan to leave your hotel in Miami pretty early and get to the Everglades no later than 10am! This is the exact tour we took with Honest Eco. Miami To Key West Drive: 25 Amazing Stops in Florida Keys - Dotted Globe . Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. 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 route is best driven in a convertible, takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands, and historical sites . On the menu are nice wraps and awesome fries for reasonable prices. I knew I would be staying in beach front / water front areas and eating beach bar food for the remainder of this trip, so I decided to stay in the downtown area to get more of a variety! Of course, save room for pie because leaving without trying a slice would be a sin! My love for travel has taken me all over the world at only 24. Key Largo is the longest key at 30 miles. Finish off any good road trip in style with dinner at Latitudes, voted one of the most romantic dinner spots in the country. The restaurant is one of Zagats highest-rated restaurants in Key West. Is There A Ferry From Miami To Key West? - LazyTrips Sundowners: 103900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037. Spend the day at the most beautiful beach, Get Cabana Rentals and relax on Miami Beach. Being a 3.5 hour drive one way, a day trip to Key West would mean 7 hours of driving from Miami to Key West to Miami at least! Key Largo to Key West is a classic Florida Keys road trip!Within a 100-mile distance from Key Largo to Key West along the Florida Overseas Highway, you can go snorkeling, kayaking, try many local delicacies, stroll on endless beaches and soak in the views.. You can plan a Florida Keys road trip in several different ways. Feed the Tarpon instead for $2.25 per person. Key West, just like the entire state of Florida, can experience some pretty interesting weather. If you want to do snorkel cruises and relax at the beach, you will want to go late spring / early fall. Make sure to indulge in some fresh fish too. We suggest joining this guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West, as it visits several of the stops on this list and more, including Mile Marker Zero. On weekends, its a huge party out there. If hiking and exploring shipwrecks is your vibe, Islamorada is more than accommodating. If you find that rental cars and/or flight prices are cheaper to do it this direction, this 7-day itinerary is simply the reverse of the itinerary above. This non-profit center offers educational tours and an opportunity to donate to a great cause. Not only can you look at it, but the African Queen is available for private cruises. The food was DELICIOUS! 1:51 pm Miami. Seven Mile Bridge. There is a ton to see on that 165 mile stretch, so you will want to have time to explore. The History of Diving Museum is a great place in Islamorada that expands on mans never-ending quest to venture under the sea. NO! 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. The Best Time to Visit Key West: An Unforgettable Guide As the name of the island suggests, the sunsets here are pretty amazing and make for a special night. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. However, this doesnt mean there isnt anything to see on Duval Street while the sun is out.