The Road to Key West
The Road Trip Everyone Should Take at Least Once
From Miami Through the Florida Keys
Tucked away at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, where U.S. Highway 1 meets turquoise waters and the laid-back rhythm of island life, lies Key West—the end of the road with nowhere left to go. But getting there is half the adventure.
Driving from Miami to Key West along the Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic road trips in America. Stretching approximately 113 miles, this breathtaking drive crosses 42 bridges linking the islands of the Florida Keys. For much of the journey, you'll be surrounded by panoramic views of crystal-clear turquoise water, making the drive just as memorable as the destination itself.
Although the trip takes about 3½ to 4 hours without stops, you'll want to allow much longer. From snorkeling and state parks to quirky roadside attractions, fresh seafood, and some of Florida's most spectacular scenery, there are countless reasons to pull over along the way.
✨ Pro Tip: Don't make the mistake of treating the drive as transportation. The Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic road trips in America and deserves to be part of your vacation.
👉 Planning to spend a few days in Key West? Check out my complete Key West travel guide, Roosters, Rum & Coastal Charm, featuring the island's top attractions, beaches, restaurants, and hidden gems.
Miami to Key West Road Trip at a Glance
📍 Route: Miami to Key West via the Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1)
🚗 Drive Distance: Approximately 165 miles
⏰ Drive Time: About 3½–4 hours (without stops)
✨ Highlights: 42 bridges, crystal-clear turquoise water views, Bahia Honda State Park, Robbie's Marina, Seven Mile Bridge, Key Deer, and charming island communities
📅 Best Time to Visit: November through April when temperatures are cooler temperatures and humidity
🌴 Perfect For: Road trips, beach lovers, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to the Florida Keys
🗺️ Miami to Key West Interactive Road Trip Map
Planning the ultimate Miami to Key West road trip? Use my interactive map below to discover the best stops along the Overseas Highway, including scenic overlooks, beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, state parks, wildlife, and hidden gems throughout the Florida Keys. It's a great way to visualize the route and plan the perfect itinerary.
Is the Drive from Miami to Key West Worth It?
The drive from Miami through the Florida Keys is one of America’s most iconic road trips. The scenic drive is unlike any other spanning 113 miles across 42 bridges, connecting dozens of islands and traversing across long stretches of road offering breathtaking views of crystal-clear turquoise water in every direction. Unlike most road trips where the drive is simply a means to an end, this journey is part of the vacation itself.
From the moment you leave Miami until you arrive at the Southernmost Point in Key West, you'll discover beautiful beaches, charming island communities, waterfront restaurants, state parks, wildlife, and countless places worth pulling over to explore.
It's a drive that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Driving the Overseas Highway: Everything You Need to Know
Before setting off on your Miami to Key West road trip, these travel tips will help you make the most of your journey.
⏰ How Long Does the Drive Take?
The drive from Miami to Key West is approximately 165 miles and takes about 3-1/2 to 4 hours without stopping. However, I highly recommend allowing a full day so you have plenty of time to enjoy the beaches, restaurants, scenic overlooks, and unique attractions along the way.
🛣️ Are There Any Tolls?
No. There are no tolls on the Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) between Miami and Key West.
⛽ Gas Stations
Gas stations are available throughout the Florida Keys, although they become less frequent the farther south you travel until you reach Key West. If your tank is getting low, it's a good idea to fill up in one of the larger communities like Key Largo, Islamorada, or Marathon rather than waiting until the last minute.
🌉 Crossing 42 Bridges
One of the highlights of the drive between Miami and Key West is crossing 42 bridges that connect the islands of the Florida Keys. The most famous is the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world and one of the most photographed stretches of highway in all of Florida.
🚦 Speed Limits
Speed limits vary throughout the drive, generally ranging from 35 mph in towns to 55 mph on the many longer stretches of the Overseas Highway beteween islands. Pay attention to posted signs, as speed limits change frequently when passing through the different communities and they are highly patroled. I actually got a ticket during the very first hour of the drive the last time I drove the Keys.
🚗 Traffic
Traffic is usually heaviest on Friday afternoons, weekends, holidays, and holiday weekends, especially during peak tourist season. Expect slower traffic through popular areas like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West.
🌅 When Should You Leave Miami?
Leave early in the morning. You'll avoid much of the traffic leaving Miami, have plenty of daylight for sightseeing, and can arrive in Key West in time to enjoy a great sunset at Mallory Square.
🗓️ How Many Days Should You Allow?
Although you can drive from Miami to Key West in about 3-1/2 to 4 hours, I recommend allowing at full day for the drive. A lot of travel sites say to spend two or three days, but I still think a full day is plenty of time to explore the islands, enjoy one of the local restaurants, and experience some of the Florida Keys' best attractions without feeling being too rushed. Once you get to Key West, you’ll undoubtedly want to spend most of your days there and there’s always time for a few more stops on your drive back to Miami at the end of the trip.
🏨 Where to Stay
If you have the flexibilityand want to spend more than a day driving the Keys, consider spending a night in Islamorada. It’s a great choice for waterfront resorts and laid-back island charm. Marathon also offers a central location that's perfect for breaking up the drive. Of course, Key West is the ideal base.
✨ Pro Tip: Don't rush the drive. The Overseas Highway isn't just the route to Key West—it's one of the most scenic drives in America. Be sure to stop along the way to explore and enjoy the journey. It truly is part of the vacation.
Best Stops Along the Miami to Key West Drive
One of the best parts about driving the Overseas Highway is that there are incredible places to stop all along the way.
From snorkeling America's first underwater park and feeding giant tarpon to relaxing on pristine beaches and spotting endangered Key deer, every island offers something unique.
Below are some of my favorite stops along the way and where to eat, organized from north to south, so you can easily plan your adventure through the Florida Keys.
Key Largo
As the first major stop after leaving Miami, Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys and the perfect place to begin your island adventure.
📍 Mile Marker: 106 (Approximatley 1 hour from Miami)
⭐ Highlights: Gateway to the Florida Keys and home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
🍴 Where to Eat: Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, Fish House, and Buzzard’s Roost.
🤿 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
America's first underwater park, offering snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, and access to the only living coral reef in the continental United States.
Islamorada (Upper Matecubme Key)
Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," Islamorada is the heart of the Upper Keys.
It’s one of the most charming stops along the Overseas Highway, offering waterfront restaurants, beautiful beaches, and unique roadside attractions.
📍 Mile Marker: 81–90
⭐ Highlights: Feed giant tarpon, relax at Anne's Beach, and enjoy fresh waterfront seafood.
🍴 Where to Eat: Hungry Tarpon Restaurant (Robbie’s), Morada Bay Beach Café, Lazy Days Restaurant, Islamorada Fish Company, and Square Grouper.
🐟 Robbie's of Islamorada
Feed giant tarpon by hand, browse local shops, book a fishing charter, or enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the marina. It's one of the most iconic stops in the Florida Keys.
🌊 Anne's Beach
A peaceful beach with shallow turquoise water, a scenic boardwalk, and one of the best places in the Florida Keys to relax, wade, or enjoy a picnic.
Long Key
Long Key offers a quieter side of the Florida Keys with beautiful coastal scenery, fishing, kayaking, and a peaceful state park that's perfect for stretching your legs.
📍 Mile Marker: 67–71
⭐ Highlights: A peaceful stop for kayaking, hiking, and scenic coastal views.
🍴 Where to Eat: The Florida Boy Bar.
🌴 Long Key State Park
A peaceful stop for kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying beautiful views away from the crowds.
Marathon
Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon is known for its iconic Seven Mile Bridge, waterfront restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
📍 Mile Marker: 47–54
🍴 Where to Eat: Keys Fisheries, Sparky's Landing, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant, and Burdines Waterfront.
⭐ Highlights: Cross the iconic Seven Mile Bridge and visit the Dolphin Research Center.
Where to Eat: Keys Fisheries, Sparky's Landing
🌉 Seven Mile Bridge & Pigeon Key
Drive across one of the world's most famous bridges or walk and bike a portion of the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key for spectacular ocean views.
🐬 Dolphin Research Center
Meet dolphins and sea lions while learning about marine conservation through educational programs and interactive experiences.
Bahia Honda Key
Home to one of Florida's most beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda is a must-stop for swimming, snorkeling, and photography.
📍 Mile Marker: 37
🍴 Where to Eat: Bahian Honda Snack Bar offers limited service and is seasonal, and there are no restaurants here so a better option is to eat in Marathon before your visit or Big Pine Key after your visit.
⭐ Highlights: Home to one of Florida's most beautiful beaches and breathtaking turquoise water.
🏖️ Bahia Honda State Park
One of the Florida Keys' most beautiful state parks, known for crystal-clear turquoise water, white-sand beaches, snorkeling, and stunning views from the historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge.
Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key is best known as the home of the endangered Key deer and offers several unique wildlife experiences you won't find anywhere else.
📍 Mile Marker: 29–33
🍴 Where to Eat: No Name Pub, Kiki's Sandbar, and Big Pine Rooster
⭐ Highlights: Spot endangered Key deer, visit Blue Hole, and grab pizza at the quirky No Name Pub.
🦌 National Key Deer Refuge
One of the best places to spot the tiny endangered Key deer in their natural habitat while exploring scenic roads and walking trails.
🍕 No Name Pub
A quirky local favorite dating back to 1931, famous for its delicious pizza and thousands of signed dollar bills covering the walls.
🐊 Blue Hole
A freshwater quarry where you may spot alligators, turtles, birds, and other wildlife—one of the most unique stops in the Florida Keys.
Sugarloaf Key
One of the quieter islands in the Lower Keys, Sugarloaf Key is known for its laid-back atmosphere, kayaking, and beautiful waterfront scenery.
📍 Mile Marker: 17–20
🍴 Where to Eat: Mangrove Mama's. Baby’s Coffee is also a great coffee stop.
⭐ Highlights: Enjoy a quieter side of the Lower Keys with beautiful scenery and laid-back island vibes.
Stock Island
Just before reaching Key West, Stock Island offers excellent seafood restaurants, marinas, art galleries, and a more local, less touristy feel than its famous neighbor.
📍 Mile Marker: 5
🍴 Where to Eat: Hogfish Bar & Grill, The Docks Restaurant, and Roostica Wood-Fire Pizzeria.
⭐ Highlights: Discover local seafood, marinas, and an authentic slice of Keys life just before Key West.
Key West
You've made it! Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and the perfect ending to one of America's most scenic road trips.
📍 Mile Marker: 0
🍴 Where to Eat: For my favorite restaurants and bars in Key West, visit the where to eat and drink section of my Key West travel guide.
👉 Planning to spend a few days in Key West? Check out my complete Key West travel guide, Roosters, Rum & Coastal Charm, featuring the island's top attractions, beaches, restaurants, and hidden gems.
Quick Itinerary: One Perfect Day on the Overseas Highway
Short on time? Here's how I'd spend one unforgettable day driving from Miami to Key West including plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best stops along the way.
🌅 Morning
📍 Key Largo
🤿 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
☀️ Late Morning
📍 Islamorada
🐟 Feed the tarpon at Robbie's & stroll Anne's Beach
🍽️ Lunch
📍 Robbie's Marina
Fresh seafood overlooking the water
🏖️ Afternoon
📍 Bahia Honda State Park
Relax on one of Florida's most beautiful beaches
🌅 Evening
📍 Key West
Celebrate making it to the end of the road by catching a sunset at Mallory Square
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to drive or fly to Key West?
If you have the time, driving is much more memorable experience than flying. The Overseas Highway is one of America's most scenic roads, with breathtaking ocean views, unique island communities, and countless places to stop along the way. Although flying is faster and much more convenienc, it can be quite expensive and means missing out on a lot of what makes the Florida Keys so special.
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?
The drive from Miami Airprot to Key West takes about 3-1/2 to 4 hours without stops.
Can you drive from Miami to Key West in one day?
Yes, and doing it in way is my preference. However, even though the drive only takes about 3½ to 4 hours without stops,I recommend taking a full day so that you have plenty of time to enjoy a couple beaches, attractions, and photo stops along the way. I recommend starting early in the morning, having lunch along the way and getting to Key West right around sunset.
What is the best time of year to drive from Miami to Key West?
One of the best times of year to drive the Overseas Highway is from November through April when the weather is cool and the humidity is low. Summer is actually sometimes less crowded but it can be grueling hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms and falls in the middle of hurricane season.
What are the best stops between Miami and Key West?
If you only have time for a handful of stops, I recommend John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Robbie's of Islamorada, the Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, National Key Deer Refuge, and No Name Pub. Each offers a unique experience, from snorkeling and feeding giant tarpon to spotting Key deer and relaxing on one of Florida's most beautiful beaches.
What is the prettiest part of the Overseas Highway?
For me, it's the stretch around Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda State Park. The panoramic turquoise water, endless ocean views, and historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge make this one of the most breathtaking and photographed sections of the drive.
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