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. How to get around: Car or bicycle. In Key Largo, the road rejoins U.S. 1, which will take you all the way to Key West. Motorcycling Through the Florida Keys | VISIT FLORIDA 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida If you have time, this is our favorite snorkel trip in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. And if you can, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. Miami to Key West Drive: The 20 Best Stops! Lucky for you, I have a wide selection of presets that you can choose from starting at only $3.49 per pack!! With Cuba being 90 miles from Key West, that is simply too far to spot. You cant miss the bright yellow building that make up Islamorada Beer Company and their adjoining distillery. A: There are 165 miles between Miami and Key West, and if you drove it straight, it would take a little over 3 hours. The tour follows in Hemingways footsteps, giving you a glimpse of his life and the history of Key West. One of the most impressive bridges youll ever drive across is located on the west end of Marathon in the Middle Keys. Robbies offer a ton of activities from snorkeling, boat rentals, SNUBA diving (no certification required), sunset cruises, parasailing, and so much more. The sand on Clearwater Beach is all white and fine. In mid-January; rooms are $415. We all get hungry on the road. This guide contains 16 worthy stops between Miami and Key West . Key West is the Southernmost town in the United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. Driving time: 2.5 h. Clearwater Beach consistently wins the title as the best beach in Florida, and even so in the entire US. This itinerary is for 5 full days (not including travel days), but I will have a section at the bottom titled, Bonus Ideas if you plan on spending more time or want to swap something out! It is connected to Miami via the Overseas Highway. In this guide, we are going to focus more on the Florida Keys portion of the road trip, but if you have more time, this is definitely worth a stop. Atlanta to Key West drive - plan a road trip The center nurses and provides a home for sick and injured birds who arent quite fit to survive in the wild. YES its as good as it sounds. 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 Ultimate Guide to Driving From Miami to Key West . Its the only way youre getting to Key West via car. The Turtle Hospital started helping everyones favorite sea creatures back in 1986. Miami to Key West Drive - Best Florida Key Road Trip | The Planet D If youre looking for aquatic activities, Marathon will deliver in the form of deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. This is a great place for animal lovers as it provides educational resources for those curious about one of the worlds smartest creatures. While in Key West, you can visit the home he shared with his wife of the time, Pauline. Weve got your essential list of pit stops for your road trip from Miami to Key West. We opted in for the Pasta Carbonara and it was seriously to die for! This spot here ceremoniously marks the end of your Miami to Key West drive. Stop at this very pretty beach/park in Marathon. Well, it's . Did you know that the Florida Keys is home to an endangered species of deer known as the Florida Key deer? Cuban coffee: $3.50-6. This brewery had amazing beer and the cutest beer garden in the back! The Best Time Of Year For A Miami To Key West Road Trip: Miami to Key West Drive Map. Planning Your Miami to Key West Road Trip | AMA Travel . It is one of the best restaurants in Key Largo for sure. Something to note is that the Overseas Highway is a slower moving 4 lane highway, 2 northbound lanes, and 2 . While most naturally assume that the keys play home to more aquatic life, it is also home to these adorable little deer. Like I said before, the 165+ mile stretch between Miami to Key West is scenic and has tons to see! We highly recommend the shrimp & grits appetizer and beignets as a dessert. How many days should I spend in Key West? As the name implies, this bridge spans 7 miles across the sea, and in some spots, its so long and straight you cant see the end of it. 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. Driving from Miami to Key West takes around four hours over the Overseas Highway (Highway 1) and its 42 bridges. Save yourself the stress!! Depending on traffic, the drive will take about four hours. 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 . Marathon is a perfect rest stop because it's directly halfway between Miami and Key West. For example you can drive from Orlando to Key West in about 6.5 hours, Tampa to Key West in just about the same time. It is part of a long chain of islands that branch off Florida's southern coast and is home to only about 26,500 people.. 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. Youll find boats parked here just about every day, but on Sundays this is the place to be. Day two is the first true day of your road trip! You can scroll to see the different categories - stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants. Some of this trip was hosted by Florida Keys Tourism but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Shuttles like Greyhound Lines and Key Shuttles are also available in Miami Beach . I strive to share my travel journey to inspire YOU to see this beautiful world we live in! You won't be driving long from Key Largo to reach Islamorada, only a 40 minutes away drive away. In Key West, there are TONS of options for hotels. 7 - 10 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Miami, Key West & the National Parks Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. They are one of the first companies to ever start offering airboat tours through the Everglades, the tour guides were entertaining & educating, was the lowest priced, had thousands of 5* reviews, and we saw TONS of Alligators! We stopped in for breakfast. If you plan on snorkeling in the Florida Keys, they have the only living coral reef in North America. But these five-foot-long fish weren't always grazing the surface of the marine for something to eat. Generally, the best times to drive from Miami to Key West, Florida, are late at night (after 8 pm), early in the morning (before 8 am), or on a weekday. After exploring the Everglades, head onto Key Largo! Designed and Developed by PenciDesign Our favorite meal in Key West was at Cafe Marquesa. And no matter how many bags of Hot Cheetos we consume, we still cant get enough. Coral Castle is, as the name suggests, a castle made from coral stones. 5 Main regions of the Keys : Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and . Traveling to Florida? Do your part by buying reef safe sunscreen, which my favorite is Sunbum! As you make your way through Key Largo, be sure to check off a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The specialty here is their daily fresh-caught fish, Angus beef and chicken dishes, and of course their tropical cocktails. Their IPAs were pretty solid, and it was fun to try some of the beers that included regional ingredients and local flare. The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. How Long Does It Take To Drive From Miami To Key West? 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! Key West Drive Time From Miami. But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. Address: 10750 County Rd 905, Key Largo, FL 33037. This is easily one of the best things to do from Miami to Key West. The Overseas Highway spans nearly 120 miles of breathtaking scenery as it runs over the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico connecting the far flung Florida Keys before finally reaching . While there, you can feed a few of the hundred tarpons that gather in the area. The distance to Key West is about 125 miles (201 km). The food was DELICIOUS! was there performing a free concert! Stop 1: Coral Castle. I am not kidding when I say there was a maximum 2 minute wait for a car at any area of Key West. Set sail with Key Wests first electric catamaran for a truly memorable eco-friendly experience with local wildlife. While only slightly tamer (certain festivals excluded), Duval street has a reputation for great Key West nightlife. 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 . Visiting Clearwater Beach is without a question a lovely choice on the road trip from Orlando to Key West. This tiny animal park will put you up close with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles and more fish and marine mammals. Here's avery worthy member of Homesteads legendary repertoire of Mexican food. Summer is warm but VERY humid, so beware! There are tons of different species of fish, turtles, birds, manatees, snakes, panthers, and of course, Alligators! Thanks for subscribing! 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. For example, La Pensione has rooms for $150 in early December. The Old Key West Lighthouse. Its such a beautiful and scenic route with so much to do that I dont recommend racing against the clock to fit it all in a day. There are several ways to plan your Florida Keys road trip. Miami to Key West drive in 4 epic days! - Blogger at Large Pull up a seat at the bar and grab a flight of tasty beers from the long list of brews. Road Trip from Miami to Key West - Travel Melodies RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami. 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. For a mid-day snack, be sure to grab a chocolate-dipped frozen slice of Key Lime pie on a stick. My first visit here was memorable to say the least (I was bit by a pelican), but I still enjoyed feeding the tarpon. . However, in 2019, its under construction and not open the entire length. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. There are so many things to do in Key West that you would be remiss if you didn't budget some time to stay at least overnight and sample a few. After a long day of driving, nothing works out the kinks like a good massage. The road trip between Miami and Key West is the only time during the trip that you'll need a rental car. Miami To Key West Drive: 25 Amazing Stops in Florida Keys - Dotted Globe The chef, Graham Dailey, has been on Iron Chef and trained under Anthony Bourdain. Islamorada's premier taproom is full of Keys charm. Drive safely and take your time and get ready for a great road trip! If youre making a pitstop in Key Largo, plan for a dinner at Snooks Bay Restaurant and Grand Tiki Bar. Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. With an unobstructed view to the west, this is also a great spot for sunset and a few sundowners. 20 Best Stops On Your Miami To Key West Drive The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. Keep your eye out for nice beaches like Bahia Honda and many places to put a kayak in the water. In addition to the natural wonders, the visitor center also has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with some of the same sea life youll find in the park. We have personally done this drive 8 times and heading back again this year because we love it so much. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. This street is filled with live music shows, bars of every shape and size, and easily the most lively area of Key West. As a bonus, on some tours, you can even bring your dog! We sailed on this sunset sail with a full bar and live music with Sebago Watersports, and we highly recommend them. The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles (257 km). Located at the Cheeca Lodge, Atlantics Edge is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with fantastic ocean views. They don't happen every year and they don't always hit Key West. The Florida Keys are split up into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Ultimate Orlando to Key West Road Trip | Town & Tourist Under the waves, youll find beautiful coral reefs, plenty of sea life, and even an underwater sculpture. But before you even think about hopping on a plane back home, there is plenty for you to still explore. 1:51 pm Miami. The hotel is new, has a great location, and is an easy walk to South Beach and restaurants. Head over to Grassy Key in Marathon and visit the Dolphin Research Center. Miami to Key West Drive - The 15 Stops You Can't Miss Youve made it to your final destination! Once you're ready to leave Miami, you'll head south on U.S. Highway 1. You can charter a boat of the day and enjoy this unique local party. 16 Best Stops on Your Miami to Key West Road Trip (+ Map) Yes, hurricanes do happen in the Keys, though not as often as people think. If you want a table here, you should put your name on the list before you even start planning your road trip. Rent bikes to cruise along the bike path along the beach! Plus, Marathon has different kinds of restaurants, a true beachfront area . However, if you visit in July, you might see Hemmingway or at least a really good doppelganger at the annual Hemmingway Lookalike contest held at Sloppy Joes. Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. . Hey, no hard feelings if you didnt like something I recommended! Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. The many bridges offer the most dramatic views of the endless expanses of beautiful Caribbean waters. Your first stop is just about an hour south of the city. Miami to Key West Road Trip: Fun 5 Day Itinerary - Dana Berez 13 Essential Stops on Your Drive From Miami to Key West - Time Out Miami Itll take you just under four hours (with light traffic) to get to Key West from Miami. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 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. Visit in the wintertime where its most popular to drive from Miami to Key West. Key Largo is the perfect place to rest your head as it is laidback while offering an array of aquatic activities. Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West Florida? Its the little things, isnt it? This tasty little shop has two locations, one downtown and another by the waterfront. Walk along the scenic Miami Beach Boardwalk, seeing all the uniquely shaped & colored Lifeguard Stands! However with all the amazing stops between Miami and Key West you should really plan on 2-3 days to make the trip. Driving Stop 3: Islamorada (40 min drive from Key Largo) Despite Islamorada being a small town, it is in our opinion one of the best places to visit in the Florida Keys due to the abundance of fun activities in the area. When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. Most of the boat tours are just north of the town of Homestead, which there will be several tours to choose from. I did spend the day on Miami Beach, but I felt food and bars were better in the downtown Brickell area. The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway. The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. US1 is open all the way. Marathon is a great halfway point between Miami and Florida. For this reason, you can pretty much stay anywhere on Key West without an issue. Before or after visiting the park, stop at Alabama Jacks, our favorite tiki bar in Key Largo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many of the dishes here take hints of Caribbean Influences. In a city full of top-notch restaurants, it can be hard to pick where to go. If you have the time to spare, I would consider extending your time in Miami and spending two days . This 3-day Miami to Key West itinerary provides the most memorable experience, from stunning views, artistic streets, and the loveliest beaches. Miami To Key West Drive. Especially if youve never been to Key West. Day 3: Road Trip to Key West - One of the most Scenic Drives in the USA. And for a real quirky treat, order the chocodile which is a 9-inch long chocolate crocodile made of either white or dark chocolate. One thing I was surprised about in Key West was how easy it was to get around! In addition to coffee, the Cuban Coffee Queen serves up smoothies, Cuban-inspired sandwiches, breakfast favorites, and even desserts. You should probably get one to-go too. Get a little beach time in before you head into the final half of your Key West trip. The Fish House is a beloved seafood joint with all the salty Florida kitsch you could hope for. Highway 41. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. Spend the day at the most popular sand bar in the keys off the coast of Islamorada! I do think you should drive from Miami to Key West, but then FLY out of Key West to go home! To see details, click the arrow on the top left to view the different layers. The Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the USA, and the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi, so it only seemed right to include it in this Miami to Key West road trip itinerary.. It's a a protected site in order to preserve the fragile . While it hasn't been used as a functioning lighthouse since 1969, the museum stands testament to the maritime heritage of . DUH, of course you need a good set of presets so you can quickly edit on the go!
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