Miami to Key West Road Trip: The Ultimate Overseas Highway Guide
The Miami to Key West road trip is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the United States.
Stretching about 160 miles along US-1, better known as the Overseas Highway, this unforgettable route connects more than 40 bridges across the Florida Keys. On one side, the Atlantic Ocean.
On the other, the Gulf of Mexico. For miles at a time, it feels like you’re driving across open water.
I drove this route in November 2024, and between the Seven Mile Bridge sunsets, turquoise water views, fresh seafood stops, and unexpected wildlife sightings, it quickly became one of my favorite U.S. road trips.
This guide covers:
- How long the drive takes
- The best stops in order
- A 3-day itinerary
- Where to stay along the way
- Insider tips for driving the Overseas Highway
- Practical safety advice
Let’s plan your Florida Keys adventure.
Miami to Key West Drive Overview
- Distance: ~160 miles
- Drive time (nonstop): 3.5–4 hours
- Route: US-1 South (Overseas Highway)
- Ideal trip length: 2–4 days
- Most scenic section: Seven Mile Bridge
Yes, you can drive from Miami to Key West in one day. But you shouldn’t.
The magic of this road trip isn’t reaching Key West, it’s the bridges, beaches, wildlife stops, and quirky Keys personality you discover along the way.
Best Stops on the Miami to Key West Road Trip (In Order)
Driving south from Miami, here are the must-see stops along the Overseas Highway.
Key Largo: Gateway to the Florida Keys
Why Stop Here:
Key Largo marks the official start of your Florida Keys adventure and is home to the country’s first undersea park.
Top Things to Do:
- Snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour
- Kayak through mangrove tunnels
Best For: Snorkeling and first-day island vibes
Overnight Option: Yes — great place to ease into the Keys
Pro Tip: Morning tours offer calmer water and better reef visibility.
Tour Options to check out: Take a snorkeling tour for an up-close look at the reef or a glass-bottom boat tour for stunning underwater views without getting wet.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Why Stop Here:
This small but fascinating park gives you insight into how the Florida Keys were formed. You’ll walk through fossilized coral quarries dating back to Henry Flagler’s railroad era.
Top Things to Do:
- Walk the quarry trails
- Learn about coral geology
- Explore shaded paths with informational signage
Best For: Quick educational stop and shaded walking trails
Overnight Option: No — better as a short daytime stop
Pro Tip: Combine this stop with Islamorada since it’s just minutes away.
For more on its unique trails, visit Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.
Islamorada: Laid-Back with Great Food
Why Stop Here:
Islamorada blends laid-back island charm with some of the best food and sunset views in the Keys.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the History of Diving Museum
- Watch tarpon feedings
- Eat fresh seafood dockside
Best For: Dining and sunset views
Overnight Option: Yes — excellent mid-Keys base
Pro Tip: Skip peak dinner hours if possible, restaurants fill fast during winter season.
Long Key State Park
Why Stop Here:
Long Key State Park offers a quieter, less touristy experience with shoreline trails and peaceful kayaking.
Top Things to Do:
- Paddle through shallow lagoons
- Walk coastal nature trails
- Camp oceanfront
Best For: Outdoor lovers and peaceful beach walks
Overnight Option: Yes, campground available
Pro Tip: Sunrise here is often quieter and more dramatic than sunset.
For more, see Long Key State Park.
Marathon: Wildlife & Seven Mile Bridge Access
Why Stop Here:
Marathon is the most practical halfway stop and offers wildlife experiences plus easy access to Seven Mile Bridge.
Top Things to Do:
- Tour the Turtle Hospital
- Visit the Dolphin Research Center
- Grab fresh seafood
- Access the iconic Seven Mile Bridge
Best For: Families and wildlife lovers
Overnight Option: Yes, ideal halfway lodging location
Pro Tip: Stay here if you want a sunrise or sunset bridge photo session without rushing.
Seven Mile Bridge: The Iconic Stretch
Why Stop Here:
The Seven Mile Bridge is the most iconic stretch of the Overseas Highway and the moment when the drive truly feels cinematic.
Top Things to Do:
- Drive the full span with ocean views on both sides
- Walk the Old Seven Mile Bridge pedestrian section
- Photograph sunrise or sunset
Best For: Scenic photography and bucket-list moments
Overnight Option: No, best paired with Marathon lodging
Pro Tip: Stop at either end for panoramic photos. There are limited safe pull-offs mid-bridge.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Bahia Honda State Park
Why Stop Here:
Bahia Honda offers some of the clearest water and softest sand in the Florida Keys, making it one of the best beach stops on the drive.
Top Things to Do:
- Swim in calm turquoise water
- Snorkel from shore
- Hike the Old Bahia Honda Bridge Trail
- Relax on the Atlantic or Gulf side
Best For: Beach lovers and photographers
Overnight Option: Yes, campground available
Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekends. Parking fills quickly in peak season.
Discover Bahia Honda State Park for trail info and tips.
Big Pine Key & National Key Deer Refuge
Big Pine Key & National Key Deer Refuge
Why Stop Here:
Big Pine Key feels wilder and quieter than the upper Keys and is home to endangered Key deer found nowhere else.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the National Key Deer Refuge
- Spot Key deer near residential areas
- Explore scenic backroads
Best For: Wildlife viewing and a slower pace
Overnight Option: Limited lodging — better paired with Marathon or Key West
Pro Tip: Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk — deer crossings are common.
No Name Pub
Why Stop Here:
This quirky local pub is famous for dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceilings. It’s a fun, off-the-beaten-path roadside stop.
Top Things to Do:
- Try the smoked fish dip
- Grab pizza and a cold drink
- Leave a signed dollar bill behind
Best For: Casual lunch or quirky photo stop
Overnight Option: No, quick food stop
Pro Tip: It’s tucked off the main road, follow GPS carefully.
Curious about what to expect? Check visitor reviews on No Name Pub – Tripadvisor.
Photo by OG Productionz
Key West: The Southernmost Point
Why Stop Here:
Key West is colorful, lively finale to your road trip, blending history, nightlife, and sunset celebrations.
Top Things to Do:
- Take a photo at the Southernmost Point buoy
- Watch sunset at Mallory Square
- Walk Duval Street
- Tour the Hemingway Home & Museum
- Explore Old Town’s pastel cottages
Best For: Nightlife, history, and celebration vibes
Overnight Option: Yes, plan at least one night here
Pro Tip: Stay within walking distance of Old Town to avoid parking hassles.
Sample 3-Day Miami to Key West Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Miami → Key Largo → Islamorada
- Snorkel at John Pennekamp
- Stop at Windley Key
- Dinner in Islamorada
- Overnight in Islamorada
Day 2: Islamorada → Marathon → Bahia Honda
- Visit the Turtle Hospital
- Cross Seven Mile Bridge
- Relax at Bahia Honda State Park
- Overnight in Marathon or Big Pine Key
Day 3: Big Pine Key → Key West
- Visit the National Key Deer Refuge
- Lunch at No Name Pub
- Explore Old Town Key West
- Sunset at Mallory Square
Where to Stay on a Miami to Key West Road Trip
If you’re breaking up the drive, these locations work best:
Key Largo – Best for snorkeling and reef access
Islamorada – Great dining and mid-Keys location
Marathon – Ideal halfway stop
Key West – Best for nightlife and historic inns
Book early between December and April; rates climb quickly during peak season.
Photo by Angel Moiyin
Travel Tips for Driving the Overseas Highway
Watch the Mile Markers
Stops are organized by mile marker instead of street address.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Gas stations become less frequent as you head south.
Plan for Weather
Hurricane season runs from June to November. Winter months offer cooler temps and clearer skies.
Drive Carefully at Night
The Overseas Highway is mostly two lanes. Watch for Key deer, especially on Big Pine Key.
Embrace Island Time
Traffic can slow, restaurants may run behind, that’s part of the charm.
Photo by Diego F. Parra
FAQs About the Miami to Key West Road Trip
Is the Miami to Key West drive worth it?
Absolutely. It’s widely considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the U.S.
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?
About 3.5–4 hours nonstop, but 2–3 days is ideal.
What is the most scenic part of the drive?
The Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda State Park.
What is the best time of year to drive the Overseas Highway?
November through April for cooler weather and lower hurricane risk.
Craving adventure ideas beyond beaches? Explore this roundup of outdoor activities in the Keys to inspire your stops: Outdoor Activities in Florida Keys – Tripadvisor.
Planning Your Miami to Key West Road Trip
Best Time to Go
November–April for cooler temps and fewer storms.
How Many Days Do You Need?
2–3 days minimum, 4 if you want relaxed beach time.
Driving Tips
- Watch mile markers
- Fill gas before Marathon
- Drive carefully at night
Is the Drive Worth It?
Absolutely. The Overseas Highway is one of America’s most iconic coastal drives.
The Miami to Key West road trip isn’t just about reaching the southernmost point of the continental U.S.
It’s about the bridges that stretch across open water, the roadside seafood stands, the wildlife sightings, and the sunsets that feel bigger than the sky.
Slow down. Pull over. Try the pie. Watch the deer. Stay an extra night.
This is one drive where the journey truly is the destination.
Want even more inspiration for future adventures? Dive into these must-drive road trip routes for your next big plan.
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