best time to drive from miami to key west

I highly suggest driving instead of flying directly in because the views are truly unbeatable on the road as opposed to in the air. The scenic Miami to Key West Drive has over 120 miles (193 km) of amazing things to see from gorgeous beaches and the sparkling blue ocean to cultural stops and hidden gems. Now for the adventurous part of the trip: driving south over 40 bridges through the Florida Keys on Highway 1 (aka the Overseas Highway). 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. In Key Largo, the road rejoins U.S. 1, which will take you all the way to Key West. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. That way you can spend about an hour at the Everglades and still get a good amount of the day to spend in Key Largo! Its the little things, isnt it? Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. We have personally done this drive 8 times and heading back again this year because we love it so much. On the overseas coastal bridge, it takes around a four hours drive from Miami to Key West. If you have time, this is our favorite snorkel trip in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! 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. Now that all the logistics are out of the way, lets dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. For a mid-day snack, be sure to grab a chocolate-dipped frozen slice of Key Lime pie on a stick. Drive safely and take your time and get ready for a great road trip! Florida Keys Highway - Drive From Miami to Key West. Movie buffs will surely want to pull over to take a scenic ride through the canals of Key Largo aboard the ship from the movie, The African Queen. Fun fact: The highway is Florida's only All-American Road, a distinction awarded by the Federal Highway . RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami. 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 Best Time Of Year For A Miami To Key West Road Trip: Explore your artistic side by visiting the open-air Rain Barrel Artisan Village. It was super easy to get around without a car once youre there, but you definitely need one to explore all the sites between Miami and Key West . (plus ferry) 110 miles. We dined for dinner one evening as we werent in town on a Sunday morning. Of course, save room for pie because leaving without trying a slice would be a sin! The islands are all connected by Highway 1 or The Overseas Highway.. This brewery had amazing beer and the cutest beer garden in the back! Taqueria Morelia often finds itself in the conversation of the areas best Mexican joints. The spots I would recommend are Miami, somewhere in between Miami & Key West (like Key Largo), and Key West! Get off the beaten path. The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. This is easily one of the best things to do from Miami to Key West. Marathon is a perfect rest stop because it's directly halfway between Miami and Key West. And for a real quirky treat, order the chocodile which is a 9-inch long chocolate crocodile made of either white or dark chocolate. Flocking with the herd? While most unassuming tourists will visit beaches in Key Largo and Key West, locals know that the most beautiful beaches like Sandspur Beach and Loggerhead Beach can be found at Bahia Honda State Park. If there was ever a trip worth taking your time and making a couple of pit stops, Miami to Key West is it. The drive from Miami to Key West takes a total of 3 hours. It doesnt feel overly touristy or overran by large chains like Best Westerns, Marriots, and Hyatts (nothing against those, but its nice to stay in a local, boutique hotel!). Finish off any good road trip in style with dinner at Latitudes, voted one of the most romantic dinner spots in the country. . It is located in South Beach, but not right on the beach. 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! Yes, hurricanes do happen in the Keys, though not as often as people think. 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. Best Time for Driving from Miami to Key West. This pub with no name is worth the short detour off of the Overseas Highway near the key that shares the No Name name. At the time of the sinking, the 512 ft ship was the largest ship ever to be intentionally sunk for use as an artificial reef. For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here, Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping at Everglades National Park. 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. We highly suggest the fresh fish tacos and salad if you are looking for a lighter lunch. , I would HIGHLY recommend stopping at least once on your Road trip from Miami to Key West! Some of this trip was hosted by Florida Keys Tourism but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. There's one main road into and out of Key West, and that's the Overseas Highway. 1 Miami to Key West road trip - In a nutshell; 2 Miami to Key West road trip - Drive it in 1 day. If you are staying in the Brickell area of Miami like I recommended, catch an Uber / Lyft to Miami Beach for some site seeing during the day and then explore downtown Brickell at night! Key West is 165 miles from Miami on US1, about 3 hours and 45 minutes on a good day. They don't happen every year and they don't always hit Key West. Once you reach Key West, youll have enough things to do to fill a few days and then some. 27 Things to do in Buena Park for the PERFECT Girls Weekend! Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. Grab a paddle and head out into the mangroves. Trust me, youll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West. This 3-day Miami to Key West itinerary provides the most memorable experience, from stunning views, artistic streets, and the loveliest beaches. If you plan on being at the beach or doing any snorkeling tours, you will want the perfect camera to capture those memories! The food was DELICIOUS! We all get hungry on the road. Only 30 minutes out of the way, you can do an airboat tour through the Everglades to see some gators & other amazing wildlife. Not hungry? If you are thinking about making the drive from Miami to Key West, this guide is for you. Once you're ready to leave Miami, you'll head south on U.S. Highway 1. At the southwestern end of Key West lies the end of the road at Mile Marker 0. 11. Key West is the Southernmost town in the United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. If you do spend a day or two, here are some of our favorite things to do in Miami to help plan your itinerary. For an interesting side trip on your way to Key West, you will see Card Sound Road on your left just after the freeway ends (just beyond all the gas stations outside Homestead). Luckily, your drive is lined with some of the best attractions in Miami, some of the best tacos in Miami and much, much more. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option. 3. As a bonus, on some tours, you can even bring your dog! I do think you should drive from Miami to Key West, but then FLY out of Key West to go home! . 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! 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! Click here to check out the property I stayed at that was right in the heart of Key Largo! How many days should I spend in Key West? For the worst times to head to Key West from Miami, you want to avoid driving . Make sure to save room for dessert too. I strive to share my travel journey to inspire YOU to see this beautiful world we live in! Check rates here, this guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West. Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. Your list of things to do on the way from Miami to Key West is longer than one might think. Walk along the scenic Miami Beach Boardwalk, seeing all the uniquely shaped & colored Lifeguard Stands! Because Key West is both a tourism hotspot and the last island in the chain, the already high costs of the Keys are exacerbated here. As you make your way further south, the Keys become less populated and more natural until you get to the final few islands, like Key West. Because youre a dive bar connoisseur. There are several ways to plan your Florida Keys road trip. I never want to bore you with a long packing list, especially when you came here to read an itinerary! 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. Head to Fort Myers, home to some of the best beaches in Florida! On your way out of Miami stop at this gorgeous national forest. Spend the day at the most popular sand bar in the keys off the coast of Islamorada! Here is a fun private tour that takes you out to sand bars! Its the only way youre getting to Key West via car. 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. Even though we had a really bad weather day (link sprinkling and no sunset), we still had SO much fun! 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. The History of Diving Museum is a great place in Islamorada that expands on mans never-ending quest to venture under the sea. If your time is limited, then do a day trip from Miami to the Florida Keys. Self-proclaimed as the Dive Capital of the World, there are endless amounts of underwater activities and things to do in Key Largo. Here are a few options for places to watch the sunset either in Key West or on your drive back. I dont think this is a big deal if you are aware, but just keep in mind that you cant be in a rush for your Key West Road Trip! You can snag it right off Amazon or you can buy it at most stores. Key West, just like the entire state of Florida, can experience some pretty interesting weather. The Miami to Key West drive could take 3 hours or 3 days! One of the best things to do after a road trip down the Florida Keys is to sit back and let someone else do the driving or sailing rather aborad a sunset catamaran cruise. Plus, you will want to make sure you get to Key West in time for sunset (trust me on this one!!). But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. Literally so cute and is super durable for travel!! While only slightly tamer (certain festivals excluded), Duval street has a reputation for great Key West nightlife. Key Largo is the perfect place to rest your head as it is laidback while offering an array of aquatic activities. They do the classics here and they do them damn well. 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. I would not try to cram too much more into this day than this, or else you will feel pretty rushed! Do some sightseeing or take a dinner cruise to the Pilot House Marina. The Key West Shuttle operated by Keys Shuttle is a popular option . Here youll also find a walking bridge that was once a railway it spans this stretch too. Youll get about an hour and a half in the water and the chance to observe wildlife and the famous underwater Christ of the Deep statue. The patio/beer gardenwith blue and pink furnitureis a lovely place to spend an hour working your way through a flight of beer. If you have the time and desire you can drive. Every night you can expect crowds to form in Mallory Square to witness the best sunset in the keys. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. This restaurant sits right on the water and is only a 15 minute walk from Mallory Square. Curious about the discoveries and life under the surface? 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 . Where: The Florida Keys Highway starts at the southern tip of Florida near Miami and continues from Key Largo to Key West. It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! On your road trip in the Keys, you can stop in and see the turtles that are currently being treated on one of their 90-minute tours that start on the hour from 9 am-4 pm daily. 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! Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. and then head to the first ever underwater state park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! Consider yourself an amateur ornithologist? About 10 miles in, you'll see Alabama Jacks. When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. Here is everything you need to know, from the best stops on a Florida Keys road trip. Visit in the wintertime where it's most popular to drive . For example, they offer snacks and unlimited complimentary water bottles for their guests. Well, its not like you can avoid it. I recommend flying into Miami, renting a car and driving through the keys, and then flying out of Key West when youre done with your trip. You know, just in case. In just 100 miles, hop from key to key, go snorkeling, dine at seafood restaurants, try key lime pie, go shopping, and enjoy endless views of brilliant aquamarine water. You can rent boats or go with a tour company, but their are many different sand bars a short boat ride away. It's a gorgeous drive with lots to do. Tired of driving? As the name of the island suggests, the sunsets here are pretty amazing and make for a special night. We saved a little money and returned the car when we got to Key West. 2. A Miami to Key West Road Trip is something that should be on EVERYONES bucket list. Weekend in Vegas Itinerary A Perfect 3 Days in Las Vegas! I am not kidding when I say there was a maximum 2 minute wait for a car at any area of Key West. Which just means I have to go back for round two . 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. If you plan to do a boat tour out to sand bars, catamaran snorkel cruises, or other excursions, I would say three to four days! The last good thing to know before visiting Key West, Florida is that Key West is a big cruise ship port. Cuban coffee: $3.50-6. Midrange hotel room: $170-250. Miami to Key West Drive Frequently Asked Questions Best Time of Year to Drive from Miami to Key West. Q: How is the drive from Miami to Key West is it Worth it? Arriving in Key West. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Save yourself the stress!! With an unobstructed view to the west, this is also a great spot for sunset and a few sundowners. The drive from Key Largo to Key West is going to be where you will want to take your time and explore all the beautiful scenery! Key West is the southernmost city of the continental USA. We already have this email. And while you can check out the best things to do in Key West here, I recommend booking your stay at either the Casa Marina Key West (A Waldorf Astoria) or The Reach, both of which are Hilton properties. drive for about 2 hours. Fort Myers is located 160 miles west of Miami, which is a drive of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Drive across the longest bridge in the Keys, Explore the Southernmost Point where you can see the. 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. 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. Have the most amazing sushi and Asian food at, See downtown Miami from the best view possible at. All the locals said it hasnt rained like that day in over a year so, just bad luck I guess? Spend the day at the most beautiful beach, Get Cabana Rentals and relax on Miami Beach. The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. Miami to Key West Drive Map. Robbie's Marina (Mile Marker 77) One of the quirkiest stops on the Miami to the Florida Keys drive is Robbie's Marina. Dj vu! There is also an abundance of Uber / Lyfts (which I was really shocked about)! Plan to pack and re-pack your bag a few times, but I promise it will be worth it! LLs test kitchen has amazing, high quality food! The smoked fish dip, the fried conch, the snapper and especially the key lime pie, which is an essential dessert here. Take time to meander round the colorful and unique streets of Fort Myers. bedrooms which are great for families. Get the latest travel tips and updates from all over the world! Here at Cheeca Lodge, they have one of the top spas in the Keys. We sailed on this sunset sail with a full bar and live music with Sebago Watersports, and we highly recommend them. Most people rush their way down to Key West, which is deserving of your time, but there are lots of things to see in the Northern and Middle Keys too. Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the greatest road trips you can experience. Click here to browse hotels in Brickell, Miami! . A road trip from Miami to Key West, is one of the most scenic and breathtaking driving routes in America! Their IPAs were pretty solid, and it was fun to try some of the beers that included regional ingredients and local flare. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Thislocal winery (with a restaurant and brewery also on the property) makes some pretty unorthodox wines from local fruits like avocados and lychees. On one of their tours, youll paddle through mangrove creeks with blueish-green water, at some points only a few inches deep. I am not going to lie, I had completely false stereotypes about the Everglades. Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West Florida? 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! For dinner, its time to head to Joseph & Is favorite restaurant on Key West, LLs Test Kitchen! Driving time: 2.5 h. Clearwater Beach consistently wins the title as the best beach in Florida, and even so in the entire US. The best part of this Florida Keys road trip is the drive and exploring whatever looks inviting to you. Key Largo; Islamorada Schnebly is also hugewith lush walkable grounds perfect for sipping and strolling. Did you rent a car for your entire trip or only to go from Miami to Key West? On my road trip, I was cursed with very bad weather most of my trip (which is extremely rare in the Florida Keys). This spot here ceremoniously marks the end of your Miami to Key West drive. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock. The daily snorkeling tours are one of Pennekamps most popular attractions. Indulge in a massage on your way to Key West and make time to have lunch at the Atlantic Edge restaurant on the property with great views of the sea. The drive from Miami to Key West is approximately 4 hours or 166 miles. Day 1: Explore Miami. . 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. The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. We stopped in for breakfast. This non-profit center offers educational tours and an opportunity to donate to a great cause. Maybe thats because the drive is a bit longer than most people think it is. Mile marker: 108-90 The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. It will take you over the famous overseas Highway 1, and meander through over 40 islands before reaching Key west. HI! Robert's is a delightfulthrowback Florida fruit stand where you can buy fresh-as-it-gets produce as well as other local products and treats. Key West Drive Time From Miami. 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. There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. Thanks for subscribing! Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036. Driving from Miami to Key West takes around four hours over the Overseas Highway (Highway 1) and its 42 bridges. AKA we need to protect it at all costs! Visit the African Queen. Itll take you just under four hours (with light traffic) to get to Key West from Miami. Fine dining with unobstructed sunset views in Key Largo at the Playa Largo Resort & Spa. Dont miss this Key West institution on your road trip! 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. 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. Ive been coming here since I was in the 3rd grade! 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. The Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sammich is where its at! Did you know that the Florida Keys is home to an endangered species of deer known as the Florida Key deer? This highway crosses 42 bridges, providing plenty of picturesque vantage points to stop and take photos. There are tons of great Cuban restaurants in Key West. Be sure to follow me along on Instagram @MyPerfectItinerary@MyPerfectItinerary! Many people choose to start their Miami to Key West Drive by flying into this vibrant city but dont just land and leave. The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway. By Dalia Colon. A Jam-Packed Capri Day Trip from the Amalfi Coast! The Key West highway passes through some 40+ islands before reaching the southernmost city in the continental United . I think it is a good idea to spend at least one night in between Miami and Key West to break up your drive. Here is a quick reference guide to the stops we love and think should be included in your Florida Keys itinerary: Coral Castle. Make your reservations well in advance. Theres so much more to Miami than partying. Translating to purple island, Islamorada encompasses 6 of the Florida Keys. Key West is a big cruise ship port. 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 .

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