I am not kidding when I say there was a maximum 2 minute wait for a car at any area of Key West. Key West, Florida is a beautiful island located at Florida's southern point, and lies smack in the middle of Florida and Cuba. There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. Miami and Key West have great weather all year; however, consider these when planning your trip: Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30. Check out the amazing restaurants the city has to offer, visit the culturally rich Little Havana, and spend a day soaking in the art scene at the PAMM (Perez Art Museum Miami) or at the Wynwood Murals. 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. The downside is that you can expect more traffic and higher accommodation costs. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. The food was DELICIOUS! You know, just in case. Like I mentioned before, its easy to get sick of beach bar food after a week of eating it for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. 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. We dined for dinner one evening as we werent in town on a Sunday morning. Fly from Miami (MIA) to Key West (EYW) 3h 17m. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. An upper keys icon serving up classic dishes with an easy-going flare that made the Keys what they are. There are mangrove swamps to kayak and hammocks to lounge in, but the main draw to the park is what lies beneath the surface. TheSeven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille (at the Galleon Resort): 617 Front St, Key West, FL 33040. Even though I had an amazing trip and saw so much, I didnt get to do everything on my itinerary. But be warned - traffic can be downright brutal and 3 hours can easily turn into twice that. They were putting on a show during the cruise and putting everyone else to shame, ha! However, in 2019, its under construction and not open the entire length. In mid-January; rooms are $415. On my road trip, I was cursed with very bad weather most of my trip (which is extremely rare in the Florida Keys). The hotel I chose to stay in was the brand new Captiana Key West! John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The journey is around 1hr 15 mins to Key Largo from Miami then another 4 hours along highway 1 to Key west. By Dalia Colon. Part II: Miami to Key West Road Trip. and then head to the first ever underwater state park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! Its the only way youre getting to Key West via car. When it first opened with a female lighthouse keeper in the 19 th century, it was quite a rarity.. Flocking with the herd? Reviews are mixed. Key Largo to Key West: The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami. 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. One-way car rental Miami to Key West - Car rental LAX Overall, I would plan to take your time, have a few spots that are must-see stops, but try not to over plan! Florida is the 'Sunshine State' and is good any time of the year. Located 150 miles southwest of Miami, Key West is the most distant inhabited part of the Florida Keys archipelago. Best time to Visit Key West. Islamorada was aptly named for the purple sunset that Spanish explorers witnessed (according to legend). You should probably get one to-go too. Marathon is a great halfway point between Miami and Florida. 10 Days in Costa Rica Explore The Jungle & The Coast! If you have the time and desire you can drive. 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. The drive from Miami to Key West isnt one of Floridas most scenic routes for no reason. YES, ABSOLUTELY YES! The smoked fish dip, the fried conch, the snapper and especially the key lime pie, which is an essential dessert here. Welcome to the only chocolatier in the Florida Keys. BUT, I always like to recommend a few must-haves for this specific trip. I would recommend packing some drinks and sandwiches and spending the day on your own little slice of paradise! You pass so many different areas so the time really flies by. It is located in South Beach, but not right on the beach. The Seven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. Our favorite meal in Key West was at Cafe Marquesa. Dj vu! This can save you a few days worth of car rental payments! Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. Weekend in Vegas Itinerary A Perfect 3 A Jam-Packed Capri Day Trip from the Amalfi An EPIC 2 Week Italy Itinerary (With Amalfi A Romantic Lake Como Itinerary for Your Italian Utah National Parks Road Trip 14 EPIC Everything You Need To Know About Planning a An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 How to Spend One Day in Miami - Jam Packed Guide! Allowing for driving and check-in time, the total journey time for this option will take around 8 hours. If you have the time to spare, I would consider extending your time in Miami and spending two days . Swim with dolphins, chill with a sea lion or pet a ray. Yes!! stay for about 1 hour. Key West is a big cruise ship port. Go Pro is completely waterproof, durable, and is perfect for action shots! There are a lot of great sights, beaches, and of course, amazing restaurants in Miami. For dinner, its time to head to Joseph & Is favorite restaurant on Key West, LLs Test Kitchen! 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 . You can pick your own strawberries to snack on during the trip too. I price shopped and went based on reviews and decided to go with Coopertown Airboat Tours! We highly suggest the fresh fish tacos and salad if you are looking for a lighter lunch. On the menu are nice wraps and awesome fries for reasonable prices. One of our favorite stops on our Florida Keys road trip was Robbies Restaurant. Stop 1: Coral Castle. This is when it pays to be a passenger. Just like the Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital gives a home for injured and sick turtles as they nurture these endangered creatures back to health. We are Hannah & Adam, a Wisconsin couple who left behind the American dream to travel the world and chase our own dreams. The African Queen is the original vessel from the Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn film of the same name. That's because traffic will be lighter during these periods, which can help cut back on your time in the car. Need a break? 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. Its not too big but also covers your face perfectly, highly recommend. You may also like: The Best Places to Stay in Florida. Driving From Miami to Key West | Diana's Healthy Living Avoiding the crowd? The road trip between Miami and Key West is the only time during the trip that you'll need a rental car. But it gets scorchingly hot during summers and the hurricane season begins in the month of June till about September - October. I never want to bore you with a long packing list, especially when you came here to read an itinerary! 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. The Best Time to Visit Key West: An Unforgettable Guide Here is everything you need to know, from the best stops on a Florida Keys road trip. The Best Scenic Miami to Key West road trip itinerary - step by step Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. There are no road closures from Hurricane Ian on the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. Thislocal winery (with a restaurant and brewery also on the property) makes some pretty unorthodox wines from local fruits like avocados and lychees. 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 . For specifics, I stayed at the Kona Kai Resort! While in Key West, you can visit the home he shared with his wife of the time, Pauline. The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. Trust me, youll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West. Lucky for you, I have a wide selection of presets that you can choose from starting at only $3.49 per pack!! 20 Best Stops On Your Miami To Key West Drive Have the most amazing sushi and Asian food at, See downtown Miami from the best view possible at. Key West Drive Time From Miami. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option. Itll put you in the Keys mood for sure. We suggest staying at least a night or two in the Northern or Middle Keys and if you have time on your road trip, both. This is where all the best food is, much closer to the airport / start of the keys, and tons of rooftop bars! Portions are large, the food is tasty, and its a great value. The previous hurricanes have created big havoc and hence it is advisable to avoid that duration. Youve made it to your final destination! The movie starred Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. As you make your way through Key Largo, be sure to check off a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Miami to Key West Road Trip Overview. 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. The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway. Theres so much more to Miami than partying. This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. Labeled the first subaquatic park in the United States, the Coral Reef State Park offers guests a chance to take their explorations underwater. I would not try to cram too much more into this day than this, or else you will feel pretty rushed! Located at the Cheeca Lodge, Atlantics Edge is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with fantastic ocean views. We highly recommend the shrimp & grits appetizer and beignets as a dessert. Miami to Key West Drive Frequently Asked Questions Best Time of Year to Drive from Miami to Key West. Now that all the logistics are out of the way, lets dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. In addition to the pies, Kermits is a locals favorite lunch spot. The Overseas Highway, the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 and sometimes called, "The Highway That Goes to Sea," is a modern wonder. Miami to Key West drive time - if you were to drive straight through, the drive would take you on average of 4 hours. Like how this photo was edited?! Atlanta to Key West drive - plan a road trip 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. Duval Street is to Key West, as Bourbon Street is to New Orleans. You can learn all about it at the museum for an admission of $18 for adults. Just about any night of the year, you can find great live music, fun, and entertainment. Tip: look for cheaper deals on flights into other Florida airports than Miami. I knew I was going to be on the beach for an entire week eating beach bar food, so I wanted [], [] actually did a full Miami to Key West Road Trip, but I have to admit.. the highlight of that week long trip was definitely Key West! 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Key West, Florida Perfect Miami to Key West drive for VIEWS + camping 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!). The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles (257 km). The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Or Fort Lauderdale to Key West in about four hours.. Miami To Key West: The Ultimate 3-Day Trip Itinerary This tiny animal park will put you up close with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles and more fish and marine mammals. Miami to Key West: Insider Tips for the Perfect Florida Keys Road Trip For road trip enthusiasts, it doesnt get much better than driving the Florida Keys. This pub with no name is worth the short detour off of the Overseas Highway near the key that shares the No Name name. And, if you like what you try, you can take home a few bottles foryour collection. It is located 30 mins away from the Miami zoo area and about an hour from North Miami / Miami Beach area. If you want to hit some of the best Florida Keys bars, make sure to pull off at Mile Marker 88! Miami to Key West Drive - The 15 Stops You Can't Miss You can rent kayaks here or take a guided tour which will bring you to the beautiful backwaters of Key West. The Miami to Key West distance i s between 110 and 160 miles, depending on where you start from in Miami. If your time is limited, then do a day trip from Miami to the Florida Keys. As a bonus, on some tours, you can even bring your dog! Im hoping to do this drive one day! Miami to Key West Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Best Stops on the Way Day 2: Key West. For a mid-day snack, be sure to grab a chocolate-dipped frozen slice of Key Lime pie on a stick. Florida: Cycling The Keys To The End - gonomad.com The Florida Keys are split up into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Bonus Ideas for your Road Trip From Miami to Key West, What to Pack for a Miami to Key West Road Trip. In Key West, there are TONS of options for hotels. The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. Robbies because famous for its terrapin feeding, which started after trying to nurse an injured fish back to health. 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. 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. If you want perfect weather with no humidity and no rain, I would recommend the early spring / late fall & winter months. 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. Also, one in Islamorada is the Florida Keys Brewing Company which is one of the top breweries in the area. Miami to Key West Drive: 21 Best Stops to Make (with map) I recommend making the most of the drive by spending a night or two on one of the centrally located keys. If you are starting your Florida Keys drive in Miami, do yourself a favor and spend at least a night. A: There are 165 miles between Miami and Key West, and if you drove it straight, it would take a little over 3 hours. During most times of the year, youll have no problem finding a spot to lay your beach towel. It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! Today you wont find Hemmingway, but you will find a big open, lively bar with live music and food. 3. Okay, that wraps up my overly-detailed Miami to Key West Road trip guide! HI! Key West is the Southernmost town in the United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. Pro tip: its cash-only! Do some sightseeing or take a dinner cruise to the Pilot House Marina. Grab a paddle and head out into the mangroves. With an unobstructed view to the west, this is also a great spot for sunset and a few sundowners. After several months of not traveling, our family took a 2-week spring break vacation back to Florida. If you have time, this is our favorite snorkel trip in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you plan on being at the beach or doing any snorkeling tours, you will want the perfect camera to capture those memories! Theres a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. Many tourists choose this island for vacation every year due to its tropical climate and fun atmosphere.