If you’re planning on exploring the Florida Keys, you’re in for a treat. As the southernmost part of the state, the Florida Keys experience beautiful weather all year round and are the perfect place to come for laidback island vibes.
When people visit the Keys, they often make the mistake of only visiting the most famous one: Key West. But did you know that there are 800 stunning Keys to discover?
We hear you – 800 is quite a few! And while it’s more than worth taking the time to visit all of them, there are 15 beautiful Keys between Key Largo and Key West alone – all within a comfortable two-hour drive. With plenty of exciting pit stops to make and attractions to see on this breathtakingly scenic journey along the Overseas Highway, hopping in the car for a taste of island heaven couldn’t be easier. And with our tips and tricks for driving in Florida, navigating this area is a breeze!
Just remember that the Florida Keys are a popular vacation destination, so it is highly recommended that you book accommodation in advance. And if you need a ride, we’ve got you covered! With a SIXT branch conveniently located at Miami International Airport, you’ll be on the road in no time.
Ready to get planning? Whether you’re searching for the perfect family getaway or a romantic escape for two, the Florida Keys has something for everyone. Here’s our guide to making the most out of your road trip!
Distance from Key Largo to Key West
The distance between Key Largo and Key West is a cruisy 98 miles. If you drive non-stop, you can make it from one to the other in just two hours! Even factoring in a few pit stops along the way, you can still easily cover the full distance within a day. What’s more, the drive is as picturesque as they come, so no matter if you have two days or ten up your sleeve, spectacular tropical scenery and soothing coastal ambiance awaits.
Overall, however, we recommend you don’t rush it. The Florida Keys have a unique charm to them, and they’re best experienced at a leisurely pace.
A guide to the best road trip the Florida Keys has to offer
For the best possible Florida Keys road trip, we recommend giving yourself at least a week, if not a full 10 days. This way, you have time to explore each area to the fullest, hitting all the attractions on your list and allowing time to discover off-the-beaten-path gems.
Keep in mind that your itinerary will depend on your preferred activities. For example, Key Largo is better for snorkeling and diving, while Key West is better for beaches and cultural attractions. It’s also worth noting that depending on where you’re flying into, you could make this into a full-blown South Florida road trip. Dalé!
As there is no airport located directly in Key Largo, you’ll likely be flying into Miami International Airport (MIA), the closest major airport to this destination. Our SIXT branch is located right inside the MIA Rental Car Center (RCC), so you can get going right away.
Route planning: a detailed map of the route, recommended pit stops and attractions, and alternative routes for scenic views
Now that you’ve landed in Miami and picked up your rental car, it’s time to hit the road. First, you’ll need to make your way from Miami to Key Largo. The distance between the two is about 68 miles, which should take you a little over an hour to drive. Keep in mind that if you are driving from the mainland, you will encounter one toll road on your way south from Miami: the Florida Turnpike. Tolls can be paid by cash (US currency only), or you can take advantage of SIXT’s range of simple, hassle-free toll-payment services. Otherwise, there are no toll roads between Key Largo and Key West.
The road you’ll be traveling on for your entire road trip is known as the Overseas Highway – or, as the locals call it, “The Highway that Goes to Sea.” A structural marvel consisting of no less than 42 bridges along the 113-mile stretch of Route 1 that runs from the mainland down to Key West, it leapfrogs its way across the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, treating you to amazing views of the Keys and the open waters at every turn.
Once you’ve crossed the bridge to Key Largo, the fun really begins!
Key Largo
Key Largo is the northernmost of the Florida Keys, and it’ll be where you officially start your road trip. There’s so much to see and do here that we’d recommend staying for at least a couple of days.
This will be the best part of the trip for divers and snorkelers, as Key Largo has world-class diving and snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This was the United States’ first undersea park, so you know it’s special. There are many different companies you can hire to take you on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour. You can also explore the seascape via canoe, kayak, or glass-bottom boat.
For fans of a good treasure hunt, go diving at Spiegel Grove Wreck. This 510-foot Navy ship was sunk on purpose to facilitate the development of a new marine ecosystem.
Once you’ve had your fill of underwater exploring, head to the marina in Key Largo for a bite to eat. There are plenty of cute restaurants and bars here that serve up traditional American fare and delicious seafood.
Finally, before you head south, be sure to take a relaxing beach day at Harry Harris Beach and Park.
Islamorada
Islamorada is only about 17 miles from Key Largo, so it’s an easy trip of about 30 minutes by car. On your way there, you’ll want to stop for a meal at Marker 88 on Plantation Key. This restaurant and event venue has 10,000 square feet of oceanfront dining space, where you can sample fresh seafood, and a slice of the iconic key lime pie with a side of ocean views.
Once you arrive in Islamorada, plan to stay for one or two days (depending on how many of the local attractions interest you). History buffs will appreciate a visit to the History of Diving Museum, or if you’d rather go on another snorkeling expedition, head out to Alligator Reef Lighthouse, where you might just spot some dolphins.
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, check out Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery, home to quirky sculptures including a giant lobster. There are also many local shops and boutiques in nearby Rainbow Village, for those who want to take home a few authentic souvenirs.
Robbie’s of Islamorada is another main attraction, famous for its tarpon feeding experience.
Marathon
This is the start of your journey from the Upper Keys into the Middle Keys. Marathon is about 30.5 miles from Islamorada, and the drive down this stretch of the Overseas Highway will take about 40 minutes. We recommend staying here for one day.
Topping your list for your visit to Marathon should be The Turtle Hospital. This non-profit organization rescues injured sea turtles, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the wild. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about their work and even feed the turtles. The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is also a great spot to visit if you’re traveling with kids.
Looking for a relaxing beach day? You’re in luck! Sombrero Beach is just a short drive from the Overseas Highway and boasts several miles of pristine sandy beaches.
Big Pine Key
Heading further south, you’ll reach Big Pine Key. On the way there, at mile marker 36.8, you may want to stop at Bahia Honda State Park, which is home to two beautiful award-winning beaches. Renting a kayak for a relaxing, tranquil paddle is the perfect way to explore the crystal clear waters surrounding the park. The drive from Marathon to Big Pine Key is about 21.3 miles and should take a little less than 30 minutes. We recommend planning for two days of exploring in this stunning area.
One of the most popular attractions at Big Pine Key is the National Key Deer Refuge. Key deer live only in the Florida Keys and they’re the smallest type of deer in the country. They’re also an endangered species, so this refuge was created for conservation work. It also has plenty of trails open to walkers, cyclists, and hikers; some of the most popular include Blue Hole and the No Name Key Trails.
Looking for something unique? Head to the orchard at Grimal Grove. This tropical fruit farm hosts fruit hunting tours, where you can explore the botanical gardens and sample some fresh fruit. Then, end your day with a spot of shopping at Big Pine Key Flea Market.
Key West
Now you’re onto the final stretch: the drive to Key West. Key West is about 21 miles south of Big Pine Key and the drive will take just over 40 minutes. As your final destination, give yourself at least three days to take it all in.
In Key West, we recommend renting a bike during your stay; the town center is very bike-friendly, and it’s a great way to explore and take in all the quaint buildings. History lovers will want to head to Ernest Hemingway’s House and Fort Jefferson State Park. The latter is home to a former military fortress that was used during the Civil War to hold prisoners, and also has plenty of beaches.
Key West is also the southernmost point of the Continental US—and there’s a landmark to prove it! Make your way to the Southernmost Buoy and snap a selfie for some social media-worthy evidence. Other points of interest include Mallory Square, famous for its sunset views; Duval Street, which is similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans; and Smathers Beach, known as one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys.
Itching to get back out on the water? We highly recommend a sunset cruise or a dolphin-watching boat tour.
