Also, one in Islamorada is the Florida Keys Brewing Company which is one of the top breweries in the area. Grab yourself some lunch at The Fish House (which was featured on Drivers, Dive ins and Dives, Food Network, and many other news stations!) Today, motorists can travel the highway in less than four hours from Miami. Not hungry? Especially if youve never been 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. This restaurant has been around since 1972, which just shows how good their food is! This deep sandy beach located on the southern shoreline of Key West is arguably the best beach on the island. It was first completed in 1912 but hasthankfullybeen updated since. Yes, hurricanes do happen in the Keys, though not as often as people think. In addition to the pies, Kermits is a locals favorite lunch spot. 5. . The adorable []. I am not going to lie, I had completely false stereotypes about the Everglades. adventures you can experience in Key Largo. It is located 30 mins away from the Miami zoo area and about an hour from North Miami / Miami Beach area. The ferry journey to Key West takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The Coral Castle Museum is a quirky and eclectic roadside attraction that has many people scratching their heads. By Dalia Colon. At Mile Marker 118, you are officially in the Florida Keys! The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. The Turtle Hospital started helping everyones favorite sea creatures back in 1986. Weve got your essential list of pit stops for your road trip from Miami to Key West. 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. Hey, no hard feelings if you didnt like something I recommended! Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036. Miami to Key West Drive Map. This guide contains 16 worthy stops between Miami and Key West . Not only can you look at it, but the African Queen is available for private cruises. I'm Monique - a Las Vegas native who doubles as a HR Manager & travel junkie (contradicting, I know). The food was DELICIOUS! This brewery had amazing beer and the cutest beer garden in the back! Visit in the wintertime where its most popular to drive from Miami to Key West. However with all the amazing stops between Miami and Key West you should really plan on 2-3 days to make the trip. This vintage piece of movie history was built in 1912 and is a registered National Historic site. Day 3: Road Trip to Key West - One of the most Scenic Drives in the USA. This spot here ceremoniously marks the end of your Miami to Key West drive. Nurse sharks, jellyfish, and sea birds are frequently seen while kayaking in the lower keys. Key West is the southernmost city of the continental USA. The sand on Clearwater Beach is all white and fine. Fort Myers is located 160 miles west of Miami, which is a drive of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Since youre starting your journey here, I recommend taking a few days to explore this Florida hotspot. Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. Unfortunately, no! You know, just in case. If hiking and exploring shipwrecks is your vibe, Islamorada is more than accommodating. There is also an abundance of Uber / Lyfts (which I was really shocked about)! 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! Check rates here. Take the line 2300 train from Government Ctr.Stat.Rail Northbound to Miami International Airport Station Northbound. Key Largo is the longest key at 30 miles. Theater of the Seas animal interaction packages give you a good chance to get much closer to the wildlife than youd expect. , On the last day of your Miami to Key West road trip, its time to end with a BANG! Tired of driving? RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami. The Hemingways no longer live here, but descendants of Hemmingways 6-toed cats can still be found in the house and garden. Youll find boats parked here just about every day, but on Sundays this is the place to be. Go off the beaten track and head to Bahia Honda State Park. 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. Islamorada's premier taproom is full of Keys charm. While it hasn't been used as a functioning lighthouse since 1969, the museum stands testament to the maritime heritage of . And, if you like what you try, you can take home a few bottles foryour collection. For specifics, I stayed at the Kona Kai Resort! Like how this photo was edited?! I did spend the day on Miami Beach, but I felt food and bars were better in the downtown Brickell area. The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. Sample a few, pick one you like and throw a 12-pack in the car. For the next 30 miles, you'll make your way through several smaller Keys, until you arrive at the Southernmost city in the U.S.A. Key West. Something to note is that the Overseas Highway is a slower moving 4 lane highway, 2 northbound lanes, and 2 . That way you can have more time to explore all the sites between Miami and Key West. How long is the drive from Miami to Key West? You may also like: The Best Places to Stay in Florida. If you only have one splurge meal, it should probably be Latitues out on Sunset Key, and it should be dinner at sunset. Today you wont find Hemmingway, but you will find a big open, lively bar with live music and food. Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida is quite unique among the places to stop on the way to Key West. 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 . If you go here and dont get one of the thick, famous shakes (made with fresh fruit and soft-serve) then we are officially no longer friends. Thoughthe farm is only open for part of the year (roughly November through April) Knaus Berrys cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend. The Fish House is a beloved seafood joint with all the salty Florida kitsch you could hope for. In a car, you'll pass through the Keys; on a motorcycle, you'll be part of them. 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. Lucky for you, I have a wide selection of presets that you can choose from starting at only $3.49 per pack!! The weekends are when the real parties are, while regional visitors are also coming down to partake in the parties. We already have this email. Robbies offer a ton of activities from snorkeling, boat rentals, SNUBA diving (no certification required), sunset cruises, parasailing, and so much more. Even though I had an amazing trip and saw so much, I didnt get to do everything on my itinerary. Well, its not like you can avoid it. If you want to do snorkel cruises and relax at the beach, you will want to go late spring / early fall. This will give ample time to hit the highlights with some time to truly experience the Keys. You can learn all about it at the museum for an admission of $18 for adults. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! 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 Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the world's best scenic drives and the only road to Key West. Soak in the tiki vibes at Plantation Keys Mile Marker 88 Beach and Bar. Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. For example, La Pensione has rooms for $150 in early December. 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. Theres no shortage of great food in Key West. 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. We really like to stay at this hotel, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel. Cuban sandwich: $8.50-10. It is a must for divers visiting the Florida Keys. The Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sammich is where its at! If you have less time, you can also dine here for lunch too, but you wont get the full effect without the sunset, but still some great food. Locals said this happens ALL the time! The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. 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! Over 100 miles and 42 bridges connect 34 islands. Another great option if you are traveling with a group and looking to go on a fun tiki boat, you can rent this Tiki boat for a private 3 hours Islamorada Sandbar Tour. I assumed it would be miles of swamp land, it would smell, and be quite dangerous with all the Alligators.. but all of that is false! Miami to Key West is a 165 Mile drive and would take you just 3 hours and 20 minutes if driven without stops but then youd miss one of the great drives in America. Even though we had a really bad weather day (link sprinkling and no sunset), we still had SO much fun! The Miami to Key West drive is 164.4 mi via US-1 S and takes 3 hr 30 min without traffic. Stop thinking about a Miami to Key West road trip and start planning. If you join the Hemingway Food and Walking tour, you will visit Sloppy Joes, as it is an important stop. So keep the bread crumbs in your bag and enjoy the chickens from a distance. Driving distance: 118 mi / 189 km. A: There are 165 miles between Miami and Key West, and if you drove it straight, it would take a little over 3 hours. From here, you are just over 100 miles from Key West, with lots of fun adventures ahead of you. Click here to check out the hotel I stayed at! As a bonus, on some tours, you can even bring your dog! This place is full of kitsch, with the walls and ceilings covered in dollar bills. 1. The drive from Miami to Key West isnt one of Floridas most scenic routes for no reason. 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! However, this doesnt mean there isnt anything to see on Duval Street while the sun is out. Distance between Miami International Airport and Key West is about 110 miles. 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. The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. Dolphins are regularly spotted in the water just offshore of Key West, and the snorkeling is good with clear waters. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Your first stop is just about an hour south of the city. Heres a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Key West and standout meals from our recent trip to Key West. I price shopped and went based on reviews and decided to go with Coopertown Airboat Tours! It has been said that Ed was 5 feet tall and a total of 100 lbs. The Florida Keys are split up into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. It is a super cute smaller hotel that has room options with separate. Rather than doing the 3-4 hour drive all in one, Id recommend breaking up the 164-mile distance from Miami to Key West with some of these top attractions. It is an Opal property, which if you have never stayed at an Opal property before.. you can thank me later. Every night you can expect crowds to form in Mallory Square to witness the best sunset in the keys. Card Sound Road roughly parallels Route 1. If youre looking for an air-conditioned restaurant to rest and indulge, check out the Key Largo Conch House. Go snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking--if it takes place on the water, Key Largo has it. A: Yes, The road from Miami to Key West is a popular drive with tourists and is very safe. Do some sightseeing or take a dinner cruise to the Pilot House Marina. Hostel beds start at $69 per person; bare-bones motel rooms at $119. Itll put you in the Keys mood for sure. Here is a quick reference guide to the stops we love and think should be included in your Florida Keys itinerary: Coral Castle. The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway. Between those mile markers, there are plenty of amazing stop-offs with lots of fun and adventures. 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. Under the waves, youll find beautiful coral reefs, plenty of sea life, and even an underwater sculpture. The 100-plus-miles stretch features plenty of great stops for any Miami to Key . 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. 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! While in Key West, you can visit the home he shared with his wife of the time, Pauline. Be sure to follow me along on Instagram @MyPerfectItinerary@MyPerfectItinerary! The least expensive lodging in Key West would be 10-bunk-beds to a room at Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel. 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. Bonus Ideas for your Road Trip From Miami to Key West, What to Pack for a Miami to Key West Road Trip. . 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. Location: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036. Theres a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. LLs test kitchen has amazing, high quality food! Take time to meander round the colorful and unique streets of Fort Myers. Robbies because famous for its terrapin feeding, which started after trying to nurse an injured fish back to health. 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 second best rates were that of Enterprise & Dollar rent-a-car; while the compact and economy car rental deals started at $35 per day, van rental (15 passengers) deals were offered . 1:51 pm Miami. U.S. 1 runs from Miami directly to the Keys, but follow Card Sound Road through mangroves and sawgrass instead of heavy traffic. Anyways, many locals told us about their favorite activity in Key West which is taking a boat out to the sand bars! Portions are large, the food is tasty, and its a great value. Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. This road trip stop in the Florida Keys is easy to spot, with a statue of a giant lobster named Betsy sitting out front. 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. 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. I would recommend packing some drinks and sandwiches and spending the day on your own little slice of paradise! Flocking with the herd? They are connected by a series of bridges, making for quite a memorable road trip. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock. The drive from Miami to Key West takes a total of 3 hours. However, staying above water means missing out on the parks magic and allure. Okay, that wraps up my overly-detailed Miami to Key West Road trip guide! Here youll also find a walking bridge that was once a railway it spans this stretch too. Key Largo is the perfect place to rest your head as it is laidback while offering an array of aquatic activities. this is super useful! But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. Key Largo. But if you bring us a strawberry key lime pie shake then we are officially best friends again. I couldnt recommend driving through the Keys to get to Key West more. and leave at 7:36 pm. Q: Is it safe to drive from Miami to Key West? 2. Our favorite meal in Key West was at Cafe Marquesa. Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. Translating to purple island, Islamorada encompasses 6 of the Florida Keys. In mid-January; rooms are $415. 10 Days in Costa Rica Explore The Jungle & The Coast! Stop here to see the Coral Castle Museum. Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. 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. There are tons of different species of fish, turtles, birds, manatees, snakes, panthers, and of course, Alligators! , I would HIGHLY recommend stopping at least once on your Road trip from Miami to Key West! Walk along the scenic Miami Beach Boardwalk, seeing all the uniquely shaped & colored Lifeguard Stands! As the final destination on your itinerary, youre more than likely to spend several days in Key West. This non-profit center offers educational tours and an opportunity to donate to a great cause. You can rent boats or go with a tour company, but their are many different sand bars a short boat ride away. 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. Q: How is the drive from Miami to Key West is it Worth it? Speaking of winter - that season is the island's busiest and priciest. Chef Michaels is one of the best upscale restaurants in the Upper Keys. 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. The Old Key West Lighthouse. 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! Now for the adventurous part of the trip: driving south over 40 bridges through the Florida Keys on Highway 1 (aka the Overseas Highway). If your time is limited, then do a day trip from Miami to the Florida Keys. 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. Re: Best time to drive from Miami to Key West. Drive across the longest bridge in the Keys, Explore the Southernmost Point where you can see the. Yes!! Just about any night of the year, you can find great live music, fun, and entertainment. Female Solo Travel Blog - Travel like a local Not a Tourist. The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. Otherwise, the best time to drive from Miami to Key West largely depends on your taste in crowds or a lack thereof. Keep your eye out for nice beaches like Bahia Honda and many places to put a kayak in the water. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Make sure to indulge in some fresh fish too. 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). Its the only way youre getting to Key West via car. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. But if you want to take your time as you gawk your way through scenic viewpoints, I recommend taking a few days to squeeze in all the quirky and beautiful roadside attractions this route has to offer. A Miami trip to Key West is 159 miles (256 KM) and takes approximately 3 hours from Miami, depending on traffic it could take longer. Like I said before, the 165+ mile stretch between Miami to Key West is scenic and has tons to see! An upper keys icon serving up classic dishes with an easy-going flare that made the Keys what they are. The tour follows in Hemingways footsteps, giving you a glimpse of his life and the history of Key West. Even if you go up to the Key West Lighthouse, you will still be lucky if you see past 40 miles! Lined with swaying palm trees and sugar sand beaches, this tropical paradise attracts thousands of visitors year-round, from, Craving a sunny Florida beach vacation? Best time to visit: September to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds. East to west. There are mangrove swamps to kayak and hammocks to lounge in, but the main draw to the park is what lies beneath the surface. So if youre short on time but still want to split the drive up, I recommend spending the night in Marathon. Get a little beach time in before you head into the final half of your Key West trip. Top 17 Places to Stop on the drive from Miami to Key West. Begin your adventure in Miami. Driving from the city of Miami to Key West in Florida and along Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) is a classic American road trip. Things to do on the way from Miami to Key West. All the locals said it hasnt rained like that day in over a year so, just bad luck I guess? Okay, now that you know where to stay to break up your road trip, lets dive in! Go on a Floridian safari as you spot alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther at this lush, marsh landscape. 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. The Best time to Drive From Miami to Key West. 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. 15 Reasons to Put Panama City Beach, Florida on YOUR Bucket list. Lets dive in. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This massive Navy ship sits about 6 miles from the shore of Key Largo and is one of the top dive sites in the Florida Keys. 5 Main regions of the Keys : Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and . 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! If you want perfect weather with no humidity and no rain, I would recommend the early spring / late fall & winter months. We saved a little money and returned the car when we got to Key West. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. . They also make some great brunch. The journey is around 1hr 15 mins to Key Largo from Miami then another 4 hours along highway 1 to Key west. Day 2: Drive to Key Largo, Stopping in Everglades National Park. For me, I chose to stay in Key Largo, which was great! This place is a must for breakfast or brunch before continuing your Key West Road Trip. One thing I was surprised about in Key West was how easy it was to get around! For the worst times to head to Key West from Miami, you want to avoid driving . The spots I would recommend are Miami, somewhere in between Miami & Key West (like Key Largo), and Key West! Grab a paddle and head out into the mangroves. At the southwestern end of Key West lies the end of the road at Mile Marker 0. This is easily one of the best things to do from Miami to Key West. But these five-foot-long fish weren't always grazing the surface of the marine for something to eat. Day 1: Explore Miami. The most popular beach in Key West, Smathers Beach, is completely free other than the small parking fees for street parking. Pro tip: its cash-only! Click here to browse hotels in Brickell, Miami! Depending on traffic, the drive will take about four hours.
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