Miami to Key West Drive – The 15 Stops You Can’t Miss

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.

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).  There’s actually a countdown along the way from Mile Marker 127 (Miami). to Mile Marker 0 (Key West).

So, if you’re asking yourself, is it worth driving from Miami to Key West?

The answer is: absolutely!  It’s one of the best road trips in the U.S.

To help you start planning, I’ve put together this list of 15 best stops you can’t miss during your Miami to Key West drive.

Table of Contents:

Distance from Miami to Key West
Best time to go in a Florida Keys road trip
Things to do in Miami
Best stops near Homestead
What to see in Key Largo
Things to do near Islamorada
What to do near Marathon Key
Things to do in Key West
Miami to Key West Drive Map

How far is Miami to Key West?

The distance from Miami to Key West is 165 miles (265 km). Technically, if you were to plow through without any stops, the Miami to Key West drive time is just over three hours.

But where’s the fun in that? With all the cool stuff to see along the way, I highly recommend taking your time to stop and enjoy the highlights. It’s worth your while to plan at least a few days to do the Miami to Key West road trip the right way.

As mentioned earlier, Key West is at Mile Marker 0. This mile marker system is used to point out the locations of all the stops you should make, making the road trip much easier to plan.

Best time to go on a Florida Keys road trip

One of the best things about Florida is its primarily warm, sunny weather. However, it’s a good idea to do your Florida Keys road trip when it isn’t uncomfortably hot and humid (summer months) or hurricane season (early fall).

The winter months are comfortable weather-wise but, as a Canadian, I can tell you that the snowbirds phenomenon is a real thing, making Florida roads and sites extremely busy. Your best bet is planning your road trip to Key West during the shoulder season from March to May.

Itinerary for the Miami to Key West drive

Here is your suggested Miami to Key West itinerary. It starts in Miami and includes stops in the Homestead area, and continues with stops in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon Key and, finally, in Key West.

Of course, making all of these stops depends on how much time you’ve allotted for your drive to Key West from Miami.

1.    Miami

Commonly referred to as “Florida’s playground,” you could easily spend several days — if not weeks — in Miami and never get bored. But, if you want to spend one stellar day in Miami before driving to Key West, you’ll want to hit up Miami’s highlights.

The main highlight is Ocean Drive. Lined with amazing restaurants, hip bars, shops, and just an overall buzz of excitement, Ocean Drive is the perfect spot to people watch and take in that Miami vibe.

Getting some beach time is also a must. Whether that’s just a leisurely stroll along South Beach, you’ll want to dip your toes in that warm Atlantic Ocean water and feel Miami Beach’s soft white sand.

A fun way to enjoy the glitzy, glamorous side of Miami is to see the city skyline from the water. See the best of Miami on this cruise to the Millionnaire’s Homes and the city skyline.

If you’re a shopper, store-lined Collins Avenue lies just a couple streets over from Ocean Drive. You’ll find the most popular retail shops here along with upscale fashion boutiques.

With its strong multicultural, international influence, Miami is a foodie’s dream come true.  One of Miami’s largest populations is Cuban, making the city’s Cuban cuisine the best in the country. To savour the best in town, consider booking the tour, Little Havana: Food & Cultural Walking Tour with Lunch.

Best Miami to Key West drive stops near Homestead

After driving about 45 minutes from Miami, you’ll find Homestead at Mile Marker 116.

If you keep going, you’ll reach the start of the Florida Keys in about another 40 minutes, but it’s worth marking a stop here to see some of the Homestead area’s unique sights.

2.  Coral Castle Museum

It’s not the Egyptian pyramids, but Coral Castle Museum continues to baffle and awe the world in a similar manner. Located on S. Dixie Highway in Homestead lies a massive all limestone-built castle.  It includes a nine-ton gate, a Polaris telescope, and completely functioning rocking chairs — all made of stone.

The craziest part? It was single-handedly built by one man.

Edward Leedskalnin — who claimed to “know the secrets used to build the ancient pyramids” —  moved and carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock over the course of 28 years (1923-1951) to build the mysterious wonder that stands today.

3.  Robert is Here Fruit Stand

The idea of making a special stop at a fruit stand may seem a little out there, but I’ll bet you’ve never been to one with a story quite like that of Robert is Here.

At the mere age of six in the year 1959, Robert was put to work by his farmer dad selling cucumbers on the corner.  When no one stopped, his dad figured he was probably too small for passersby to see.  So, he made a hand-written sign with “Robert is here” in large red writing. Apparently, Robert has never been without a customer since.

That cucumber stand has since grown to a flourishing family-owned business that employs over 60 people.  The fruit stand specializes in rare and exotic fruits and vegetables that are primarily grown on the family farm, while some are exported during the off-season.

Visitors come from near and far to visit the Robert is Here fruit stand that promises to always offer friendly service and exquisite produce. If that’s not enough, Robert has added an animal farm, picnic tables and play area to make sure there’s fun for everyone.

4.  Everglades

You’ll want to make a stop at Everglades National Park, one of Florida’s most renowned national parks.  It’s on your way from Miami to the Keys, so there’s no excuse to not stop and enjoy this wonder of nature.

Because the Everglades National Park is best known for its wildlife — from alligators to eagles and even panthers and dolphins — a nature tour is one of the best ways to experience the park.

An airboat tour is a fun way to see wildlife from the water.  If you’re into photography, a birding, wildlife, and photography expedition is the perfect way to capture amazing shots of animals in the wild with the help of a master naturalist guide.

Best Miami to Key West stops near Key Largo

As you continue south from Homestead for 30 miles (48 km), you’ll reach Key Largo. As the first of the magnificent Florida Keys, making stops in Key Largo is a must during your Miami to Key West road trip.

5.  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

As far as gorgeous coral reefs and magical underwater playgrounds go, it doesn’t get much better than Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.  Known as the first undersea park in the U.S., this place deserves all the praise it receives.

To really experience all of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s 70 nautical square miles of wonder, going underwater is the way to go. A half-day snorkel trip will let you take in the best of the fascinating reefs of the Keys.

However, if you prefer to keep your head above water, you can also take in magnificent views of the wildlife and reef life from a kayak or with a glass-bottom boat tour.  The mangroves of the Florida Keys are spectacular, and I highly recommend taking a guided eco tour through the mangrove ecosystemto get the best experience.

6.  Cruise on the African Queen

If you’re a fan of 1950’s classic films, you don’t need much explanation about the African Queen.  And although the movie was mainly filmed in Africa and London, Key Largo has been the berthing spot of this famous boat since the early 1980s.

If you want the unique opportunity to relive the Bogart and Hepburn magic for yourself, you’re in luck!  The restored African Queen offers canal cruises that depart daily from the Marina Del Mar marina at mile marker 100 in Key Largo.  Enjoy a leisurely sightseeing cruise along the famous Port Largo Canals in this iconic steamboat.

Best Key Largo to Islamorada Stops on your Miami to Key West road trip

You don’t want to miss stopping at this gorgeous beach town during your road trip from Miami to Key West. Although only seven miles long, you’ll be surprised at all the good stuff Islamorada has to offer. 

7.  Rain Barrel Artisans Village

They’re not kidding when they say there’s something for everyone at Rain Barrel Village. This open-air 1.5-acre garden property oozes Southern Florida charm with its collection of galleries, specialty shops, and boutiques.  Here you’ll find unique local art and souvenirs, handmade crafts and jewelry, and Florida-fashion resort wear.

Rain Barrel Village is located off of Islamorada’s Overseas Highway, but don’t worry, when you see Betsy, the massive 300-feet tall lobster sculpture standing at the entrance, you’ll know you reached the right place.

8.  Robbie’s Marina

At Mile Marker 77, you’ll find the quirky yet charming Robbie’s Marina. This popular tourist destination is best known as the spot where visitors can hand-feed tarpon. Not sure what a tarpon is? That’s ok, most people don’t know either until they see them. They’re huge five-feet long silver fish with huge mouths that make for quite a sight in the midst of a feeding frenzy.

Besides the tarpons, Robbie’s is a fun place to enjoy some scrumptious seafood and enjoy a drink on the waterfront deck, the most famous being their signature Trailer Trash Bloody Mary.

9.  Islamorada Beer Co.

What better way to have a taste of the laid back Florida lifestyle than by sitting back and enjoying a cold local brew?

The Islamorada Beer Co. is the first distillery in Islamorada that features a taproom and spacious beer garden. After one sip, you’ll understand why a visit here is a Florida Keys staple.

Best stops from Islamorada to Marathon Key on a road trip to Key West

In the 30-mile or so stretch between Islamorada and Marathon Key, there are several stops you’ll want to make sure are part of your itinerary.

10. Dolphin Research Center

Because, who doesn’t love dolphins? And the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key is especially worthwhile because they’re on an admirable mission to rescue injured dolphins and give them a home if they can’t return to the wild.

Support their cause and, while you’re there, enjoy learning about these beautiful marine animals as they play and show off their skills.

11. Turtle Hospital

Just when you think it doesn’t get more precious than rescuing dolphins, just past Mile Marker 48, you’ll find the Turtle Hospital in the city of Marathon.

As the name suggests, the Turtle Hospital is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating the Keys’ injured sea turtles and releasing them back into the wild whenever possible.  Be sure to book a tour in advance so that you can claim a spot to see these endangered beauties up close.

12. Seven Mile Bridge

When you arrive at Mile Marker 47 where the Marathon side of the Seven Mile Bridge begins, you’ve reached the scenic pinnacle of your Florida Keys from Miami road trip.

This spectacular bridge connects several of the Keys’ lesser-known islands, starting with Knight’s Key (Middle Keys) to Little Duck Key (Lower Keys).  Your only job here is to take in the magnificent views of endless turquoise water and majestic mangroves.

13. Bahia Honda State Park

Although the beaches of popular Florida Keys islands like Key Largo and Key West are beautiful, it’s in the underrated islands where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches of all.  One such place is Bahia Honda State Park on Bahia Honda Key near Mile Marker 37.

With its pristine white sand and crystalline waters, Bahia Honda Key’s most beautiful beach is Calusa Beach. You can also enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, paddling, fishing and more.

Arrival in Key West

14. Things to do in Key West

Mile Marker 0 marks the spot — the final stop of your Miami to Key West drive and the most famous Florida Keys’ island of all.  The top things to do in Key West include taking a selfie at the iconic “Southernmost Point” buoy, walking along famous Duval Street, and soaking in lots of sunshine.

There are actually many historical sites in Key West too, like the Ernest Hemingway House, the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.

But Key West’s major highlights include anything that lets you experience its beach, sun, and natural wonders to its fullest. Consider taking in views of dolphins in their natural turquoise-water habitat on a Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Eco Tour. Or catch a breathtaking sunset on a glorious 2-Hour Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0.

15.  Dry Tortugas National Park – A day trip from Key West

If you have time, I highly recommend venturing to Dry Tortugas National Park off the coast of Key West.  It’s not as accessible as the other stops on your Miami to Key West itinerary — which is why it’s not as crowded as other parts of the Florida Keys.  But it’s totally worth the effort.

Your best bet is to book the Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West tour that includes everything you need for a day of pure bliss—a scenic catamaran ride, snorkeling in crystal-blue waters and swimming among colorful marine life in thriving coral reefs.

Miami to Key West Drive Map

Click on the markers to help you plan your Florida Keys road trip.

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