Fort Lauderdale to Key West Road Trip Guide (Overseas Highway)

Fort Lauderdale to Key West, Naples & St. Augustine: Islands, Everglades & Space Coast Adventures

Introduction
Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a great destination on its own it’s also the perfect launching point for epic Florida road trips. Pick up your van or car at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and you’re within a few hours of tropical islands, wild Everglades, or historic coastal cities. Whether you crave an island-hopping drive to Key West, a nature trek across the Everglades to the Gulf Coast, or a journey up the Atlantic coast to rocket launches and Spanish forts, we’ve got you covered. Below, we outline three distinct road trip itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, each with its own flavor. Buckle up for turquoise waters, alligator adventures, and space-age fun all starting from FLL!

Overseas Highway to Key West (Florida Keys Island-Hopping)

Trip Snapshot

• Distance & drive time: ~180 miles from Fort Lauderdale to Key West (about 4 hours without stops). This drive begs for stops, so plan a full day or two. Many travelers choose to overnight in Key West to enjoy the sunset and nightlife before the return trip.
• Best time: Winter and spring offer warm, dry weather perfect for sightseeing (and escaping the cold back home). Summer is offseason (hot, humid, chance of hurricanes) but less crowded and great for snorkeling. Early fall can be lovely if there are no storms.
• Ideal for: Couples, friends, and families who love scenic drives, beach vibes, snorkeling/diving, and quirky island culture. It’s a paradise for photographers and sunset seekers.
• Quick route summary: Head south on Florida’s Turnpike (toll road) or US-1 through Miami to join the Overseas Highway (US-1) in Florida City. From there, it’s one road all the way down the Keys 42 bridges connecting 100+ miles of islands. Pass Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and roll into Key West at Mile Marker “0”. (On the way back, you’ll retrace US-1 north there’s essentially one way in and out of the Keys.)
• Top 3 highlights:John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo snorkel reef) • Seven Mile Bridge Ocean vistas • Mallory Square Sunset Celebration in Key West.

Route Overview
The Overseas Highway is often called the “Highway in the Sea,” and for good reason. Leaving Fort Lauderdale, you’ll cruise via Miami toward the Upper Keys. Once you hit Key Largo, the road turns into a tropical dream aqua-blue water on both sides and postcard-perfect islands dotting the horizon. The drive is fairly slow-paced (speed limits max ~55 mph, and lower in towns or protected areas), which is fine because you’ll want to soak up the views. As you hop between keys, you’ll notice the quirky Florida Keys spirit: roadside tiki bars, bait shops, and signs for key lime pie everywhere. Midway, after Marathon, you’ll traverse the engineering marvel that is Seven Mile Bridge have your camera ready! Near Big Pine Key, watch for the small Key deer that sometimes graze by the roadside (especially around dusk). Finally, you’ll arrive in Key West, marked by its lively streets and that free-spirited Conch Republic vibe. Keep in mind: weekends and holidays can bring heavy traffic on US-1, and there’s no passing for long stretches patience is part of island time. Also, if you’re renting, ask about Florida SunPass for tolls: the Turnpike heading south uses all-electronic tolling (no cash booths), so you’ll want a transponder or toll-by-plate arrangement to breeze through.

Top Stops & Experiences

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)Family-friendly. Kick off your Keys adventure at the nation’s first undersea park. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour or go snorkeling to see vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. The park also has kayaking through mangrove trails and a small aquarium exhibit. It’s a refreshing stop to stretch your legs after the drive from FLL. Parking is available at the visitor center, and tours have specific departure times (reserve ahead in high season).
• Robbie’s Marina (Islamorada)Family-friendly. This funky marina is famous for its tarpon feeding buy a bucket of fish and hand-feed the giant tarpon right from the dock (watch out for pelicans who try to steal the bait!). It’s a quintessential Keys roadside stop with artsy souvenir stands, a tropical bar/grill, and local art shops. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of the huge tarpon splashing about. There’s an entry fee of a few dollars to go on the feeding docks.
• Seven Mile Bridge (near Marathon)Family-friendly. Driving the Seven Mile Bridge is an experience in itself nothing but blue ocean and sky surrounding you. There’s an old section of the bridge (the historic Old Seven) where you can walk if you park at the north end in Marathon (at Mile Marker 47). A walk out on Old Seven Mile Bridge (recently restored) offers stunning views and sometimes spotting sea turtles or rays in the water below. On the drive across the new bridge, you might recognize the expanse from movies like True Lies and Fast & Furious. It’s one of the most iconic stretches of road in America.
• Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)Family-friendly. A little detour off US-1 around MM 37 brings you to Bahia Honda, home to one of the Florida Keys’ best natural beaches. Soft sand, clear shallow waters perfect for a swim or picnic. There’s also a short trail up to the Old Bahia Honda rail bridge for a panoramic view. It’s a quiet slice of paradise if you need a beach break. The park charges a small admission fee per vehicle.
• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (Key West)Family-friendly (festive atmosphere). Arrive in Key West in time for the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. It’s a carnival-like gathering where everyone watches the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico amid street performers, musicians, and food carts. Grab a Cuban mix sandwich or a fresh pineapple drink and enjoy the show from fire jugglers to local artists. As the sky turns pink and orange, you’ll understand why Key West sunsets are world-famous. It’s free to attend; just find a spot on the waterfront and soak in the ambience.
• Duval Street & Old Town Key WestPG-13 in evenings. Stroll down Duval Street, Key West’s main drag, famous for its eclectic bars, live music, galleries, and shops. By day, it’s pretty mellow you can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home (meet the six-toed cats descended from Hemingway’s pets) or the Key West Butterfly Conservatory for a family-friendly outing. By night, parts of Duval get lively (think live rock at Sloppy Joe’s or tropical cocktails at Margaritaville). It’s a fun people-watching scene. If you have kids, early evening is fine; late at night it turns into a bar-hopping crowd. Parking in Key West can be tricky near Duval consider parking at your hotel or a city lot and walking or using the Old Town Trolley.
• Southernmost Point Buoy (Key West)Family-friendly. It’s cheesy but a must-do photo op: the big red, black, and yellow concrete buoy that marks “90 miles to Cuba.” Expect a line of tourists snapping pictures. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds (and the heat). It’s at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street. Kids might not fully get the significance, but they’ll still smile for the pic!

Where to Eat & Stay

Food (Key Largo to Key West)

• Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (Key Largo) A legendary diner in Key Largo decorated with license plates. It’s known for classic Key Lime Pie and fish sandwiches. Super casual, easy in-and-out right along the highway a great breakfast or lunch stop as you start the drive down the Keys. They have a kids’ menu and friendly vibe (look for the iconic neon sign).
• Midway Café (Islamorada) A cheerful coffee shop and bakery halfway down the Keys, perfect for a pick-me-up. They serve excellent sandwiches, smoothies, and fresh baked goods (try the coconut macaroons). It’s a colorful little stop where you can sit on the porch and relax.
• Hogfish Bar & Grill (Stock Island, Key West) This locals’ hideaway is just before Key West on Stock Island. It has a laid-back dockside setting and specializes in—you guessed it—hogfish, a light white fish (try the hogfish tacos). Also known for conch fritters and live music, it’s a bit off the tourist path, which gives it authentic charm. Family-friendly during the day (kids will love spotting pelicans by the docks).
• Blue Heaven (Key West) A classic Key West restaurant in a sandy courtyard under banyan trees and roaming chickens. Great for brunch (lobster eggs Benedict!) or dinner. It captures the funky spirit of Key West. There’s usually a wait, but you can play ping-pong or listen to the live guitar player. Kids find the chickens entertaining, and adults will love the tropical cocktails and famed Key Lime Pie topped with mile-high meringue.

Lodging

• Key West: To fully experience Key West, consider staying a night. Downtown has historic B&Bs and inns near Duval Street (like the Marquesa or Angelina Guesthouse) which put you in the heart of the action. For families or those wanting quieter nights, stay in New Town or Stock Island and use a shuttle or short drive to Old Town. Keep in mind Key West lodging can be pricey book well in advance for better rates.
• Middle Keys (Marathon/Islamorada): If you prefer to split the drive, Marathon or Islamorada make good halfway stopovers. Marathon has family-friendly resorts and vacation rentals (with pools and marina access). Islamorada offers upscale resorts (Cheeca Lodge) and quaint cottages. Staying in the Middle Keys lets you enjoy a Middle Keys sunset and hit the road to Key West fresh the next morning.
• Camping: Adventurous travelers can even camp in the Keys. John Pennekamp and Bahia Honda State Park have campgrounds (reserve far ahead). Waking up to ocean breezes is pretty magical. Just beware of bugs in summer and ensure your vehicle can fit at the campsite if you rented a large van.

Detours & Extensions

• Dry Tortugas National Park If you have an extra day in Key West, consider a day trip by ferry or seaplane to this remote national park 70 miles off the coast. It features the historic Fort Jefferson and incredible snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. It’s a long day (the ferry ride is ~2 hours each way from Key West), but an unforgettable extension for history buffs and snorkelers. Book the ferry in advance.
• Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key) Nature lovers can take a short detour on Big Pine Key into the National Key Deer Refuge. At dawn or dusk, you might spot the tiny endangered Key deer grazing. There’s a free visitor center in Big Pine. Even a quick drive down side streets like Key Deer Blvd could yield a sighting just drive slowly!
• Florida Bay Kayaking In Islamorada or Marathon, outfitters offer kayak or paddleboard eco-tours in the mangroves. This is a fun way to see marine life (maybe manatees or nurse sharks) up close in the shallow bay waters. It can be a serene break from driving, but you’ll need a couple of hours. Wear sun protection and bring water.

Practical Tips

• Tolls: The fastest way from FLL to the Keys is via Florida’s Turnpike to Homestead, which has electronic tolls. Ask your rental company if your vehicle is equipped with a SunPass or toll program. If not, you’ll be billed by plate (with likely an admin fee from the rental company). There’s also an $1.50 toll if you take the alternative Card Sound Road into the Upper Keys (scenic, with a great biker bar called Alabama Jack’s en route). Keep some cash on hand just in case, but most tolls are cashless now.
• Traffic & Driving: US-1 in the Keys is mostly two lanes. Embrace “island time” and expect unhurried drivers. Passing is rare, so settle in and enjoy the ride. On weekends or during events (like Fantasy Fest in Key West in late October), traffic can back up, especially around holiday weekends. Plan extra time if traveling then. Also note: in Big Pine Key, nighttime speed limits drop to 35 mph to protect Key deer strictly enforced.
• Fuel: Gas up in Florida City or Key Largo at the start of the Keys fuel is available throughout the Keys, but prices tend to rise a bit the farther you go. It’s about 100+ miles between Key Largo and Key West; there are stations, but don’t let your tank get too low because some smaller keys have limited options late at night.
• Weather: Summer brings quick thunderstorms; if it starts pouring, consider pulling off for a coffee roads can flood briefly. Hurricane season is June–Nov; always check the forecast a few days ahead. If an evacuation order is issued (for an approaching storm), you’ll need to leave the Keys so keep an ear on weather if traveling in peak hurricane months.
• Wildlife: Do not feed wildlife (key deer, birds, etc.) and watch out for low-flying pelicans or cormorants near bridges. Use pull-offs to admire views don’t stop on the highway. And sun protection is key: the sun is intense, even through car windows. Have sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses ready. Hydration is important too keep water bottles in the car, especially if you’ll be walking around outdoor sites or the fort in Key West.