Miami to Key West: The Overseas Highway Playbook

Trip Snapshot

• Distance & drive time: ~165 miles from Miami to Key West. Without stops, about 3.5 to 4 hours of driving. But you’ll want to allocate a full day with stops (or even better, split into two days).
• Best time: November to April is the dry season with sunny skies and warm (but not hot) weather. Expect more crowds then. Summer is hotter and humid with afternoon storms, but it’s also less crowded (except holidays) and the water is warm for swimming.
• Ideal for: Families, snorkelers and divers, seafood lovers, road trip photographers, sunset seekers.
• Quick route summary: Follow US-1 South all the way. This famous “Overseas Highway” will take you from the mainland through Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, and on to Key West at Mile Marker 0.
• Top 3 highlights: Pennekamp Coral Reef boat trip • Old Seven Mile Bridge walk • Key West’s Mallory Square at sunset.

Route Overview

This drive is as much about the journey as the destination. After leaving Miami, you’ll soon enter the Florida Keys at Key Largo, where the road narrows and water appears on both sides. From there, US-1 hops from island to island via bridges (the longest is Seven Mile Bridge connecting Marathon to Little Duck Key). The pace is slower—sometimes the limit is 45 mph and you may find yourself behind a boat trailer or RV. Embrace “island time” and take it easy. Key Largo and Islamorada in the Upper Keys have the best snorkeling and fishing stops; Marathon in the Middle Keys is great for family-friendly attractions; the Lower Keys beyond Marathon feel more remote until you finally reach Key West, the lively end of the road. Keep your camera handy for pelicans, turquoise water vistas, and the famous “Mile Marker” signs counting down to Key West. Note: once in Key West, parking is a commodity. Plan to park at your hotel or a public garage and explore mostly on foot or by bike/golf cart.

Top Stops & Experiences

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) — Family-friendly. The first undersea park in the U.S., protecting vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. You can take a snorkel boat tour or a glass-bottom boat if you prefer to stay dry. There are also kayak rentals and a small beach. Tours can fill up, so consider booking ahead or arriving early. The visitor center has some fascinating aquarium exhibits (and AC to cool off).
• Robbie’s Marina (Islamorada) — Family-friendly. A funky marina famous for hand-feeding huge tarpon fish right off the dock (small fee for a bucket of fish). Also features local craft stands and a casual eatery—fun for a quick stop.
• The Turtle Hospital (Marathon) — Family-friendly. A small hospital for sea turtles that offers guided tours. Great for kids to learn about rescue efforts and meet recovering sea turtles (reservations recommended).
• Old Seven Mile Bridge & Pigeon Key — Family-friendly. Walk or bike along the newly restored section of the old bridge for panoramic ocean views. A tram from the far end can take you to the tiny historic Pigeon Key island (check schedule).
• Veterans Memorial Park (Little Duck Key) — Family-friendly. A tiny roadside beach and picnic area at the western base of Seven Mile Bridge. It's perfect for a quick dip or photo op, with shallow water and views of the old bridge.
• Southernmost Point Buoy (Key West) — Family-friendly. The iconic red, black, and yellow buoy marking the southernmost point in the continental USA. It's a classic photo stop, though be prepared for a line during the day.
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (Key West) — Family-friendly. Hemingway’s former home filled with the writer’s memorabilia and famous six-toed cats. Tours run throughout the day (cash preferred for tickets at the door).
• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (Key West) — Family-friendly. Every evening, this waterfront square comes alive with street performers, musicians, and food carts as people gather to watch the spectacular Key West sunset.
• National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key) — Family-friendly. If you're driving back during dusk, slow down around Big Pine Key and No Name Key. You might spot the diminutive Key deer grazing near the road. There's a visitor center and some short trails too.

Where to Eat & Stay

Food

• Key Largo Dockside Fish Shacks: Stop at one of Key Largo’s many dockside seafood spots (like Mrs. Mac's Kitchen or The Fish House) to sample the fresh catch of the day.
• Islamorada Robbie’s Hungry Tarpon: Dine right at Robbie's Marina after feeding the tarpon. The Hungry Tarpon restaurant offers great tacos and sandwiches and is casual enough for kids.
• Key West Conch and Cocktails: Try conch fritters and Key lime pie at a local café (kids love these treats). Adults can enjoy the island's famous rum runners or mojitos — many bars have a welcoming, laid-back vibe even if you're with family (daytime is especially fine for kids).

Lodging

• Key Largo or Islamorada: Consider breaking up the trip with a night in Key Largo or Islamorada, especially if you want to snorkel or fish. You'll find family-friendly resorts and roadside motels with big pools.
• Key West (Old Town): Stay in Old Town Key West to be walking distance from attractions and dining. Historic inns or B&Bs are plentiful, but book early and make sure they provide parking (or use the city parking garages).

Detours & Extensions

• Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key area) — add 1–2 hours. Known for its natural sandy beaches and clear waters, it's an excellent swimming or picnic spot. You also get a great view of the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge.
• Dry Tortugas National Park (from Key West) — full day. An adventurous side trip by ferry or seaplane to Fort Jefferson, an old island fortress about 70 miles west of Key West, surrounded by crystal waters. It takes a day but offers incredible history and snorkeling.

Practical Tips

• Traffic: On weekends or holidays, the Overseas Highway can get congested. Try to drive on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid slowdowns behind RVs or boats on trailers. Sunday afternoon returning to the mainland is particularly busy.
• Sun & heat: The sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Summer also brings quick thunderstorms — not usually trip-ending, but be ready to pull over if rain is heavy.
• No tolls: The Overseas Highway (US-1) itself has no tolls. If you're driving around Miami or taking the Florida Turnpike to Florida City, you might encounter tolls, but nothing once you're in the Keys.
• Wildlife caution: Keep an eye out for key deer (especially at dusk in Big Pine) and for pelicans or other birds swooping near bridges when you're driving.

Rentals & Logistics

• Families: A minivan is ideal for hauling snorkel gear, beach chairs, and suitcases comfortably.
• Couples or small groups: A convertible or a compact SUV provides the fun of open-air driving or easier parking on Key West’s narrow streets.
• Tolls: Check with your rental about a SunPass toll transponder if you plan to use expressways around Miami. If not, you can pay tolls by plate (with an extra fee).

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