Beginner’s Guide to Driving the Florida Keys Highway

The Florida Keys Highway is one of the most iconic road trips in the United States, and hands down one of the most fun to drive! Known as the Overseas Highway, this 113-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 hops across a chain of tropical islands, linking mainland Florida to Key West with a mix of jaw-dropping views, beach-town charm, and plenty of key lime pie.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or daydreaming about an island-hopping escape, this beginner’s guide breaks down everything you need to know. From the best time to go to where to stop and what to see, we’ve got you covered!

What is the Florida Keys Highway?

The Overseas Highway is the southernmost portion of U.S. Route 1, running from Miami to Key West across a chain of islands known as the Florida Keys. It stretches about 113 miles and crosses 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon.

What makes this trip special isn’t the drive, but the experience along the way. One moment you’re gliding over turquoise water, the next you’re in a colorful beach town with palm trees, seafood shacks, and tiki bars. It's a road trip with Caribbean vibes, without ever leaving the U.S.

Who might love driving the Florida Keys?

This trip is perfect for:

Couples looking for sunshine, sunsets, and a slower change of pace
Families wanting beaches, boat rides, and wildlife encounters
Solo travelers in need of a warm-weather reset
Adventure-seekers chasing snorkeling spots, national parks, and scenic photo ops
Food lovers who believe a road trip isn’t complete without fresh fish and key lime pie

If you love scenic drives, beach trips, roadside eats, or just want to dip your toes into tropical water, this drive is for you!

Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys

The most popular time to drive the Overseas Highway is December through May, when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and hurricane season is over.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Winter & Spring (Dec–May): Ideal weather, low humidity, and plenty of sun. This is peak season, so book early!
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid but less crowded. Afternoon rain showers are common.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Quieter season but peak hurricane risk, especially in September.

🎯 RLT Tip: If you're planning to snorkel or spend time on the water, spring tends to have the best underwater visibility.

🌧️ Hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak storms in late summer/early fall.

How Long Do You Need?

Technically, you can drive from Miami to Key West in about 3.5–4 hours, but that would mean skipping most of what makes this trip special.

For the best experience, give yourself 3–4 days to explore:

Day 1: Miami to Key Largo
Day 2: Explore Islamorada and Marathon
Day 3–4: End in Key West, with time to relax and soak it all in

If you also want to visit Florida’s nearby national parks, then we recommend giving yourself 7 days! That gives you time to experience all three South Florida parks without rushing:

Day 1–2: Miami + Everglades National Park (airboats, wildlife, Shark Valley tram)
Day 3: Biscayne National Park (kayaking, snorkeling, or a boat tour)
Day 4: Drive to Key Largo + John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Day 5: Islamorada + Marathon (Robbie’s, Bahia Honda, Turtle Hospital)
Day 6–7: Key West + Dry Tortugas National Park (ferry or seaplane day trip)

🎯 RTL Tip: This longer version gives you a perfect mix of scenic driving, beach time, wildlife encounters, and national park bucket-listing, plus extra time for boat tours, paddleboarding, or just relaxing under the palms.

Must-See Stops Along Florida Keys Highway

Here are some of the best places to pull over and explore:

Key Largo: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (snorkeling, glass-bottom boats)
Islamorada: Robbie’s Marina (feed the tarpon!) + breweries, seafood, and art spots
Marathon: Seven Mile Bridge (there’s also a pedestrian bridge) + the Turtle Hospital
Bahia Honda State Park: Gorgeous beach, ideal for swimming and kayaking
Big Pine Key: Look for tiny endangered Key deer in the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center
Key West: Duval Street, Hemingway Home & Museum, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square sunsets

Old Seven Mile Pedestrian Bridge (great spot for walking & biking along the Florida Keys Highway)

Driving the Florida Keys: 3–4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Miami → Key Largo

Stop in Homestead for Cuban food or smoothies at the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
Kayak or snorkel in Pennekamp State Park
Overnight in Key Largo

Day 2: Key Largo → Marathon

Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s Marina
Relax at Bahia Honda State Park
Visit the Turtle Hospital
Overnight in Marathon

Day 3: Marathon → Key West

Drive the iconic Seven Mile Bridge or Walk/Bike the Old Seven Mile Pedestrian Bridge
Look for Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center
Stroll Duval Street + watch sunset at Mallory Square in Key West
Overnight in Key West

Day 4: Key West + Return

Visit the Southernmost Point and Hemingway House
Optional: Snorkel tour or half-day sail
Return to Miami (or fly home from Key West)

Add-on: South Florida National Parks

If you have more time, consider adding these amazing national park stops to your itinerary:

Everglades National Park: Airboats, alligators, and beautiful wetlands (just 1 hour from Miami)
Biscayne National Park: Mostly underwater and ideal for boat tours, snorkeling, and paddling
Dry Tortugas National Park: Reachable by ferry or seaplane from Key West. Historic Fort Jefferson + crystal-clear water + coral reefs = magical day trip!

Florida Keys Highway Map

Homestead → Key Largo → Islamorada → Marathon → Big Pine Key → Key West

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. We only share places and products we truly love.

FAQ: Driving the Florida Keys Highway

Q: Is the drive from Miami to Key West worth it?

Yes, 100%! With clear blue water on both sides and fun roadside stops along the way, the Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Flying gets you there faster, but you’ll miss the best part of the trip.

Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?

It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours with no traffic or stops, but plan for at least 5–6 hours if you want to enjoy the views and make a few scenic detours. On weekends or during high season, traffic can slow you down, especially near Key Largo and Islamorada.

Q: What’s the best direction to drive: Miami to Key West or the reverse?

We recommend driving from Miami to Key West. That way, the mile markers count down (helpful for finding stops), and you end with the biggest highlight: Key West. Plus, the views heading southbound feel more dramatic as you drive toward the open ocean.

Q: Where should I stay along the Florida Keys Highway?

It depends on your route and how much time you have, but here are a few great options:

Florida City and Homestead are good bases for visiting the Everglades and Biscayne National Park. It’s just south of Miami, close to park entrances, and much more affordable than staying in the city. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Homestead, and the location worked well for visiting both national parks.
Key Largo is perfect for snorkeling and slowing down. We stayed at Playa Largo Resort & Spa and loved it. The resort has a beautiful pool, beach access, great food, and special touches like a sunset ritual and stargazing experience.
Marathon is a great halfway stop, especially if you're visiting Bahia Honda State Park or the Turtle Hospital. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Marathon, which had clean, comfy rooms and a fun onsite restaurant, Sparky’s Landing, right on the water.
Key West has the widest range of options, from boutique inns and B&Bs to resorts and budget hotels. It’s walkable, full of character, and a great place to end your trip. Just book early, especially during high season, and look for a place with parking if you’re driving.

Q: What kind of vehicle do I need?

Any regular rental car or personal vehicle is fine. The highway is fully paved and well maintained, so there’s no 4WD or high clearance required. A convertible or Jeep can be fun, but isn’t necessary.

Q: Are there gas stations along the way?

Yes, plenty! Just make sure to fill up before long stretches, especially after Marathon. Prices tend to go up the further south you go, so it’s smart to top off in Key Largo or Islamorada.

Q: Is cell service reliable along the Overseas Highway?

Generally yes, but there can be occasional gaps between islands. Download offline maps ahead of time if you’re relying on navigation, and consider printing out lodging or ferry confirmations.

Q: Are there tolls on the Overseas Highway?

Nope! The drive is completely toll-free.

Q: Can I swim or snorkel along the way?

Absolutely. The Florida Keys are known for crystal-clear water and coral reefs. Top snorkeling spots include:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Key West)

You can also book half-day snorkel or dive tours from Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West.

Q: Is it safe to drive at night?

The Overseas Highway is mostly two-lane with limited lighting and lots of water on either side. If possible, plan your drive during daylight so you can better enjoy the views.

Q: Is this a good road trip for kids and families?

Yes! Kids will love the beaches, wildlife (like tarpon and Key deer), boat rides, and interactive spots like the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center.

Q: Where are the best places to eat along the Florida Keys Highway?

The food scene in the Florida Keys is very seafood-forward, in the best possible way. Think: fish tacos, grilled mahi mahi, lobster rolls, conch fritters, and of course, key lime pie at almost every stop. But there are also great spots for Cuban food, sweet treats, and casual waterfront eats with island vibes.

In Key Largo, start with Hobo’s Café for casual seafood and generous portions. If you’re staying at Playa Largo Resort (which we loved), the on-site restaurants are excellent, especially for relaxed sunset dining. And don’t miss a stop at Keys Chocolates and Ice Cream for dessert! We grabbed a few truffles after dinner and wished we’d bought more.

In Islamorada, Lazy Days is a local favorite, known for its bring-your-own-catch option and waterfront views. Robbie’s Marina is another fun stop—not just for feeding tarpon, but also for grabbing a frozen drink and enjoying live music and casual eats in a lively, open-air setting.

In Marathon, consider Keys Fisheries for their famous lobster Reuben and unfussy dockside atmosphere. Since we stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Marathon, it was easy to walk over to Sparky’s Landing. This waterside restaurant and bar had great seafood, friendly service, and live music.

Down in Key West, you’ll find something for every taste and budget. Blue Heaven is a must for brunch or breakfast, known for its roaming chickens and towering key lime pie. Latitudes is the go-to for a romantic dinner with sunset views, but you’ll want to book well in advance and catch the boat over. For drinks and local color, Sloppy Joe’s Bar is a classic Key West experience—yes, it’s touristy, but it’s fun. My sister (who visited Key West the year before we did) loved the Cuban sandwiches at El Siboney Restaurant, a cozy spot tucked away from the crowds, and sipping cocktails at the Conch Republic Seafood Company during happy hour with a view.

Q: Where should I stop if I only have one day to drive from Miami to Key West?

If you're driving the full Overseas Highway in a single day, focus on a handful of high-impact stops that give you a taste of what makes the Florida Keys so special, without trying to do it all. Start your morning early and grab breakfast in Key Largo.

We recommend Café Moka or Harriette’s Restaurant for a casual, local meal to kick off the day (and yes, grab a slice of their legendary Key lime muffin if you go to Harriette’s). If you have a little time, you could pop into John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a quick walk or scenic lookout before hitting the road again.

In Islamorada, swing by Robbie’s Marina, one of the most iconic stops along the drive. Feed the tarpon, walk the colorful waterfront shops, or grab a tropical drink if it’s later in the morning. If you're already hungry, Lazy Days and Morada Bay Beach Café both make great early lunch or snack stops with ocean views.

Continue to Marathon for a classic Middle Keys stop. Walk part of the Old Seven Mile Bridge Trail, then grab lunch at Sparky’s Landing or Keys Fisheries, both local favorites. If you’re interested in wildlife, the Turtle Hospital offers short guided tours that are well worth the hour.

Just before reaching Key West, take a break at Bahia Honda State Park, one of the prettiest beaches in the Keys. Even if you only have 30–60 minutes, it’s worth stretching your legs, swimming in the shallow turquoise water, or walking the old bridge overlook.

Finally, aim to arrive in Key West by late afternoon so you have time to settle in and head to Mallory Square for the famous sunset celebration!

Q: What’s the deal with mile markers?

Mile markers (MM) are used instead of addresses on the Overseas Highway. They count down from MM 127 in Florida City to MM 0 in Key West. You might notice popular attractions list their mile marker number, which can be helpful when planning stops.

Q: Is it easy to find parking in Key West?

Not always. Key West is small, walkable, and parking can be limited, especially near Duval Street. Look for paid lots or garages, or book lodging with parking included. Once you’re there, walking or biking is often the best way to get around.

Q: Can I bring pets on this road trip?

Yes, many hotels along the route are pet-friendly. We stayed with our dog, Lincoln, at Fairfield Inn & Suites Homestead, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Marathon, which are all dog-friendly hotels along the route. Several beaches and parks also allow leashed dogs. Just double-check individual policies before you go.

Q: Should I book everything in advance?

Yes, especially during peak season (Dec–April), holiday weekends, and spring break. Lodging in Key West fills fast, and popular activities like ferry tickets to Dry Tortugas or snorkeling tours can sell out.

Q: Can I do this drive as part of a larger Florida road trip?

Absolutely, and we highly recommend it! The Overseas Highway is the perfect anchor for a longer Florida loop that includes beaches, national parks, and even a little theme park magic.

On one of our own trips, we explored five regions of Florida in a single loop: Sarasota, the Florida Keys, Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, and Orlando. It gave us the perfect mix of coastal sunsets, national park adventures, island downtime, and pure fun.

Here’s the Florida road trip we took, which included a few days in Orlando’s Harry Potter World.

Our Florida Road Trip Itinerary (Real Trip Highlights)

Stop #1: A Quick Pause in Sarasota: We aimed for a sunset cocktail but got holiday-weekend traffic instead. Still, a slow morning by the pool gave us a much-needed reset before heading south. We stayed at The Westin Sarasota, which has a gorgeous rooftop pool and restaurant with stunning views of Sarasota Bay. This is one of the best spots for sunsets in Sarasota.

Stop #2: A Keys Retreat at Playa Largo: Before diving into the parks, we took two full days for R&R in Key Largo. Sunset rituals, poolside piña coladas, and a dreamy stargazing setup made this one of our all-time favorite hotel stays. Highly recommend. Don’t miss Eventide at sunset.

Stop #3: Everglades & Biscayne National Parks: From our base in Florida City, we explored the Shark Valley tram tour in the Everglades (over a dozen gators spotted!) and paddled through mangrove tunnels in Biscayne on a Snorkel & Paddle Eco-Adventure.

Stop #4: Marathon & the Middle Keys: Two nights in Marathon gave us time to walk the Old Seven Mile Bridge, visit Bahia Honda State Park, and tour the Turtle Hospital. We fed rehabilitated sea turtles and learned a ton about ocean conservation.

Stop #5: Dry Tortugas National Park via Seaplane: One of the most memorable days of our trip. We flew from Key West to this remote national park, spotted shipwrecks and sea turtles from the sky, and snorkeled around the historic Fort Jefferson.

Stop #6: Quick Detour into Key West: Before heading back north, we made a short visit to a few of my parents’ favorite spots from their early dating days. The Keys have always been one of their favorite places to visit, and it was so special to retrace their steps!

Stop #7: Orlando & Harry Potter World: Three magical days at Universal Studios, where we went full wizard mode. Rode the Hogwarts Express, shopped at Honeydukes, and drank way too much Butterbeer. Perfect way to end your trip with a bang! We stayed at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the location was incredibly convenient.