Beginner’s Guide to the Florida Keys Highway (Overseas 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 drive special isn’t just the distance. It’s the experience. 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.
Sea Turtle Hospital, Marathon
Who Should Take This Trip?
This trip is perfect for:
Couples looking for sunshine, sunsets, and a 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, state parks, and scenic photo ops
Food lovers who believe a road trip isn’t complete without fresh fish and dessert
If you love scenic drives, quirky culture, roadside eats, or just want to dip your toes into tropical water, this drive is for you!
Best Time to Go
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.
Bahia Honda State Park (December)
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 want to explore the Florida national parks, give 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)
🎯 RLT 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 + the Turtle Hospital
Bahia Honda State Park: Gorgeous beach, ideal for swimming and kayaking
Big Pine Key: Look for tiny endangered Key deer
Key West: Duval Street, Hemingway House, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square sunsets
Old Seven Mile Bridge (great spot for walking & biking)
Sample 3–4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Miami → Key Largo
Stop in Homestead for Cuban food
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
Look for Key deer in Big Pine Key
Stroll Duval Street + watch sunset at Mallory Square
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 epic national park stops to your itinerary:
Everglades National Park: Airboats, wildlife, and wetlands (just 1 hour from Miami)
Biscayne National Park: Mostly underwater and ideal for boat tours and snorkeling
Dry Tortugas National Park: Reachable by ferry or seaplane from Key West. Historic Fort Jefferson + crystal-clear water + coral reefs = totally worth it
Everglades National Park
Florida Keys Highway Map
Miami → Key Largo → Islamorada → Marathon → Big Pine Key → Key West
FAQ: The Florida Keys Highway
Q: Is the drive from Miami to Key West worth it?
Yes, 100%! This isn’t just a drive, it’s an experience. With 42 bridges, clear blue water on both sides, and fun roadside stops all the way down, 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.
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 based on our own trip:
Florida City is a smart base for visiting Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. It’s just south of Miami, close to park entrances, and much more affordable than staying in the city.
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, 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?
Driving at night is not ideal. 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 enjoy the views and avoid wildlife or nighttime fatigue.
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. Many hotels have pools, and the vibe is generally family-friendly, just bring sunscreen, snacks, and entertainment for longer stretches.
Q: How’s the food scene along the route?
Delicious and very seafood-forward. Think fish tacos, grilled mahi mahi, conch fritters, and of course, key lime pie. Try Hobo’s Café in Key Largo, Lazy Days in Islamorada, Keys Fisheries in Marathon, and Blue Heaven or Latitudesin Key West.
Q: Where should I stop if I only have one day?
If you're doing a day trip from Miami, aim for Key Largo or Islamorada. You’ll get the overwater drive experience, a chance to snorkel, and time for lunch with a view. Make it as far as Marathon if you're feeling ambitious.
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. Most popular attractions will list their mile marker number, which is 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 (especially in Marathon and Key Largo). Several beaches and parks also allow leashed dogs. Just double-check individual policies and pack accordingly.
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.
Stop #2: A Keys Retreat at Playa Largo: Before diving into the parks, we took two full days to rest at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo. Sunset rituals, poolside piña coladas, and a dreamy stargazing setup made this one of our all-time favorite hotel stays.
Stop #3: Everglades & Biscayne National Parks: From our base in Florida City, we explored the Shark Valley tram tour in 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 here 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 old haunts from their early dating days—nostalgic and special.
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!
