🚗 How to Drive the Miami–Key West Route Without Stress
Deel
There’s no other drive in the United States quite like the Miami to Key West route.
Picture this: 42 bridges connecting tiny tropical islands, turquoise waters stretching to the horizon, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and that laid-back “Keys” energy that makes time feel slower.
The Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) runs about 160 miles from Miami to Key West, and while you could do it in under four hours, that would be missing the point. This isn’t a race — it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world.
This guide will take you step by step through the perfect stress-free Miami to Key West drive, including where to stop for photos, where to eat, and what to see along the way — all with Google Maps pins for easy navigation.
🚏 Table of Contents
- 🌊 Section 1 — Miami → Key Largo
- 🐠 Section 2 — Key Largo → Islamorada
- 🐢 Section 3 — Islamorada → Marathon
- 🌉 Section 4 — Marathon → Big Pine Key
- 🌅 Section 5 — Big Pine Key → Key West
- 🗓️ Suggested Itinerary
- 📸 Must-Have Photo Stops
- 🔑 Stress-Free Driving Tip
- 🏁 Final Thoughts — Paradise Found on the Overseas Highways
🌊 Section 1 — Miami → Key Largo
🕓 Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
Your journey starts in Miami — the gateway to the Keys. Once you escape city traffic, the highway opens up, and palm trees start lining the road.
☕ Morning Fuel Stop: Greenstreet Café (Coconut Grove)
Start your day right with good coffee, avocado toast, or pancakes before hitting the road south. It’s one of the best breakfast spots in Miami for road-trippers.
🪸 Stop 1: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
America’s first undersea park is a must-stop for snorkelers, kayakers, and nature lovers. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour over coral reefs or relax on Cannon Beach.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your snorkel tour in advance if visiting during peak season.
🍽️ Lunch Stop: The Fish House
A Key Largo classic serving fresh mahi-mahi, conch fritters, and Key lime pie. Perfect for a late lunch before continuing south.
📸 Photo Tip: Capture your first “Overseas Highway” sign — the official start of the Florida Keys journey.
🐠 Section 2 — Key Largo → Islamorada
🕓 Drive Time: ~45 minutes
As you continue south, the scenery gets more tropical, with mangroves on both sides and bright blue water peeking through the bridges.
🐟 Stop 2: Robbie’s Marina
You can’t drive through the Keys without stopping here. Feed giant tarpons right off the dock, browse local art stalls, and grab a drink with a view.
💡 Don’t Miss: The pelicans waiting for snacks — they’re part of the show.
🍺 Stop 3: Florida Keys Brewing Company
A colorful, relaxed spot with locally brewed tropical beers and a fun garden atmosphere.
🍽️ Dinner Stop: Marker 88 Restaurant
A romantic waterfront restaurant known for seafood and sunsets. Reserve a table outdoors — you might catch dolphins in the distance.
📸 Photo Tip: Sunset from the docks at Islamorada is one of the best in the Keys.
🐢 Section 3 — Islamorada → Marathon
🕓 Drive Time: ~1 hour
The stretch between Islamorada and Marathon is packed with things to do and see.
🤿 Stop 4: History of Diving Museum
A small but fascinating stop showcasing how diving evolved in the Florida Keys.
🐢 Stop 5: The Turtle Hospital (Marathon)
A non-profit rescue and rehab center for sea turtles — tours are informative and heartwarming.
🏖️ Stop 6: Sombrero Beach
One of the most beautiful (and free!) beaches in the Keys. Perfect for a quick dip or picnic stop.
💡 Pro Tip: There’s a shaded picnic area and restrooms — a great midday break spot.
🍽️ Lunch Stop: Lazy Days South
An oceanfront restaurant known for Key West pink shrimp and casual beach vibes.
📸 Photo Tip: Take your classic Overseas Highway shot from the viewpoint of the Old Seven Mile Bridge before leaving Marathon.
🌉 Section 4 — Marathon → Big Pine Key
🕓 Drive Time: ~25 minutes
This is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire drive — where turquoise water stretches as far as you can see.
🌉 Stop 7: The Seven Mile Bridge
No Florida road trip is complete without crossing this engineering marvel. Built in 1982, it’s one of the longest segmental bridges in the world — and the views are unreal.
💡 Photo Tip: Stop at the small parking area near the bridge’s end for panoramic ocean shots.
🏝️ Stop 8: Bahia Honda State Park
One of Florida’s most famous beaches, with white sand and clear blue water. The view from the old railway bridge is iconic.
💡 Best Time: Late afternoon when the sun turns the water deep turquoise.
🍕 Dinner Stop: No Name Pub (Big Pine Key)
A funky local favorite covered in dollar bills. Great pizza, cold beer, and authentic Keys charm.
💡 Watch for Key Deer: These tiny, endangered deer are unique to Big Pine Key — drive slowly, especially at dusk! 🦌
🌅 Section 5 — Big Pine Key → Key West
🕓 Drive Time: ~40 minutes
You’ve made it to the final leg! The excitement builds as you get closer to Key West — the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
🏡 Stop 9: Old Town Key West
Stroll past pastel houses, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, and chickens roaming freely through the streets.
🌇 Stop 10: Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
A nightly tradition where locals and travelers gather for street performances, live music, and one of the best sunsets in Florida.
🍽️ Dinner in Key West
- Blue Heaven: Caribbean-style outdoor dining with roosters roaming around.
- Louie’s Backyard: Elegant oceanfront restaurant for a romantic finale.
📸 Photo Tip: Sunset from Mallory Square or the pier — stay until the sun dips completely below the horizon.
🗓️ Suggested Itinerary
Option 1: 2-Day Drive
-
Day 1: Miami → Islamorada (overnight)
- Stops: John Pennekamp, Robbie’s Marina, Marker 88 sunset.
-
Day 2: Islamorada → Key West
- Stops: Turtle Hospital, Sombrero Beach, Bahia Honda, Seven Mile Bridge.
Option 2: One Long Day (8–10 Hours)
- Drive straight from Miami to Key West with short stops at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Bahia Honda.
Option 3: 3 Days (Leisure Route)
- Add an extra night in Marathon or Big Pine Key to enjoy beaches and slower travel.
📸 Must-Have Photo Stops
| Stop | Location | What to Capture |
| John Pennekamp Park | Key Largo | Coral reef welcome sign |
| Robbie’s Marina | Islamorada | Tarpons & pelicans |
| Old Seven Mile Bridge | Marathon | Bridge & turquoise water |
| Bahia Honda State Park | Big Pine Key | Beach & railway bridge |
| Mile Marker 0 | Key West | End-of-the-road selfie |
🔑 Stress-Free Driving Tips
Option 1: 2-Day Drive
-
Day 1: Miami → Islamorada (overnight)
- Stops: John Pennekamp, Robbie’s Marina, Marker 88 sunset.
-
Day 2: Islamorada → Key West
- Stops: Turtle Hospital, Sombrero Beach, Bahia Honda, Seven Mile Bridge.
Option 2: One Long Day (8–10 Hours)
- Drive straight from Miami to Key West with short stops at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Bahia Honda.
Option 3: 3 Days (Leisure Route)
- Add an extra night in Marathon or Big Pine Key to enjoy beaches and slower travel.
🏁 Final Thoughts — Paradise Found on the Overseas Highway
Driving from Miami to Key West isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about the journey itself.
From coral reefs and beachside cafés to historic bridges and sunsets that stop you in your tracks, every mile of the Overseas Highway feels like a scene from a movie.
So roll down the windows, let the sea breeze in, and drive slow — because here, the road itself is the destination. 🌅
📥 FREE Miami–Key West Drive Guide (PDF)
Want to take this itinerary with you? Download this post as a FREE Miami–Key West Drive Guide (PDF) — including Google Maps pins, photo stops, and restaurant tips for every section. Click here to get it.
📚 Plan Your Full Sunshine State Adventure with the 15-Day Florida RoadBook
Ready to see more of Florida? My 15-Day Florida RoadBook covers Miami, the Keys, the Everglades, and the Gulf Coast — complete with daily itineraries, hotel suggestions, and Google Maps routes. Grab your RoadBook here.