The Overseas Highway🛣: Miami to Key West, Florida 🐊☀️🏝🌊🦈

Imagine a narrow ribbon of asphalt and concrete hovering between emerald seas and azure blue skies, and lined by swaying palm trees and gorgeous, white-sand beaches. Add a generous taste of exotic wildlife, including alligators and dolphins; the country’s only tropical coral reefs; and a romantic history rich with tales of buccaneering pirates and buried treasure. Hang it off the far southern tip of Florida, and you have the Overseas Highway, one of the country’s most fascinating scenic drives.

How far is Miami to Key West? The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 170 miles (270 km). The drive from Miami to Key West takes you along Highway 1 Overseas Highway and passes through some 40+ islands before reaching Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States.

How long does it take to drive the Florida Keys? The Miami to Key West drive time is around 4-5 hours, and well worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

How many days do you need? We spend 3 days in Miami + Key West. To make the drive to Key West worth it, we recommend spending at least 5 days – South Beach Miami (1 night), Miami-Key West trip (5h), Key West (2 nights), Key West-Miami (all day, because of few stops in amazing places). Miami (1 night).

Start your road trip in Miami and drive south to explore the Florida Keys. You can actually drive the length of the Keys in four hours but don’t even think about rushing it!

#SOUTH BEACH MAIMI🪂

Famed for its Cuban influences, trendy nightclubs, fresh seafood, beachside hotels and resorts, and the colorful art deco buildings around town, South Beach is a glamorous paradise within Miami.

Stay at W South Beach Hotel

And that’s just what you get at the W South Beach, which has everything from private balconies attached to every room and suite, the world-famous Mr. Chow restaurant on-site, and a stunning rooftop featuring a cabana-laden pool deck, basketball and tennis courts, and, of course, stunning Miami Beach views.

Eat at Poseidon Greek Restaurant & Outdoor Lounge

Come to experience fine Greek and seafood cuisine. Chef is a 4-times Award winner Chef Champion in Miami at the best seafood competition around the country according to Travel channel. Cooking for the NBA and the Miami Heat in selected games for the VIP section restaurant lounges for the court side ticket holders including american Actors, Singers and other celebrities. Poseidon is a window to Greece through taste and atmosphere and they will make sure you have an unforgettable experience! Seafood pasta was amazing!

#KEY LARGO🐠

If you’re a diver, you’ll love Key Largo. Key Largo is the first of the fabulous Florida Keys and is the self-proclaimed Dive Capital of the World. It is home to the world's largest artificial reef, the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park where you can see the “Christ of the Abyss” statue on your dive.

Watersport activities in Key Largo are plentiful, including fishing, kayaking and swimming with the dolphins. Or, just relax with a tropical beverage and watch the beautiful sunsets.

#ISLAMORADA⛵️

As you travel south, you will reach Islamorada, the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” It is made up of 6 islands.Islamorada is known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," and hosts the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world.

The perfect way to spend a day in Islamorada would be sailing offshore and trying your luck at catching a big fish! If fishing isn’t your thing, no worries, Islamorada is a playground for adventure travelers. At Robbie’s Marina, you can get up-close and hand-feed massive tarpon (careful, watch out for the aggressive pelicans!). You can also take it up a notch and go parasailing. It is a super fun way to get a bird’s eye view of the Indian Key, Everglades National Park, and my favorite spot - Alligator Reef Lighthouse!

#MARATHON🐬

Go a little further and you will arrive at Marathon, a city spread over 13 islands. This is where the famous Seven Mile Bridge begins, spanning the gap between Knight Key and Little Duck Key. This middle section of the Keys island chain is best for boating activities. People come here for deep-sea fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking or just cruising the blue waters!

Want to do a dolphin swim in the Florida Keys? Dolphin Research Centre is an excellent place to meet the adorable creatures. The non-profit facility offers a few interactive options – from a short meet and greet with the dolphin to a full day intensive trainer experience!

7 Mile Bridge

#Bahia Honda State Park🌴

For photo ops, go to Bahia Honda State Park. The park, known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, has the best beaches in Florida. Believe it or not, it was the first-ever Florida site to make #1 on Dr. Beach’s famous “Best Beaches” list! There are three in the park: Calusa (the smallest), Sandspir (the biggest), and Loggerhead (great for stargazing).

#KEY WEST 🌅

Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architechture.

Stay at Sunset Key Cottages.

This private island retreat with its own sandy beach feels completely cut off from the world, yet you're just minutes away from the action. Board a 10-minute launch to 27-acre Sunset Key, where you'll find swaying palms, flowering gardens, and a delicious sense of privacy.

Eat at LATITUDES

Elegant oceanside restaurant, take a boat to the island if you are not a Sunset Key Cottages resident and you can feel the atmosphere of this place. With its upscale toes-in-the-sand ambiance and Gulf views, it's the perfect spot for a long lunch or amazing dinner at sunset. The food is exceptional!

WHAT TO DO IN KEY WEST

*Take a bike ride. The best way to get around Key West is by bicycle.

*See of famous author Ernest Hemingway's House. He was one of my favorite authors in high school after reading The Sun Also Rises and The Old Man and the Sea.