Miami to the Florida Keys: A Scenic Road Trip to Key West
The perfect Florida sunrise in Hollywood Beach
From neon-lit boulevards to turquoise horizons, this is one of America's most beautiful drives!
Some road trips are just… fine. You drive, you snack, you wonder if the destination will be worth it. The Miami to Florida Keys drive? Whole different story. It's sunshine on the dashboard, water on both sides, and has that slow, sweet shift from city buzz to island time.
On this trip, we started in Miami's art splashes and salsa-beat sidewalks, rolled past gator country in the Big Cypress National Preserve, and wound our way over the Overseas Highway — each mile taking us closer to turquoise water, key lime pies, and those sunsets Key West locals swear by.
You'll cross 42 bridges, possibly spot manatees and pelicans from your car window, and end up watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico — maybe with a mojito or fresh orange juice in hand! Here's everything you need to know: the route, the stops, the hidden gems, and why this might just become your new favorite escape.
And before you hit the road, get a good old travel guide!
Our Miami to Florida Keys route
There’s nothing like a road trip in the US!
The Route:
Miami — Your energetic starting point
Big Cypress National Preserve — Wildlife detour and Gator Hook Trail
Key Largo — First taste of Keys life
Marathon — Turtle rescue center and Seven Mile Bridge views
Bahia Honda State Park — Postcard-perfect beaches
Key West — The southernmost celebration
Getting Around: Driving is absolutely the best way to experience this trip — you can stop for roadside seafood, pull over for flamingo photos, and take your time on those iconic bridges. You can take a bus if you prefer, but you'll miss the spontaneous magic that makes this drive special.
The Itinerary at a glance
Day 1–2: Miami – South Beach people-watching, Wynwood's Instagram-worthy murals, Little Havana café culture, and Hollywood Beach boardwalk strolls.
Day 3: Gator Hook Trail – Alligator spotting and wildlife encounters you'll never forget.
Day 4–6: Florida Keys – Key Largo underwater adventures, Marathon's famous turtle hospital, Bahia Honda's pristine beaches, and Key West's legendary sunset celebrations.
Miami: The starting line
Miami hits you like a cafecito shot — all energy, color, and "let's party at 2 PM on a Tuesday" vibes. Before you trade the city's neon for the Keys' turquoise, soak up South Beach's art deco architecture, get lost in Wynwood's graffiti wonderland, and practice your Spanish over a Cubano sandwich in Little Havana.
South Beach & Art Deco District
Start with the obvious but essential: South Beach's Art Deco Historic District. These aren't just pretty pastel buildings — they're a perfectly preserved slice of 1930s glamour that survived decades of neglect to become Miami's most photographed neighborhood.
Walk Ocean Drive early in the morning (before the crowds and aggressive restaurant hosts) to appreciate the geometric patterns, porthole windows, and those famous neon signs that made Miami Vice iconic.
The contrast between the architecture's clean lines and Miami Beach's chaotic energy is part of the magic. The pastel buildings look different at every hour — soft and dreamy at sunrise, vibrant under the afternoon sun, electric when those neon lights flicker on at dusk. Find a sidewalk café for people-watching and grab a cortadito — both are equally essential Miami experiences.
Did you know?
Miami Beach’s famous pastel Art Deco District has the highest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world, with over 800 preserved buildings. Most were built between the 1920s and 1940s, giving the neighborhood its iconic vintage charm.
Little Havana: Where Miami’s heart beats
Twenty minutes inland from South Beach, Little Havana offers a completely different Miami experience. Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the main thoroughfare, but the real culture happens in the side streets where dominoes clack on card tables and the smell of café cubano drifts from every corner.
The neighborhood pulses with authentic Cuban culture — not the tourist version, but the real deal where local politics are debated as passionately as the perfect croqueta recipe. If someone is nice enough to offer to take your photo, you better be prepared make it as elaborated as the vibes in the streets as Eli and I found out…
Eli and Jake giving it our all in Little Havana!
You'll also find cafés where the coffee is strong enough to power your entire Florida Keys road trip, bakeries with pastries that transport you straight to Havana, and family restaurants where Spanish flows faster than English.
Walk through the streets and you'll discover murals that tell stories of exile, hope, and the complex relationship between Miami and Cuba. Elderly men gather in parks for serious domino games that seem to involve more animated discussion than actual playing.
It's a glimpse into a community that's maintained its culture and traditions while becoming an integral part of Miami's identity.
Wynwood & beyond
Before you head south, get lost in Wynwood's outdoor art gallery. Every wall tells a story, from international street artists to local Miami talent. The neighborhood transforms constantly — murals get painted over, new artists arrive, and the energy shifts with each visit.
Hollywood Beach, just north of Miami, offers a final taste of mainland beach culture with its pedestrian boardwalk perfect for sunset strolls. It's more laid-back than South Beach but still buzzing with that Florida coastal energy you're about to leave behind.
The contrast is what makes this trip special. Miami's urban pulse — the honking horns, the street art, the late-night energy — feels like a different planet from the laid-back fishing villages you'll encounter just hours south in the Keys.
Big Cypress and the Everglades: The wild detour
Before you point your car toward the Keys, consider this detour that might just be the highlight of your trip. We actually headed to Big Cypress National Preserve — and it was absolutely worth the extra hour of driving.
Big Cypress isn't technically the Everglades, but it's part of the same ecosystem and offers something the main park doesn't: incredibly accessible wildlife viewing.
The contrast is striking: one moment you're navigating Miami's suburban sprawl, the next you're walking above a prehistoric landscape where the only sounds are bird calls and the occasional splash.
Gator Hook Trail: Alligators up close
The famous Gator Hook Trail is exactly what it sounds like — a short, easy boardwalk that takes you right into the heart of alligator country. We spotted more gators in 30 minutes here than most people see in a full Everglades day trip. These aren't shy creatures hiding in the distance; they're massive alligators sunbathing just feet below the boardwalk, completely unbothered by human visitors.
The trail itself is less than a mile, mostly boardwalk, and suitable for all fitness levels. What makes it special isn't the distance but the guaranteed wildlife encounters. The alligators here seem to know they're the stars of the show, lounging in the sun like scaly celebrities posing for photos.
It's the perfect transition from city to nature before entering the Keys' unique island ecosystem. The silence here — broken only by the occasional splash or bird call — prepares you for the slower pace you're about to embrace.
Dozens of gators on the path: totally normal in the Everglades!
Alligators are everywhere in the Everglades, and surprisingly, they’re not out to get you. They won’t attack unless you bother them, which means you can actually walk trails with dozens of gators lounging right beside you—and there’s no fence or barrier in sight. It feels wild, a little surreal, but also perfectly safe as long as you give them their space.
The Florida Keys drive
The moment you cross the first bridge out of mainland Florida, everything changes. The air smells different — saltier, somehow cleaner. Palm trees replace pine, and that famous Keys blue water starts peeking through the mangroves.
Key Largo: Your first taste of island life
Key Largo welcomes you with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home to America's first underwater preserve. This is where you trade your car keys for snorkel gear and discover why people become obsessed with the Keys. The coral reefs here are some of the most accessible in the continental US, and the glass-bottom boat tours are perfect for non-swimmers.
Just be mindful of the jellyfish lurking in the water when you’re marveling at the beautiful reefs. Eli and I found out the hard way when we got stung…
Marathon: Turtles and iconic bridges
Marathon might sound like it’s named after the running event, but it's actually named after the workers' marathon effort to build the railroad here in the early 1900s. Today, it's famous for the Turtle Hospital — the world's only state-certified veterinary hospital for sea turtles. Watching injured turtles get a second chance at ocean life can be a moving experience.
👉 Get 20% off your Fahlo Sea Turtle Bracelet with our coupon PENGUINTRAMPOLINE20! Track a sea turtle and help protect them!
The Seven Mile Bridge views from Marathon are postcard-perfect. The old railway bridge runs parallel to the modern highway, creating that iconic shot you've seen in every Florida tourism ad. Pull over, take the photo, but more importantly, take a moment to appreciate that you're literally driving over the ocean.
Bahia Honda State Park: Para, para, paradise
If someone blindfolded you and dropped you at Bahia Honda, you'd swear you were in the Bahamas. The sand is powder-soft, the water shifts from emerald to sapphire depending on the depth, and old railway bridge ruins create perfect photo opportunities.
This is where you spend the day doing absolutely nothing — and loving every minute of it. Pack a picnic, rent snorkel gear from the concession stand, and prepare to understand why people retire to the Keys. Just remember your sunscreen!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Pro tip from Jake’s slightly crispy toes: don’t forget your feet when slathering on sunscreen in the Florida Keys. At tropical latitudes, the sun fries faster than a Key West grouper sandwich, and those flip-flop lines are not the kind of souvenirs you want to bring home.
Key West: The southernmost celebration
Key West announces itself long before you arrive. The houses get more colorful, the roosters get louder (yes, wild roosters roam the streets), and the bars open earlier. This is America's Caribbean town, where Hemingway drank mojitos, treasure hunters told tall tales, and sunset celebrations happen every single night at Mallory Square.
Wander the pastel streets, tour Hemingway's house and meet his six-toed cat descendants, then join the locals for the sunset ritual. It's touristy, yes, but it's also genuinely magical when that sun drops into the Gulf of Mexico and everyone cheers like it's the first sunset they've ever seen.
Aaaaand… the southernmost point in the U.S. sits right in Key West, marked by the famous red-and-black buoy that’s basically an Instagram rite of passage. Just 90 miles from Cuba, it’s where travelers line up for a quick photo op at the literal end of the road. Cheesy? Sure. But it’s also one of those “you can’t not stop” kind of spots.
Best time to visit
Storms come quickly in the Keys — we had a blackout during several hours!
Dry Season (December–April): Perfect weather with clear skies, lower humidity, and calm seas ideal for water activities. This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, but the weather is absolutely guaranteed to be gorgeous.
Summer (May–November): Hot, humid, and significantly more affordable. Fewer tourists mean you'll have beaches and restaurants more to yourself, but afternoon thunderstorms are common, and hurricane season runs June through November.
Hurricane season warning: While hurricanes are relatively rare, they do happen. Travel insurance is essential during this period (get 5 to 15% off with our partner Heymondo), and keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Our sweet spot? Late April or early May, when the weather is still perfect but the spring break crowds have gone home.
Essential Tips for the Drive
Leave Miami early: Beat the traffic and arrive in Key Largo in time for a proper lunch. The drive gets more scenic as you go, so you'll want daylight for the best views.
Book your Key West accommodation early: Especially in high season, Key West hotels fill up months in advance. The island has limited lodging, and last-minute options are either very expensive or very questionable at best.
Pull over often: The best photos and experiences happen between the "must-see" stops. That random beach access or roadside shop might become your favorite memory.
Don't rush the Seven Mile Bridge: This isn't about getting somewhere — it's about being somewhere. Take your time, pull over at the viewing areas, and remember that you're driving over one of the engineering marvels of the world.
Pack snacks and water: While there are plenty of restaurants along the route, some stretches have limited options. A cooler with cold drinks and road trip snacks will save you money and keep you comfortable.
Consider water activities: Key Largo's snorkel and dive tours book up quickly. Reserve in advance, especially during peak season.
Where to Stay
Coffee with a view - our favorite!
Finding the right base for each part of your journey makes all the difference, though accommodation styles vary dramatically from Miami's urban hotels to the Keys' laid-back resorts and guesthouses.
Miami
Miami's accommodation scene ranges from art deco boutiques in South Beach to modern high-rises downtown. South Beach puts you in the heart of the action, but expect noise and higher prices. The Design District and Brickell offer more modern options, while areas like Coral Gables provide a quieter, more residential feel if you prefer to escape the beach scene.
Key Largo
As the first major Key, Key Largo offers everything from budget motels to luxury resorts. Many properties focus on water activities — diving, snorkeling, and fishing — so consider what matters most to you. Oceanfront rooms cost significantly more but wake you up to that turquoise water view that defines the Keys experience. At the time, we found a gem for a reasonable price here.
Marathon
Marathon serves as a great central base for exploring both the upper and lower Keys. The area offers family-friendly resorts, waterfront hotels, and some unique accommodations like overwater bungalows (yes, really, in Florida!). Many properties here cater to families and fishing enthusiasts. We booked a small room by the water here.
Key West
Key West's accommodations reflect the island's personality — from historic bed & breakfasts in Victorian mansions to party-focused hotels near Duval Street. The closer you stay to Old Town, the more you'll pay, but you'll also be walking distance from the island's main attractions. Consider whether you want to be in the heart of the action or prefer a quieter retreat.
Booking tip: Key West fills up months in advance during peak season (December-April) and special events. The island has limited lodging options, so book early or prepare for sticker shock. We actually stayed near Marathon and in Key Largo on our trip to save some cash and avoid getting locked at the end of the road.
Tours & car rentals
Car rental: Having your own wheels is absolutely essential for this trip — you'll want the freedom to stop for those perfect photo ops and discover hidden beaches between the main destinations. Book early for better rates, and consider a convertible if the weather's cooperating. This drive was made for wind in your hair.
🚗 We found great prices with rentalcars.com!
The bus alternative: You can technically take a bus from Miami to Key West, but you'll miss everything that makes this journey special — the spontaneous stops, the bridge views, the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Tour considerations: The Keys offer everything from glass-bottom boat trips to sunset sails, snorkeling adventures to fishing charters. Most can be booked once you arrive, though popular activities like diving in Key Largo or sunset cruises in Key West fill up during peak season. Water-based activities are weather dependent, so building some flexibility into your schedule is smart.
Local tip: Some of the best experiences happen when you talk to locals — the fishing captain at the marina, the dive shop owner who knows where the manatees are today, or the bartender who can point you toward the beach the tourists haven't found yet.
Pack smart for paradise
Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen (protecting the coral is crucial), polarized sunglasses for driving over water, and a good cooler for road trip snacks and cold drinks.
Water Gear: Even if you're not a strong swimmer, pack snorkel gear. The water in the Keys is calm and clear, perfect for beginners, and rental gear at tourist spots is often overpriced.
Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics that dry quickly. The Keys are casual everywhere except the fanciest Key West restaurants, so leave the formal wear at home.
Some music to get you in the mood:
From Miami's urban energy to Key West's laid-back island rhythm, this drive captures everything that makes Florida magical. You'll cross bridges that feel like highways to heaven, snorkel in water so clear you'll think you're flying, and end most days watching spectacular sunsets that locals still stop to applaud.
The beauty of this trip isn't just the destinations — it's the journey itself. Those moments between planned stops, when you pull over for a random beach or strike up a conversation with a local fisherman, often become the stories you'll tell for years.
Ready to trade city lights for island sunsets? Start planning your Miami to Florida Keys adventure, and don't forget to explore our detailed guides for each stop along the way. Whether you're looking for Miami's best hidden speakeasies or the Keys' secret snorkeling spots, we've got you covered.
Want More?
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🌴 Florida Keys Travel Guide — Road trip magic, key lime pies, and turquoise water that feels like cheating (coming soon)
🚗 Tips for Road Tripping Through the US — Playlists, packing lists, and weird gas stations coast to coast
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