best time to drive from miami to key west
Key Largo; Islamorada Q: Is it safe to drive from Miami to Key West? Or Fort Lauderdale to Key West in about four hours.. So if youre short on time but still want to split the drive up, I recommend spending the night in Marathon. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. I know everyone travels differently, so here are a few ideas for swapping things out. Shuttles like Greyhound Lines and Key Shuttles are also available in Miami Beach . There is a ton to see on that 165 mile stretch, so you will want to have time to explore. Cuban sandwich: $8.50-10. Snorkeling is also an option, and so is kayaking. The least expensive lodging in Key West would be 10-bunk-beds to a room at Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel. Day two is the first true day of your road trip! If you plan on being at the beach or doing any snorkeling tours, you will want the perfect camera to capture those memories! Try another? 6:36 pm Key Largo. The Old Key West Lighthouse. Its one of those old-time places that they just dont make anymore. The drive from Key Largo to Key West is going to be where you will want to take your time and explore all the beautiful scenery! With Cuba being 90 miles from Key West, that is simply too far to spot. During his time in the keys was when his most successful books were published. I knew I would be staying in beach front / water front areas and eating beach bar food for the remainder of this trip, so I decided to stay in the downtown area to get more of a variety! My first visit here was memorable to say the least (I was bit by a pelican), but I still enjoyed feeding the tarpon. Take the iconic Overseas Highway and travel from Miami to Key West. The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. The best way to experience the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park? Key Largo Chocolates is the brainchild of Bob and Kristie Thomas, and it features handmade truffles crafted using ingredients including the best chocolates from all around the world. This was my thought process.. LLs test kitchen has amazing, high quality food! I dont think this is a big deal if you are aware, but just keep in mind that you cant be in a rush for your Key West Road Trip! We saved a little money and returned the car when we got to Key West. And, if you like what you try, you can take home a few bottles foryour collection. You can pick your own strawberries to snack on during the trip too. Day 1: Explore Miami. 5 Main regions of the Keys : Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and . Where: The Florida Keys Highway starts at the southern tip of Florida near Miami and continues from Key Largo to Key West. The research center was established in 1984 by Jayne & Armando Rodriguez as a non-profit to provide a habit for dolphins and educational experiences for visitors. The drive from Miami to Key West isnt one of Floridas most scenic routes for no reason. This is a great place for animal lovers as it provides educational resources for those curious about one of the worlds smartest creatures. Here youll find works by local sculptors, artists, and creatives that will be sure to get your creative juices flowing. If you want more details on everything Florida Keys, click here! There are several catamaran cruises in Key West, but the most popular one (that I feel is more of a fun, party vibe) is Fury Key West! Get Cuban Coffee from any of the small Cuban stands around Miami! The Hemingways no longer live here, but descendants of Hemmingways 6-toed cats can still be found in the house and garden. Curious about the discoveries and life under the surface? As the final destination on your itinerary, youre more than likely to spend several days in Key West. There are tons of different species of fish, turtles, birds, manatees, snakes, panthers, and of course, Alligators! This is the end of the road Mile Marker Zero. Despite its stunning white sand, its not bursting at the seams with visitors. Key West, just like the entire state of Florida, can experience some pretty interesting weather. . . The most popular beach in Key West, Smathers Beach, is completely free other than the small parking fees for street parking. There's one main road into and out of Key West, and that's the Overseas Highway. We stopped at the original Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for food on the way to Key West and had a wonderful experience. At this state park, you can go to one of the few white sand beaches in the area (Canon Beach), kayak through mangroves, or go on snorkeling boat tours! Its the little things, isnt it? Its not too big but also covers your face perfectly, highly recommend. Now that all the logistics are out of the way, lets dive into your ultimate guide to driving from Miami to Key West. The Key West Shuttle operated by Keys Shuttle is a popular option . As you make your way further south, the Keys become less populated and more natural until you get to the final few islands, like Key West. Key West is the Southernmost town in the United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. Here are my top recommendations for visiting Key West: After youve played tourist all day, its time to unwind and see a famous Key West Sunset from another perspective a sunset Catamaran Cruise! For an interesting side trip on your way to Key West, you will see Card Sound Road on your left just after the freeway ends (just beyond all the gas stations outside Homestead). For example, they offer snacks and unlimited complimentary water bottles for their guests. Follow U.S. 1 south to the Keys. It is teeming with wildlife and it is arguably one of the best National Parks on the East Coast. We highly suggest the fresh fish tacos and salad if you are looking for a lighter lunch. It is the first & biggest Key in the Florida Keys and is home to the first underwater state park in the USA! It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! The chef, Graham Dailey, has been on Iron Chef and trained under Anthony Bourdain. Miami to Key West Road Trip Overview. About 10 miles in, you'll see Alabama Jacks. And for a real quirky treat, order the chocodile which is a 9-inch long chocolate crocodile made of either white or dark chocolate. Best time to visit: September to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds. Built in 1848, visiting the Key West Lighthouse and climbing up the 88 steps to check out the view is one of the top things to do in the Keys. Authentic, delicious and cheapTaqueria Morelia is a perfect place to fuel up before strapping in for the last couple hours of your drive. Key West, Florida is a beautiful island located at Florida's southern point, and lies smack in the middle of Florida and Cuba. Weekend in Vegas Itinerary A Perfect 3 A Jam-Packed Capri Day Trip from the Amalfi An EPIC 2 Week Italy Itinerary (With Amalfi A Romantic Lake Como Itinerary for Your Italian Utah National Parks Road Trip 14 EPIC Everything You Need To Know About Planning a An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 How to Spend One Day in Miami - Jam Packed Guide! Trust me, youll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West. Locals said this happens ALL the time! Set sail with Key Wests first electric catamaran for a truly memorable eco-friendly experience with local wildlife. Lined with swaying palm trees and sugar sand beaches, this tropical paradise attracts thousands of visitors year-round, from, Craving a sunny Florida beach vacation? Like I mentioned before, its easy to get sick of beach bar food after a week of eating it for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. I hope you love this little piece of the world as much as I do!! Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Only 30 minutes out of the way, you can do an airboat tour through the Everglades to see some gators & other amazing wildlife. This painted concrete buoy is a popular photo spot that marks the piece of land furthest south in the Continental United States. For me, the sign that we're getting close is crossing the 7 mile bridge. This brewery had amazing beer and the cutest beer garden in the back! Florida Keys Facts. The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. On one of their tours, youll paddle through mangrove creeks with blueish-green water, at some points only a few inches deep. favorite things to do in the Middle Keys. Finish off any good road trip in style with dinner at Latitudes, voted one of the most romantic dinner spots in the country. Homestead. The total distance from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles (257 km). Take the line 2300 train from Government Ctr.Stat.Rail Northbound to Miami International Airport Station Northbound. The Coral Castle Museum is a quirky and eclectic roadside attraction that has many people scratching their heads. Here are some of our favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. The Seven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. The best time to visit Key West is between March and May. U.S. 1 runs from Miami directly to the Keys, but follow Card Sound Road through mangroves and sawgrass instead of heavy traffic. Where else in the world can you have a 5-foot-long fish jump out of the water to grab a fish from your hand? If swimming isnt your strong suit, you can book a glass-bottom boat tour so that you can peek through the glass into this underwater world. Many people probably think to stay in Miami Beach area, which is still a great area! The winter crowds will taper off, the hotel rates become reasonable and the weather is remarkably similar to winter's blissful 70s and 80s. But these five-foot-long fish weren't always grazing the surface of the marine for something to eat. Whether you are a diving enthusiast or not, the history of Diving Museum should be a part of anyones Key West road trip itinerary. favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. Your road trip will be a wonderful experience, and tarpon feeding at Robbie's Marina is definitely one of the best places to stop on the road trip from Miami to Key West. A road trip from Miami to Key West, is one of the most scenic and breathtaking driving routes in America! I would not try to cram too much more into this day than this, or else you will feel pretty rushed! The map below shows the best sights for your Miami to Key West drive. We were really surprised at all the good food we had while visiting we didnt have a plate that we werent impressed with. Here are my top recommendations for a day in Miami: I dive into WAY more detail on my One Day in Miami Travel Guide,which includes a full walking tour of Miami Beach, restaurant recommendations, and tons of photos! Click here for the best Everglades National Park tour Small group boat, kayak, and walking guided Eco Tour. Inka Piegsa Quischotte. By Dalia Colon. Itll take you just under four hours (with light traffic) to get to Key West from Miami. No matter what time of year you visit Fort Myers, its, Bucket List: 6 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico | 2023 Guide, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For specifics, I stayed at the Kona Kai Resort! At the time of the sinking, the 512 ft ship was the largest ship ever to be intentionally sunk for use as an artificial reef. This is the kind of quirky sight that Florida is famous for, so it's a great start to your Miami to Key West road trip. I assumed it would be miles of swamp land, it would smell, and be quite dangerous with all the Alligators.. but all of that is false! When Joseph and I went to the Florida Keys Brewery, a famous country band (LoCash, heard of them?!) The Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sammich is where its at! What I loved the most about the few days I spent in Key Largo was that even though the Florida Keys is a popular tourist destination, they have done a great job at keeping their small town charm! After several months of not traveling, our family took a 2-week spring break vacation back to Florida. Dinner tables book up months in advance. This highway crosses 42 bridges, providing plenty of picturesque vantage points to stop and take photos. And no matter how many bags of Hot Cheetos we consume, we still cant get enough. Its a great place to grab a bite to eat or drink before or after feeding the tarpon. TIP: Try to go at sunset to get the best view possible! For dinner, head to Half Shell Raw Bar which had the BEST stone crab Ive ever had! While most unassuming tourists will visit beaches in Key Largo and Key West, locals know that the most beautiful beaches like Sandspur Beach and Loggerhead Beach can be found at Bahia Honda State Park. Once you're ready to leave Miami, you'll head south on U.S. Highway 1. Portions are large, the food is tasty, and its a great value. This is a great budget travel hack because you can return your rental car when you arrive in Key West instead of when you fly out. . I hope you found this Miami to Key West Road Trip super useful and have the best time EVER! Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. bedrooms which are great for families. Many tourists choose this island for vacation every year due to its tropical climate and fun atmosphere. There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. They do the classics here and they do them damn well. Driving from the city of Miami to Key West in Florida and along Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) is a classic American road trip. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! This itinerary is done point-to-point from Key West to Miami/Ft. If you have the time to spare, I would consider extending your time in Miami and spending two days . On weekends, its a huge party out there. All the locals said it hasnt rained like that day in over a year so, just bad luck I guess? If you can get a reservation, we highly recommend it. Flocking with the herd? At Mile Marker 118, you are officially in the Florida Keys! Not hungry? In Key Largo, the road rejoins U.S. 1, which will take you all the way to Key West. The food was DELICIOUS! The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. Reviews are mixed. Summer is warm but VERY humid, so beware! This is a very popular spot on any drive from Miami to Key West, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time. The drive from Miami to Key West is approximately 4 hours or 166 miles. Card Sound Road roughly parallels Route 1. But for those with a little less patience for bird watching, visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a great option. You can join this Hemingway Food and Walking tour. Related Article: Things to do in Key Largo. and leave at 7:36 pm. Located at the Cheeca Lodge, Atlantics Edge is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with fantastic ocean views. Go on a Floridian safari as you spot alligators, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther at this lush, marsh landscape. If you want a table here, you should put your name on the list before you even start planning your road trip. This is when it pays to be a passenger. It's a gorgeous drive with lots to do. You could drive directly to Key West from Miami in one afternoon but that would take all of the fun out of visiting the amazing stops and the Florida Keys along the way. Key West Drive Time From Miami. And if you can, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. As you make your way through Key Largo, be sure to check off a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. And on top of all that.. the staff was seriously the nicest people I have ever met. As a bonus, on some tours, you can even bring your dog! That way you can have more time to explore all the sites between Miami and Key West. Miami to Key West is a 165 Mile drive and would take you just 3 hours and 20 minutes if driven without stops but then youd miss one of the great drives in America. Day 2: Key West. Over 100 miles and 42 bridges connect 34 islands. The Key West highway passes through some 40+ islands before reaching the southernmost city in the continental United . Miami To Key West Drive. I've got a whole post . This pub with no name is worth the short detour off of the Overseas Highway near the key that shares the No Name name. Youll get about an hour and a half in the water and the chance to observe wildlife and the famous underwater Christ of the Deep statue. The road, that follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 by Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad, stretches from Miami to Key West . They are connected by a series of bridges, making for quite a memorable road trip. We dined for dinner one evening as we werent in town on a Sunday morning. On your road trip in the Keys, you can stop in and see the turtles that are currently being treated on one of their 90-minute tours that start on the hour from 9 am-4 pm daily. Need a break? This tasty little shop has two locations, one downtown and another by the waterfront. Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. drive for about 2 hours. From here, its said only to be a short 90 miles to Cuba. Click here to check out the hotel I stayed at! Okay, now that you know where to stay to break up your road trip, lets dive in! Address: 10750 County Rd 905, Key Largo, FL 33037. In this guide, we are going to focus more on the Florida Keys portion of the road trip, but if you have more time, this is definitely worth a stop. Robbies offer a ton of activities from snorkeling, boat rentals, SNUBA diving (no certification required), sunset cruises, parasailing, and so much more. Mile marker: 108-90 The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. Weve got your essential list of pit stops for your road trip from Miami to Key West. That way you can spend about an hour at the Everglades and still get a good amount of the day to spend in Key Largo! Highway 41. Youve made it to your final destination! It's worth the trip if only becauseEd worked awfully hard on all these carvings and his story is actually quite incredible and slightly unbelievable. Did you rent a car for your entire trip or only to go from Miami to Key West? The world-renowned author Ernest Hemingway called Key West home for most of the 1930s. Miami and Key West have great weather all year; however, consider these when planning your trip: Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends November 30. In this guide, you learned a perfect road trip itinerary, my recommended 3 stopping points, common questions about the Florida Keys, a few must-pack items, and a list of bonus ideas to swap out anything on the itinerary! There are over 43 bars on Duval Street, but here are some of my recommendations: Ive written a full Key West Itinerary listing everything you can do in Key West, but I will give you a quick run through here, Key West is definitely where all the action is in the keys and you will want to make sure you give yourself at least a full day to explore all the sites! As the name of the island suggests, the sunsets here are pretty amazing and make for a special night.
best time to drive from miami to key west