3 Things to Do on Your Miami to Key West Trip

If you’re looking for a road trip that’s equal parts beautiful and adventure, look no further than the drive from Miami to Key West.

This classic Florida Keys journey is packed with stunning ocean views, lively towns, and plenty of opportunities to soak up some sun.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore everything the Keys have to offer, this road trip has it all. Here’s everything you need to know about driving from Miami to Key West.

Why Road Trip Between Miami and Key West?

The Miami to Key West road trip is perfect in all sorts. The whole path is filled with unlimited attractions, and even the driveway is so beautiful that you would never want to get off it. The gorgeous green trees and the marvelous blue beaches are welcoming to your eyes.

If you wonder why you should go for a road trip to Key West from Miami, then let us tell you about some attractions on your Miami to Key West trip that will surely catch your attention and help you make a better decision:

1. Homestead Miami Speedway

Surely while planning a road trip, people look forward to events on the road. The Homestead-Miami Speedway is the perfect example if you are a fan of NASCAR racing. Just check whether a race is coming up or not. By matching your timing, you can surely witness the marvels of driving and make your trip memorable.

2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Nature is the biggest attraction, and the John Pennekamp Coral reef park is situated on your way to the famous island of Key Largo. Since the park is entitled as the first undersea park in the states thus, it is worth visiting. You will find all the water attractions, from Scuba diving to snorkeling, at your disposal.

If you are planning a trip from Miami, you must visit the area where loggerhead turtles live.

The area is known for its calm beach and serene vibe. If you are interested in learning more about sea life, you should visit the Dolphin Research Center. It helps in the rescue of injured dolphins and offers educational presentations.

Donations can also be made to help sea animals in need. Turtle Hospital is another place to visit in Marathon.

You can visit the Florida keys to see the loggerhead turtles on your Miami To Key West trip. You can also take a guided tour to see these endangered creatures.

Whether you want to learn about the turtles or just get a glimpse of the wildlife, the place is worth a visit.

The Key Largo Turtle Rehabilitation Center is another popular attraction that’s a must-see on your Miami To Key West trip.

Another place to visit on your Miami ToKeyWest trip is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, also known as the first undersea park in the United States.

Here, you can watch the loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. The park also boasts impressive marine life and coral reefs. You can see these creatures in the wild and get an up-close look at the unique ecosystems.

You can also visit the Turtle Hospital to see the famous sea turtles. It is the only veterinary clinic in the world devoted to turtles and has helped rehabilitate over 1,500 of them.

Tours are offered throughout the day, but book in advance as midday tours fill up quickly.

In Marathon, you can enjoy a beautiful white-sand beach, and there are plenty of places to stay in Key West.

Another place to visit in Key-West is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. This former retreat of the literary legend is a must-visit. If you’re visiting Key West, you must visit his home, which is built in French Colonial style.

You can take a guided tour of his home.

You’ll be glad you did! Your trip will be complete when you’ve seen the loggerhead turtles, a rare species of turtle.

3. Check out the Undersea Park

If you’re looking for some of the most memorable sights on your Miami to Key West trip, consider visiting the underwater park at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

The park is just one of many places in the area worth visiting and is a must-see during your trip. While you’re here, don’t miss a sunset celebration on Mallory Square, which is a popular attraction among tourists.

If you’re traveling from Miami to Key West, you’ll want to include the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

This park is the first underwater park in the U.S. and is home to a thriving marine community and colorful coral reefs. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the park’s pristine waters.

Alternatively, take a glass-bottom boat tour and get out into the water to observe the beautiful sights of Key Largo.

If you’re a true ocean lover, don’t miss the museum!

With the largest collection of historical diving equipment in the world, it’s an absolute must-see on your Miami to Key West trip. You’ll also get to see a sculptural sculpture of Jesus Christ in Key Largo.

This statue rests in about 20 feet of water and is a replica of the Christ of the Abyss in the Mediterranean Sea. Donated to the Underwater Society of America by industrialist Egidi Cressi in 1961, the sculpture of Jesus Christ adorns the area’s walls.

The sculpture is surrounded by large coral formations and a four-foot barracuda coral.

Once you’ve seen the 7-mile bridge, you can head to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home to some of the world’s best sea diving. The park also offers hiking trails and pristine beaches.

There’s also Long Key State Park, which was once a private retreat for Hollywood celebrities.

A trip to Key West is not complete without a stop at the park’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Key West has a Calm Beach

There are many reasons to visit Key West, including its endless summer, its quaint charm, and its sunset celebrations.

While the beaches are beautiful and the island’s culture is undeniably fun, most activities take place on Duval Street and Whitehead Street.

Here, you can find fun shops, tasty restaurants, and bars – the perfect way to kick off your Miami To Key West road trip!

The Miami to Key West drive is 164 miles long (3.5 hours) and can easily be spread over a day or even a few days, depending on how much time you have!

While you’re traveling along the Overseas Highway, you’ll pass several unmissable stops, including wildlife encounters and scenic state parks.

You’ll also pass through Key West, which is the southernmost point of the continental United States.

You’ll want to leave plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Key West, as it has plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a long time.

The Overseas Highway is an excellent road to travel on, but it’s a two-lane road.

You’ll find plenty of scenic spots on this drive, and you can use the mileage markers to locate hotels and restaurants along the way.

Once you’re at Key West, you’ll be greeted with a peaceful beach, a calm ocean, and a beautiful sunset.

Anywhere Between Miami to Key West Has a Relaxed Vibe

While your road trip through the Keys takes you along the coast, you’ll also visit a few unspoiled islands along the way. Islamorada is home to the Sports Fishing Capital of the World and is perfect for snorkelers.

You’ll also find some beautiful nature trails here and can stop for drinks at a local Tiki bar.

And of course, you can’t leave the Keys without experiencing a key lime pie or two!

Despite the relaxed vibe, Key West is a tropical paradise that’s popular with college students during spring break.

Walking around the island is a wonderful way to see this picturesque city. Most visitors start on Duval Street, which is lined with shops, galleries, and cafes.

Stop by the Ernest Hemingway Home Museum, Strand Theater, and Southernmost House, where you can experience a classic Key Lime Pie.

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or with your family, you’ll find a variety of fun things to do in Key West. If you’re in Key West on your Miami To Key West trip, don’t miss the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

Whether you’re traveling with a significant other or enjoying a relaxing atmosphere with family, this butterfly garden is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Is It Worth Driving From Miami to Key West?

Driving is not an easy task, and most drivers tend to avoid it.

But if we talk about Miami to Key West road trip, it is surely worth your time and effort. Although there are many reasons, beach towns such as Islamorada make this drive worth remembering.

You will find the whole path laid with attractions, and you will not feel anything missing.

The beachfront of Islamorada is simply amazing, and being a small beach town, it is filled with attractions that will surely make you pull your brakes here.

Once you find the attractions such as Morada Way Arts District, you will surely admire your decision to take a road trip.

The exciting art events in Morada Way Arts District and the monthly art walk are surely what you must look up to during your road trip.

How Long Is the Ferry Ride From Miami to Key West?

The ferry ride from Miami to Key West takes approximately six hours. This is a perfect time to explore Key West just the way you like it.

The travel timing differs with a change in the solution being utilized.

If you want to go with the private contractors offering different services, including:

High-speed boats

Laidback sailing yachts
Fishing charters

Then in such a case, you will require approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach Key West from Sealine Marina in Miami.

Is There a High-speed Ferry From Miami to Key West?

Although there are several ways to travel to Key West from Miami, boats are also one of the transportation solutions you can utilize. Currently, there are no ferries offering services between Miami and Key West.

Thus, those who want to try a sea path to travel to Key West must go for other available solutions such as Charter boats. Some solutions, such as daily service to key West from the Gulf Coast of Florida that also offers a sea path.

The service offers early departures along with afternoon return voyages.

Is Driving From Miami to Key West Easy?

The answer to the question is, Yes. Driving from Miami to Key West is the easiest road trip that you will ever come across.

Since there are two different kinds of people in the world, if you are in a hurry to reach your destination, then the flying routes are preferred.

Still, on the other hand, if you love to travel by road and enjoy your time behind the wheel, then this is the most beautiful road experience you will ever come across.

The driving is easier, and the 159 miles distance can be easily covered within 3 to 4 hours. Also, the drive with the ocean on either side gives you chills during your travel.

How Long Should You Take on Your Key West Road Trip?

The road trips from Miami to Key West depend upon the way of travel that you have chosen for yourself.

From Miami To Key West By Car

If you are traveling from Miami to Key West by car through the Overseas Highway, then the distance will be roughly 159 miles.

You should always add an extra hour since you might slow down during the rush hour and packed roads. Also, if you love to stop often (and view some of our suggestions), your time will surely differ.

From Miami To Key West By Tour

The car is not the only way to travel to Key West from Miami. Several tour services are helping you in reaching Key West.

Since these services allow you to enjoy different spots on the way, the period is expanded, and the day-long trip from Miami to Key West might take approximately 13 hours.

Can you see Havana from Key West?

Although there are legends in this regard, and many tourists also tend to become a part and share their experience, you still can not see the night lights of Havana from the town of Key West.

Although many desire to watch Cuban lights but these are only legends.

Even if it is a clear evening and you try with all your might, you won’t be able to witness any such phenomenon that will resemble Cuban lights.

The most important factor is that the distance between both places is 90 miles. Thus, it would be impossible to witness the lights of a city that far.

Bottom Line…

There’s no wrong way to travel from Miami to Key West, but taking the Overseas Highway is definitely the most scenic route.

You’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy along the way, from exploring state parks and key lime pie shops to visiting butterfly gardens and luxurious spas.

No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’re sure to have a great time on your Miami To Key West trip!