Florida Keys: Road Trip Guide

Florida Keys Road Trip Guide

Total distance: approximately 160 miles (257 km) — Miami to Key West via US-1 Driving time: 3–4 hours non-stop; most travellers allow 3–5 days Best season: November–April — the dry season with temperatures 75–85°F (24–29°C); summer is hot, humid, and marks hurricane season (June–November); late July through September are the hottest and most mosquito-prone months

The Overseas Highway — US-1 from Florida City to Key West — is one of the engineering wonders of American road building. Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway originally linked the keys from 1912 until the 1935 Labor Day hurricane destroyed it; the roadbed of many of those bridges was subsequently converted into the highway. Today US-1 crosses 42 bridges in 113 miles, including the Seven Mile Bridge, which was the world’s longest bridge over open water when completed in 1935. The Keys are divided by mile markers (MM), counting from Key West (MM 0) north to Florida City (MM 126).

Key Stops

Miami

Most Florida Keys road trips begin in Miami. The Art Deco Historic District on South Beach is free to walk; the Wolfsonian-FIU museum charges approximately $12/adult (as of 2026). Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on Biscayne Bay charges approximately $25/adult (as of 2026). The Everglades National Park entrance on the way south charges approximately $35/vehicle valid for 7 days (as of 2026).

Where to stay: South Beach boutique hotels from approximately $200/night; North Miami chain options from approximately $100/night (as of 2026).

Key Largo (MM 100–91)

Key Largo is the first and largest of the Keys, and is principally known for diving. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first underwater state park in the US — charges approximately $8/vehicle (as of 2026). Snorkel tours from Pennekamp run approximately $35/adult for a 2.5-hour trip (as of 2026); scuba certifications are available. The park’s glass-bottom boat tours charge approximately $30/adult (as of 2026).

The African Queen — the original 1951 Humphrey Bogart steamboat — is docked at the Holiday Inn marina and offers short canal rides for approximately $50/person (as of 2026).

Where to stay: The Playa Largo Resort charges from approximately $300/night (as of 2026). Budget motels along US-1 from approximately $120/night.

Islamorada (MM 90–74)

Islamorada (pronounced EYE-la-MOR-ah-da) bills itself as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” The History of Diving Museum on US-1 charges approximately $16/adult (as of 2026) and covers 4,000 years of diving history. Robbie’s Marina at MM 77.5 has a famous tarpon feeding dock — entry approximately $3, fish approximately $4/bucket (as of 2026). The tarpon here can exceed 100 lbs.

Where to stay: Cheeca Lodge and Spa charges from approximately $400/night (as of 2026). Islamorada Motel from approximately $140/night.

Marathon and Pigeon Key (MM 54–47)

Marathon sits at the geographic midpoint of the Keys. The Turtle Hospital — a working sea turtle rehabilitation facility — charges approximately $25/adult for guided tours (as of 2026) and is one of the most popular attractions in the middle Keys.

Pigeon Key is a 5-acre island under the old Seven Mile Bridge where Flagler’s railway workers lived. A ferry from the Pigeon Key Welcome Center in Marathon runs approximately every 90 minutes; round-trip tickets approximately $12/adult (as of 2026). The Seven Mile Bridge visible from here is the long straight bridge seen in most Keys photographs; the original narrow rail bridge runs parallel to it and is no longer in use.

Where to stay: Isla Bella Beach Resort on Little Palm Island charges from approximately $450/night (as of 2026). Chain options in Marathon from approximately $160/night.

Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37)

Consistently ranked among the best beaches in Florida, Bahia Honda has clear shallow water and remnants of Flagler’s original rail bridge. Day use approximately $8/vehicle (as of 2026). Snorkel and kayak rentals are available on-site. Camping in cabins approximately $80/night; tent camping approximately $43/night (as of 2026); both book out months ahead.

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys (MM 33–10)

Big Pine Key has the highest concentration of Key deer — a miniature subspecies of white-tailed deer standing approximately 28 inches tall. The National Key Deer Refuge is free to enter; the Blue Hole freshwater quarry on Key Deer Boulevard usually has visible alligators. Speed limits drop to 35 mph through Big Pine — Key deer deaths by vehicle number in the dozens annually and rangers strictly enforce the limit.

No Name Pub on No Name Key — reached via an unmarked bridge — is a cash-only bar covered floor-to-ceiling in dollar bills. Burgers and fish sandwiches approximately $12–$16 (as of 2026).

Key West (MM 0)

Key West is the southernmost incorporated city in the continental United States, 90 miles from Cuba. It functions as a walkable, bicycle-friendly island town of 24,000 permanent residents plus enormous tourist volume.

Key attractions:

Duval Street — the main entertainment strip, free to walk; Sloppy Joe’s Bar where Hemingway drank; cover charges approximately $5–$10 for live music venues
Hemingway Home and Museum — approximately $18/adult (as of 2026); the 54 polydactyl cats that roam the property are descendants of a cat given to Hemingway
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — best beach in Key West, day use approximately $6/vehicle (as of 2026)
Dry Tortugas National Park — a 70-mile boat or seaplane trip from Key West to an 1846 Civil War fort on a coral island; ferry approximately $215/adult round trip (as of 2026); advance booking essential
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square — free street performer gathering every evening at sunset

Where to stay: The Casa Marina Key West, A Curio by Hilton, charges from approximately $350/night (as of 2026). Guesthouse B&Bs in Old Town from approximately $180/night. The Southernmost Beach Resort from approximately $220/night.

Road Conditions and Permits

No permits required. The Overseas Highway (US-1) is a two-lane road for most of its length with limited passing opportunities. Traffic backs up significantly on Sunday afternoons and holiday weekends when everyone returns to Miami. No restrictions on vehicle type though wide loads need advance coordination with Monroe County.

Bridges are open to cyclists but have no dedicated bike lane. Cyclists should use caution, particularly on the Seven Mile Bridge where crosswinds can be strong. A separated cyclist/pedestrian path runs alongside the Seven Mile Bridge.

Fuel Cost Estimate

At approximately 160 miles each way (320 miles round trip from Miami), a 30 mpg vehicle uses approximately 11 gallons. Key West fuel prices run approximately $0.30–$0.50/gallon above Miami prices as of 2026. At approximately $4.00/gallon, total fuel cost runs approximately $44 round trip per vehicle. Most travellers add side trips and intra-island driving — budget approximately $60–$75 total.

Category	Estimate
Accommodation (4 nights)	approximately $500–$1,200
Fuel (half-share)	approximately $30–$40
Food	approximately $50–$80/day
Attractions, snorkeling, diving	approximately $80–$200
Total (5 days)	approximately $1,000–$1,900

Practical Notes

The Keys are a narrow two-lane road and traffic is unavoidable. The most crowded months are December through April; allow extra drive time on weekends.
Hurricane season runs June 1–November 30. Evacuation orders for Monroe County are issued with short notice — check the Monroe County Emergency Management website if travelling June–October.
No-see-ums (biting midges) are a nuisance at dawn and dusk throughout the year — DEET-based repellent is effective.
Lobster mini-season falls in late July; the Keys fill with recreational divers and accommodation prices spike significantly during this two-day event.
Key West has no major grocery chain inside the Old Town area. Stock up in Marathon or on Stock Island before arriving.

Florida Keys: Road Trip Guide