The Perfect Florida Keys Road Trip From a drive to Key West to driving the entire Florida Keys, the perfect road trip is all about the pit stops: especially for … The property we stayed in is called Absolutely Paradise and offered through Key West Hideaways. If you take my advice and spend a couple of nights in Key Largo before heading down to Key West, you will still have quite a drive in front of you. If you are limited on time and want some help narrowing this list down, here are our five favorite things to do in the Florida Keys (aside from Key West): The months between December and May have pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. For a taste of the city’s multicultural vibe, head to Little Havana, where you can sample authentic … Inside, passionate docents supply a glimpse into the profound yet tragic genius of one of the Lost Generation’s most colorful characters. Located in what feels like the middle of nowhere on Big Pine Key, this pub has the slogan, “a nice place if you can find it.”. Even after going back to many of the destinations below more times than I can count, I’m never disappointed. Wow!!! The Florida Keys still have so much to offer that you may find yourself repeating this road trip again next year. By Gary McKechnie. When you reach Marathon and start on the Seven Mile Bridge, it’s almost as if you are driving on water! A Florida Keys road trip offers endless aquamarine views, as well as access to picture-perfect islands, coral reefs and local restaurants serving freshly-caught seafood. This is a must do in the Florida Keys…if you dare! On your way down to the Florida Keys on Highway 1, there is a turn off just south of Florida City that will take you into a portion of the Everglades National Park. The pelicans surrounded us, getting very close and even a little aggressive, trying to steal our fish. The cool dark of the bar provided respite from the hot, afternoon sunshine and it was a minute or two before our eyes adjusted to the scene inside. Website:  www.divingmuseum.org. Established in 1957, the refuge protects approximately 9,200 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys that serves as habitat for endangered Key Deer. The Florida Keys is one of the most underrated destinations in the United States, if not the world. Florida Keys Road Trip: 29 Amazing Places To Visit [Map Included] November 5, 2020 October 15, 2020 by Bryanna An awesome tropical vacation destination right here in the United States is the Florida Keys. But before you do, take a ferry out to picturesque Pigeon Key for a dose of Keys history. The mile-long Duval Street is where all the action lies in Key West. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is legendary. Seven Mile Bridge. For anyone else travelling to the States, the Keys would be a great add-on during a trip to Florida. All around the Florida Keys, you’ll find flavorful foods with an Island twist and ton and tons of Key Lime Pie. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The Florida Keys come to an end about 67 miles west of Key West at Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote 7-key archipelago.Only accessible by boat or seaplane, you must plan ahead if you want to see this amazing park, but it is well worth the effort. Rent a car at Miami International Airport and take the 113-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) all the way down through the Keys. Tim and I had a good time, but not a great time. December through February is peak season for visitors, so expect larger crowds and more expensive prices, but you also get the best weather. Answer 1 of 10: In early December, we'll be taking the trip down from Miami international to KeyWest. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. 44 Islands and 42 Bridges: A Florida Keys Road Trip It’s only 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West, but take it slow and savor the subtropical, sometimes kitschy, flavor, of these fragile isles. How did we ever get around before Google Maps? Key Largo, FL. Our website uses cookies. The trip from Key Largo to Key West took us nearly … And the year after. All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Strip malls hawking beach sundries and snorkeling tours along the upper reaches of U.S. 1 give way to dazzling turquoise flashes as the road becomes more bridge than highway. It’s the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways … Our intention, however, is to help you explore lesser-known keys you will cross over (remember, there are 34 in all!) If you don’t let go of it quick enough, you will feel their tiny, sharp teeth. In February 2018, we still saw extensive hurricane damage here, including piles of rubble, flattened buildings, and trees that are leaning and dangerously close to falling over. Location: Tavernier, Mile Marker 92.2, Just as a side note, Islamorada is known as the “sport fishing capital of the world.” Robbie’s also offers numerous fishing excursions if you are interested. Just out of curiosity, we asked the staff how many dollar bills they think are stuck to their walls. Florida Keys Road Trip: 29 Amazing Places To Visit [Map Included] November 5, 2020 October 15, 2020 by Bryanna. Key Deer call Big Pine Key home. We booked this excursion because you have the opportunity to visit multiple reefs as well as a famous statue called “Christ of the Deep.” Because of the rough seas, the crew could only take us out to one snorkel spot. Drive slowly while you are on to lower keys to avoid hitting one of these little guys with your car. There are numerous restaurants claiming to have the best Key Lime Pie in the world. On your way down to the Florida Keys on Highway 1, there is a turn off just south of Florida City that will take you into a portion of the Everglades National Park. Well, now you know the distance from Miami to Key West, on your Florida Keys Road Trip, check these amazing stops: Feed the Tarpons. From Miami – Key West, it’s 3 hours, and I’m not even covering the lesser known northern Keys! A convertible sounds like a great idea!! We ordered a flight of beer and I drank most of it (and the drinks at Morada Bay!) I was gifted a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for the trip, and it … it's a beautiful place, but … this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. After a day of sea and sun, check into the breezy Baker’s Cay Resort, a lush retreat tucked into a secluded setting with gorgeous Florida Strait views. One of the best ways to experience the … For a four hour trip, with half of that a boat ride to and from the reef, we were honestly disappointed. Explore the park’s prolific marine life and a portion of the 360-mile Florida Reef Tract — North America’s only living coral barrier reef — on a guided snorkeling tour. Have a great trip in Florida! The street is perfect for a pub crawl. Day 3: Drive to Key West with Stops Along the Way Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. There are hundreds of islands, also called “keys,” that make up the archipelago of the Florida Keys. A few hours earlier saw us part of a different Keys tableau – sipping our coffee while gazing at the Atlantic across a lawn dotted with swaying palms. As you drive over this long bridge, enjoy the views of this technicolor water. Hours: 7 am to 8 pm. Florida Keys Things to Note: What Airport To Fly Into Before you start downloading the music playlist for your road trip, there are plenty of different ways you can get to the Keys.. You can fly directly into Key West and work your way up back to Miami, or … Plan a week-long getaway starting in Miami and driving the Overseas Highway … A tarpon is a large fish that can grow up to 8 feet in length. Any concerns with that? A Florida Keys road trip offers endless aquamarine views, as well as access to picture-perfect islands, coral reefs and local restaurants serving freshly-caught seafood. You know you are in the right spot when you see the gigantic lobster out front. This is a small restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Ease yourself into the Keys’ laid-back vibe just south of Homestead with a detour onto Card Sound Road. My family visited the Keys on vacation and road tripped the 160 miles from Miami to Key West … Six of us shared an amazing house in downtown Key West that was conveniently located near most of the hot spots. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is one of the most popular places to eat in Key Largo. The Florida Keys is one of the best spots in the US to go on a road trip. Take your pick from 50 of the world's best travel adventures. More Information for Your Trip to Florida: Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Though pulling a trophy fish from the ocean can be a thrill, sometimes the best part of casting a line is eating your catch later. Once you have your fill of Miami, it’s time to embark on your road trip. Grab a paddleboard and head out for an ocean jaunt, watch the world go by from the cool shade of your porch, or while away a few hours by the gorgeous pool — newly refreshed post-Irma. Robbie’s Marina, one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic landmarks, sits on the tip of Lower Matecumbe Key, about five miles south at mile marker 77.5. Parrot Key’s complimentary shuttle delivers guests throughout the day to either a private beach club at Smather’s Beach or to the heart of Old Town. We hired Keys Diver to take us on a 4-hour snorkel trip to the John Pennekamp reef. Built in 1936 on a former coconut plantation, the resort is home to 18 beachy cottages nestled amidst tropical landscaping just steps from the Atlantic. Gina DeCaprio Vercesi, Credit: Ease yourself into the Keys’ laid-back vibe just south of Homestead with a detour onto Card Sound Road. So put the top down and cue Jimmy Buffet. The Turtle Hospital rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles so they can be returned to the wild. Islamorada. For another quirky spot in the Keys, make a quick stop at the Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery. More than 100 years ago, Florida tycoon Henry Flagler envisioned an Overseas Railroad linking mainland Florida to Key West. The Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys offers a quintessential U.S. road trip. In just 15 minutes, we could walk to the bars on Duval Street, the Southernmost Point, and a handful of great restaurants. Location: Plantation Key, Mile Marker 86.7 Four bucks will get you a bucket of bait and feeding the leaping, thrashing creatures provides a memorable diversion. At either spot, the famous Keys sunset is guaranteed to put on a memorable show. Drive south across the Tavernier... Marathon. The epitome of the archipelago’s barefoot affability, Robbie’s is a waterside shantytown of sorts that includes an outdoor marketplace, a marine sports outpost, andthe Hungry Tarpon restaurant, named for the school of enormous silver fish that have been circling the docks for decades. This was our favorite spot in the Florida Keys. Hours: Open daily 9 am to 5 pm. Hosted by Kellee Edwards. We just had a standard car for this trip, which was sufficient, but spending a little extra for a Jeep or a convertible or even a sports car would be nice. Visiting the Florida Keys is a classic U.S. vacation, with beaches, clear blue waters, and adventurous activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and camping. One of the best road trip drives in the United States is through the Florida Keys. Walkways edged with white picket fences wind through tropical gardens past hidden swimming pools and quaint, two-story clapboard bungalows. The company’s flagship headquarters, housed in a former tobacco warehouse, is part distillery, part tasting room, and part museum. The trip itself is easy–there’s one way in and one way out via US-1. followed by a road trip to Miami and then ending in the Florida Keys. This is the coolest bar in the Florida Keys, at least out of the ones we visited. Connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys, the Seven-Mile Bridge is a highlight of any Keys road trip and driving it feels like being in an ocean themed circle-vision movie. Driving from Miami to Key West through the beautiful Florida Keys is a classic American road trip. We have a separate article about the best things to do in Key West that you can read here. Formerly the Hilton Key Largo, the 13-acre property was undergoing a full renovation when Irma struck. Their answer: a half million dollars!! It is an essential experience of the Florida Keys road trip itinerary. Most travelers reach the Florida Keys by vehicle, which means you’ll likely begin your trip in the Miami area. Comment below if you have any questions! Bright blue Adirondack chairs sit on covered porches, hammocks swing beneath shady palms, and ceiling fans spin lazily overhead at Grove, the resort’s new open-air restaurant. Or take a quick jaunt on the private ferry to Sunset Key for a gastronomical adventure overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Latitudes, the signature restaurant at Sunset Key Cottages. The walls are covered with license plates from the US and around the world and the ceiling is stuffed with dollar bills. Located southwest of Miami in the Caribbean Sea , these are among the most beautiful places in Florida. We didn’t do this, but I am including it because I wish we did. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Destination Guide. Key West exudes the same anything-goes bonhomie it did back in the day of rumrunners and speakeasies — only now it’s infused with a shot of modern flair. Most hotels and resorts have reopened – many after completing extensive renovations – and a few new spots have joined the roster. We were able to walk out onto the southern portion from Little Duck Key, although you cannot walk too far because you reach a large gap in the bridge. In the Florida Keys and Key West, there’s a lot to love. The Florida Keys Scenic Highway truly encompasses all of the Florida Keys, its natural wonders, and its communities. It’s controversial if all of these bills are actually worth anything. Your email address will not be published. Head out to explore the labyrinth of waterways around Stock Island on a guided kayak tour with Lazy Dog Adventures. When the sun starts to set, climb aboard Danger Charters’ elegant, three-masted schooner for a wine tasting sail that offers a polished alternative to the nightly circus — think fire juggling acrobats and hoop jumping cats — at Mallory Square. Tim and I visited Key West for a family wedding. If you click the star, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Besides the natural beauty along the route—tidal flats, teal waters dotted by … The best place to go is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Cost: Adults $27, children 4 to 12 years $13. As Route 1 hops its way from Miami to Key West, Florida, the urban rush evaporates and a clock- and care … For just a few bucks, you get a bucket of fish that you then feed to the large tarpon that hang out by the pier. In the 1980’s, new highways were constructed but the old railway bridges can still be seen today. One Week Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary By Joshua Lawrence Kinser, author of Moon Florida Keys First-time visitors to the Florida Keys should set aside at least a week to experience the best that these legendary islands—plus the gateway areas of Miami and the Everglades—have to offer. At Robbie’s you can hand feed these big guys. If you’re not careful, those darn pelicans will eat your bucket of fish before you get a chance to even try to feed a tarpon. Live music and the line of Harleys outside add to the honky-tonk scene. Get out onto the water with lifelong conch, Captain Dave Perry, who has been fishing the Keys for decades and runs charters out of the Hawks Cay Marina with Captain Justin Brunk. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. since Tim was our driver. Growing up, we explored all over, including annual trips to the Florida Keys for Spring Break. You’ll obviously need a car as the Keys are very spread out. The Florida Keys: A Primer The Florida Keys is an archipelago off the southern coast of Florida composed of hundreds of islands connected by a total of 42 bridges. The pelicans also linger in the water and they will steal your fish out of your hand before the tarpon does. Other than that we plan to follow your advice and stop by those destinations! Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. It’s a gorgeous drive with lots to do. This is a great spot to sample some local beer. We saw lots of barracuda and assorted tropical fish, but nothing “Wowed!” us. The trick is finding a spot of open water that is pelican-free. Tim and I sampled Key Lime Pie at several restaurants in the Keys (our waistlines got a bit bigger on this trip…we pretty much ate our way through the Keys and Key West) and our favorite spot is the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Factory. A road trip down the Florida Keys is the best way to experience the area as there is so much to see. Location: 522 Caribbean Drive, just east of Mile Marker 99.7 Key Largo is at the epicenter of sustainability efforts in the Florida Keys these days, especially when it comes to reef health. Florida Keys Road Trip Stops – Our Favorites. Get away with Chad Crawford as he makes his way through the beauty of the Florida Keys. Baker’s Cay has made a commitment to becoming a leader in sustainability, partnering with local environmental organizations to create eco-friendly guest programming as well as being the first resort in the Keys to join Reef Relief’s “Skip the Straw” campaign. It’s no longer a brothel, but since the 1980’s visitors have been adding their dollar bills to the walls and ceiling of the pub. Credit: Joe and Sally Bauer have spent the last 40 years assembling the largest collection of dive helmets, scuba gear, armored suits, and diving memorabilia in the world. Now it looks like every square inch of the No Name Pub is covered with the faces of George Washington, with a few bills from other countries thrown into the mix here and there. The Florida Keys still have so much to offer that you may find yourself repeating this road trip again next year. A stop into Alabama Jack’s is a must, especially if you’re a first-timer – the scrappy, waterside seafood shack has been the Keys’ unofficial welcome wagon since 1947 and serves some of the best conch fritters around. Yes, You Need a Car. Note: There is a second Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen II). More impressive … Location: 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key Location: Islamorada, 200 Morada Way, Mile Marker 81.6 Florida Keys Road Trip - 7 Days. Important Note: Closed on Sundays. A drive down Florida’s Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West offers the perfect blend of eccentric bohemia and chic joie de vivre. If you are getting hungry while driving through Marathon, plan to stop for lunch at either Island Fish Co. and... Bahia Honda State … The water in the Florida Keys is a vibrant aquamarine color. The ocean and a busy woodpecker were the only sounds we could hear. The roughly 160-kilometre route is considered a classic all-American road trip, where travellers are spoiled with snorkeling spots, roadside attractions and gorgeous state and national parks. Taking a road trip through the Florida Keys is one of the best adventures you can have in the USA. These small islands are joined by a series of bridges. During the railroad’s construction, over 400 workers lived on Pigeon Key, which is now listed on the National Historic Register. Of course with a Jeep there isn’t a way to secure your luggage. Florida Keys Road Trip How To Get There. You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit, flip-flops and a taste for adventure. Look no further than the Florida Keys, a great place to vacation year-round, with plenty to see and do for all ages. The railroad bridges were then transformed into roadways. The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. If you’re ready for a Florida road trip, check out the latest Florida Keys hotel deals, including deals on hotels on Key Largo, Marathon and Key West. Even if you’ve been before like we have several times, it’s a great excuse to stay in a different part of this groovy city, check out some new things or revisit the tried and true of South Beach before loading up on car snacks and heading south. 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