I price shopped and went based on reviews and decided to go with Coopertown Airboat Tours! Here are my recommendations. Since then, they have rehabbed and released more than 1,500 turtles back into the water surrounding the Florida Keys. In a city full of top-notch restaurants, it can be hard to pick where to go. The small propeller planes that fly you above the keys let you see a completely different perspective . If you are thinking about making the drive from Miami to Key West, this guide is for you. Unfortunately, no! I recommend flying into Miami, renting a car and driving through the keys, and then flying out of Key West when youre done with your trip. Its the little things, isnt it? Distance between Miami International Airport and Key West is about 110 miles. On one of their tours, youll paddle through mangrove creeks with blueish-green water, at some points only a few inches deep. For dinner, its time to head to Joseph & Is favorite restaurant on Key West, LLs Test Kitchen! It was right on the water with its own private beach, the rooms were all HUGE with a couch area to hang out on, all of the balconies face the ocean, and they have so many nice details! Depending on traffic, the drive will take about four hours. This road trip stop in the Florida Keys is easy to spot, with a statue of a giant lobster named Betsy sitting out front. Fun fact: The highway is Florida's only All-American Road, a distinction awarded by the Federal Highway . Day 3: Key Largo > Key West, One of the most scenic drives in the world! So keep the bread crumbs in your bag and enjoy the chickens from a distance. Miami To Key West Drive. Cuban sandwich: $8.50-10. When it first opened with a female lighthouse keeper in the 19 th century, it was quite a rarity.. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). Is it worth driving from Miami to Key West? When Joseph and I went to the Florida Keys Brewery, a famous country band (LoCash, heard of them?!) A road trip from Miami to Key West, is one of the most scenic and breathtaking driving routes in America! This non-profit center offers educational tours and an opportunity to donate to a great cause. You can learn all about it at the museum for an admission of $18 for adults. The drive from Coopertown Airboat Tours to Key Largo is a little over an hour, so if you take my advice to by at the Everglades by 10am, you should arrive in Key Largo around 12pm 12:30pm! We dined for dinner one evening as we werent in town on a Sunday morning. Route 1 goes through the Keys in a scenic and sunny trip. Day 1: Explore Miami. 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! We stopped in for breakfast. We just spent 2 weeks in the Florida Keys in November of 2022, and everything is open as far as hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The trip ends when there is no more highway left to drive. . But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. A: There are 165 miles between Miami and Key West, and if you drove it straight, it would take a little over 3 hours. There are mangrove swamps to kayak and hammocks to lounge in, but the main draw to the park is what lies beneath the surface. I highly suggest driving instead of flying directly in because the views are truly unbeatable on the road as opposed to in the air. Thislocal winery (with a restaurant and brewery also on the property) makes some pretty unorthodox wines from local fruits like avocados and lychees. 2.1 Morning - Early start to the Everglades National Park; 2.2 Morning - Keep driving to Key Largo (mile marker 106) for lunch; 2.3 Afternoon - visit to Dolphins Plus Bayside or the Theater of the Sea; 2.4 Afternoon - Relaxing at Sombrero Beach Robbie's Marina (Mile Marker 77) One of the quirkiest stops on the Miami to the Florida Keys drive is Robbie's Marina. We started our meal with the crab beignets and, scallops & bacon, and each got todays catch blackened. Theres a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. East to west. Florida Keys Facts. While there may not be as many pull-offs with signposts, there are still many natural places to explore in this more rugged and wild stretch of the Florida Keys. Best time to Visit Key West. There are bike rental companies all over the island and most hotels have free bikes available for you. Translating to purple island, Islamorada encompasses 6 of the Florida Keys. It was edited in ONE CLICK using my preset pack! Robbies offer a ton of activities from snorkeling, boat rentals, SNUBA diving (no certification required), sunset cruises, parasailing, and so much more. For specifics, I stayed at the Kona Kai Resort! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! For me, I chose to stay in Key Largo, which was great! This place is a must for breakfast or brunch before continuing your Key West Road Trip. 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. In just 100 miles, hop from key to key, go snorkeling, dine at seafood restaurants, try key lime pie, go shopping, and enjoy endless views of brilliant aquamarine water. Flocking with the herd? Get the latest travel tips and updates from all over the world! The Dolphin Research Center provides a forever home for animals that have been recused and rehabilitated but cant be released back into the wild. favorite places with the best seafood in Key West. With an unobstructed view to the west, this is also a great spot for sunset and a few sundowners. stay for about 3.5 hours. And while you can check out the best things to do in Key West here, I recommend booking your stay at either the Casa Marina Key West (A Waldorf Astoria) or The Reach, both of which are Hilton properties. For example, they offer snacks and unlimited complimentary water bottles for their guests. Stop here to see the Coral Castle Museum. If you plan on snorkeling in the Florida Keys, they have the only living coral reef in North America. For this reason, you can pretty much stay anywhere on Key West without an issue. The water in the everglades is actually a river that is very clean. The weekends are when the real parties are, while regional visitors are also coming down to partake in the parties. We compiled a shortlist of our favorite things to do in Key West to help you make the most of your next road trip. ), Miami: City Cruise to Millionaires Homes & Venetian Islands, Everglades National Park: Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. 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. In 2002 it was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and home for marine life. The Miami to Key West distance i s between 110 and 160 miles, depending on where you start from in Miami. Make sure to save room for dessert too. Every good road trip needs a destination, but many times the things to see along the way are what really make the trip, and the drive from Miami to Key West is no different. 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). . 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. We saved a little money and returned the car when we got to Key West. The PERFECT Weekend in Key West Itinerary - For First Timers! Dj vu! Need a break? Consider yourself an amateur ornithologist? . This means that if you make a purchase through one of these links I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosies dog treats! US1 is open all the way. How long is the drive from Miami to Key West? Islamorada was aptly named for the purple sunset that Spanish explorers witnessed (according to legend). This spot here ceremoniously marks the end of your Miami to Key West drive. 3. This historic street is home to a number of great art galleries, shops, and attractions plus, youre on vacation, and the bars are open during the day too! Continuing on in Marathon, animal lovers wont want to miss a stop at the Turtle Hospital. Generally, the best times to drive from Miami to Key West, Florida, are late at night (after 8 pm), early in the morning (before 8 am), or on a weekday. You know, just in case. This small, boutique resort was right on the water, had an art gallery on site, pool / hot tub on the property, and each room was an individual cottage with tons of privacy! You should probably get one to-go too. And no matter how many bags of Hot Cheetos we consume, we still cant get enough. This restaurant sits right on the water and is only a 15 minute walk from Mallory Square. On the menu are nice wraps and awesome fries for reasonable prices. If you have the time to spare, I would consider extending your time in Miami and spending two days . Get Cuban Coffee from any of the small Cuban stands around Miami! DUH, of course you need a good set of presets so you can quickly edit on the go! Key West, Florida is a beautiful island located at Florida's southern point, and lies smack in the middle of Florida and Cuba. The Overseas Highway is full of fun and sometimes quirky stops to break up the drive on the way down to Key West. My first visit here was memorable to say the least (I was bit by a pelican), but I still enjoyed feeding the tarpon. The Florida Keys are split up into the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Located at the Cheeca Lodge, Atlantics Edge is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with fantastic ocean views. It is a must for divers visiting the Florida Keys. If you go here and dont get one of the thick, famous shakes (made with fresh fruit and soft-serve) then we are officially no longer friends. Plus, Marathon has different kinds of restaurants, a true beachfront area . The chef, Graham Dailey, has been on Iron Chef and trained under Anthony Bourdain. Keep your eye out for nice beaches like Bahia Honda and many places to put a kayak in the water. If you are staying in the Brickell area of Miami like I recommended, catch an Uber / Lyft to Miami Beach for some site seeing during the day and then explore downtown Brickell at night! Day 1: Arrive in Key West. Reviews are mixed. 1. Drive across the longest bridge in the Keys, Explore the Southernmost Point where you can see the. The least expensive lodging in Key West would be 10-bunk-beds to a room at Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel. If you want perfect weather with no humidity and no rain, I would recommend the early spring / late fall & winter months. They are connected by a series of bridges, making for quite a memorable road trip. The History of Diving Museum is a great place in Islamorada that expands on mans never-ending quest to venture under the sea. (plus 190 nautical miles) 5 hours 30 minutes. First stop. . The journey is around 1hr 15 mins to Key Largo from Miami then another 4 hours along highway 1 to Key west. If you plan to do a boat tour out to sand bars, catamaran snorkel cruises, or other excursions, I would say three to four days! This is where all the best food is, much closer to the airport / start of the keys, and tons of rooftop bars! I think it is a good idea to spend at least one night in between Miami and Key West to break up your drive. Re: Best time to drive from Miami to Key West. For those wondering when is the best time to take the drive from Miami to Key West, consider that the Keys are one of the sunniest and warmest places in the country, averaging between 75 and 80 . Key Largo; Islamorada It's a gorgeous drive with lots to do. Click here to check out the property I stayed at that was right in the heart of Key Largo! Take the iconic Overseas Highway and travel from Miami to Key West. Luckily, your drive is lined with some of the best attractions in Miami, some of the best tacos in Miami and much, much more. If you plan on being at the beach or doing any snorkeling tours, you will want the perfect camera to capture those memories! Lauderdale. I couldnt recommend driving through the Keys to get to Key West more. Visiting Clearwater Beach is without a question a lovely choice on the road trip from Orlando to Key West. Visit the African Queen. Robbies Marina is the number one place to be for tourists traveling through the keys. It has been compared to the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge simply because it was all created by one small man, Edward Leedskalin. Did you rent a car for your entire trip or only to go from Miami to Key West? Driving along the Overseas Highway (US1) from Miami to Key West is one of the great American road adventures. I knew I was going to be on the beach for an entire week eating beach bar food, so I wanted [], [] actually did a full Miami to Key West Road Trip, but I have to admit.. the highlight of that week long trip was definitely Key West! Starting in Knights Key and ending in Duck Key, this scenic bridge is your key to unlocking some of the lesser-known islands in the Florida Keys. People talk about those rolls like the apostles talked about Jesus. All the locals said it hasnt rained like that day in over a year so, just bad luck I guess? BUT, I always like to recommend a few must-haves for this specific trip. Spend the day at the most beautiful beach, Get Cabana Rentals and relax on Miami Beach. Grab a paddle and head out into the mangroves. . Their bottle cap tiled beer garden and taproom are surely worth pulling over for in your voyage down the Keys. drive for about 1.5 hours. Chef Michaels is one of the best upscale restaurants in the Upper Keys. AKA we need to protect it at all costs! Trust me, youll want to take your time on the drive from Miami to Key West. At Mile Marker 118, you are officially in the Florida Keys! Locals said this happens ALL the time! The most popular beach in Key West, Smathers Beach, is completely free other than the small parking fees for street parking. Highway 41. You can join this Hemingway Food and Walking tour. The basic rule of thumb here is this: avoid hurricane season which lasts from June through November. The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant is located at the famous Robbies of Islamorada for feeding the tarpon. Just like the Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital gives a home for injured and sick turtles as they nurture these endangered creatures back to health. From Fort Lauderdale Airport to Key West, it is 189 miles (304 km). 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. Even though we had a really bad weather day (link sprinkling and no sunset), we still had SO much fun! That's because traffic will be lighter during these periods, which can help cut back on your time in the car. We really like to stay at this hotel, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel. and leave at 5:21 pm. This can save you a few days worth of car rental payments! This Florida State Park was the first underwater park in the United States and covers about 70 square nautical miles. Have the most amazing sushi and Asian food at, See downtown Miami from the best view possible at. If you find that rental cars and/or flight prices are cheaper to do it this direction, this 7-day itinerary is simply the reverse of the itinerary above. Thanks for subscribing! We highly suggest the fresh fish tacos and salad if you are looking for a lighter lunch. Miami was a city that completely surprised me, in a good way! For those on a tight budget - and who aren't in a hurry (it can take up to five hours) - the regular bus service between Miami and Key West is certainly a good option.Greyhound Lines offer frequent daily departures, including pickups and drop-offs at Miami International Airport and, of course, Key West . 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! Start your day off right with a cup of classic Cuban coffee. Dinner tables book up months in advance. The Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the USA, and the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi, so it only seemed right to include it in this Miami to Key West road trip itinerary.. It's a a protected site in order to preserve the fragile . I absolutely LOVED Miami and already want to go back to spend some more time exploring it. It is a super cute smaller hotel that has room options with separate. Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the greatest road trips you can experience. Or Fort Lauderdale to Key West in about four hours.. But it gets scorchingly hot during summers and the hurricane season begins in the month of June till about September - October. During most times of the year, youll have no problem finding a spot to lay your beach towel. Labeled the first subaquatic park in the United States, the Coral Reef State Park offers guests a chance to take their explorations underwater. The first thing to understand is that most of the attractionson a Miami to Key West Road Trip are referenced by what Mile Marker they are located near. Stretch your legs, use the restroom and maybe your four-legged friend does too (Sombrero Beach is pet-friendly). Stop 1: Coral Castle. Since youre starting your journey here, I recommend taking a few days to explore this Florida hotspot. Robbies because famous for its terrapin feeding, which started after trying to nurse an injured fish back to health. I recommend making the most of the drive by spending a night or two on one of the centrally located keys. Before or after visiting the park, stop at Alabama Jacks, our favorite tiki bar in Key Largo. Best time to visit: September to observe bird migration season and avoid the winter crowds. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 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! The Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream Sammich is where its at! If you have the time and desire you can drive. 1:51 pm Miami. The drive between Key Largo and Key West crosses 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. This vintage piece of movie history was built in 1912 and is a registered National Historic site. TheSeven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. How many days should I spend in Key West? This brewery had amazing beer and the cutest beer garden in the back! Inka Piegsa Quischotte. The previous hurricanes have created big havoc and hence it is advisable to avoid that duration. We are Hannah & Adam, a Wisconsin couple who left behind the American dream to travel the world and chase our own dreams. Whether you want to stay in an Old Victorian style bed and breakfast, Airbnb, or luxury resort.. there is an option for everyone! and then head to the first ever underwater state park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park! During his time in the keys was when his most successful books were published. The Miami to Key West drive takes about 3 and a half hours if you don't stop, although I definitely recommend stopping at least once or twice at a few key places! Check out the amazing restaurants the city has to offer, visit the culturally rich Little Havana, and spend a day soaking in the art scene at the PAMM (Perez Art Museum Miami) or at the Wynwood Murals. this is our favorite snorkel trip in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 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. With sweeping scenery, fun pit stops and quirky things to see and do during the 165-mile trip, you'll want to leave plenty of time to enjoy the experience fully. While every storefront from Mile Marker 118 to the furthest piers in Key West all claim to have the best Key Lime Pie, Kermits is the real deal. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The Everglades National Park is one of the most popular pitstops on a drive from Miami to Key West and with great reason. The food was DELICIOUS! If youre looking for an air-conditioned restaurant to rest and indulge, check out the Key Largo Conch House. Q: How is the drive from Miami to Key West is it Worth it? The last good thing to know before visiting Key West, Florida is that Key West is a big cruise ship port. By Dalia Colon. This is easily one of the best things to do from Miami to Key West. This one from ASOS is my FAVORITE! Here's avery worthy member of Homesteads legendary repertoire of Mexican food. If there was ever a trip worth taking your time and making a couple of pit stops, Miami to Key West is it. This massive Navy ship sits about 6 miles from the shore of Key Largo and is one of the top dive sites in the Florida Keys. YES its as good as it sounds. They provide bottomless wine, beer, margaritas, food & have a live band on board! We went on this Key West Mangrove Kaying tour with Lazy Dog. 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. Distance from Miami to Key West - the total distance from the Miami International Airport to Key West is 110 miles. Day 1: Stop off 1: Everglades National Park. The Keys stretch across 125 miles. The route is best driven in a convertible, takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands, and historical sites . For road trip enthusiasts, it doesnt get much better than driving the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway spans nearly 120 miles of breathtaking scenery as it runs over the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico connecting the far flung Florida Keys before finally reaching . There are no road closures from Hurricane Ian on the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. They are situated right on a dock and bring in all their fresh catch daily. The scenic Miami to Key West Drive has over 120 miles (193 km) of amazing things to see from gorgeous beaches and the sparkling blue ocean to cultural stops and hidden gems. Mrs. Mac's Kitchen is a Florida Keys institution. Its not too big but also covers your face perfectly, highly recommend. We stopped at the original Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for food on the way to Key West and had a wonderful experience. 2. Get a little beach time in before you head into the final half of your Key West trip. Authentic, delicious and cheapTaqueria Morelia is a perfect place to fuel up before strapping in for the last couple hours of your drive. 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. In this Key West Road Trip travel guide, I detail my 3 recommended sleeping spots, a few must-pack items, common questions, an extremely detailed road trip from Miami to Key West itinerary, and a little bonus section incase you want to swap anything out! Theres, For many, Panama City Beach Florida is the ultimate dream vacation destination. Hostel beds start at $69 per person; bare-bones motel rooms at $119. Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036. Once you reach Key West, youll have enough things to do to fill a few days and then some. Dine at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant which is the perfect place to dine under the stars. Which just means I have to go back for round two . This non-profit saves and rehabilitates dolphins who are hurt and unfit to survive on their own in the wild. Driving distance: 118 mi / 189 km. In addition to visiting Venice Florida and finding fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale Florida, we also spent several days on a Florida Keys road trip, reminiscing from our previous visits to the Keys.. During our previous Florida Keys trips, we found some of the best . The Everglades! 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. Something to note is that the Overseas Highway is a slower moving 4 lane highway, 2 northbound lanes, and 2 . Since then, Robbies has grown from a little pit-stop to the place you must stop on your drive from Miami to Key West. We suggest a 2-3 day road trip driving through the Florida Keys to hit most of the highlights with a few nights in Key West at the end. LLs test kitchen has amazing, high quality food! Even on a Tuesday night when we went the place was packed, which always means the food & drinks are good! The drive to Key West from Miami is stunning. . There are two signs, one on each side of the road one for the end of the road and one for the beginning. Feed the Tarpon instead for $2.25 per person. Here is a fun private tour that takes you out to sand bars! was there performing a free concert! Historically, the chances of hurricane activity are greater between August 15 and October 15. Key West is a big cruise ship port. Otherwise, the best time to drive from Miami to Key West largely depends on your taste in crowds or a lack thereof. Get off the beaten path. It was first completed in 1912 but hasthankfullybeen updated since. So how exactly he constructed this massive mix of castle, part garden, and part sculptures has left lots of people with questions. This highway crosses 42 bridges, providing plenty of picturesque vantage points to stop and take photos. We suggest joining this guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West, as it visits several of the stops on this list and more, including Mile Marker Zero. Maybe thats because the drive is a bit longer than most people think it is. When you hit Key Largo, the road begins to narrow and your trip will become slowerthough undeniably more beautiful. Featured in the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, this boat was built in 1912 and worked in East Africa building railroads before it became a star. But before you even think about hopping on a plane back home, there is plenty for you to still explore. I would not try to cram too much more into this day than this, or else you will feel pretty rushed! The smoked fish dip, the fried conch, the snapper and especially the key lime pie, which is an essential dessert here. The Turtle Hospital started helping everyones favorite sea creatures back in 1986. Join this Waverunner tour, which visits the famous Islamorada Sandbar, mangrove tunnels, go under Whale Harbor Bridge, and more! While it hasn't been used as a functioning lighthouse since 1969, the museum stands testament to the maritime heritage of . Its such a beautiful and scenic route with so much to do that I dont recommend racing against the clock to fit it all in a day. In Key Largo, the road rejoins U.S. 1, which will take you all the way to Key West. The lowest prices were that of Fox rent-a-car; only $8 per day for an economy car, $10.74 per day for a standard SUV, and $11.78 for a luxury/convertible rental. Fort Myers is located 160 miles west of Miami, which is a drive of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Portions are large, the food is tasty, and its a great value. FAQ For Miami To Key West Road Trip How Long Is The Drive From Miami To Key West? But these five-foot-long fish weren't always grazing the surface of the marine for something to eat. If you only have one splurge meal, it should probably be Latitues out on Sunset Key, and it should be dinner at sunset. At the southwestern end of Key West lies the end of the road at Mile Marker 0. It will take you over the famous overseas Highway 1, and meander through over 40 islands before reaching Key west. Take time to explore the South Florida quirky shops and restaurants, natural areas . Well, its not like you can avoid it. The climate is warm year round. Q: How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West Florida? -Those planning on sticking around Key West for a while should take a guided tour of The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum to learn about one of the 20 th century's greatest adventurers.-To get back to Miami, you can either rent a car at Key West International Airport or take a bus for $29. There are so many things to do in Key West that you would be remiss if you didn't budget some time to stay at least overnight and sample a few. Some hurricanes did cause damage such as Hurricane Irma in 2017. If you prefer your bar with a little more elegance, maybe this aint for you. Key West, just like the entire state of Florida, can experience some pretty interesting weather. We opted in for the Pasta Carbonara and it was seriously to die for! Today you wont find Hemmingway, but you will find a big open, lively bar with live music and food.
Christopher Garcia Ulysses, Ks, Articles B
Christopher Garcia Ulysses, Ks, Articles B