Miami to Key West: 25 Places to Stop Along the Way (Map + Photos)

How Many Days Do You Need for a Miami to Key West Road Trip?

While this post covers my top 25 recommend spots, there is of course SO much more to see throughout the Florida Keys than what’s covered here.

If you want to experience all the Keys have to offer, I recommend a minimum of 5 days to make your way from Miami to Key West. This will give you 2 nights in the upper Keys (Key Largo & Islamorada), a full day to explore the Middle Keys (Marathon), and then 2 more days to see Key West.

However, if you have the time, one week in the Florida Keys is even better! This will give you more time for rest and relaxation, which is what the Keys are all about!

Keep in mind, this post is not an itinerary. It’s a list of all the best places to stop, organized by region, so you can customize your own journey!

➡️ Want to see how I recommend turning these stops into a full itinerary? Check out:
🏝️ My One Week Florida Keys Itinerary! 🏝️
🏝️ My 5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary! 🏝️

Places to Stop in Miami

#1. Explore Everglades National Park

If you are an adventure lover, before heading into the Keys, make time for a quick detour to Everglades National Park! Did you know, in addition to being a National Park, the Everglades are also a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve?! How cool is that!

From downtown Miami, the Shark Valley Visitor Center is less than an hour away and is your best bet for spotting alligators and birds. You can explore the 15-mile loop by bike or tram, or take a classic airboat ride with nearby operators like Gator Park or Coopertown.

If you prefer hiking, you’ll want to head further south to the Ernest Coe Visitor Center, where you’ll find peaceful trails like Mahogany Hammock and West Lake Trail, plus access to the more remote Flamingo area!

Either way, the Everglades are a must-do in South Florida for nature lovers!

#2. Try Some Local Food in Little Havana

 Skip the chain restaurants and head into the heart of Miami’s Cuban culture. Little Havana offers an explosion of flavors, from Cuban coffee to empanadas to pastelitos. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with cigar shops, domino tables, and local art, but the food is the real star!

I highly recommend booking a Little Havana food tour to sample the best bites while learning about the rich history of the Cuban-American community in Miami!

➡️ For more ideas on things to do in Miami, check out my Miami to Key Largo Road Trip Guide!

Places to Stop in Key Largo

#3. Experience John Pennekamp State Park

Once you make it out of Miami and through the “Stretch”, you’ll find yourself in the incredible Key Largo, the first and largest out of the 30 inhabited Keys in the Florida Keys archipelago.

There is no argument that the best thing to do in Key Largo is explore John Pennekamp State Park. While you can visit the park by land, I am specifically referring to the ocean part of the park! This park covers 178 nautical square miles (3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and 25 miles in length).

There are many different ways to experience the underwater landscapes of John Pennekamp, including snorkeling, diving, glass bottom boat tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more!

My top recommendation, however, is to do a snorkel tour to visit the legendary underwater Christ Statue! This is one of my favorite spots to see under the sea in the Keys! If you’re scuba certified, you can also dive here.

Most snorkel tours in Key Largo will take you here if the weather cooperates, but it doesn’t hurt to confirm with your tour operator beforehand!

➡️ You can read more about this option in my Key Largo Snorkeling Guide! 🤿

#4. Mangroves and Manatees Kayak tour

If you haven’t noticed by now, my favorite types of activities are those out on the water! Another great activity to cross off your list in Key Largo is a Mangroves and Manatees Kayak Tour.

This kayak tour through the mangroves is perfect for those who want to slow things down and immerse yourself in nature! You’ll glide through peaceful, shaded waterways surrounded by tangled mangrove roots and calm, clear waters.

Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for Florida manatees, one of the Key’s most beloved creatures. These gentle giants are often seen munching on sea grass or floating near the surface (I see at least one every single time I visit the Keys!).

You might also catch glimpses of turtles, fish, herons, and even nurse sharks in the shallow water!

Places to Stop in Islamorada

#5. Go Shopping at the Rain Barrel Village

As you make your way from Key Largo to Islamorada, you’ll pass a GIANT spiny lobster on the side of the road. Her name is Betsy, and her home is Rain Barrel Village, a fun and quirky arts market.

Here you will find different boutiques, galleries, and storefronts. Rain Barrel Village is a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and maybe buy some souvenirs!

#6. Try a Flight of Beer at Islamorada Brewing

Another great stop in Islamorada is for a local beer at Islamorada Brewing and Distillery. Islamorada Brewing opened in 2014 as a small brewery and have since grown into so much more, including Islamorada’s only distillery!

I recommend stopping here for a snack (or lunch) and a flight of local beer (make sure to try the Queen Conch and Sandbar Sunday!). You can also check out their tasting room and try some of their liquors like Hibiscus Gin or Dark Rum.

This spot is kid and dog friendly, as they have an outdoor beer garden with games and food trucks! It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs as they have tons of great merch in their shop.

#8. Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s

Made famous by their tarpon feeding activity, Robbie’s of Islamorada may be the most popular stop on the drive from Miami to Key West these days!

For less than $10, you can partake in this fun activity with the whole family. You’ll be given a bucket of fish and then led out to the docks where you can dangle the fish over the water and watch the hungry tarpon leap into the area!

While this is a family-friendly activity, remember that these are wild animals with sharp teeth, so be cautious!

In addition to tarpon feeding, Robbie’s now has a small market on property where you can buy souvenirs like custom Keys artwork, apparel, and more!

They also have a yummy restaurant on site, which is appropriately named The Hungry Tarpon! I recommend stopping here for a Bloody Mary, a fish sandwich, and some tarpon feeding!

#9. Relax at the Islamorada Sandbar

My last recommendation for Islamorada is spending a few hours relaxing at the Islamorada Sandbar! Less than a mile offshore, you can get here by boat, paddle board, jet ski, or kayak!

The Sandbar is a popular spot among tourists and locals! The water is about waist-deep, so many people bring their floating chairs and coolers and spend the afternoon unwinding here!

If you don’t have a method of transportation, don’t worry! There are plenty of tours that will take you out to the sandbar, like this snorkel and sandbar combo!

Places to Stop in Marathon

#10. Visit the Marathon Turtle Hospital

As you continue along on your drive from Miami to Key West, the next major town you will hit after Islamorada is Marathon!

Similar to Islamorada, Marathon is actually a large town that has several different Keys within its borders. It’s a great place to stay if you have young children, as there’s a lot more things to do besides just ocean activities.

One of the top rated activities in Marathon is visiting the Turtle Hospital! Opening their doors in 1986, the Marathon Turtle Hospital focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured sea turtles!

They also have a passion for educating the public about turtles, which is exactly why you should visit.

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children, and reservations for their daily tours are highly recommend!

#11. Interact with Dolphins Ethically

A fun activity to do in the Keys is to swim with dolphins. After all, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are extremely common in the waters of Florida! However, I recommend doing your research before swimming with dolphins in the Keys.

One place that I DO recommend is the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key (just north of Marathon). The DRC was founded as a non-profit organization in 1984 and has grown to be a world-renowned research facility.

Today, they maintain their promise that “the health and well being of Dolphin Research Center’s dolphins holds absolute precedence over all other interests. DRC will undertake no program or activity that compromises this basic commitment.” That is very important!

#12. Swim at the Beautiful Sombrero Beach

A common misconception about the Florida Keys is that there are miles of beautiful white sand beaches. However, this is simply not true!

White sand beaches are actually quite rare in the Keys. There’s only a handful, and one of the best ones is Sombrero Beach in Marathon!

This beach is great for picnics, volleyball, snorkeling, or just relaxing. The park is completely free (except parking) and open daily from 7:30am to dusk. It’s a great spot to stop on your drive from Miami to Key West!

Note: If you visit Sombrero Beach from April-October, you may get to see loggerhead turtles! During this time, portions of the beach are blocked off to human activities to protect turtle nesting!

#13. Walk or ride along the Seven Mile Bridge

Did you know there are 42 bridges in the Florida Keys? The most famous one of course is the Seven Mile Bridge (which is actually two bridges next to each other!).

The more recent bridge (the one you drive over) connects Knight’s Key in Marathon to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys and is actually seven miles long! You’ll cross this bridge as you leave Marathon.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge, which you can no longer drive over, was built in the early 1900s per direction from Henry Flagler as part of the Florida East Coast Railway’s Key West Extension. However, portions of the bridge were destroyed in a hurricane.

Nowadays, a 2-mile stretch of this bridge has been recently reconstructed, and it’s an amazing place to walk, ride bikes, or rollerblade with incredible views of the sea!

Last time we walked along the bridge, we saw spotted eagle rays, sharks, and stingrays all within 5 minutes of each other!

➡️ Read more about Marathon, including where to eat and where to stay, in my Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide!

Places to Stop Near Big Pine Key

#14. Explore Bahia Honda State Park

Just south of Marathon, right after crossing the famous Seven Mile Bridge, you’ll find one of the most beautiful stops in the Keys: Bahia Honda State Park.

This 500-acre park is home to some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys, making it a great place to swim, snorkel, picnic, or simply unwind by the water. There are two main beach areas to explore:

• Calusa Beach – Located on the northwest side, this beach is smaller but more scenic, with postcard-worthy views of the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge.
• Sandspur Beach – A larger beach on the Atlantic side known for its soft white sand and shallow, calm waters. It recently reopened after hurricane damage and is perfect for swimming and relaxing.

One of the most iconic features of the park is the Old Bahia Honda Railway Bridge. You can walk a short trail up to the bridge’s overlook and take in sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding islands, a perfect photo spot!

Entrance costs $8 per vehicle (with 2-8 people), or $4 for solo travelers. Once inside, you can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, or snorkel gear to explore the park’s clear, shallow waters. Facilities like restrooms, picnic areas, and a gift shop/snack bar are also available.

I recommend stopping here to stretch your legs and swim if you skipped Sombrero Beach!

#15. Visit the National Key Deer Refuge

Another unique and fun thing to do on the drive from Miami to Key West is visit the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center on Big Pine Key!!

As you start getting further south in the Keys, you may start seeing these little guys on the side of the road. Key deer are the smallest deer species in North America and only live in the Florida Keys, so you won’t be able to see them anywhere else!

The Key Deer Refuge Nature Center on Big Pine Key has some helpful information and a few trails nearby where you may be able to see some of these tiny animals up close and personal!

However, you can also see them by driving (slowly) around No Name Key and other Keys in the Lower Keys.

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#16. Scuba Dive a Ship Wreck

Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities in the Florida Keys, and for good reason! Since getting certified in 2020, I’ve been scuba diving in the Keys many times, and I can personally vouch for how incredible it is!

Did you know the Florida Keys are home to 9 different ship wrecks, referred to by some as “The Wreck Trek”?!

These sunken shipwrecks are spread from Key Largo to Key West, so you can really choose to go scuba diving anywhere in the Keys!

Below are a list of the wrecks, but you can read more info on the Wreck Trek here!

1. Spiegel Grove – Key Largo
2. Duane – Key Largo
3. Benwood – Key Largo
4. Eagle – Islamorada
5. Thunderbolt – Marathon
6. Adolphus Busch Sr. – Lower Keys
7. Cayman Salvager – Key West
8. Joe’s Tug – Key West
9. Vandenberg – Key West

Places to Stop in Key West

#17. Snap a Photo with the Southernmost Point Sign

As you continue your journey south, you’ll eventually find yourself in the last, and most famous, Key in the chain – Key West!!! Compared to Key Largo, Key West is extremely lively, chaotic, and quirky!

Make sure to check out my blog post for a full list of things to do in Key West, but below I’ll cover a few of my favorites!

Of course, one of the most popular things to do in Key West is taking a picture with the Southernmost Point Buoy! Located on the southern tip of Old Town Key West, this buoy was built in 1983 and has withstood many hurricanes in the Keys! Taking a photo with is basically a Key West rite of passage.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend getting here as early as possible 🙂 Even if there is a line, it usually moves quickly! Or you can just snap a picture of the buoy itself like I did!

#18. Watch the sunset at Mallory Square

Another very popular thing to do in Key West is watching the sunset at Mallory Square. So popular, in fact, there is a nightly sunset celebration at this square, which is located at the end of Key West and faces perfectly west.

Each evening, you’ll find street vendors, performers, and lots of people here as you watch the sun sink into the ocean!

Like most activities in Key West, if you want to beat the crowds (and have a front row seat for the sunset), get there early!

#19. Take a Jet Ski Tour Around the Island

Jet skiing in the Keys is fun no matter which Key you choose! However, it’s extra fun to do in Key West because there is so much to see around the island!

This jet ski tour is the perfect option and is pretty reasonably priced, as the second rider is free! It also includes a stop at a sandbar and a chance to see the Southernmost Point sign from the sea!

#20. Indulge in a Slice (or Two) of Key Lime Pie

Again, you can pretty much do this anywhere in the Keys. However, I saved the topic of eating Key Lime Pie for Key West because they have the most options!

One of my favorite places to go is Kermitt’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe, located right outside the harbor on Elizabeth and Greene Street.

At Kermitt’s, you’ll find so much more than pie, including key lime juice, candies, cookies, nuts, and my personal favorite, key lime pie on a stick.

Eating Key Lime Pie in the Keys is another rite of passage – just take my word for it!

#21. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s Home

Of all the famous residents who’ve called Key West home, Ernest Hemingway is undoubtedly the most legendary. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the author’s life, work, and connection to the island.

Hemingway lived in this beautiful Spanish colonial-style house in the 1930s, and it’s where he wrote some of his most iconic works, including To Have and Have Not, which was inspired by Key West itself. Today, the home is preserved just as it was during his time, complete with original furniture, photos, and artifacts.

One of the most charming features of the property, however, is its population of polydactyl (six-toed) cats, all descendants of Hemingway’s own pet cat, Snow White. They roam the grounds freely and are just as much a draw as the literary history!

Admission is $19 for adults and $7 for children and includes a 30-minute guided tour of the grounds.

#22. Wander Duval Street (Day & Night)

Duval Street is the beating heart of Key West, vibrant, quirky, and full of life!

During the day, it’s perfect for browsing eclectic boutiques, sipping Cuban coffee at a sidewalk café, or stopping by local gems like the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

You’ll also find cool galleries, historic homes, and colorful murals around every corner!

At night, Duval transforms into a lively hub of nightlife. You can grab a cocktail and hop between iconic bars like Sloppy Joe’s, Green Parrot, Rick’s, and The Rum Bar.

Just be aware: it can get very rowdy, and they are some bars that are quite raunchy! I don’t recommend bringing young kids to Duval Street later at night.

#23. Relax on Smathers Beach

Looking to unwind with a true beach day? Smathers Beach is the largest and most popular public beach in Key West, and for good reason! It’s my favorite free thing to do in Key West.

With its soft white sand that was imported from the Bahamas, swaying palm trees, and calm, shallow waters, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or paddle boarding.

You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, and kayaks right on-site at Sunset Watersports. Food vendors and clean public restrooms make it easy to spend the whole afternoon here!

For a quieter experience, I recommend heading further up the beach towards the airport, and go early to beat the crowds!

#24. Have Dinner on Sunset Key

Want a little slice of paradise? Just a 7-minute ferry ride from Key West lies Sunset Key, a private island home to a luxurious resort and the renowned restaurant Latitudes.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can make a reservation at Latitudes for breakfast, lunch, or a romantic dinner on the beach.

Expect upscale island vibes, world-class service, and unbeatable sunset views—hence the name! If you’re celebrating something special or simply want a quieter, more exclusive experience during your trip, Sunset Key is absolutely worth the detour.

Just make sure you have a reservation – you won’t be allowed on the ferry without one!

#25. Go on a Sunset Cruise

Watching the sunset from Mallory Square is great, but my preferred way is to watch from a sunset cruise!

There’s no better way to end your time in Key West than by hopping aboard a catamaran or schooner and experiencing an immersive view of the fiery skies as the sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico!

Most cruises last about 2 hours and include perks like live music, unlimited drinks (think: rum punch, beer, wine, and champagne), and light snacks or appetizers.

Some even offer premium upgrades with full dinners, or themed experiences like a jazz cruise or sunset sail with a live DJ.

There are a variety of sunset cruise operators in Key West, so whether you’re looking for something romantic, lively, or family-friendly, you’ll find something that fits your vibe. To help you narrow it down, make sure to check out my full guide on the Best Sunset Cruises in Key West!

Or, take my word for it and book this top-rated Key West sunset cruise here! 🌅⛵

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys

When it comes to choosing where to stay in the Florida Keys, it can feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of places to choose from! Whether you’re looking for affordable motels, boutique beachfront inns, family-friendly resorts, or high-end luxury escapes, the Keys offer accommodations to fit every budget, vibe, and travel style.

As you can see from this blog post, each region of the Keys, Upper, Middle, and Lower, has its own unique personality and selection of places to stay. Some travelers prefer to base themselves in one area, while others enjoy hopping between a few spots during their trip.

While I personally think the best hotels are in Key Largo and Islamorada, there are great resorts up and down the length of the Keys. And staying in Key West brings its own fun!

To help you narrow it down, I’ve created a full guide breaking down the best places to stay in each part of the Keys, along with hotel recommendations for different types of travelers.

➡️ Check out my guide on Where to Stay in the Florida Keys for all the details!

Shop My Florida Keys Favorites Here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for reading this Miami to Key West Guide!

As you can tell, there are so many incredible adventures to be had between Miami and Key West, and this list only scratches the surface!

From snorkeling through shipwrecks and kayaking through mangroves to sunset sails and beachfront cocktails, there’s a reason the Florida Keys are one of the top vacation spots in the USA.

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, you can see how I recommend putting all of these stops together in my One Week Florida Keys Itinerary or my 5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary!

But if you’re short on time and can only visit one part of the Keys, I recommend taking a look at my Miami to Key Largo guide or my 3 Day Key West Itinerary!