Miami To Key West Drive: Everything You Need To See

Miami to Key West Drive – The Overseas Highway

The Miami to Key West drive via the Overseas Highway is one of the great American road trips and one of the most scenic drives in the world.

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 mile marker zero in Key West.

Along the way you’ll pass through the Florida Everglades, a UNECSO World Heritage Site, numerous state parks and wildlife refuges, stunning beaches, and numerous keys. The area is home to a wealth of rare and exotic animals including both the American Alligator and the American Crocodile, the endangered Key Deer, and countless bird species.

A great part about the Miami to Key West drive is that it’s a great drive at any time of the year so there’s no need to bring your snow tires! Of course you’ll want to plan around any impending storms which typically occur between late May and early July.

The scenery along this spectacular drive is unparalleled and is not something you’ll soon forget. I find myself dreaming of cruising down the Overseas Highway with the windows down during the cold winter months.

So let’s dive into this incredible drive and all that it has to offer.

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Planning Your Miami to Key West Drive

Things to Know Before Your Miami to Key West Drive

Weather: As you can imagine with a thin strip of highway separating you and miles of open ocean, the Overseas Highway is prone to flooding and extreme weather events. Make sure to check the weather forecasts before you set out and remember that you don’t need a hurricane to make things dicey on this road, heavy rain and/or winds can make things very dangerous.

Gas/Charging: The distance from Miami to Key West should be well within your electric vehicle’s charge range and there are plenty of gas stations along the way. That said make sure to have a full tank or a full charge before you set out. More info on this further down.

Sunscreen: It’s the Florida Keys, need we say more? Bring your sunscreen and be glad you did. We happen to like this one because it works AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.

Leave No Trace: That’s right, as you visit Florida’s parks and green spaces remember to leave these places beautiful. We’re big fans of Leave No Trace here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

Clothing: Pack your swimsuits and flip flops and prepare for a good time! Remember to bring a rain jacket – they call that liquid sunshine in Florida and it comes out of nowhere.

Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.

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When is the Best Time of Year to Plan Your Miami to Key West Drive?

The best time to embark on your Miami to Key West drive is in the winter. Late Spring and early Summer can see storms and unpredictable weather while later summer sees swelling crowds.

In the winter you get the benefit of escaping wherever you are and enjoying a less crowded and scenic drive.

Alternatively, fall is a great to go as well. Schools are back in session making for fewer crowds and the weather is mild and predictable.

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Mapping Out Your Miami to Key West Drive

Sure it’s a fairly straight shot along the Overseas Highway, but if you want to get the most out of this amazing drive head over to Google Maps and start plotting points along the way that look interesting to you (parks, restaurants, overlooks, etc.).

Once you’ve plotted out your points of interest you can send the map to your phone and follow the path you’ve charted as you make your way to mile marker zero in Key West.

Be sure to check out our article 5 Amazing National Parks Near Miami for more information on possible trip additions!

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Best Miami to Key West Drive Map Tool

We always use google maps for this as the interface is hard to beat. However, they do currently have a 10 destination limit on the regular one.

If you want/need to add more points to your map than the 10 destination limit, google also has a “my maps” tool which is free and even savable right to your google account.

We’ve ranked the 15 BEST Road Trip Planning Tools if you’re looking for more!

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Distance From Miami to Key West

The distance from Miami to Key West is 165 miles, give or take a few depending on where exactly you’re starting. If you have an electric vehicle, worry not as it’s well within your range.

There are also a number of electric vehicle charging stations in Key West (including Tesla) so you’ll have plenty of charge to get back.

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Miami to Key West Drive Time

Depending on traffic getting out of Miami and whether or not you want to take the Reagan Turnpike or just get straight onto Route 1 the Miami to Key West drive should take about 4 hours with no stops.

But trust you’ll want to plan plenty of stops along this gorgeous stretch of highway.

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If you’re interested in other National Parks Road Trips, you might want to look over our post ranking the National Park Road Trips. You also might be interested in our ALL 63 National Parks Ranked post that lists all of the national parks. We ranked them from best to worst based on our comprehensive 50 point rating system.

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Miami to Key West Drive – Camping

There are a number of privately owned campgrounds along the route to Key West, but for our purposes we’ll stick to public parks offering campsites.

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (RV & tent camping options – reservation only)
• Long Key State Park (Hike-in tent camping only – visit park website for more info)
• Curry Hammock State Park (28 campsites – reservation only)
• Bahia Honda State Park (3 campgrounds totaling 80 campsites – reservation only)

Each of these state parks offer incredible scenery and fun outdoor activities for everyone in the family.

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Getting Gas During Your Miami to Key West Drive

The distance from Miami to Key West isn’t terribly long at 165 miles, and fuel isn’t scarce along the way, but nobody wants to run out of gas in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to fuel up before hand!

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The Miami to Key West Drive

Miami to Key West Drive Overview

Total Drive Time: 4hrs

Number of State Parks: 9 (plus one national wildlife refuge)

My recommendation is setting out for Key West before the sun rises. I know! You’re thinking I’m crazy, but hear me out. Firstly, you’ll have the road to yourself and will be able to get out of Miami without any hassle.

Most importantly, you’ll be able to catch a spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean as you cruise along the Overseas Highway.

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Destinations: Florida State Parks

1. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park (1 hour from Miami)
2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (1 hour & 10 mins from Miami)
3. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park (1.5 hours from Miami)
4. Indian Key Historic State Park (1 hour & 50mins from Miami)
5. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park ( 2 hours from Miami)
6. Long Key State Park (2 hours from Miami)
7. Curry Hammock State Park (2 hours & 15 mins from Miami)
8. Bahia Honda State Park (2 hours & 45 mins from Miami)
9. National Deer Key Refuge (3 hours from Miami)
10. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (3 hours & 45 mins from Miami)

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Miami to Key West Drive Map

Feel free to zoom in on this map and see each park plotted as a point on your route. Remember the Miami to Key West drive time is just about four hours so each of these stops will add to that overall time.

(Note: The last two points start over again as “A” and “B” because Google only allows 10 points.)

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Miami to Key West Drive Highlights

7 Mile Bridge

This is perhaps the most breathtaking portion of the Miami to Key West drive and it’s easy to see why. 7 miles of thin concrete separates you from the vast Atlantic Ocean as you make your way from Knights Key to Little Duck Key.

The views from the 7 mile Bridge are magnificent and have been featured in numerous movies and car commercials. This is a must see on your trip to Key West and frankly you have no choice if you want to reach your ultimate destination!

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Home to spectacular coral reefs and aquatic sea life, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must on your trip to Key West. Don’t scuba or snorkel? No problem! The park has plenty of hiking trails and pristine beaches for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

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Long Key State Park

A former private resort destination for the rich and famous, Long Key State Park is now open to the public and offers beachfront views that are hard to beat.

Camping, fishing, and relaxing are popular activities here. The park is very family friendly and a great spot to let kids play in the sand.

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Bahia Honda State Park

Yes this state park is pronounced like you’ve just stepped foot onto a Honda dealership and encountered a pushy salesperson. Rest easy though, the only thing you’ll encounter here are spectacular views and the peaceful sound of waves lapping against the shore.

This is one of the most scenic and popular state parks located along the Overseas Highway.

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Key West

Visit the southernmost point in the continental U.S. If you’ve made the journey to Key West then you have to mark your visit by snapping a picture at the southernmost point in the continental USA.

Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. This beautiful civil war era fort on the edge of the continental U.S. is a great spot to visit if you’ve made it down to Key West. Walk the fort grounds and feel the history while taking in the spectacular views around you.

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Miami to Key West Drive Additions

Dry Tortugas National Park

I guess we couldn’t end this article without mentioning a national park. Yes 70 miles off the coast of Key West is the most remote of the Florida Keys, home to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Dry Tortugas is home to a beautiful old fort and lighthouse along with white sand beaches and spectacular scenery. Camping is available, but it’s pack in pack out and facilities are very limited.

The park can only be reached by ferry, float plane, or private watercraft. The ferry from Key West is the easiest way to get there. For more information visit the park website here.

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Everglades National Park

Time Added: extra 2 hours driving plus any time spent in the park

If you haven’t been and want to make this a full on road trip then plan an early morning stop in Everglades National Park. You can drive in via the main park road, catch a spectacular sunrise, and hike a trail or two before hitting the road for the Overseas Highway.

Arriving early also gives you your best wildlife viewing opportunities in a park where visitors travel from all over the globe to catch glimpses of it’s rare and beautiful wildlife.

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Biscayne National Park

Time Added: Varies

Biscayne National Park is just 45 minutes from Miami (at least to the Visitor Center). The park is a snorkelers & divers dream with an immense diversity of underwater sea life just waiting to be explored.

While this park is not really a hikers park with more than 90% of it being underwater, it’s a unique addition to the National Park System that is a great addition to your south Florida trip.

I would allow an extra day to truly experience this park.

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Miami to Key West Drive Itinerary

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2 Day Overseas Highway Itinerary

Day 1: Miami to Key West Drive Itinerary

Start your journey along the Overseas Highway with a scenic drive from Miami to Key Largo. Once at Key Largo stop in at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park where you can dive into a world of vibrant coral reefs, teeming with marine life, as you snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat tour. There are also opportunities explore the park’s lush mangrove forests by kayaking or paddleboarding through serene waterways, encountering an array of bird species along the way. Be sure to enjoy a waterfront café breakfast before continuing on.

Continue your journey south to Bahia Honda State Park, a hidden gem boasting pristine beaches and breathtaking views. Unwind on the soft sandy shores, basking in the warm south Florida sun. Here you can take a dip in the park’s turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Of course if you’ve had your fill of water activities you can explore the park’s nature trails, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the sweet songs of native birds.

Capture the perfect sunset shot from the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, overlooking the stunning landscape before heading to Key West in the fading light.

Day 2: Miami to Key West Drive Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where history and nature converge. Explore the historic fort, soak up the sun on the beautiful beach, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. And of course, go for a stroll along the park’s nature trails, surrounded by beautiful ocean scenery.

Venture to the southernmost point of the United States, where you can snap a photo at the famous landmark buoy marking the spot. Visit the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, a lush oasis that showcases the diverse flora of the region. Take a leisurely walk among towering trees, vibrant flowers, and hidden pathways. Afterwards, wander through the historic streets of Key West, admiring the colorful Victorian houses and laid-back island vibes.

As the sun begins to set, head to Mallory Square for the legendary Key West sunset celebration. Join locals and visitors alike as street performers, musicians, and artists gather to create a lively atmosphere. Sip on a refreshing cocktail while you watch the sky explode with vibrant colors. Finish off your Key West adventure with a dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring the flavors of the Keys as the gentle sea breeze dances through the air.

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Miami to Key West Drive Frequently Asked Questions

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List of Miami to Key West Drive Stops

1. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
3. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
4. Indian Key Historic State Park
5. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
6. Long Key State Park
7. Curry Hammock State Park
8. Bahia Honda State Park
9. National Deer Key Refuge
10. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

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Why An Article About the Overseas Highway?

Great question! The answer is partly in our name – More Than Just Parks. While we can tend to focus heavily on national parks and forests there are so many other parks in the U.S. worth talking about.

It’s safe to say the string of state parks along Florida’s Overseas Highway are absolutely worth your attention (not to mention the national parks nearby). This article is also part of our larger road trips collection which we’ll be writing more of to help you plan safe and exciting road trips all over the USA.

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Summary – Leave us a Comment!

That’s all I’ve got for you to plan your Miami to Key West drive! Let us know what we missed and what else we should include. And please drop us a note if there’s a road trip that we haven’t written about that your interested in knowing more about!

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Further Reading

• Ocala National Forest is a Gorgeous Hidden Gem in Florida
• 5 Incredible National Parks Near Miami
• 35+ ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS (You’ll Love + Packing List)
• 15 BEST FREE ROAD TRIP PLANNING Tools (& Apps) 2022

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Pin Miami to Key West Drive

By Jim Pattiz

Co-Founder of More Than Just Parks. Filmmaker, Conservationist, Public Lands Enthusiast