The 165-mile journey from Miami to Key West is one of the best road trips you can take in the United States. Although you can complete the trip in two to three hours, I recommend taking the whole day to enjoy lots of fun stops along the way. The route features bridges spanning the ocean to connect the Key Islands, as well as numerous towns and attractions to discover.
Coral Castle
Coral Castle, a fascinating historical site. This coral castle was built by one man, Ed Leedskalnin, in the 1920s. He even moved the castle from its original location, about 10 miles north, in the 1930s. The tour takes about 45 minutes and begins with a video about Ed, followed by a tour of the premises with historical information. It is truly a unique place that is worth the detour.
Robert Is Here
15 minutes south is a fruit stand called Robert Is Here. It’s an amazing place with a wide variety of fruits, some of which you may have never heard of. They also make delicious milkshakes with these fruits. Back there are antiques and other things to explore, as well as turtles and other animals. It's a great stop for families en route to Key West.
Miss Mac's Kitchen
When you reach Key Largo and get hungry, take a detour to Miss Mac's Kitchen. It's a place that has been around for decades and is famous for its Key Lime Freeze, a key lime milkshake, as well as its excellent fresh fish dishes, crab cakes and key lime pies.
Betsy the Lobster
Betsy the Lobster, a huge lobster sculpture fiberglass located in front of the Rain Barrel store. This lobster sculpture was completed in 1985 and measures 30 feet high and 40 feet long. It's a fun place for a break and you can also shop in the souvenir store.
History of Diving Museum
This little museum is incredibly informative and features a collection of diving equipment from over 30 different countries. You can learn about the evolution of diving equipment over the last century, and there are even interactive components for visitors. The museum also has a show you can watch.
Florida Keys Brewing Company
Continuing south, you can make a stop at the Florida Keys Brewing Company. It's a brasserie that has existed since 2005 and has a relaxed atmosphere. You can taste different beers, including their flagship beer, Iguana Bay. It's a nice place to relax.
Florida Keys Hurricane Memorial
Near the brewery is the Florida Keys Hurricane Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to the 408 people who lost their lives in the 1935 hurricane, one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the United States. The memorial is magnificent and worth a visit.
World Wide Sportsman
You can also take a detour to World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada. It's a sporting goods store that has been around since 1967 and was purchased by Bass Pro Shop in the 1990s. You'll find fishing equipment and historical items, like a boat built in the 1930s , which was the twin of Ernest Hemingway's boat.
Robbie's
The next stop is the incredible Robbie's, where you can feed the tarpons. This is one of the most popular stops on this road trip. You pay a few dollars for entry and a few dollars more for a bucket of fish. The tarpon are literally underneath you, and it's fun to feed them. Watch out for pelicans that might try to steal your fish.
Old Seven Mile Bridge
Then you will cross the famous Old Seven Mile Bridge. It's a popular stop to admire the scenery and take photos.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is another must-see stop on the road. You can walk to the old Bahia Honda Bridge to enjoy great views of Highway 1 and the surrounding area. It's a great way to understand the size of this feat of engineering. You can always check availability to spend a night at Bahia Honda State Park, however, it is the national park that is the most difficult to reserve.
Mile Marker Zero
Eventually, you'll reach the town of Key West and its famous Mile Marker Zero, marking the start (or end) of the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. This iconic sign is a great place to take photos to capture the end of your trip. It symbolizes the southernmost point of the route, and it is often visited by travelers who want to remember their adventure on this magnificent coastal route.
Key West
Key West is a bustling city and offers a wealth of activities and attractions, from delicious local cuisine to stunning sunsets at Mallory Square. You can relax on the beaches, explore the city's history, visit Ernest Hemingway's house, or simply stroll the bustling streets of Duval Street.
At night, Key West is the perfect place to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. You will find bars, clubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. You can also participate in sunset celebrations, where locals and visitors gather to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.
In summary, the trip from Miami to Key West is an unforgettable adventure, offering a variety of exciting stops along the way. At the end of your journey, you will reach Mile Marker Zero in Key West, marking the beginning of new discoveries in this vibrant and historic city. Enjoy your stay in Key West and explore all it has to offer!
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