florida road trip orlando to key west

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: 2024 Guide!

by waynekask | Mar 31, 2024 | Blog , Travel Tips | 0 comments

Last Updated on March 31, 2024

A road trip from Orlando to Key West is a great way to see the best places in Florida, the sunshine state.

There are two major routes to do this incredible journey: either through the west coast or through the east coast of Florida.

Better yet, you might want to take one route while heading to Key West and the other while going back to Orlando and make a complete South Florida circuit out of it!

Regardless of the route you take, an Orlando to Key West road trip can be a fantastic adventure, taking you through some beautiful and varied scenery, and allowing you to explore various attractions along the way.

Table of Contents

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: East Coast Route 

14 Great Stops To Make Along The Way: East Coast Route

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: West Coast Route

11 Fun Stops To Make Along The Way: West Coast Route

Things To Keep In Mind

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: FAQs 

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: East Coast Route

The east coast route of the Orlando to Key West road trip takes you along US-1 and is the shorter of the two routes.

At about 400 miles, this journey takes about 6 to 7 hours to complete at a stretch.

But there are several great stops along the way which are worth visiting and worth extending the journey for.

And while the east coast route is shorter compared to the west coast route, it is worth noting that it goes through bustling cities which could mean traffic delays, making your travel time much longer.

The major cities and towns on the east coast route of this epic Florida road trip include West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami.

Throughout the journey on this Orlando to Key West road trip, you will mainly be driving on signposted highways which are easy to drive on, and have all basic amenities like gas stations, EV charging stations, hotels, and even a few campgrounds along the way.

There are quite a few toll plazas as well along this way, especially around Kissimmee, Three Lakes, and Palm Beach.

14 Great Stops To Make Along The Way: Orlando To Key West Road Trip (East Coast Route)

Photo credit – Unsplash by Amie Humphries

1. Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando

While you are already in Orlando , why not make the most of this trip by visiting some of Orlando’s most iconic stops first before heading down south the Key West, yeah?

Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is a magical experience for children and adults alike.

Spanning over 25,000 acres, this iconic destination boasts four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – each offering a captivating realm of rides, attractions, and beloved characters.

The Resort’s attention to detail, from Cinderella’s Castle to futuristic pavilions, dazzling parades, fireworks displays, and live shows, all create an immersive atmosphere.

Whether you’re soaring through space, dining with princesses, or embarking on a safari, Walt Disney World Resort weaves dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark and creating treasured memories that last a lifetime!

2. Universal Studios Florida, Orlando

Universal Studios Florida in Orlando is an exhilarating realm of cinematic thrills and immersive entertainment.

This dynamic theme park invites visitors to step into the movies, where iconic characters and blockbuster adventures come to life.

From heart-pounding rides like “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts” to high-energy shows like “The Blues Brothers,” the park offers a tapestry of experiences spanning multiple genres.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transports fans to the enchanting realm of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, while cutting-edge technology makes attractions like “Transformers: The Ride-3D” and “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” a sensory marvel.

With its vibrant atmosphere, Hollywood-inspired streetscapes, and a mix of live shows and state-of-the-art simulations, Universal Studios Florida might just be that kick you need for an exciting journey ahead!

Going to Universal Studios Orlando? You can book your tickets here 👇

Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets

3. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island

If you are a science or space fanatic, or traveling with kids, the Kenedy Space Center on Merritt Island is a stop you must make – even if it is for a quick 30 minutes.

The Kennedy Space Center is a gateway to the wonders of space exploration and a testament to human achievement.

As NASA’s primary launch center, it has witnessed historic moments like the Apollo moon landings and Space Shuttle missions.

The center offers a blend of education and inspiration, allowing visitors to explore the past, present, and future of space travel.

From awe-inspiring rocket displays, like the Saturn V at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, to interactive exhibits and astronaut encounters, Kennedy Space Center offers an immersive journey into the cosmos.

Touring the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and standing beneath colossal launch pads is definitely an experience that must not be missed!

Traveling to Kennedy Space Center? Take a look at this tour 👇

Kennedy Space Adventure with Transport from Orlando

4. Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville

Canaveral National Seashore near Titusville is a pristine coastal haven where nature’s beauty unfolds along untouched shores.

This protected reserve encompasses a diverse ecosystem of beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and mangrove forests, creating a sanctuary for wildlife and a serene escape for visitors.

Canaveral National Seashores provides nesting grounds for sea turtles and vital habitats for various bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

With limited development, this is also one of the best places where you can experience the sunshine state’s natural coastline in its purest form.

5. Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Fort Pierce

Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce is a tranquil oasis where the wonders of nature and art converge.

Spanning five acres, this enchanting garden showcases an array of lush landscapes, themed gardens, and carefully carved sculptures.

The James J. Smith Bonsai Collection, the Butterfly Garden, the Reflection Garden and the Garden of Lights are all incredible spaces curated with patience and care, making Heathcote into the magical wonderland it is.

With its blend of botanical splendor, artistic expression, and a sense of tranquility, this hidden gem will truly rejuvenate your road trip spirit!

6. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, Fort Pierce

Nestled along Florida’s stunning Atlantic coastline, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Spanning over 340 acres, this is one of Florida’s premier state parks encompassing beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and diverse coastal habitats.

The park’s namesake inlet provides an ideal setting for fishing, boating, and observing marine life.

For history lovers, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is also important as it was once the site of a World War II training camp.

7. West Palm Beach, Florida

West Palm Beach, is a coastal city seamlessly blending urban sophistication with natural beauty.

Nestled along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this vibrant destination has a lot to offer.

Downtown Clematis Street and Rosemary Square are always abuzz with live music, offering a variety of splendid dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

The Norton Museum of Art is also one of the best places for its dynamic blend of artistic genres, from European masterpieces of Monet and Picasso to contemporary creations.

The city’s cultural scene also thrives at venues like the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

With its blend of arts, live music, nature, and urban charm, West Palm Beach is a great place to rest, reenergize or even spend a night on your Florida Keys road trip!

8. Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a renowned coastal paradise that embodies the vibrant spirit of South Florida.

Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic destination is celebrated for its pristine sandy shores, turquoise waters, and a captivating fusion of cultures.

The Art Deco Historic District, Ocean Drive, and Lummus Park are all the best places to admire the architecture, enjoy the nightlife and live music and slow down and watch the world go by!

The city’s cultural scene thrives with art galleries, museums, and live performances, and its diverse neighborhoods, from trendy South Beach to upscale Bal Harbour, offer a rich tapestry of experiences that are worth experiencing as a part of your Orlando to Key West road trip.

9. Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel, Miami

And while you’re passing through the Miami area, might as well stop by and experience the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel!

This iconic attraction offers a breathtaking perspective of Miami’s skyline and coastal beauty.

Rising gracefully above Bayside Marketplace, with climate-controlled gondolas it’s a true delight to look at the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay, and the city’s architectural wonders beyond it, including Downtown Miami – all from a bird’s eye view.

Whether day or night, the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel offers the perfect opportunity to capture memorable photos, making it a special part of this epic Florida road trip from Orlando to Key West!

10. Everglades National Park, Miami

It is a widely known fact that the most exciting land-based popular activities in the famous Everglades National Park happen from the Miami side.

So while you are here, might as well spend a night or two extra and make the Everglades an extended part of your epic journey, no?

Here, you can embark on a guided tour to glide through sawgrass prairies and encounter alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife.

Eco-adventurers can explore nature trails like Anhinga Trail, where herons and alligators share the spotlight.

This National Park is also a premier spot for birdwatchers.

Canoeing or kayaking through mangrove tunnels and waterways or taking a stroll along the Gumbo Limbo Trail are all popular activities to choose from!

Looking for an amazing Everglades experience? Check out this tour!

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission

11. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

Once you have had enough of Miami, do not forget to make a pit stop at the iconic Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale!

This vibrant and stylish destination combines upscale shopping, dining, and cultural experiences like live music, lined with chic boutiques, art galleries, and designer stores.

The boulevard also comes alive with an eclectic mix of international cuisines, ranging from fine dining to charming cafes, making it a culinary mecca for foodies as well!

12. Key Largo

And finally, it is time to hit Florida’s famous Keys!

But before you reach your destination of Key West, there are some other Key islands that might be worth exploring too.

Key Largo, the largest and northernmost of the Florida Keys, is best known as the “Diving Capital of the World”.

Its crystalline waters are a playground for snorkelers and scuba divers, offering mesmerizing encounters with vibrant coral reefs and marine life, especially around the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the world’s third-largest barrier reef!

Key Largo is an ideal setting especially if you are interested in water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking , and paddleboarding.

13. Florida Barrier Reef

The Florida Barrier Reef, a hidden gem beneath the crystalline waters off the southeastern coast of Florida, is a stunning marine ecosystem.

Stretching along the Atlantic coastline, this lesser-known reef system is the only living coral reef in the continental United States!

Snorkelers and scuba divers are treated here to an enchanting world of color and movement, with coral gardens, shipwrecks, and underwater caves waiting to be explored.

So while you are on the scuba diving or snorkeling leg of this Florida Keys road trip, you might want to check out a guided tour of the Florida Barrier Reef as well!

14. Marathon Key

Marathon Key is best known for Sombrero Beach and its white sands invite sun-soaked days and leisurely picnics, while water sports like snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking abound.

The iconic Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon Key to neighboring islands, providing panoramic views and a scenic drive or bike ride, making it just the most idyllic stopover on your journey right before the bustling scene at Key West’s Duval Street!

🏨 Looking for a place to stay in Key West? Take a look at the 11 Best Key West Adults-Only Hotels post!

The west coast route is a longer journey through Interstate-75, as compared to the east coast route.

It’s a total distance of about 520 miles and takes around 8 to 9 hours to complete in a single stretch.

However, the west coast route is much quieter than the US-1 route and takes you through some mesmerizing countryside panoramic views of Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades National Park before finally merging onto US-1 at Palm Springs North.

And for that reason, it is definitely worth it to break your journey in parts and experience the beauty of Florida along the way!

The major cities and towns on the west coast route of the Orlando to Key West road trip include Tampa, Clearwater, St Petersburg, Sarasota, Fort Meyers, and Naples.

The Orlando to Key West road trip from the west coast route takes you through easily driveable, well-signposted highways.

Most of this route also has all basic amenities like gas stations, EV charging stations, hotels, and even a few campgrounds along the way.

Another upside of taking the east coast route is that there are no tolls along the way – only beautiful scenery!

11 Fun Stops To Make Along The Way: Orlando To Key West Road Trip (West Coast Route)

Photo credit – Unsplash by Dan Dennis

1. Busch Gardens, Tampa

To start off your Orland to Key West road trip through the west coast, why not visit Busch Gardens Tampa?

With over 300 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the park offers a unique fusion of adrenaline-pumping rides and captivating animal exhibits.

Visitors can experience world-class roller coasters like SheiKra and Montu, all the while contributing to Busch Gardens’ commitment to conservation and education.

Exhibits like the Serengeti Plain allow guests to observe exotic animals like giraffes and zebras in a habitat mimicking their natural environment.

Whether seeking high-speed adventure or a close encounter with fascinating creatures, adults and children alike can enjoy the well-rounded and exhilarating experience of Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Book your Busch Gardens tickets here 👉 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission Ticket

2. Sawgrass Lake Park, St. Petersburg

On your next pit stop on this journey, consider Sawgrass Lake Park, situated in St. Petersburg .

This serene natural oasis invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Florida’s unique wetland ecosystem.

Spanning over 400 acres, with the expansive Sawgrass Lake as its centerpiece, the park is renowned for its sprawling sawgrass marshes, abundant wildlife, and diverse bird population.

An elevated boardwalk meanders through the heart of the park, offering a captivating opportunity to observe the intricate web of life that thrives in this pristine environment.

Whether birdwatching, hiking on nature trails, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, visitors can connect with nature and escape the bustle of urban life at this hidden gem of the Sunshine State.

3. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic and breathtaking feat of engineering that spans Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia in Florida.

Stretching over 4 miles in length, this cable-stayed bridge is renowned for its stunning architectural design and panoramic views.

While on your road trip, this bridge will be a captivating part of your journey, providing sweeping vistas of the bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the surrounding landscape!

4. Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve

Located on the Gulf Coast, Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve is a coastal gem encompassing over 24,000 acres of diverse marine and estuarine ecosystems.

This protected area, located 35 miles from Tampa , features lush mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and tidal flats, and is a vital habitat for various species of fish, birds, and other wildlife.

Boating, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching are popular activities here, making for an adventurous, yet education-filled experience!

5. Siesta Key

Siesta Key, nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a renowned tropical paradise celebrated for its pristine beaches, soft white quartz sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

This barrier island, located just southwest of Sarasota, offers a serene and idyllic escape for ocean lovers.

Siesta Beach has also been often proclaimed as the best beach in the United States.

Its powdery sand feels cool underfoot even on the sunniest days, making it a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and water sports.

The island’s charming village boasts a vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, and a variety of breakfast and dining options.

This is a great destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring its mangrove-lined waterways.

Nature preserves like Point of Rocks provide a glimpse into the area’s diverse ecosystem, while the Siesta Key Drum Circle captures the island’s laid-back and creative spirit, making it a great place to spend some time while on your Orlando to Key West journey through the west coast!

6. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates, located in Fort Myers, are a historical treasure that pays tribute to the ingenuity and creativity of two of America’s greatest inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

The estates encompass beautifully preserved homes, lush gardens, and a museum, offering a glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of these remarkable men.

Thomas Edison’s home, laboratory, and botanical research gardens reflect his innovative spirit and contributions to technology and science.

Henry Ford’s winter retreat, neighboring Edison’s estate, showcases his passion for invention and industry.

The estates provide an immersive experience, featuring a guided tour that delves into the inventors’ legacies and the era they lived in.

This is a great stop on your Key West road trip, for some inspiring travel back in time!

Photo credit – Unsplash by Drew Darby

7. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a tranquil haven celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and pristine beaches.

Renowned for its unique east-west orientation, Sanibel’s shores are a treasure trove of seashells, attracting beachcombers and collectors from around the world, especially to the famous Bowman’s Beach.

The island is a sanctuary for wildlife, with the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge providing a vital habitat for birds, reptiles, and marine life.

Nature enthusiasts will love its mangrove estuaries and wetlands through kayaking and wildlife watching.

For a peep in history, visit the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village offering a glimpse into the island’s past, while the Sanibel Lighthouse stands as a beacon of maritime history.

8. Tamiami Trail, Big Cypress National Park

The Tamiami Trail, a scenic highway connecting Tampa to Miami in Florida, traverses through the heart of the Big Cypress National Preserve, offering travelers a captivating journey through a unique and diverse wilderness.

This ecologically significant region encompasses over 700,000 acres of swamps, hardwood hammocks, and cypress forests, providing a vital habitat for an array of wildlife.

The Tamiami Trail is a gateway to the Big Cypress National Preserve which is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including elusive Florida panthers and wading birds.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the preserve through nature trails, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.

9. Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Park

The Ten Thousand Islands, a mesmerizing labyrinth of mangrove islands and waterways along Florida’s Gulf Coast, form a unique and enchanting natural wonder.

This sprawling expanse of estuaries, bays, and channels is a haven for biodiversity, harboring a rich tapestry of marine and avian life,  including wading birds, eagles, roseate spoonbills, and bottlenose dolphins and manatees, and thriving in its shallow waters.

Nestled within the Everglades ecosystem, the Ten Thousand Islands offer a glimpse into an unspoiled wilderness.

Exploring the Ten Thousand Islands reveals hidden coves, beautiful beaches, and serene water trails, accessible by kayak, canoe, or boat.

This is a great stop that absolutely must not be missed on your Orland to Key West journey through the west coast!

10. Bahia Honda State Park

Once you finally enter the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park should be your first stop!

This is one of the best state parks in Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, boasts some of the most picturesque with powdery white sand and vibrant turquoise blues in the region.

The historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, a remnant of the Overseas Railroad, adds a touch of nostalgia and also serves as a unique vantage point for the park’s panoramic views.

You can hike through nature trails, spotting native plants and wildlife, or engage in water sports and popular activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

This state park’s underwater wonders also make it a prime spot for water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving, revealing a vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and marine creatures.

11. Southernmost Point, Key West

Finally, when you arrive at your much-awaited destination, Key West, a visit to the southernmost point in the continental United States is a must.

This famous painted buoy, brightly adorned with colorful markings, perched just a mere 90 miles from Cuba, offers not only a geographical distinction but also a sense of connection to the broader Caribbean region.

Tourists flock to this spot to take photographs and soak in the panoramic views of the ocean.

So beware – this great place might be more crowded than you expected!

While the buoy itself is a popular attraction, the Southernmost Point is also surrounded by nearby attractions, shops, and restaurants adding to the lively atmosphere.

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: Things To Keep In Mind

The best time to visit Florida is during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Make sure to book your accommodations in advance , especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and water.

Allow plenty of time for great stops along the way. Having a flexible schedule is the way to go!

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands, so you’ll need to take a ferry to get to Key West.

The famous Overseas Highway is a scenic route that connects the Keys, but it can be slow-going due to the many bridges.

Orlando To Key West Road Trip: Frequently Asked Questions

Where should i stop between orlando and key west.

Traveling between Orlando and Key West offers a variety of great stops to break up the journey and explore different attractions along the way.

Some of these places that are worth checking out include West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Key Largo, and Marathon Key.

And once you are in the Keys, do not forget to try the iconic Key lime pie!

How Long Does It Take To Drive From Orlando To The Keys?

The driving distance from Orlando to Key West is approximately 400 miles along the west coast route.

On average, this drive can take around 6 to 8 hours if you are driving without any major stops.

Is It Worth Driving All The Way To Key West?

Driving all the way to Key West from Orlando can be a rewarding and memorable experience, and is definitely worth it because it offers scenic routes such as the famous Overseas Highway and unique stops at charming towns.

Other reasons to visit Key West include its decadent Key lime pie, sunsets over Mallory Square, and the iconic Duval Street!

Is The Drive To Key West Beautiful?

Yes, the drive from the sunshine state of mainland Florida to Key West is renowned for its exceptional beauty and unique charm.

The drive offers stunning coastal scenery, picturesque panoramic views, and the experience of traveling across a series of bridges and causeways that connect the islands of the Florida Keys.

You also have the opportunity to see the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico on either side.

Additionally, the drive is dotted with small towns, parks, and opportunities for sightseeing, making it more than just a means of transportation – it’s an experience in itself!

You may be interested in these related posts:

Key West Parasailing: 5 Best Tours!

The Best Shark Tours In Key West

Key West Kayaking Tours – 7 Highest Rated Tours!

Key Largo To Key West: 24 Amazing Stops Not To Be Missed!

Siesta Key To Key West: How To Get There & Stops To Make!

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The great Florida road trip from Orlando to Key West

• Post last modified: May 19, 2024

Take an Orlando to Key West road trip along the west coast of Florida and discover exactly why it’s called the “best coast”. Plunge into countless sugar-white beach destinations where the ambience is refreshingly laid back, an untamed Everglades home to bitey locals (be careful) and finally the unique island world of the Florida Keys.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

Route from Orlando to Key West

• Start: Orlando
• Clearwater Beach
• Sanibel Island
• Finish: Key West

• Total distance: 587 mi / 943 km
• Total driving time: 13 h

The pristine beaches of Florida’s west coast are calling your name, but be sure to savor the best of Orlando before you take off. There’s, in fact, much more than just theme parks to indulge in.

Enjoy massive Disney and Universal

Orlando’s biggest drawcards are its theme parks. Visit Disney World and Universal — which can keep you busy for week(s) — to take thrilling rides and meet your favorite characters.

Just Disney World, with 43 square miles, is as big as two Manhattan islands. Pick from four different theme parks within the huge complex: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.

Uncover Downtown Orlando and I-Drive

While Orlando is dedicated to theme park amusement, the city existed long before the theme parks. Enter historic Downtown Orlando to find Church Street Station, built in the late 1800s, lush Lake Eola Park and a wide range of atmospheric shops, eateries and bars.

For a flashing Florida-meets-Las Vegas take on a good time, head to International Drive. This is Orlando’s main entertainment strip lined by an abundance of quirky attractions and all the places to eat and drink you might need.

More info: Where to stay in Orlando

2. Clearwater Beach

• Driving distance:  118 mi / 189 km
• Driving time:  2.5 h

Clearwater Beach consistently wins the title as the best beach in Florida, and even so in the entire USA . Make it a stop on your Orlando to Key West road trip and quickly find out why.

Feel Clearwater’s prized sand between your toes

The sand on Clearwater Beach is not only sugar-white but also remarkably fine. That it is so very fine creates that special, wonderful crunch when you step on it and your feet push the sand together.

Add prime accessibility to the natural beauty. Clearwater Beach is edged by a boardwalk, making it easy to reach your favorite spot on the beach — an especially appreciated feature those hot and humid days.

Soak up the lively vibe at Pier 60

To reach Clearwater Beach’s center of activity, stroll the beach-hugging boardwalk until you get to Pier 60. Backed by sprawling resorts and low-key beach bars, it brilliantly extends 1,080 feet (329 m) into the Mexican Gulf.

The views and ambience peak as the sun dips low on the horizon. Sunset festivities, with street performers and musicians, is a nightly event in Clearwater that attracts visitors of all ages.

More info: Where to stay in Clearwater Beach

3. Sanibel Island

• Driving distance:  166 mi / 267 km
• Driving time:  3 h

Drive 3 hours south of Clearwater Beach and cross the Sanibel Causeway to change into a lower gear. Tranquil Sanibel Island prides itself as a destination where man and nature coexist frictionlessly.

Relax beneath Sanibel Lighthouse

While there’re no high rises on Sanibel Island, one structure on its eastern end shoots up high above the swaying palm trees: 98-foot (30 m) Sanibel Lighthouse. Made of iron, it has survived countless hurricanes since it was raised in 1884, representing Sanibel’s resilience.

Spread out a towel on the beach below the lighthouse and soak up some sun in front of Sanibel’s best backdrop. This is Lighthouse Beach Park, which also has a small pier and shaded picnic areas — perfect if you want to make a day out of it.

Mount an expedition into J.N. “Ding” Darling

Venture into J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to experience Sanibel Island’s miniature version of the gigantic Everglades. Here, undeveloped mangrove ecosystems teeming with wildlife, such as alligators, birds and manatees, await.

Take in the scenery as you leisurely cruise the 4-mile (6 km) Wildlife Drive, the sanctuary’s main thoroughfare. Stop at viewpoints along the way to zoom in on the best sights, possibly lacing up your hiking boots.

More info: Where to stay on Sanibel Island

Add Fort Myers: Living side by side with nature on Sanibel Island is a fantastic experience. But if you prefer a livelier time, consider stopping at Fort Myers Beach , just across the bridge, instead.

When you arrive in Naples , it’s time to embrace the finer things in life. This Southwest Florida city boasts fine shopping, gourmet dining and, maybe (you decide), the most picture-perfect beach on the entire Orlando to Key West itinerary.

Splurge on Fifth Avenue South

Glam, glam and glam — Naples holds some of the most exclusive addresses in the USA, and Fifth Avenue South is the very focal point of the extravagancy. Browse the latest fashion, hunt for sparkling jewelry or try the sophisticated food scene.

Sounds too expensive? Just strolling along the well-polished Fifth Avenue South, framed by palm trees and blooming flowers, is an experience in its own right.

Watch dolphins play at Naples Beach

Follow Fifth Avenue South all the way west to find Naples Beach. Visitors from all walks of life agree: Its white sand, fringing palm trees and crystal-clear blue water makes a gorgeous setting for lazy days under the Florida sun.

Throughout your visit, keep your camera ready; dolphins seem to like these waters as much as humans. Linger around for the sunset to see the sun set behind the fishing pier, first built in the 1880s but rebuilt several times.

More info: Where to stay in Naples

Recline on another beach: Marco Island , with an overwhelmingly wide beach, is another gem just 20 miles (32 km) south of Old Naples.

5. Everglades

• Driving distance:  87 mi / 140 km
• Driving time:  2 h

Crossing the state of Florida, you cut through majestic wetlands. Stop at Everglades National Park, encompassing more than 1.5 million acres, to marvel at Florida’s poster animal, the alligator.

Note: Huge Everglades has several visitor centers. Along this route, you pass in the vicinity of both Gulf Coast (west) and the Ernest Coe and Royal Palm duo (east). Detour 38 miles (61 km) from Ernest Coe (one way) to find remote Flamingo.

Journey on the Everglades’ waters

To really understand Everglades, you need to get out on the water. Choose from two different but as appreciated means of transportation:

Zip through the mangroves aboard an airboat with a captain that efficiently takes you to all the wildlife hotspots. Tours depart both from the Gulf Coast and Ernest Coe areas.

Or peacefully glide around the wetland’s ecosystems on a kayak or canoe. Excellent paddling trails are located both in the Gulf Coast and Flamingo areas of the Everglades.

Hike through the Everglades

Your own two feet can show you a lot of the Everglades.

There’s nothing not to like about the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) Anhinga Trail, starting at Royal Palm. Enjoy a paved trail surrounded by all from alligators to turtles to exotic birds.

While you’re there, explore the 0.4-mile (0.6 km) Gumbo Limbo Trail too. It’s also paved and twists through jungle-like vegetation including — you guessed it — gumbo limbo trees.

More info: Where to stay near Everglades

6. Islamorada

• Driving distance:  82 mi / 132 km

There’re roads, and then there’s the Overseas Highway, hopping from island to island for 113 miles (182 km) from mainland Florida’s southern tip to Key West. Along the way, Islamorada , a five-island community, lures you in with cool road trip stops and dreamy resorts.

Paddle to Indian Key

Paddle over to 11-acre Indian Key , half a mile from Lower Matecumbe Key, to inspect the remains of a thriving 1830s shipwrecking outpost, which used to have homes, warehouses, wharves, a store and a hotel. Today, almost all structures are gone, but interpretive signage and a few remaining ruins remind you of those past glory days.

Half of the fun is the marine wildlife: Scan the water for all from dolphins and sharks to manatees and rays on your way over and snorkel the coral reefs that fringe the island.

Feed hungry tarpons at Robbie’s

A Florida Keys institution, relaxed Robbie’s Marina gladly serves fresh seafood and cool beverages to all who pass by on the Overseas Highway. Before or after sitting down, pay a few dollars to feed the massive tarpons from the dock, an experience that never ceases to amaze.

More info: Where to stay in the Florida Keys

Tick, tick, tick:  Discover all the best things to do in Florida Keys (mileposts in north-south order are included).

7. Key West

• Driving distance:  81 mi / 130 km

Cruise the final stretch of the Overseas Highway to arrive at not just the end of the road but also the continental USA. Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West boasts endless summer and a wide array of delightful sights.

Learn about old times at the Ernest Hemingway Home

One of the most celebrated writers of all time, Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West during much of the 1930s. Step into the elegant Ernest Hemingway Home , hiding behind palm trees on Whitehead Street, to hear enchanting stories about him and life in Key West back then.

Cat lovers, unite! Adding a unique touch, descendants of Hemingway’s cats, many of which are six toed, roam the property to this day.

Celebrate on Duval Street

You made it to the end of the Orlando to Key West road trip. The perfect place to celebrate, Duval Street — Key West’s main drag, running from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean — is lined by atmospheric places to eat and drink. Be sure to stop by iconic Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the joint where Hemingway himself used to wet his throat.

Where to stay

Don’t think twice here: Stay in Old Town of Key West to enjoy walking distance to most of the major attractions.

• Opal Key Resort – Sunset mecca.
• Almond Tree Inn  – Heartwarming KW.
• Blue Marlin Motel  – On a budget.

More info: Where to stay in Key West

Road trip from Orlando to Key West FAQ

This ultimate Orlando to Key West road trip is 587 miles (943 km) long, taking 13 hours. Add extra time for the stops along the way.

For a shorter Orlando to Key West road trip, take the more direct Atlantic route, covering 393 miles (632 km) in about 7 hours.

Pause at Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Island, Naples, Everglades and Islamorada. Additionally, Fort Myers and Marco Island make fine stops.

Tick off countless sugar-white beaches between Orlando and Key West impress. Additionally, venture into the wilderness of the Everglades, loaded with opportunities for memorable adventures.

Although this drive can be taken over just a few days, we recommend allowing 10 days or more for maximum enjoyment.

Keep planning your Florida Keys trip

• Plunge into our favorite Florida Keys experiences
• Reserve one of the best Key West hotels
• Get excited by the many things to do in Key West

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Just love the west coast of Florida. Thanks for a great itinerary!

Thank you for stopping by. Happy travels!

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• SOUTH DAKOTA

Perfect Orlando to Key West drive for VIEWS! + camping 🌴 with Gulf Coast detour 🌴🐠 Florida Keys travel blog

So you want to make it an epic Florida road trip with a drive from Orlando to Key West!

It’s a road trip from Orlando to the Florida Keys !

How long is the drive from Orlando to Key West?

Driving directly, it might take around 6.5 hours of driving time from Orlando to Key West.

So, as a 6.5 hour drive, for many people it’s doable to drive from Orlando to Key West in one day if you’re looking to just go straight there.

But you can also just as easily take more than a few days to get to Key West too!

There are plenty of ways to spend your time depending on the overnight stops you might want to make!

• for women: hiking shorts | for men: hiking shorts
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• capris for women
• Easy-to-pack rain gear (instead of a proper rain jacket)

As you see on the map , the most direct route from Orlando to Key West basically goes straight south along the Atlantic coast.

But instead of following the Atlantic coast on the east side of Florida, the driving route below will first take you along the Gulf coast on the west side of Florida, which is a drive through Southwest Florida.

Southwest Florida has some of Florida’s most beautiful views!

And then the route will head back towards Miami and the Atlantic, and then down the Florida Keys to Key West.

For Florida road trip planning, you can basically split the Orlando to Key West driving route into several sections:

• Orlando to Tampa
• Tampa to Marco Island (Gulf coast of Southwest Florida)
• Marco Island to Miami ( Tamiami Trail and the Everglades across the south)
• Miami to Key West (Florida Keys!)

If you will be driving to Orlando from further north, then also be sure to see about more driving routes:

• Jacksonville to Orlando
• Northeast Florida: St John River ferry (with your car!)
• Florida Panhandle to Orlando
• Central Florida: Ocala National Forest (views!)
• Central Florida: Blue Spring State Park manatees (winter)
• Central Florida: Silver Springs State Park (“America’s largest spring”)
• back up north: Orlando to St Augustine

Below will show some ideas of stops you can make as you make the drive from Orlando to Key West taking the longer route!

• Key West full day ocean adventure (kayak, snorkel, sail!)
• Shark and wildlife viewing boat tour
• Everglades airboat tour (from Miami)
• Miami ATV tour
• 2 reef snorkeling tour (meeting spot in the Florida Keys: 1 to 1.5 hours from Miami)
• Search for a rash guard for men
• Water shoes for snorkeling if you won't be wearing fins, for shelling, or just generally for the beach!
• I always have a camera float attached to my phone case that I put around my wrist
• Travel-friendly turkish towel for the beach (lightweight compared to regular beach towels)
• For women: Teva walking sandals (one of the best sandal brands for the outdoors, perfect for lots of walking around outside)
• For men: Teva sandals
• Shelling scooper so you don't need to bend over so much to search for shells!
• For more ideas, do a search for swimming clothes !

There are a lot of videos below. If you can’t see them, you can watch the Florida Keys videos and more Florida outdoors videos on youtube.

What is there to see between Orlando and Key West?

1. Lake Louisa State Park

Lake Louisa State Park is a quiet Florida state park near Orlando, and there’s nothing really “must-do” here.

But if you want to get started on your drive to Key West via the Gulf coast without driving too far, you can get started with an overnight stay at Lake Louisa State Park!

There are Lake Louisa State Park cabins that overlook a lake which can make for an epic sunset that you can enjoy from your cabin porch! There might be a 2 night minimum to stay here.

Lake Louisa State Park is 30 minutes west of Orlando.

See more about planning your drive from Orlando to the Florida Keys:

• Things to do in Lake Louisa State Park
• Lake Louisa State Park cabins

Camping between Orlando and the Florida Keys:

• Lake Louisa State Park campground
• How to make reservations for Lake Louisa State Park

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an icon of Tampa Bay.

This isn’t really a stop to make, but a bridge to drive across!

If you’ve decided to take the Gulf coast detour route to Key West, then as you are leaving Orlando, it can be reasonable to set your route so that you drive across the Skyway Bridge!

Depending on what your first “real” stop along the gulf coast is, it might require a further detour, though.

And, there are a few rest areas around that you can stop at too in order to take in the views of Tampa Bay.

3. Siesta Key

Siesta Key is an island that you can stop by on your drive from Orlando to Key West if you’ll be taking the gulf coast detour, and it’s one of the most popular beach destinations in Florida.

It has been named one of the best beaches in America .

At one end of Siesta Key is the famous #1 beach that is Siesta Beach.

This is where you’ll find an amazing white sand beach with a wide stretch of sand.

On the other end of Siesta Key is the quieter end, and it’s where you’ll find Turtle Beach… along with the Turtle Beach campground! If you want to go camping on Siesta Key, the Turtle Beach campground is it!

There is a direct path from the campground to the beach, so your campsite will just be a few minutes walk from being able to see the amazing Gulf coast.

I also saw dolphins swimming along the shoreline from Turtle Beach!

You need to get lucky in order to find camping availability, as campsites get booked up pretty much as soon as they are available months in advance. But people do cancel.

• Best Lido Key beach
• Turtle Beach campground (Siesta Key)
• How to make reservations for Turtle Beach campground
• Oscar Scherer State Park campground
• How to make reservations for Oscar Scherer State Park

4. Myakka River State Park

You can make it a stop at Myakka River State Park if you’re looking for a pleasant nature stop with lots of green.

It can be a scenic drive through Myakka River State Park.

Myakka River State Park is also known for the canopy walk.

You’ll walk across a bridge that’s suspended in air, and then continue climbing the stairs up the tower for views above the trees.

There is also a spot in Myakka River State Park that’s known for alligator sightings.

When you come across the alligator bridge in Myakka River State Park , make a stop to see if you can spot some alligators!

Plus you might make some bird sightings when you are in Myakka River State Park!

• Myakka River State Park campground
• Cayo Costa State Park campground (ferry to get there!)
• How to make reservations for Florida state parks

5. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is known for its beaches.

But Sanibel Island isn’t just any beach stop.

Sanibel Island is known for having some of the best shelling in Florida .

And even more than that, Sanibel Island beaches are known for being the best beaches for shelling in all of the United States !

You can go to any of the beaches on Sanibel Island and you will find shells.

Along the shoreline, you can find tons of small shells, and the more you look, the greater your chances are for finding different types of shells!

To get you started, you likely will not be disappointed if you make Bowmans Beach your one and only Sanibel Island shelling beach to visit!

And there is also Captiva Island for shelling.

You can get from Sanibel Island to Captiva Island by driving across a small bridge.

Plus you might make some bird sightings!

The Sanibel Island beach parking fee is hourly. See current fees.

There is the Sanibel Causeway toll for driving the bridge to Sanibel Island.

And then once you pass that toll bridge, you are driving along the Sanibel Causeway to get to Sanibel Island.

You will soon see places that you can stop along the bridge.

You can make this a picnic stop or just stop to take in the views!

It’s a part of the Causeway Islands Park, and it’s located directly along the road.

• Best Sanibel Island shelling
• Best Captiva Island beaches
• Koreshan State Park campground

6. Marco Island

If you want to add in another beach stop on your way to Key West, then there is Marco Island that you can stop off at if you’re taking the gulf coast detour!

The 2 main public beaches on Marco Island are South Beach and Tigertail Beach.

You will probably have an easier time with parking at Tigertail Beach.

Tigertail Beach is known as the best shelling beach on Marco Island , although you can look for shells along any Marco Island beach.

It’s also known for the lagoon water crossing to get to the beach, although there is also an alternative walking route that is not so bad.

If you want to walk normally to the beach, you’ll want to park at the far end of the parking lot as far as you can drive, and then start walking from there.

Then, after a few minutes of walking, you see a wide expansive white sand beach of Marco Island!

It’s possible you might walk around 10 minutes from your parking spot to where you want to set up camp on the beach.

And if you will be staying an overnight on Marco Island, be sure to catch a Marco Island sunset!

• Best Marco Island beaches
• Best Marco Island shelling
• Collier-Seminole State Park campground
• How to make reservations for Collier-Seminole State Park

7. Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Park

The best way to experience the Ten Thousand Islands can be through a boat tour!

You can consider Everglades National Park to have the Gulf side and the Atlantic side.

On the Gulf side is where you will find the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

You will not actually be within the Everglades National Park boundary by going to this visitor center.

Instead, the way to experience this gulf coast side of Everglades National Park is by water.

You can do the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour that starts from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

You have a chance to see dolphins and manatees on an Everglades National Park boat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands.

You’ll want to book ahead as these boat tours can sell out. You can book through Everglades Florida Adventures .

8. Big Cypress National Preserve

One of the best places to see alligators in Florida is along the Tamiami Trail between Marco Island and Miami !

And the Tamiami Trail is where you’ll find the Big Cypress National Preserve.

There are several stops along the Tamiami Trail that you can make for a chance to see alligators. (Alligators are wild and there’s never any guarantee to see them, though!)

If you are looking to make just ONE stop with the best chance to see alligators, you will want to stop at the Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve!

The Oasis Visitor Center is one of the best places that I’ve seen tons of alligators in Florida.

The alligators are so close to the Tamiami Trail that you can actually see the cars driving along the Tamiami Trail as you are looking at the alligators!

So the alligators are pretty much laying right along the Tamiami Trail.

• Where are the alligators on Tamiami Trail?
• Midway Campground (Tamiami Trail)
• More Big Cypress National Preserve campgrounds
• How to make Big Cypress National Preserve camping reservations

9. Everglades National Park

Now for the Miami side of the Everglades.

All land-based activities in Everglades National Park that you can drive to are on the Miami side. (aka the best things to do in Everglades National Park are on the Miami side!)

One of the best places to see alligators in Florida is in Everglades National Park.

Everglades National Park is known for alligators , wetlands, and airboats .

You can experience all 3 with just one day in Everglades National Park !

You might even be able to experience all 3 with just a few hours.

But again, there’s no guarantee to see alligators!

As you continue your drive to Key West along Tamiami Trail, you will come across a turn-off for Shark Valley.

Shark Valley is one of the best places to see alligators in Everglades National Park by tram, by bike, or even by foot!

Then if you continue driving along Tamiami Trail, you will pass several spots where you can do an Everglades airboat tour .

One of the best places to see crocodiles in Florida is also Everglades National Park!

That will require quite a bit of a detour from going directly to Key West, as the spot to (maybe!) see crocodiles in an area called Flamingo in the Everglades that’s located pretty far out of the way.

• Things to do in Everglades National Park
• How to spend one day in Everglades National Park
• Where to see alligators in the Everglades
• Where to see crocodiles in the Everglades
• Flamingo campground (tent camping only in May 2022, RV camping to start in June 2022)
• Flamingo Everglades eco-tent camping
• Long Pine Key campground (tent camping, RV camping)
• How to make Everglades National Park camping reservations

After Everglades National Park, you can really be on your way to the Florida Keys, with Key Largo being the first major key!

Or, you can make a detour to Miami.

Depending on where you’re going after the Florida Keys, you may save Miami for your return back up north.

If you do decide to stop by Miami, then you likely won’t be disappointed by South Pointe !

• How to spend 2 hours at South Pointe in Miami Beach
• Oleta River State Park camping cabins

11. Florida Overseas Highway

And now you have made it to the Florida Keys!!!

The Florida Overseas Highway is the road that goes through the Florida Keys!

So by driving to Key West, you will be driving along the Florida Overseas Highway!

And yes, parts of the Overseas Highway are “overseas”!

You will be driving over many bridges that connect a bunch of the little islands (“keys”) in the Florida Keys!

The first major key is Key Largo, and you just keep driving the Overseas Highway to get to Key West!

The Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys is a Florida Scenic Highway and an All-American road as one of America’s byways!

So by driving in the Florida Keys, you will be driving a Florida Scenic Highway and All-American road!

Once you starting driving in the Florida Keys, it will basically be a drive from Key Largo to Key West.

Driving from Key Largo to Key West might take you around 2.5 hours.

One of the major icons along the way is the Seven Mile Bridge.

This isn’t necessarily a stop to make on your drive from Orlando to Key West, but it’s an icon of a Florida Keys drive!

If you are still not sure about driving all the way to Key West and you’re wondering how far south you should drive otherwise… your answer is a drive across the Seven Mile Bridge!

If you’ll be getting to the Seven Mile Bridge around sunset time, then Seven Mile Bridge can make for an epic Florida Keys sunset too!

You can find parking areas on either side of the bridge.

See more about planning your drive from Orlando to Key West:

• Key Largo to Key West

Camping near the Florida Overseas Highway

There are state parks in the Florida Keys that are located right off the Florida Overseas Highway that offer camping.

This includes tent camping and RV camping… and car camping, van camping, etc!

Finding open campsite availability at state park campgrounds in the Florida Keys is known to be (very) difficult.

State park campgrounds in the Florida Keys are often fully booked 11 months in advance when campsites open up for booking!

But don’t worry, not all hope is lost if you aren’t capable of planning that far in advance. (And even if you were, it’s also known to be difficult. Reports indicate campsites can get snatched up within the first 5 minutes… or less!)

If your Orlando to Key West road trip is just a few months, weeks, or even days away, cancellations do happen. You just have to get lucky and search for campgrounds immediately after someone cancels.

Your “luck” will increase the more you search, and the closer you are to your travel date.

Searching over and over (and over 😜) does really work. I spent 2 weeks camping in the Florida Keys in Florida state parks!

In case you are not able to find availability and/or you just want to get something booked, a good back-up campground near the Florida Keys can be Long Pine Key campground in Everglades National Park. This is just outside Homestead FL. I camped there for one night and the campground was practically empty when campgrounds in the Florida Keys were full.

I have found camping availability open up weeks away, days away, and even the day before. There was one day that I was looking for a campsite for the next night and ALL state park campgrounds in the Florida Keys had availability!!! (Decisions! Which to stay at?!)

So, while it’s not something to depend on, it’s something you can look for.

1 night stays will generally be easier to find than multi-night stays.

You will find the greatest difficulty in finding open campgrounds for Saturday nights.

Camping between Orlando and Key West:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park campground
• Long Key State Park campground
• Curry Hammock State Park campground
• Bahia Honda State Park campgrounds

12. Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is also along the way from Key Largo to Key West off of the Overseas Highway, but it gets a special mention!

So you now know that you need to drive as far as Seven Mile Bridge.

And since you have made it to Seven Mile Bridge, you can make Bahia Honda State Park your turnaround point if you decide you don’t want to go all the way to Key West!

It will be just a few minutes further.

Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the Florida Keys.

This is where you will find another icon of the Florida Keys, the Old Bahia Honda railway bridge. You can actually see the old bridge if you do continue your drive without stopping at Bahia Honda State Park.

You’ll see it as you continue your drive to Key West.

But if you do stop at Bahia Honda State Park, you can get a classic view of the old bridge.

And you can also get amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean!

There are also beaches in Bahia Honda State Park for swimming.

You can also try snorkeling in Bahia Honda State Park for a chance to see some underwater life.

Emphasis on CHANCE!

The fish are wild and they do what they want when they want!

That said, I did have some fun snorkeling experiences in Bahia Honda State Park!

Bahia Honda State Park also has picnic tables so it can make for perfect stop for a picnic with views!

There are kayak rentals at Bahia Honda State Park.

If you will be at Bahia Honda State Park for sunset, then this can also make for a sunset spot in the Florida Keys.

Bahia Honda State Park has a state park entry fee. This is around $8 per car. See current fees.

Bahia Honda State Park has 3 campgrounds.

Buttonwood Campground and the newly opened back up Sandspur Campground (previously closed due to hurricane damage) are for tent camping and RV camping.

Bayside Campground is for tent camping only.

All campgrounds have waterfront campsites… although not all campsites are waterfront!

There are also waterfront cabins in Bahia Honda State Park. (Again, good luck getting a reservation!)

• Things to do in Bahia Honda State Park
• Bahia Honda State Park snorkeling
• Looe Key snorkeling
• Bahia Honda State Park campgrounds (tent camping, RV camping)
• How to make Bahia Honda State Park camping reservations

13. Key West

And you’ve made it to Key West!!!

There are many different ways to see Key West.

To get you started, you can make Smathers Beach your first destination in Key West.

Smathers Beach is one of the best beaches in Key West, and it will give you the tropical vibes you’ve imagined!

You’ll also pass by mile marker 1 with a drive along the coast on your way!

Right in front of Smathers Beach is paid parking for $5 per hour. ($2.50 if you think you’ll be in and out in 30 minutes!)

Or if you don’t mind walking an extra 5 to 10 minutes, then further east (or “north”) you can find free parking. This is in the area of the mile marker 1.

Just be mindful of the parking signs! 

If you don’t see any “no parking” or “paid parking” signs, you can probably feel safe about parking there!

And then, you can continue the drive to mile marker 0!

You will also probably want to at least drive by the southernmost point of the continental United States .

If you want to park and take pictures here, then expect to wait in a line to take a picture with one of Key West’s most famous icons.

The Southernmost Point is a very touristy spot so you can expect crowds here in Key West.

Once again, there’s paid parking directly around the southernmost point. And once again, the paid parking near the southernmost point is $5 per hour.

Or if you don’t mind walking an extra 10 minutes, you might be able to find free parking if you’re lucky and/or it’s not too busy of a day!

To get you started on where you look for free parking, you can look on South Street beyond Duval Street in the direction that’s further away from the southernmost point.

For the visual on a map, look for the Southernmost Point Key West, and then locate South Street and Duval Street. ( map )

Then after you go to the southernmost point, you can leave the car behind and take the free Duval loop bus to see more of Key West without a car!

And then, once you’ve spent all the time that you want in Key West, you can start making your way back up north!

And then you can make a stop north of Orlando at one of the springs in Ocala National Forest  in Central Florida!

HAPPY DRIVING TO THE FLORIDA KEYS FROM ORLANDO!

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary (Best Stops!)

June 10, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

If you are looking for a guide to the ultimate Florida Keys road trip itinerary, we have you covered with all the best places to stop!

We have put together an epic itinerary for a road trip to Key West from Miami . Trust us when we say we have picked out the best stops along the way! We have you covered with activities, things to do, as well as hotel and tour suggestions!

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Key West!

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

• Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Eco Tour (Top pick!)
• Schooner Sunset Sail (2 hours)
• Reef Snorkel From Key West (Includes breakfast and mimosas)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great way to see the city)

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

• Margaritaville Beach House Key West (Modern mid-range)
• Blue Marlin Motel (Affordable in downtown)
• Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool)
• Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!)

You can make the trip your own by choosing stops that best fit your personal interests. Or if you want a personalized trip experience checkout our e-book for amazing personalized touches on the best stops! Take as little or as much time as you have. You can do a quick day trip if you don’t mind a quick-paced trip, a weekend get-a-way, or spend a week leisurely visiting all the stops linked below! 

To adventuring outdoors at state parks, to going offshore to visit Dry Tortugas national park, to snorkeling the only living US coral reef, to fun stops for families and adults like where you can spot the Key Deer or feed tarpon, to visiting Key West and all the best beaches along the way, trust us this itinerary for the best road trip to the Florida Keys that is action-packed!

Before you plan your trip, make sure to check out The Best Times To Visit The Keys where we break down each month and talk all things weather!

How long does the Florida Keys road trip take?

If you were to drive non-stop from Miami to Key West on your Florida Keys road trip the 165 miles journey would take you just over 3 hours. Meaning you can decide the perfect amount of time to spend on your Florida Keys drive from Miami!

How long should you take on your Florida Keys itinerary?

You could make it a day trip, a weekend trip, or a week-long trip! The choice is yours! We have put together a list of the best places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West. Stop at one, or stop at all, meaning you can put together your very own trip curated to your own interests and travel style.

OR take the guesswork out of your itinerary, and purchase our ebook that helps you plan your own trip, with unique itineraries and bonuses! You can purchase it here:   https://floridatrippers.com/florida-keys-itinerary-planning-ebook/

Best time of year to road trip the Florida Keys

Anytime! The average temperature year-round ranges from 73 to 83 degrees for the Florida Keys! And the sunshine state has an average of 270 sunny days a year, meaning there is no wrong time to plan a trip!

There are plenty of festivals throughout the year or head to the southernmost points of the US for the holidays! Just remember that hurricane season does run from June to November, meaning you might have to be a little flexible on your plans if a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards the Florida Keys or Miami!

Best stops on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary:

Downtown miami.

The first of our epic places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West is Downtown Miami . If you flew into MIA airport, this will be the perfect spot to explore, grab a bite to eat, visit a museum such as the Frost Museum of Science or Perez Art Museum or take a relaxing stroll along the water before heading south on your drive.

In this energy-filled town, you are sure to find plenty to explore, and perhaps take in an NBA or MLB game. If you are on a romantic getaway we have you covered with the best date nights in Miami as Miami is a city that comes alive after dark!

Biscayne Bay National Park

Who doesn’t love free Florida keys road trip stops? Biscayne Bay National Park is one of the best National parks in Florida , and it’s free to enter! On your second stop, we take you away from the busy city to explore nature. Visitors will be transported to the turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs found in this national park. Over 95% of this national park is covered by water!

The activities here range from guided eco-adventures, fishing, and boating to paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving the shipwrecks just offshore to just relaxing! While exploring, you can always take a  boat cruise  through the docks and sail over Biscayne Bay.

The Everglades, are the second National Park on this itinerary for the Florida Keys! We have a list of all the best things to do in the Everglades for those wanting to spend more time here!  At over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide countless activities and ways to explore this very unique ecosystem.

If you are up for an adventure, an airboat ride is a perfect way to see areas of the Everglades only seen by water. But there are plenty of biking and hiking trails ( or take a ranger-led tour) if you prefer to stay on land. Keep your eyes sharp the Everglades is a habitat for endangered and rare species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida panther.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp is one of the most magical of the Florida state parks and is located in the Key Largo at MM 102.5. This is a scuba divers’ dream destination for those driving in the Florida Keys and looking for a place to stop! It is actually the first undersea state park in the entire US!! It protects the only living reef in the United States, and as such is an underwater lovers’ paradise.

While here you can explore the over 70 nautical miles of beautiful coral reefs, hike along the pine trees, or snorkel along the mangroves and shoreline. We highly recommend this as one of the stops along with your Florida Keys Road Trip from Miami!! You can also book a glass bottom boat ride to see the tropical fish and the reef without having to get wet!

Key Largo is a great place to stop for the first day when road tripping the Florida Keys. There is so much to do here in Key Largo! Known as the “Dive Capital of the World,” you will find beautiful beaches with pristine waters. While it does in fact boast those things, there’s a whole island of adventure waiting for you at MM 102.

There are plenty of beaches to explore, an offshore shipwreck and coral reef, explore water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking or charter a boat for some fishing! Plus, there are tons of amazing restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood on your visit.

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in the Florida Keys! Windley Key State Park is a historic site that doubles as a geological area that is formed by fossilized Key Largo Limestone. The entrance fee is $2.50 a person is a perfect way to spend a full day or even just a few hours it makes for an inexpensive stop on a Florida Keys road trip! It is located at MM 85.5.

It is important to note that the park is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, but open Thursday through Monday. You can take one of the five self-guided tours throughout the quarry that Henry Flagler used to build his railroad or experience it at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

This is one of the best and most iconic stops on the famous Florida Overseas Highway!

Islamorada is located about 1.5 hours ( 79 miles) south of Miami at MM 88 and makes our list of the best small beach towns in Florida. The best part is that Islamorada is almost the halfway point between Miami and Key West!

There are six islands that make up Islamorada and are connected via US1. Known as the sports fishing capital of the world, there are also tons of amazing restaurants, gorgeous national parks, and tons of activities.

Make sure to check out some of the Best Islamorada Restaurants for your trip!

You can check out our full list of things to do in Islamorada here! From visiting the Theater of the sea to swimming with dolphins to a fishing charter, history of the diving museum, state, and national parks, and more!

Peak season is in December through May and the best part is you are surrounded by Gulf on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other! This is truly home to some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys!

Visit Robbie’s Waterfront to feed the tarpon

Robbie’s is probably one of the most well-known stops on your Key West road trip. Located at MM 77 to you can spend a few hours here enjoying lunch and then feed the school of over 100 massive tarpons for $2.50 per person. Kids and adults alive love to partake in feeding the fish and watching the seagulls try and catch the fish here. Fish buckets are $4.50.

The restaurant is open from 6:30 am for a sunrise breakfast until 9 pm for after dinner cocktails. Robbies also has a party boat fishing charter that leaves twice a day and includes everything you need for a fun day on the ocean. As well as sunset catamaran charters.

Dolphin Research Center

The Dolphin Research Center is located at MM 59 ( about 2 hours south of Miami), and has been providing sanctuaries to dolphins since 1984. The center’s mission is to promote education and communication between marine mammals and humans.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, admission is $28 for adults and $23 for children. Admission includes observing the dolphins and sea lions in training sessions and interacting with each other.

In addition to the educational experiences offered, you can book a dolphin encounter where you can get up close and personal with dolphins in the water. Or even paint with a dolphin experience or a VIP trainer for the day.

The Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is located at MM 48.5 in Marathon, Florida. Since 1986, the mission at the Turtle hospital has been to rehabilitate turtles and educate the public about turtles. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm tours run every 30 minutes.

If you love Marathon, make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Middle Keys!

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children. This is one of the educational Florida Keys road trip ideas. Over the 90-minute educational experience, you will watch a presentation on sea turtles, get a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, and finally the chance to feed the turtles.

Reservations can be made online!

Don’t forget to check out some of the best restaurants in Marathon Key!

Drive or walk the 7 Mile Bridge

When driving the Florida Keys the 7 Mile Bridge is located at MM 42 in Marathon. This is the bridge that connects the middle keys with the lower keys. For those who want to continue their road trip, you will have no choice but to drive over the new 7-Mile Bridge that was finished in 1982. IT is the longest bridge in the state of Florida.

But for those who want to get out stretch their legs, and smell the salty ocean breeze why not walk the old bridge or a portion of it? This bridge is important historically as it made a land route from Miami to Key West.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is one of our favorite places to stop on the way to Key West. Located at MM 37, about 30 miles north of Key West. We have put together an entire post on all the tips for visiting Bahia Honda . It was Henry Flagler who spent $30 million to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s that turned Bahia Honda State Park into a tropical paradise.

Make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Lower Keys in addition to Bahia Honda!

Bahia Honda State Park costs $8 per car to enter and is the place to stop if you love palm-lined beaches, clear water, and just activities like snorkeling, camping, and swimming at one of the three beaches from sunrise to sunset!

Although make sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays because it can reach capacity.

This is truly one of the Best Beaches In The Florida Keys and you must check it out!

National Key Deer Refuge

For those looking to get up close to the Key Deer only found in the lower keys, the National Key Deer Refuge is the place for you! What makes the key deer unique is that there are only about 800 left that can only be found on Big Pine Key . This small dog-like deer is only 2 ½ feet tall and weighs just 90 pounds.

This is a free activity to spend an hour or so, visiting the visitors center and learning all about the key deer. Established in 1957, at MM 30.5 it aims to protect species of animals such as the key deer and 20 other endangered species and plants.

Please note it is against the law to feed, touch, or hunt the key deer.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is the only stop on this Florida Keys road trip guide that is only accessible by private or  chartered boat tour ,  chartered seaplane  tour, or the  Yankee Freedom Ferry . 

If you want to add this stop to your Florida Keys road trip we highly recommend booking your dates as early as possible! The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven small islands 80 miles off the coast of Key West. Located in the Gulf of Mexico its iconic red brick Fort Jefferson transports visitors back in time. You will be in awe of how beautiful the water is, and how remote this national park truly is!

For those into camping and stargazing , this is your place! Just remember you must pack everything in and out with you! Check out  our guide  to avoid the big mistakes plus tips when visiting  Dry Tortugas National Park !

Key West is as far south as you can drive on this Florida Keys itinerary! At MM 0, you will find the southernmost point of the continental US! There are so many things to do here in Key West! Don’t let the party atmosphere scare you away from visiting. There are historical sights like Ernest Hemingway or Truman winter home, beaches, amazing restaurants , and plenty of activities to enjoy after the sun sets.

We have an entire post dedicated to the best tours in Key West from those craving adventure to laid-back food and walking tours!

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the hidden gems on this Florida keys driving itinerary. You will be mesmerized by the gorgeous blue water inviting you in for a swim or snorkel. Plus, the beach area is super instagrammable!

It is also the southernmost  state park  in the continental US and has our vote as one of the  best Florida Keys state parks! The cost to enter per car is $6.50 and is open from 8 am-5 pm daily.

Built in the 1840s, as a series of forts to protect the southern coast after the conflict of the War of 1812 and used during the Civil War and Spanish American War, it was named after US President Zachary Taylor.

Smathers Beach

The last stop on your Florida Keys driving guide is Smathers beach ! This gorgeous white sand beach is the best beach to go for those looking for real sand, as most beaches in Key West are pebble or rock. The imported white sand is the perfect place to relax and swim or snorkel in the water. All of the usual facilities are present here like parking and showers. 

The last stop on our Florida Keys road trip is the perfect place to relax and unwind before your drive back to Miami!

Where to stay on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

Key west marriott beachside.

For those looking to stay in Key West, we highly recommend staying at Key West Marriott Beachside , like we did on our last trip to the area! But have also put together a list of the best luxury hotels in Key West.

 The resort is located on the oceanfront with a large pool as the centerpiece of the resort. At the hotel’s marina, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Plus, there is a complimentary hotel shuttle downtown multiple times daily meaning you don’t have to bother with trying to find parking. This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In Key West!

Many of the balconies are oceanfront allowing you to relax and enjoy a sunset or ocean breeze from your town room!

Check Rates:  Booking.com

We give Bakers Cay resort in Key Largo a 10/10! Located just over an hour from Miami, this could be the perfect spot to spend your first night on your Florida Keys road trip! This cool and unique hotel features gorgeously appointed rooms with ocean views!

There are tons of activities that the resort provides including snorkel, boat, and dive tours! The property also features two large pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Resorts In The Florida Keys ! There are some really epic resorts featured for couples, families, and more.

Check Rates: Booking.co m

Cheeca Lodge and Spa

Cheeca Lodge and Spa is located in Islamorada, one of the cutest small towns in Florida! It is located 15 minutes from the local airport or just a 1.5-hour drive south of Miami. A stay here means relaxing in a lush tropical paradise surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean. This is truly one of the best luxury hotels in Florida!

The property features a golf course, restaurants, pools, sea kayaks and bicycles for guests to use, Camp Cheeca for children, and an ocean-front bar! The rooms here are luxurious with all the amenities one could want and balconies to enjoy the ocean view or golf and lagoon views.

Check Rates: booking.com

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Marathon is just over 2 hours (114 miles) from Miami making it the perfect place to stop for the night on your Florida Keys vacation itinerary. Don’t let the resort and yacht club scare you the property is reasonably priced averaging $230 a night!

The resort is on the water and features modern rooms, with a gorgeous pool and onsite restaurant. It is easy to spot by its historic lighthouse right on the bay.

Itineraries, Travel Tips and Tools

The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Orlando to Key West

19th September 2023

southernafro

You can follow two routes to get to Key West from Orlando : either US-1 on Florida’s east coast or Interstate-75 on its west coast. Both routes showcase the beauty of Florida’s coastline and allow you to visit some excellent towns, cities, and beaches. Bring paddleboards, kayaks, or jet skis.

Visit Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel, Bayside Marketplace, Luminary Hotel, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Sawgrass Lake Park and many more. In this article you will find our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Orlando and Key West. Be sure to check out the detailed route, where to stay and the best things to do along the way.

Planning the Trip

Table Of Contents

A. Best Time to Visit

March to May is the best time of year to visit Key West. In late March, Key West is at its best weather. Hotel prices start to drop from the end of February into March. The high season stretches from December through April. December through February are the coolest months of the year, with average highs in the mid-seventies. March and April feature pleasant mid-eighties temperatures, the best time to go to Key West. 

B. Duration of the Trip

Factors to consider for determining the trip duration.

• Time of the year
• Your travel bucket list
• Type of travel experience you want to have
• Travel companions

Suggested minimum and maximum time required

You can spend a week in Key West, but 3-4 days are optimal if you want to do it all and still have time to relax. Three days for a Key West weekend getaway requires one to pack a lot into each day if you want to hit all the popular attractions.

C. Mapping the Route

Various route options are available..

You can follow two different routes to get to Key West from Orlando: driving along either US-1 on Florida’s east coast or Interstate-75 on its west coast. The US-1 will take you all the way down to Key West on a route that covers a 400-mile distance and takes about 9 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

Compare and contrast different routes.

The US-1 covers less mileage than the Interstate-75. You will be driving through the bright lights of bustling cities. The Interstate-75 takes you to the western coastline of Florida, and across through the Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades National Park before joining up with the US-1 around Palm Springs North.

D. Necessary Permits and Documents

• All passengers 18 years or older should have valid photo identification, a driver’s license, or a passport to travel.
• Passengers under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Preparing for the Journey

A. vehicle maintenance, checklists for vehicle inspection and servicing.

• Quality auto coverage starts here
• Check your car’s battery
• Inspect belts and hoses
• Top off fluids and replace filters
• Verify lights and electrical equipment are working
• Check the brakes
• Inspect tires

Importance of having a reliable and road-worthy vehicle

Maintaining your car’s roadworthiness is for your safety and others on the road. It ensures its longevity and reliability. A roadworthy vehicle is less likely to break down or have mechanical failures while on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.

B. Packing Essentials

• Water shoes, flip flops, walking shoes
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Sun hat & sunglasses
• Packing Cubes
• Hand Sanitizer Spray
• Virtual Private Network 
• Cooling Towel
• Quick-Dry Travel Towel
• Essential items to pack for the road trip
• Clothing, accessories, and emergency supplies

C. Accommodation Options

Different types of accommodations along the way, recommendations for hotels, motels, and campgrounds.

• NYAH Key West
• Hampton Inn Key West
• DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key 
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park campground.
• Long Key State Park campground.
• Curry Hammock State Park campground.
• Bahia Honda State Park campgrounds.

D. Dining and Refreshments

Suggestions for dining options and local cuisine.

• The Surf Club Restaurant
• Blue Heaven
• Garbo’s Grill
• The Lobster Shack Key West

Exploring the Route

A. day 1: orlando to tampa.

There are Lake Louisa State Park cabins that overlook a lake for an epic sunset that you can enjoy from your cabin. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an icon of Tampa Bay, and this is a bridge to drive across. If you want to go camping on Siesta Key, the Turtle Beach campground is your next stop. You can be lucky to watch dolphins swimming along the shoreline from Turtle Beach. 

Camping availability is a hustle as campsites get booked up as soon as they are available months in advance. You can stop at Myakka River State Park for a pleasant nature stop with lots of green. There is the Sanibel Causeway toll for driving the bridge to Sanibel Island. For a better experience, tour around the Ten Thousand Islands through a boat tour.

B. Day 2: Tampa to Marco Island

Noteworthy sights on Marco Island include Tigertail Beach, South Marco Beach, Marriott Beach, Marco Beach, Hideaway Beach, Marco Island Ski & Watersports, Marco Island Marina, and Rose Marina. While on South Marco Beach, you can enjoy Jet-skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing.

C. Day 3: Marco Island to Miami

One of the best places to see alligators in Florida is along the Tamiami Trail between Marco Island and Miami. Make several stops along the Tamiami Trail for a chance to see alligators. The Oasis Visitor Center is the best place to see alligators in Florida. The alligators are so close to the Tamiami Trail that you can see the cars driving along the Tamiami Trail as you are looking at the alligators.

D. Day 4: Miami to Key West

All land-based activities in Everglades National Park that you can drive to are on the Miami side, and one of the best places to see alligators in Florida is in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park is known for alligators, wetlands, and airboats. The experience takes one day in Everglades National Park or just a few hours. However, there is no guarantee to see alligators. Try Flamingo Campground, Flamingo Everglades eco-tent camping, or Long Pine Key Campground. The Southernmost Point is a touristy spot, so expect crowds in Key West. You can make Smathers Beach your first destination in Key West. Smathers Beach is one of the best beaches in Key West with tropical vibes.

Key West Experience

A. popular tourist attractions.

• The Hemingway Home and Museum
• Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
• The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
• Dry Tortugas National Park 
• The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum 
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Park

B. Outdoor Activities

Recommendations for water sports, hiking, and biking.

• Cruiser / Path Biking 
• Kayaking 
• Paddleboarding 
• Snorkeling 
• Scuba Diving
• Road Biking
• Mountain Biking
• Electric Biking

Opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing

• Scuba diving

C. Nightlife and Entertainment

Key West is popular for its nightlife. Bar hopping on Duval Street is a natural pastime after sunset. It tends to be wilder with bars and nightclubs, while Upper Duval has a more sophisticated side with wine bars and cocktail dens like Grand Vin and Point Five. Key West features low-key pubs and high-energy dance clubs. Key West’s nightlife is filled with fun, cocktails, and music. There are endless bars, clubs, and music venues. 

Amongst the popular bars in Key West are the Irish Kevin’s, The Bull and Whistle, Rick’s Bar, Bourbon Street Pub, Aqua Nightclub, The Smallest Bar, Sidebar, The Tiki House, Virgilio’s, The Rum Bar, and The Sunset Pier. These bars offer a range of experiences, from live music and dancing to craft cocktails and beachfront views. These are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the unique nightlife of Key West. Live music can be found in the afternoon, at happy hour, late at night, on the street, and at the daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. There is also live music at Boondocks Grille, Captain Tony’s Saloon, Comedy Key West, General Horseplay, Green Parrot Bar, and Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon. Cultural events are celebrated through unique customs, celebrations, and architecture.  

Summary and Key Takeaways

In conclusion, the Orlando-Key West route is famous for its beaches, natural sceneries, and theme parks. Florida’s natural beauty is in state parks, islands, and beaches. Along the way, each city brings its flair to the trip. In between, there is Miami, Marco Island, and Tamba. This four-day trip is full of unique cuisines like Agora Mediterranean Kitchen, a beautifully decorated Turkish restaurant. Try to hit all the major sights and ensure you have the most out of your east coast experience. Each destination on this list will give you the best Florida experience behind the wheel of an RV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the driving distance from orlando to key west.

The driving distance is from Orlando to Key West 394 miles. 

How long does it take to drive from Orlando to Key West?

The drive from Orlando to Key West takes about 6 hr 36 minutes. It is a 394 mile journey. Consider planning your route in advance, factoring in rest stops, dining options, and potential detours to explore points of interest in the Florida Keys. Enjoy your trip to Key West!

Which is the best route to take for the road trip?

For a scenic road trip from Orlando to Key West, take coastal highway US 1. This route offers views of the Florida Keys and the Atlantic Ocean, passing through towns and crossing bridges with ample picturesque spots. Plan for a long drive with potential traffic delays, rest stops, and overnight stays if needed. Check for road closures or updates on US 1 before your trip. 

Are there any tolls along the way?

Yes, there are tolls along the drive from Orlando to Key West, particularly when taking Florida’s Turnpike. You would encounter tolls along Florida’s Turnpike as you make your way south. It’s advisable to check the most up-to-date toll information and payment options before your trip, as toll rates and routes can change over time. Additionally, consider using a SunPass or another electronic toll collection system to make the process smoother and more convenient.

Can I rent a car for the trip?

Yes, you can rent a car, but a one-way drive attracts a drop-off fee.

What are some recommended stops between Orlando and Key West?

You can stop at Lake Louisa State Park, Sanibel Island, Marco Island, Everglades National Park, Miami, Florida Overseas Highway, Bahia Honda State Park, and Key West.

What are the must-see attractions in Key West?

Key West offers a variety of must-see attractions:

• The Hemingway Home and Museum: Explore Ernest Hemingway’s former residence, a Spanish colonial-style house with lush gardens where he wrote. Meet descendants of his six-toed cats.
• Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.: Iconic concrete buoy marks the southernmost point. Great for photos and a symbol of Key West’s unique location.
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park : A Civil War-era fort with guided tours, rich military history, and a beautiful beach for swimming and picnicking.
• The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Walk among colorful butterflies and exotic birds in lush gardens. Peaceful and educational for all ages.
• Mallory Square: Join the lively atmosphere during the Sunset Celebration. Street performers, artists, and musicians gather as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.
• Duval Street: Key West’s vibrant main thoroughfare with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars. Hub of activity day and night, offering unique culture and nightlife.
• Key West Aquarium: Explore marine life native to the Florida Keys, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Educational and family-friendly.
• Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum: Delve into maritime history with artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including treasures from Spanish galleons.
• Audubon House and Tropical Gardens: Visit a beautifully restored 19th-century home, explore lush gardens, and learn about the island’s history through exhibits and tours.
• Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum: Climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views. The museum provides insight into maritime history and the lives of lighthouse keepers.

These attractions embody Key West’s charm, offering history, nature, and culture. Whether you’re into literary history, natural beauty, or vibrant street life, Key West has something for every traveler to enjoy.

What water activities are available in Key West?

Key West offers a variety of water activities for visitors:

• Fishing Charters: Key West is renowned for its fishing opportunities. Book charters for all skill levels, targeting tarpon, marlin, snapper, and grouper.
• Sailing Cruises: Enjoy stunning Key West waters with romantic sunset sails, family-friendly day cruises, or snorkeling adventures.
• Kayaking: Explore serene backwaters and mangrove forests. Rent kayaks or join guided tours for local insights.
• Scuba Diving: Key West is ideal for scuba diving. Clear waters teem with colorful reefs and marine life. Certified divers can explore wrecks.
• Snorkeling Tours: Non-divers can experience underwater beauty on guided snorkeling trips. Encounter tropical fish, coral, and sea turtles.
• Jet Skiing: Rent jet skis for thrilling coastal exploration or join guided tours for safe excitement.
• Parasailing: Soar above the ocean for breathtaking views of Key West. An adrenaline rush with a unique perspective.
• Paddleboarding: Rent paddleboards for relaxation and fitness. Explore calm shoreline waters or try SUP yoga.
• Dolphin Watching: Witness playful dolphins in their habitat. Tours offer an unforgettable experience for all ages.
• Sunset Cruises: End your day with a romantic sunset cruise, a perfect way to admire Key West’s famous sunsets from the water.

Remember to confirm availability, pricing, and any requirements with local operators. Key West offers water activities for every preference, from relaxation to adventure.

Are there any popular festivals or events in Key West?

Key West hosts a variety of festivals and events:

• Fantasy Fest: This late October week-long celebration includes elaborate costume parties, parades, and a vibrant street fair, highlighted by the imaginative Fantasy Fest Parade.
• Hemingway Days: In July, Key West honors author Ernest Hemingway with events like the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, literary readings, fishing tournaments, and Caribbean-themed parties.
• Goombay Festival : Held in October, this lively street fair celebrates Bahamian and African cultural heritage with parades, live music, Caribbean food, and arts and crafts stalls.
• Key West Pride: In June, Key West Pride celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with a lively parade down Duval Street, drag shows, pool parties, and LGBTQ+ friendly events, promoting diversity and unity.
• Key West Songwriters Festival : Held in May, this festival showcases talented songwriters from various genres, offering intimate live music experiences and opportunities to interact with the artists.
• Masquerade March and Costume Parade: Key West hosts various masquerade and costume-themed events, including the Pet Masquerade Costume Contest and the Masquerade March, fostering creativity and community spirit.

For the latest event details and dates, check the Key West official tourism website or local event listings. Enjoy the festivities!

What are some family-friendly activities in Key West?

Key West offers a range of family-friendly activities that will make your visit memorable. Here are some fantastic options:

• Parasailing Adventures: Soar high above the crystal-clear waters of Key West as a family. Parasailing offers breathtaking views of the island and the chance to spot marine life from the sky. Many local operators provide safe and thrilling experiences suitable for all ages.
• Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventures: Key West is home to a diverse array of marine life, and your family can embark on boat tours or excursions to observe sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of colorful fish. These tours often provide educational insights into the local ecosystem.
• Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum : Dive into the rich maritime history of Key West at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. This engaging museum showcases fascinating artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including treasures from Spanish galleons. It’s an excellent opportunity for both fun and learning.
• Beach Days: Key West boasts some beautiful family-friendly beaches like Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach . Spend a relaxing day building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying the warm Florida sunshine.
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Discover the enchanting world of butterflies and tropical birds at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Walking through lush gardens filled with colorful butterflies is a captivating experience for all ages.
• The Conch Tour Train : Hop on the Conch Tour Train, a guided excursion that takes you around Key West’s historic sites and landmarks. It’s an entertaining and educational way for families to explore the island’s rich culture and history.
• Key West Aquarium: Delve into the underwater world without getting wet at the Key West Aquarium. You’ll get up close with various marine species, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Interactive exhibits make it a hit with kids.
• Water Sports: Key West offers an array of water sports activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Many operators provide family-friendly options with experienced guides to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
• Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square : Wrap up your day with the famous Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. This nightly event features street performers, artisans, and breathtaking sunset views. It’s a festive atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.

Remember to check operating hours, age restrictions, and any other relevant details for these activities to plan your family’s Key West adventure seamlessly. Enjoy your time in this beautiful island paradise!

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Your Guide for a Memorable Orlando to Key West Drive

If you’re looking for an exciting road trip adventure, a drive from Orlando to Key West is the perfect choice. This journey offers a scenic and memorable experience as you explore Florida’s stunning coastline and visit captivating attractions along the way.

There are two main routes to consider for your Orlando to Key West drive : the East Coast route and the West Coast route . The East Coast route , although shorter, tends to have more traffic. On the other hand, the West Coast route is longer but offers less congestion, allowing you to enjoy a more leisurely drive.

The East Coast route takes you along Interstate 95 (I-95) and US Route 1 (US-1), passing through cities such as Fort Pierce, Key Largo, and Miami. This route allows you to explore vibrant cities, experience beautiful beaches, and discover cultural attractions along the way.

The West Coast route follows Interstate 75 (I-75) and provides breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. It passes through cities like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples, offering opportunities to visit charming towns, enjoy stunning beaches, and marvel at the natural wonders of the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether you choose the East Coast or West Coast route, it is recommended to plan your road trip over at least six days. This will give you enough time to fully enjoy the journey, explore the must-see attractions , and make the most of your Orlando to Key West drive .

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip, we’ve put together some tips for driving from Orlando to Key West . These tips will help you plan your itinerary, pack essentials, and make the most of your adventure. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Key Takeaways:

• There are two main routes for the Orlando to Key West drive : the East Coast route and the West Coast route.
• The East Coast route passes through Fort Pierce, Key Largo, and Miami, while the West Coast route goes through Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples.
• Plan your road trip over at least six days to fully enjoy the journey and explore the attractions along the way.
• Consider the best time to visit, which is between March and May when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
• Pack essential items like sun protection, water, layers for changing temperatures, and bug spray for Florida’s tropical climate.

Exploring Florida’s Coastline on the East Coast Route

The East Coast route of the Orlando to Key West drive offers a scenic and captivating journey along Florida’s picturesque coastline. Covering approximately 400 miles, this route takes travelers through vibrant cities, charming towns, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Starting in Orlando, the drive heads east towards Fort Pierce, where visitors can explore attractions like Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and experience the Coastal Hammock Trail’s serene beauty. As the journey continues south, the route passes through West Palm Beach, known for its lively downtown area, art galleries, and cultural scene.

One of the highlights of the East Coast route is Miami, a vibrant metropolis famous for its stunning beaches, eclectic nightlife, and cultural attractions such as the iconic art deco district and the vibrant Wynwood Walls. Along the way, travelers can also stop at the Canaveral National Seashore, a pristine stretch of coastline perfect for beach walks and birdwatching, or indulge in various water activities.

Exploring Florida’s East Coast route is an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural splendor. Whether it’s relaxing on beautiful beaches, immersing in art and culture, or discovering the diverse ecosystems, this scenic drive has something to offer for every traveler.

Must-See Stops on the East Coast Route

Table: Must-See Stops on the East Coast Route of the Orlando to Key West drive. Experience the beauty of Fort Pierce, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of West Palm Beach and Miami, and explore the natural wonders of Canaveral National Seashore.

Scenic Drive along the Gulf Coast on the West Coast Route

Embark on a picturesque journey as you drive along the Gulf Coast on the west coast route from Orlando to Key West. This route covers approximately 519 miles and offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. As you make your way through cities like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples, you’ll have the opportunity to explore charming towns, visit stunning beaches, and discover natural wonders.

Must-See Stops on the West Coast Route

One of the highlights of the west coast route is Tampa, a vibrant city filled with attractions. Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, visit the Florida Aquarium to marvel at marine life, and explore the city’s historic neighborhoods.

Continue your journey to Fort Myers, a coastal paradise known for its beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where you can explore the botanical gardens and learn about the inventive minds of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Lastly, make your way to Naples, a luxurious destination renowned for its upscale resorts and golf courses. Spend some time relaxing on the white-sand beaches or venture into the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve for an unforgettable outdoor adventure .

Attractions on the West Coast Route

While driving along the west coast route, there are numerous attractions to discover. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, you’ll find something for everyone. Take a moment to explore the Big Cypress National Preserve, home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Marvel at the vastness of the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique ecosystem.

If you’re a history enthusiast, make sure to visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. These well-preserved estates offer a glimpse into the lives of two of America’s most visionary inventors.

As you continue your journey, don’t forget to indulge in the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Naples, with its pristine beaches and azure waters, provides the perfect setting for relaxation. Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico or simply unwind as you soak up the sun’s rays.

Scenic Drive along the West Coast Route

The west coast route offers a scenic drive along the Gulf of Mexico, with stunning views at every turn. As you cruise along the coast, you’ll be treated to picturesque landscapes, including palm trees swaying in the breeze and crystal-clear waters glistening in the sunlight. Take your time to enjoy the journey and make frequent stops to capture the beauty of the Gulf Coast on camera.

Must-See Attractions on the Orlando to Key West Drive

The Orlando to Key West drive is filled with must-see attractions and scenic spots that will make your road trip unforgettable. Whether you choose the East Coast route or the West Coast route, there are plenty of highlights along the way that are worth exploring.

Starting in Orlando, you can’t miss the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Florida. These theme parks offer endless entertainment and fun for the whole family. Another must-visit attraction in the area is the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, where you can learn about the history of space exploration and even witness a rocket launch if you’re lucky.

As you make your way along the East Coast route, be sure to stop by Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches and go hiking or biking on the Coastal Hammock Trail. If you’re a nature lover, the Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce is a must-see with its stunning collection of tropical plants and flowers.

Continuing south, Key Largo is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Explore the stunning coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and get up close and personal with colorful marine life. Finally, in Key West, don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where you can learn about the famous writer’s life and see the descendants of his beloved six-toed cats. Mallory Square is also a must-visit spot to catch a breathtaking sunset and enjoy street performers.

With so many must-see attractions along the Orlando to Key West drive, you’ll have a memorable road trip filled with fun, adventure, and breathtaking sights. Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff, there’s something for everyone on this exciting journey through Florida’s coastline.

Tips for a Smooth Orlando to Key West Road Trip

Planning a road trip from Orlando to Key West ? Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:

1. Make Campsite Reservations in Advance

Florida is a popular destination for camping, especially during the winter months. To secure a spot at your preferred campground, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance. This will save you the hassle of finding available campsites and allow you to relax and enjoy your stay.

2. Pack the Essentials

When embarking on an Orlando to Key West road trip, it’s important to pack the essentials. Sun protection, such as sunscreen and hats, is a must to shield yourself from Florida’s tropical climate. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your journey. Layers of clothing are also advisable, as temperatures can fluctuate. Additionally, bug spray will come in handy to protect against pesky insects.

3. Ensure You Have Navigational Tools

Before hitting the road, ensure that you have the necessary navigational tools. A fully charged phone with a car charger is essential for staying connected and using navigation apps. It’s also a good idea to have a backup map in case of any technological hiccups. Portable chargers are handy for charging devices on the go, providing peace of mind during your road trip.

4. Consider Renting a Campervan

For a truly immersive and convenient experience, consider renting a campervan for your Orlando to Key West road trip. A campervan provides flexibility, allowing you to travel at your own pace and have all the necessary amenities at your fingertips. With a well-equipped kitchen, you can save money on meals and have the freedom to cook your own delicious dishes.

5. Plan Your Itinerary

To make the most of your road trip, it’s recommended to plan your itinerary in advance. Research the must-see attractions and scenic spots along the way, and allocate time for exploration and relaxation. Having a well-thought-out itinerary will help you maximize your time and ensure that you don’t miss out on any memorable experiences.

6. Optimal Time for the Road Trip

The optimal time for an Orlando to Key West road trip is between March and May. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. You’ll have a better chance of enjoying the beaches, attractions, and natural wonders without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and memorable road trip from Orlando to Key West . So buckle up, hit the road, and get ready to create unforgettable memories along the way.

After exploring the options and highlights of the Orlando to Key West drive, it is clear that this road trip offers a truly memorable experience through Florida’s beautiful coastline. Whether you choose the East Coast route or the West Coast route, there are plenty of attractions and natural wonders to discover along the way.

By planning your road trip over several days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore vibrant cities, scenic highways, and charming towns. The East Coast route takes you through Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach, and Miami, while the West Coast route offers stunning views of the Gulf Coast and takes you through Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples.

As you embark on this adventure, remember to make campsite reservations in advance, pack essential items for Florida’s tropical climate, and ensure you have important navigational tools. Take the time to visit must-see attractions like the Kennedy Space Center, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West.

In conclusion, the Orlando to Key West drive is a road trip that should not be missed. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, or simply a chance to unwind and enjoy the stunning beaches, this journey promises to be unforgettable. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Source Links

• https://alwaysontheshore.com/orlando-to-key-west-road-trip/
• https://lazytrips.com/trip/road-trip-from-orlando-to-key-west
• https://www.escapecampervans.com/itineraries/orlando-key-west-road-trip/

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Orlando to Key West: the very best of Florida

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If you're looking for a great road trip in Florida, why not head south and explore the scenic route from Orlando to Key West? This drive takes you along the famous Overseas Highway, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the opportunity to visit charming towns along the way. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what you can expect on this road trip, from the best route to take to the top attractions and hidden gems along the way.

The Best Route to Take on Your Orlando-Key West Road Trip

The best route to take on your Orlando-Key West road trip is straight down the Florida Turnpike to the north end of the Florida Keys. From there, you can take the Overseas Highway (US 1) all the way to Key West. This drive offers spectacular scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore small towns, beaches, and other attractions along the way.

One of the must-see attractions along the way is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo. This park is home to the only living coral reef in the continental United States and offers visitors the chance to snorkel, scuba dive, and take glass-bottom boat tours to see the colorful marine life.

Another great stop on your road trip is the Bahia Honda State Park, located on Bahia Honda Key. This park boasts some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and even camp overnight in the park's campsites.

What to Pack for Your Orlando-Key West Road Trip

When packing for your Orlando-Key West road trip, keep in mind that you'll be visiting a variety of different locations and climates. You'll want to bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and bug spray, as well as plenty of snacks and water for the car. Don't forget to bring your camera and a sense of adventure!

Additionally, if you plan on visiting any of the beaches along the way, it's a good idea to pack a beach bag with towels, swimsuits, and beach toys. If you're interested in exploring the local cuisine, consider bringing a cooler to store any fresh seafood or produce you may come across. And if you're traveling with kids, be sure to pack some entertainment for the car ride, such as books, games, or movies.

Must-See Attractions on Your Road Trip from Orlando to Key West

There are many must-see attractions on your road trip from Orlando to Key West. Some of the highlights include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, the Seven Mile Bridge which offers breathtaking views of the ocean, and the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District in Islamorada, where you can browse local art galleries and shops. Other recommended stops include the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

Another great stop on your road trip is the Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West. This remote park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, but it's worth the journey to see the historic Fort Jefferson and the crystal-clear waters surrounding the park's seven small islands.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, make sure to stop at the Square Grouper Bar and Grill in Cudjoe Key. This waterfront restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and live music, and it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Most Scenic Stops Along the Way

There are many scenic stops to make along the way on your Orlando-Key West road trip. Some of the most beautiful include Bahia Honda State Park, which features a stunning beach and clear blue water, and the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, where you can observe dolphins up close. Other recommended stops include the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key and the Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum.

Another must-see stop on your Orlando-Key West road trip is the Seven Mile Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding islands. This iconic bridge is one of the longest in the world and is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing.

If you're interested in history, be sure to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West. This beautiful property was once the home of the famous author and is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. You can take a guided tour of the house and gardens and see the descendants of Hemingway's beloved six-toed cats.

Top Restaurants to Visit on Your Orlando-Key West Road Trip

Florida is known for its delicious seafood, and there are plenty of top restaurants to visit on your Orlando-Key West road trip. Some of the most popular include the Hogfish Bar and Grill in Stock Island, known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere, the Square Grouper Bar and Grill in Cudjoe Key, which offers live music and a beautiful outdoor dining area, and Blue Heaven in Key West, which is known for its unique atmosphere and delicious brunch options.

Another great restaurant to visit on your road trip is the Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West. This restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, including their famous conch fritters and lobster bisque. They also have a great selection of cocktails and a beautiful waterfront view.

If you're looking for something a little different, check out the Cuban Coffee Queen in Key West. This small, colorful cafe serves up delicious Cuban coffee and sandwiches, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch on the go. They also have a great selection of smoothies and fresh juices.

The Best Beaches to Explore on Your Journey

There are many beautiful beaches to explore on your Orlando-Key West road trip. Some of the best include Bahia Honda State Park, which offers stunning views of the ocean and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and swimming, and Smathers Beach in Key West, known for its soft sand and crystal-clear water. Other recommended beaches include Sombrero Beach in Marathon and Anne’s Beach in Islamorada.

If you're looking for a more secluded beach experience, consider visiting Long Key State Park. This beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and untouched natural beauty. Another great option is Higgs Beach, which is located near the famous Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This beach offers a unique blend of history and relaxation, with its historic pier and beautiful views of the ocean.

For those interested in water sports, Cocoa Beach is a must-visit destination. This beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and is home to several surf schools and rental shops. Additionally, Clearwater Beach is a popular spot for jet skiing, parasailing, and other water activities. With its white sand and clear blue water, it's no wonder why this beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Tips for Driving the Overseas Highway in Florida

When driving the Overseas Highway in Florida, be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. This drive can be slow at times, so leave plenty of time to reach your destination. Also, be sure to watch out for wildlife along the way, especially if you're driving at night. Finally, be sure to keep an eye on the weather, as storms can appear quickly in this part of the state.

One additional tip for driving the Overseas Highway in Florida is to plan your stops ahead of time. There are many beautiful beaches, parks, and attractions along the way, so it's worth taking some time to explore. Some popular stops include Bahia Honda State Park, the Dolphin Research Center, and the Turtle Hospital. By planning your stops ahead of time, you can make the most of your drive and create unforgettable memories.

How to Budget for Your Orlando-Key West Road Trip

When planning your Orlando-Key West road trip, be sure to budget for expenses like gas, food, and accommodations. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available, from roadside motels to vacation rentals. You can save money on food by packing your own snacks and stopping at local grocery stores along the way.

Another important factor to consider when budgeting for your Orlando-Key West road trip is the cost of activities and attractions. While there are many free things to do along the way, such as visiting state parks and beaches, there are also popular paid attractions like theme parks and museums. Research ahead of time to determine which activities you want to participate in and how much they will cost. You may also be able to find discounts or coupons online or through travel guides.

Where to Stay Along the Way: Accommodation Options on Your Road Trip

There are plenty of accommodation options available along the way on your Orlando-Key West road trip. Some of the most popular include the Cheeca Lodge and Spa in Islamorada, which offers luxurious amenities and beautiful ocean views, and the Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West, which is located right on the beach. Other recommended options include the Blue Marlin Motel in Marathon and the Banyan Resort in Key West.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at one of the many campgrounds along the route. The Long Key State Park and Bahia Honda State Park both offer campsites with stunning views of the ocean and easy access to hiking trails and water activities. Another option is to book a room at one of the many chain hotels located in the larger towns along the way, such as the Holiday Inn Express or the Hampton Inn.

Safety Tips for Driving from Orlando to Key West

When driving from Orlando to Key West, it's important to follow basic safety tips like wearing your seatbelt and obeying traffic laws. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the roads, especially in rural areas, and be sure to take regular breaks to stretch your legs and stay fresh. Finally, be sure to keep an eye on the weather, especially during hurricane season.

Another important safety tip is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on the journey. Check your brakes, tires, and fluids to ensure they are all in good working order. It's also a good idea to have a spare tire and necessary tools in case of an emergency.

Additionally, it's important to plan your route ahead of time and be aware of any potential road closures or construction. This can help you avoid unexpected delays and ensure a smoother, safer journey. Consider using a GPS or map to help navigate the route and stay on track.

Making the Most of Your Time in Key West: Things to Do and See

Once you arrive in Key West, there are plenty of things to do and see. Some of the highlights include visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, exploring the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and taking a sunset sail on a catamaran. You can also visit the Southernmost Point marker and snap a photo to commemorate your trip.

Another must-see attraction in Key West is the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, which showcases artifacts and treasures from shipwrecks in the area. You can also take a tour of the historic Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, which offers stunning views of the island from the top.

If you're looking for outdoor activities, you can rent a bike or scooter to explore the island, or take a kayaking tour through the mangroves. For a more relaxing experience, head to one of the many beaches in Key West, such as Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach, and soak up the sun and sea breeze.

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Stops on Your Orlando-Key West Road Trip

One of the joys of a road trip is discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path stops along the way. Some of our favorites on the Orlando-Key West road trip include the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, where you can swim with dolphins and sea lions, and the Robbies Marina in Islamorada, where you can feed the tarpon. Other recommended stops include the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center in Marathon and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West.

But there are also lesser-known stops that are worth checking out. For example, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the hospital's efforts to protect these endangered creatures. Another hidden gem is the Bahia Honda State Park, which boasts some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys and offers opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. Don't forget to also stop by the historic Seven Mile Bridge, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding islands.

How to Capture Stunning Photos of Your Adventure

To capture stunning photos of your Orlando-Key West road trip, be sure to bring a quality camera or smartphone with a good camera. Look for opportunities to snap photos of the ocean, small towns, and wildlife along the way. You can also capture unique shots by taking advantage of the colorful Key West architecture. Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different angles and perspectives.

Planning a Family-Friendly Orlando-Key West Road Trip

If you're planning a family-friendly Orlando-Key West road trip, be sure to take your children's interests into account when planning your itinerary. Look for attractions like the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which offer fun and educational experiences for children of all ages. You can also plan outdoor activities like snorkeling and swimming at one of the many family-friendly beaches along the way.

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your Orlando-Key West road trip. This drive offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty and charm of Florida, and we hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip!

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Sipping coffee & chasing dreams, driving to key west: a road trip in the florida keys.

Driving to Key West is a sun-filled, top-down, only-in-Florida kind of road trip. Just remember when you’re road tripping through the Florida Keys, that it is about the journey rather than the destination.  Yes, there is plenty to see in Key West, the end of the line for a Florida Keys road trip, but half the fun is getting there.  

Driving to Key West should be a series of stops in whichever Key grabs your fancy, eating huge amounts of key lime pie, photo ops, and listening to your favorite road trip music.

Where to Start Your Road Trip to Key West

My hubby and I just finished a road trip from Orlando to Key West.  We stayed two nights in Islamorada and spent one full day driving to Key West.  We also stopped in  Miami and spent a fun-filled day  there before heading back to Orlando to catch our flight home.

I recommend spending at least one night in the Florida Keys and giving yourself one full day to drive to Key West. Here are some examples of non-stop drive times to Key West:

• Orlando to Key West ~  6 ½ hours
• Miami to Key West ~ 3 ½ hours
• Key Largo to Key West ~ 2 hours
• Marathon to Key West ~ 1 hour

It's About the Journey, Not the Destination

This should be a relaxed road trip, with lots of time for stopping whenever it strikes your fancy, and extra time to spend sightseeing in Key West. I mean, you’ve taken the time to drive all the way there, might as well spend a couple of hours before returning to the car and starting the adventure in reverse.

Driving to Key West is not a trip of speed. US Hwy 1 is a mostly two-lane highway with lots of traffic.  So you shouldn’t take this trip thinking you’ll speed all the way to Key West. It’s not going to happen.  Enjoy the journey.

I’ll cover things to do in the Florida Keys, places to eat, and where to find the best key lime pie .  Now put the top down or crank up the a.c. and let’s hit the road!

Top Things to Do On Your Drive to Key West

Americana photo ops.

This is one thing I love to do when taking a road trip in the U.S.! Stop and see the world’s largest ball of yarn, or a giant talking cow, these are a part of the quintessential American road trip.  The Florida Keys have lots of fun ones like this giant crab at the Rain Barrel Artisans Village in Islamorada. Keep a lookout, and you’ll see a billboard-sized mermaid, a large conch shell, and other fun stops to take photos of when driving to Key West.

Stop at a Park and Enjoy Some Beach Time

Although the Florida Keys aren’t known for their traditional beaches, you can still find a sandy shore or two to walk along the water, rent kayaks, snorkel the reefs or even go for a swim if you can find a spot deep enough.

Due to the reef system that protects the Florida Keys, it prevents the large waves from coming in and creating the large sandy beaches most people are accustomed to finding.  Sand is often brought in to develop man-made beaches in the Keys. This barrier of protection also creates a shallow bottom, but there are some areas you can still go for a swim or wade out for deeper waters.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and also bring water shoes if you have them as the shoreline can be rocky due to the reef system that makes up the Florida Keys.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Bahia State Park are two great choices when looking for a park to spend some time by the water in the Florida Keys.  

Another beach that makes a great place to go for a swim is Sombrero Beach in Marathon. The park has been completely renovated and is a beautiful park to spend the day snorkeling and swimming. It has bathrooms, showers, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a lovely beach area for sunbathing and relaxing.

If you prefer, you can always save the beach time for your ride back through the Keys after visiting Key West.

Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada

Stop at Robbie’s on your drive to Key West and create some fun memories feeding the giant silver tarpon. It costs $2.25 to gain access to the feeding dock. You can buy a bucket of fish for $4.00 to feed the tarpon, or you can watch others feed the fish from the pier.  Visit  Robbie’s to watch a video  of what it’s like to feed a tarpon.

Robbie’s address:  77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Walk along the old 7  Mile Bridge. 

Stop on Little Duck Key (yeah that made me smile too) at the parking lot for the boat launch and old 7 Mile Bridge near mile marker 40. The old 7 Mile Bridge is now a pedestrian walkway, and it runs parallel to the new 7 Mile Bridge. Walk along it and enjoy some beautiful views of Little Money Key.  Take time to watch people fishing, look for starfish, sea turtles, and to spot fish swimming below. Enjoy a stroll in the sun in a unique setting you probably won’t find anywhere else.  

Visit the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key

If you love dolphins, then consider stopping at the Dolphin Research Center and learn about the dolphins they have rescued and the rehabilitation efforts of the facility.  You can also book a dolphin encounter and get in the water with the dolphin.  Depending on your interest level or program you want to do, you’ll need to book in advance and plan for a few hours here.  So keep that in mind if you only have one day to drive through the Florida Keys.

General Admission Fees: $28 for adults and $23 for kids. Program fees vary with each program you choose.  Visit the  Dolphin Research Center  to learn more about all the plans they have to offer and to book your experience.

Dolphin Research Center address : 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050

Eat Key Lime Pie at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe

You’ve finally made it to Key West! Your drive to Key West has been a full one so far,  why not congratulate yourself with some key lime pie for a trip well done, or whatever reason you can create to tell yourself its okay to eat another piece of key lime pie.

I tried key lime pie from breakfast to dinner during my day in the Florida Keys, and Kermit’s was one of the best pieces of pie I ate!  You can read all abut the amazing key lime pie I ate, plus an unexpected, but delicious key lime creation that was a favorite of mine on Where to Find the Best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys .

Visit Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West

Take a glance into the life of this famous American writer. Enjoy a break from the sun inside the air-conditioned house of what was Ernest Hemingway’s former residence. Hemingway lived here from 1931 to 1939. 

The house is full of memorabilia from the many movies inspired by Hemingway’s books as well as his original possessions. One of his typewriters, books he owned and you can peer into his writer’s studio, his own space to create his masterpieces. 

You can wander around the grounds as well. Look at the refreshing swimming pool, but don’t give in to its call to jump in. The grounds around the house offer lots of shaded spots for sitting and thinking. There is also a bookstore on the backside of the house where you can purchase souvenirs.

General Admission is $14 for adults and $6 for children. It’s important to note that they don’t accept credit cards for tickets. They do, however, have an ATM by the bookstore in case you need to get some cash for payment. There is also an optional 30-minute guided tour included in the price of general admission.

Address:  907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

Hike to the top of the Key West Lighthouse

Across the street from Ernest Hemingway’s house is the Key West Lighthouse. You can climb the 88 stairs to the top to get a bird’s eye view of Key West.  This historic lighthouse was built in 1848 and was one of the first to have a woman as its Keeper.  You will have a chance to tour the lighthouse as well as the Keeper’s Quarters and learn a little more about the history of the Key West Lighthouse.

General Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids. Address:  938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

Walk Around Old Town Key West

Enjoy walking around town, shopping at the small boutique shops, and admiring the beautiful buildings in Old Town Key West. You can start at Mallory Square and walk down Duval Street to the Southernmost Point. Stop by the historic cemetery or visit Mile Marker Zero.  Old Town is a fun area to park the car and spend your time on foot.

Tour the Truman Little White House

Get a chance to see where President Harry S. Truman spent his winters. It seems like a pretty excellent alternative to winter in Washington D.C.! Learn more about this historic house and its use since constructed by the U.S. Navy in 1890.

General Admission is $21.45 for adults and $10.75 for kids. If you  purchase your ticket online , you can save a couple of dollars.

Address:  111 Front St, Key West, FL 33040

Stop at the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S.

The Drive Back Thru the Florida Keys

If you didn’t get a chance to spend some time on the water, now would be an excellent time to visit one of those parks I mentioned earlier.  It’s also a good time to grab some more key lime pie and decide where to watch the sunset.

Watch the Sunset

Wherever you happen to be in the Florida Keys, make sure to enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset. Here are a few options for places to watch the sunset either in Key West or on your drive back.

• Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille (at the Galleon Resort): 617 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
• Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036
• Sundowners: 103900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Places to Eat When Driving to Key West

Coffee & Breakfast:

• Midway Cafe & Coffee Bar Address:  80499 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
• Harriette’s Restaurant Address: 95710 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Lunch Spots:

• Twisted Shrimp Address: 87745 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
• Caroline’s Cafe Address: 310 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Dinner Options:

• Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar Address: 96 Madeira Rd, Islamorada, FL 33036
• Hobo’s Cafe Address:  101691 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
• Santiago’s Bodega Address: 7305, 207 Petronia St #101, Key West, FL 33040

Things to Do if You Have More Than One Day

• Visit  Dry Tortugas National Park
• Take a snorkel or kayak tour AquaVentures Eco Tours  in Marathon is a popular choice or  Danger Charters  in Key West.
• Visit  Everglades National Park
• Book a  private airboat tour
• Charter a fishing boat  from Marathon

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys

You have so many choices for where to stay.  I’d pick one based on where you’re traveling to next.  Marathon is an excellent choice for a Key close to Key West, but outside the busy Key West party scene.  Islamorada was a great stop for us as we were heading to Miami the next day, so it was a good midway point. If you want choices galore and don’t mind driving the full length of the Florida Keys in one day, then you might research options in Key Largo.

For a unique option, you might consider one of these Air BnB options:

• Sleep in a whiskey barrel at  The Salty Seahorse
• Sleep on a sailboat  and pretend what life would be like as a sailor.

Final Thoughts on Driving to Key West

As I stated at the beginning of this post, driving through the Florida Keys, is not a race to the finish, but more like a leisurely Sunday drive.  It should be full of sunshine and fun stops and road trip memories to last a lifetime. 

Pack sunscreen, beach towels, extra water, flip flops, maybe a change of clothes, depending on your dinner plans and your favorite road trip music.  I suggest some fun hits like “Ice Ice Baby” to get everyone laughing and then throw in some upbeat Cuban music that’ll have you dancing in your seats.  Smiles for everyone!

Happy Road Tripping!

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Plan a lavish East Coast road trip from Orlando to Key West

Indulge in a sophisticated East Coast road trip by exploring Florida’s most enchanting experiences in style, starting in Orlando and ending in Key West. | By Elizabeth Wellington | June 25, 2021 (Updated May 30, 2022)

There's never been a better time to take a drive and head south for an East Coast road trip from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the Florida Keys. Florida’s beautiful sites — and legendary sunshine — light the way for a holiday filled with fun, relaxation and pampering. Here are a few reasons to plan your own road trip from Orlando:

Family-friendly fun: Give the kids something to remember at the country’s most iconic parks and white sand beaches. These memories serve as the best souvenirs.

Exclusive experiences: Savor the locally inspired itineraries thoughtfully planned just for you, all against the backdrop of the Sunshine State’s beloved palm trees and blue skies.

Relax in luxury: The state’s laid-back pace and five-star accommodations mean that you can balance the excitement of your Florida road trip with ample rest (and lush indulgence) along the way.

Travel to theme parks in Orlando, Florida

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Orlando is the ideal launching point for a road trip in the U.S. Skip the airport and take a drive to the city — where your mind no doubt jumps to the theme parks that help bring the magic of everyone’s favorite films and characters to life.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Make a splash.

Take a break from your Florida road trip to stay at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and experience an ambiance of stylish sophistication with celebrated amenities and impeccable personalized service.

Relish in resort-style swimming pools with private cabanas. In Orlando, the littles can enjoy the Kids Club, while you relax in the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa.

Start your trip off by skipping the airport baggage claim. Drive over to Waldorf Astoria Orlando and experience first-class accommodations and service, as well as a personal concierge to ensure that your every need is met. With easy proximity to Walt Disney World, you can plan ahead with the concierge, giving you access to the best attractions. The Team Members at Waldorf Astoria Orlando expertly help guests plan hassle-free visits to the parks and make the most of their time in sunny Orlando, from complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World to private cabanas by the pool. When you need a break from the parks, walk over to play a round of golf at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, a stunning golf course within the Bonnet Creek nature preserve.

During your road trip to Orlando, don’t miss the charming college town outside city limits. Winter Park, home to Rollins College, charms visitors with brick-laden streets and some of the area’s best restaurants. Walk over to Rifle Paper Co. (558 W New England Ave, No. 150), an Orlando-based stationery brand, for authentic items to bring home with you before dining al fresco at award-winning restaurant Prato (124 N Park Ave).

Take a drive to sunny Fort Lauderdale

A three-hour drive from Orlando brings you to the blue umbrellas and balmy sea breezes of Fort Lauderdale . The “Venice of America,” this city boasts waterfront as far as the eye can see with 300 miles of canals and 24 miles of beaches.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale

Tranquility awaits.

Just steps from North Beach, experience five dining options, pool with private cabanas, Conrad Spa, and fitness center with professional trainers.

Recharge with unparalleled beautification treatments – each using the latest technologies and delivered by professional beauty therapists.

Make a reservation at Conrad Fort Lauderdale , which stands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with panoramic views and unparalleled access to one of the destination’s most beautiful stretches of beach. Begin your day with a sunrise paddleboarding tour and a yoga class, all before enjoying a green juice at Cornucopia , the hotel’s in-house market. In the late afternoon, head up to the sixth-floor sky deck for a fun game of cornhole with the ocean as your backdrop.

After you valet your car at arrival, give yourself a break from driving and embrace an alternative mode of transportation. Here, boats are the go-to mode of transportation. Book a private water taxi to take through the canals to a seaside restaurant or charter a yacht for the evening to toast on the open water.

Experience local culture in Downtown Miami

In under an hour from Fort Lauderdale, you’ll be weaving through Miami’s bustling streets, preferably in a vintage convertible with the top down. Although South Beach, which sits on an island off the coast, is famous for its Art Deco architecture, downtown Miami has its own cultural legacy to behold.

The stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (3251 S Miami Ave), the crown jewel of Miami, is always worth a visit. Wander through a 50-acre paradise of botanical gardens and learn about priceless art in a stately villa. Next, head to lunch at Miami's Doce Provisions (541 SW 12th Ave) in Little Havana, where you can dine on chorizo croquettes and ahi tuna tacos — all handmade with local ingredients — at picnic tables in a tucked-away tropical garden.

Embrace adventure in Key West

After you visit Miami, take a drive along Route 1 to Key West — it's one of the most scenic drives in the country, yet alone the Sunshine State. After you pass over the Southern Glades, which are part of Everglades National Park, you hit Key Largo and make your way along the string of breathtaking islands that lead you to Key West. Rather than hustle to your Florida Keys destination, turn up the car radio and enjoy the ride, particularly when you drive over the famed Seven Mile historic bridge.

Casa Marina Key West, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

Delight in key west dining.

Home to Key West’s largest private beach, two outdoor pools, and a spa. Duval Street and The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are a mile away.

Key lime pie anyone? In Key West, you can enjoy an unforgettable personalized four-course chef-inspired menu under the stars with your toes in the sand.

Travel to Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and stay at an iconic property that’s on the National Register of Historic Places in Key West. Unlike other luxury properties, this gem is tucked away along the Atlantic Ocean, where guests benefit from spectacular views and a peaceful ambiance that’s missing in the heart of town. The resort’s private beach and two heated swimming pools are a slice of paradise for guests. If you’re traveling without children, you can enjoy the calm oasis of the adults-only pool with a cocktail in hand.

The hotel’s legacy as a glamorous getaway in the 1920s is a fitting jumping-off point for exploring the country’s southernmost city, which is known for its culture. Take a literary walking tour and visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum before experiencing fine dining (white tablecloth and all) sand-side at Latitudes. On an island and accessible only by boat, the restaurant is a beautiful location to feast on grilled lobster tails and rum cocktails while the sun sets.

Over driving but still yearning for more adventure? Arrange a ferry trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, off the coast of Key West. Bring some snorkels because the reefs are spectacular here at one of the most underrated national parks.

When you avoid the airport and buckle up for road trips through Florida, you’ll experience an authentic mix of adventure, culture, nature and delectable dishes that takes you to the end of the road in Key West. Keep this road trip planner handy when you plot your summer vacation and be open to the spontaneous detours that may lead you somewhere unexpected.

Elizabeth Wellington is a travel writer and brand copywriter whose work has appeared in Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and BBC. When not writing in her Vermont farmhouse, she's usually en route to a new destination with a notebook in hand.

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Wild Junket

Florida Road Trip: The Ultimate 2-Week Florida Itinerary

Last Updated on April 5, 2024

Planning an epic Florida road trip? Here’s our 2-week Florida itinerary including swimming with manatees, island hopping, and living it up in Miami.

There is no doubt that Florida is one of the best road trip destinations in the United States. The Sunshine State has endless miles of wide, sandy beaches, vibrant marine life and unique keys. Not just that, we also love the pristine nature it has to offer: from magical natural springs to wildlife-rich ecosystems. 

Alberto and I actually met in Florida 20 years ago, and we have since returned several times and traveled all over Florida. For those planning a Florida road trip, here is our recommended 2-week Florida itinerary, including the best places to stop, where to stay and where to eat in Florida.

Table of Contents

Recommended Two Weeks in Florida Itinerary 

Travel insurance for florida, how to get to florida, by car/camper, by day trips, best time to do a florida road trip, how much does a florida road trip cost, florida itinerary days 1 & 2: explore miami, recommended tours in miami, where to stay in miami, where to stay in key largo, recommended tours in key west, where to stay in key west, day trip to dry tortugas national park, recommended tours in the everglades, where to stay in the everglades, where to stay on marco island, recommended tours in sarasota, where to stay in sarasota, where to stay in ocala, florida itinerary days 12-14: tubing in the springs, florida itinerary day 15: drive to orlando, enjoy your florida road trip, florida road trip guide.

As we love nature way more than big cities, we have designed this Florida road trip around natural springs, mangroves and beaches. But there are SO many things to do in Florida – from theme parks to historical forts – so you’ll have to decide where your interest lies.

We’ll be giving a day-to-day breakdown of this Florida itinerary, please continue reading. We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks in Florida to see and experience the best of Florida at a comfortable pace. If you only have 1 week in Florida, we suggest focusing on Miami, the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park.

• 2 Days in Miami – to check out the stunning Art Deco architecture at South Beach
• 3 Days in Florida Keys – to explore some of the best coral reefs
• 1 Day in Everglades National Park – to go wildlife watching including taking an airboat tour
• 4 Days on the Paradise Coast – to explore the best beaches from Marco Island to Sarasota
• 4 Days in Central Florida – to explore Florida’s stunning natural springs

It’s important to have travel insurance in Florida regardless of how long you’re traveling. You never know what will happen and travel insurance can protect you in case of an accident, flight delay or loss of luggage. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

The good news is that Florida has plenty of well-connected airports. The most popular airports to fly into Florida are MIA (Miami), FLL (Fort Lauderdale) and MCO (Orlando) airports. We’ve found that flights to Fort Lauderdale are the cheapest.

In this Florida itinerary, we are driving from Miami to Orlando .Flying into Florida both from other parts of the US and internationally is quite affordable. You can fly from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale for as little as $300 return (5-hour flight). For the best fares, we always use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given us the lowest prices.

Flying from Europe to Florida is surprisingly cheap. We took a direct flight from Paris to Fort Lauderdale with Norwegian Airlines (10hours) for $220 one way. You can also get great deals from London, Brussels, Porto, Copenhagen or Oslo.

Search for Cheap Flights to Florida

How to Get Around Florida 

The best way to get around Florida is by car.  In our experience, Florida is one of the most affordable states for car hire. O ur last car rental in Florida cost us $180 for a week including full insurance, which is around $25 a day. Check the current rates here.

Alternatively, you can also do this Florida road trip on a campervan. You can hire a campervan on Outdoorsy for around $150/day. Traveling in a campervan can help you save a lot on accommodation and food. Search for a campervan here.

While driving in Miami can prove a little tricky, driving outside of the big cities is very easy. Compared to the rest of the world, gas prices in Florida are incredibly low. At the moment Florida gas prices sit at around US$2.50 per gallon (3.78L).

Book Your Car Rental!

If you prefer not to drive, it IS possible to visit popular spots in Florida such as the Everglades National Park on day trips. Our favorite site to book day tours is GetYourGuide . They consistently offer the best prices and have free cancellations and mobile vouchers.

Most day trips around Florida cost around US$60 and upwards. There are lots of boat trips and snorkel tours in Florida that are worth doing! Here are some of our recommended Florida day tours:

• Miami Star Island Boat Tour
• Everglades Airboat Tour
• Key West Dolphin Eco Tour
• Sunset Sail on a Schooner
•   Crystal River: Snorkel with Manatees Tour

The great thing about Florida is that it is a year-round destination.  The coldest it gets in Florida is around 60°F (15°C) in January. July is the warmest month in Florida, when temperatures can rise to up to  90°F (32°C). 

Our favorite time to visit Florida is in fall between September to November. T he weather is perfect around 75°F (24°C), meaning you can still go swimming and enjoy the beaches and springs without getting fried by the heat.

Fall is also low season in Florida, before the snowbirds and Christmas arrivals have made their way down, so prices and crowds are considerably lower. High season is during winter between November and February, expect prices to be the highest then.

Luckily, Florida is one of the least expensive States in the US.  Hiring your own car is the most affordable way to experience the best of Florida. Expect to pay around around US$360 for a 2-week car rental and another $200 for gas. Check current car hire rates here.

Miami is notoriously an expensive place to stay where accommodation can set you back US$150 for a basic 3-star hotel. Accommodation in Central Florida and the Paradise Coast is a little cheaper than other states. In low season, you can get a budget hotel for US$60-80 per night and around $100-150 per night for a 4-star hotel.

Camping in state parks in Florida costs between US$30-50 per night . An exception to this rule is the Florida Keys, which costs between US$40-50 per night. There are many big-chain diners throughout the State where you can get a good meal for around $10 plus tax and tip.

My Florida Road Trip Itinerary

Miami is the best choice to start your road trip in Florida as its airport is a major hub. We recommend staying at South Beach as it is the hippest area of Miami, with a beautiful windswept beach and stylish art deco hotels. Check out my detailed 3-day Miami itinerary for the full details.

Over the next two days, cool off in the beautiful Venetian Pool in Coral Gables and take a wander around Little Havana , a vibrant Cuban neighborhood in Miami. For a different side to Miami, check out the Wynwood Walls art district , an amazing display of street art from artists all over the world. Spend a day chilling at Key Biscayne or take a sightseeing flight for a view of Miami from above .

South Beach is a very cool place to stay but it is notoriously expensive. A beer in a bar along South Beach can cost as much as $20 and a gigantic signature cocktail (enough for 2) can cost up to $40. For those on a budget, stay in Coral Gables or Brownsville near the airport.

Budget: Hudson House

It’s hard to find anything less than $100/night in Miami, so this stylish house is a rare find. We stayed here once after a long flight  (it’s near the airport) and it was a great place to rest up. Hudson House is made up of several double rooms (with shared bathrooms) and spacious living area. Check the rates.

Midrange: Biltmore Hotel

One of the iconic landmarks of Miami, the Biltmore Hotel is housed in a Spanish colonial building reminiscent of yesteryears. The plush decor and lush patio reflect its history, while the interior has been completely revamped in recent years. Check the rates here.

Luxury: 1 Hotel South Beach

Located in the heart of South Beach, this is one of the best hotels in Miami . The upscale property has oceanfront rooms and spacious apartments with spectacular views. It also has 2 swimming pools, including one adults-only rooftop poo. Check the rates here.

Florida Itinerary Day 3: Drive to Florida Keys

It is now time to pump your road trip playlist as you hit the road towards the Florida Keys ! The Keys are a coral cay archipelago located off the southern coast of Florida. To get there, you’ll be d riving along the U.S. Route 1, and this is one of the best road trips in the USA .

Make Key Largo your first stop in the Florida Keys. This cute beachside town is the largest town in the Keys with great beaches and seafood restaurants. Be sure to try the signature dishes of the Florida Keys: Key Lime Pie and Conch fritters (made from large sea snails).

Try local craft beer at Florida Brewing Company or go kayaking in the seagrass beds of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Divers can also take the afternoon to go diving at the Spiegal Grove wreck . Check out Globo Surf for the best snorkeling and dive sites in Florida. Scuba geeks should check out Jules Undersea Lodge ,  Florida’s only underwater hotel and one of the most unique hotels in the world .

Budget: John Pennekamp State Park Campground

If you enjoy camping, stay overnight at the park’s campground which costs $43 USD a night including tax. There are also RV parking and facilities, as well as outdoor showers. Read reviews here.

Midrange: Gilbert’s Resort

One of the few affordable places on Key Largo, this is a popular motel with an on-site marina and boat dock, as well as its own private beach. Enjoy fishing off the dock, rent a boat or feast on fresh seafood at its Tiki Grill and Bar. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection By Hilton

With its own private beach, this five-star resort is ultra modern and slick, featuring an all-white design. It is surrounded by lush landscaping and nature trails, excellent for nature seekers looking for comfort. Check the rates here.

Florida Itinerary Days 4 & 5: Visit Key West

Continue the next day along U.S. Route 1. The last stretch of the highway is also the most iconic route to the Florida Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge . 

En route to Key West, you will pass through many quirky towns, including Islamorada , where you can hand feed giant tarpon at Robbies. Also visit the turtle hospital in Marathon, where they are doing great work to rehabilitate wild turtles. These are definitely some of the best places to stop on a road trip in Florida.

We recommend spending 2 nights in Key West, the most famous town in the Florida Keys and the southernmost point of continental US. Visit the famous Ernest Hemingway House and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Don’t miss these   free things to do in Key West .

Budget: Seashell Motel

There aren’t many budget hotels in Key West. This is the cheapest place with dorm beds and comfortable lounging areas in the lawn. It’s a 15-minute walk to Duval Street and other attractions. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Eden House

Locally owned and operated since 1975, this art deco hotel is located in the center of  Old Town Key West , within  walking distance  of  Duval Street . Eden House has got a quirky, retro Florida flair, with plenty of personality to boot. This is definitely our favorite hotel in Key West. Check the rates.

Luxury: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

A short drive from historic Old Town Key West, this tastefully-designed hotel is perched on the beach and surrounded by lush gardens. This is definitely a special spot to stay at for those celebrating an occasion. There’s also a free shuttle to the Old Town. Check the rates here.

If you have some time to spare, we highly recommend a day trip to Dry Tortugas , Florida’s best kept secret. At 70 miles off the coast of Key West, it is one of America’s least visited national parks. Visit the historic Fort Jefferson or dive off the beach into a world of turtles, giant barracudas and parrot fish.

To get there, take the Yankee Freedom ferry. The 2.5-hour ferry ride is a magical trip over turquoise waters, and leaves you about 4-5 hours on the island. It includes a ranger-led tour of Ft. Jefferson and costs $195 per person for the day trip. Read here to plan your day trip.

Florida Itinerary Day 6: Tour the Everglades 

You will need to set off early from the Florida Keys, as it takes approximately 3 hours to reach the Everglades National Park. On your way there,  we recommend making a stop at Bahia Honda State Park . This is where you’ll find the best beaches in the Florida Keys.

From Bahia Honda, drive towards the Anhinga Trail , the best short trail (0.8 miles round trip) to spot an alligator on foot in the Everglades. Near the Anhinga Trail is the Gumbo Limbo Trail , another short trail (0.4 miles round trip) through lush forest. If you have time, head over to Shark Valley Trail , a popular 15 mile round trip which can be completed on foot, by tram tour or bike. 

Continue towards the State Route 41 to get to Everglades National Park, one of the top national parks in US . An Everglades Airboat Tour is the best way to experience the Everglades as the vast percentage of the National Park is covered by swamplands and only accessible by boat. Read about our experience cruising the Everglades.

Note : The Everglades National Park has an entry cost of $30 per car, valid for 7 days.

Budget: Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort

This is the closest budget hotel to the Everglades. It’s a typical old-school Floridian hotel (thus the name!) with comfortable enough rooms and a swimming pool. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park

Located within the national park, this cool eco lodge is made up of luxury tents (pictured) with proper beds and sitting area. All of them look out to the water and make for a great base to get close to nature. This is glamping at its best! Check the rates here.

Luxury: Ivey House

This eco-friendly bed and breakfast is a 15-minute walk from the Museum of the Everglades. It provides canoe and kayak rentals and it has an outdoor pool as well as a tropical waterfall. Check the rates here.

Florida Itinerary Day 7: Visit Marco Island

Just 18 miles away from Everglades City is Marco Island , one of our favorite places in Florida and honestly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. We recommend staying the night here as there are way too  many fun things to do in Marco Island. But prices are high, so budget travelers can also stay at nearby Naples.

An essential activity is a  shelling tour to find some of the most unique shells in the USA. We also recommend seeing the sinking Cape Romano houses and finding tortoises that roam freely on Tigertail Beach. This is half way point of your Florida road trip, so give yourself some down time.

Budget: Conty’s Motel

Located in Naples, this motel is a well-priced budget option with outdoor pool and old-school rooms. It’s in need of a revamp, but  the warmth and friendliness of the owners make up for it. Check the rates here.

Midrange: The BoatHouse

This motel has big comfortable rooms and a private dock as well as an outdoor pool. Guests can watch for dolphins and manatees or fish from the private dock. Check the rates here.

Luxury:  Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa

Definitely the best hotel on Marco Island, this Hilton hotel (pictured) has outdone itself with its luxurious suites and stunning panoramas in every corner. We stayed here once to celebrate a special occasion and it was definitely something special. Check the rates here.

Florida Itinerary Days 8-10: Explore the Paradise Coast

From Marco Island, it is a short 30 minute drive to the beautiful beachside town of Naples . Dolphins are often spotted at Lowdermilk Beach Park in Naples. While we were there, a group of dolphins came within inches of a local fisherman which was amazing to witness.

A hop away from Naples is its forgotten little sister, Bonita Springs , possibly the best kept secret of the Paradise Coast. In our opinion, Bonita Springs is a better place to stay than Naples as it is more affordable and has a relaxed vibe. Don’t miss Cullum’s Bonita Trail while in Bonita Springs. Keep an eye out for rabbits and gopher turtles running around the trails.

Continue from Bonita Springs towards Sarasota where you’ll find Siesta Key Beach, lauded as the best beach in the USA. Spend 2 nights here as there are many things to do in Sarasota. See the Unconditional Surrender Statue and the stunning Ringling Museum of Art (normally $25 a person,  but free on Mondays!).

Budget: Siesta Inn Motel Sarasota

One of the cheapest motels in Sarasota, Siesta Inn offers low prices and newly renovated, comfortable rooms. It doesn’t have many facilities, but it is a quiet spot for those seeking some tranquility. Check the rates.

Midrange: Regency Inn & Suites Sarasota 

All modern-style rooms at this midrange motel are large, spacious and well-equipped. There’s also an outdoor pool and plenty of parking spaces. Great value for money! Check the rates.

Luxury: Lido Beach Resort

The beachfront Lido Beach Resort has a huge stretch of private beach in the heart of Sarasota. It’s definitely worth splurging on this hotel if you’ve been slumming it so far. This resort (pictured) offers ocean-view rooms for reasonable prices. Check the rates.

Florida Itinerary Day 11: Swim with Manatees 

Our #1 thing to do in Florida is to visit the numerous natural springs. We recommend spending 3 nights to see the best natural springs in Florida . Read my guide to swimming with manatees .

A 2-hour drive north from Sarasota is the Three Sisters Spring at Crystal River , the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees year round. Join a snorkel tour with naturalist guide to learn more about the manatee and its natural habitat. Swimming with a manatee was one of the highlights of our Florida road trip!

In winter, it is possible to see manatees in Blue Springs as they migrate to warm themselves. From Crystal River, it is a 30-minute drive to one of the most picturesque springs in Florida, Rainbow Springs . In summer (until September 30) it is possible to complete a 2 hours tube run at Rainbow Springs , one of the best rated tube runs in Florida.

Budget: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocala FL

Featuring funky and vibrant colors, this budget hotel offers an excellent value for money with room rates as low as $60/night. Rooms are carpeted and plush, and splashed with bright orange and blue. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Within a few minutes’ drive from the Paddock Mall, the midrange hotel has large and clean rooms. There is also an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Residence Inn Ocala

Located off Interstate 75, this hotel has huge suites that have cooking facilities. It features a heated outdoor pool, hot buffet breakfast and free evening receptions with drinks from Monday through Thursday. Check the rates here.

An hour’s drive north from Rainbow Springs is the famous Ginnie Springs , where you can go stand-up paddle boarding, tubing and kayaking all year round. 

You can do a day trip here from Ocala, or stay in the closest large town, Gainsville which is a 40-minute drive away. There is also camping available in Ginnie Springs, at $22.43 per adult per night although the toilet blocks tend to get very muddy. 

Tip : If you intend to do a lot of tubing in Florida, purchase your own tube in advance from a local Walmart or Publix.

From Gainesville, head back down towards Orlando. Make a stop at Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest. This is one of the oldest recreation areas on the East Coast, constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

We recommend flying out of Orlando to save you the drive back to Miami. From Juniper Springs, it is a 1.5-hour drive to Orlando (or a 4-hour drive back to Miami).

Spend your final night at an airport hotel for some much needed rest and relaxation after two weeks of adventure!  La Quinta Inn at Orlando Airport is a good budget option, while Wingate by Wyndham is nearer to the airport but has slightly higher prices.

And that’s a wrap! I hope our Florida road trip planner has helped you plan your own adventure. In our opinion, this is the best Florida road trip you can do, mixing up nature, beaches and city sightseeing.

You can also do the same Florida itinerary in the reverse direction. Drive from Orlando to Key West, and end your Florida road trip with a bang there.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the US, check out other articles I’ve written:

• California Road Trip Itinerary
• Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• Nevada Road Trip Itinerary
• Weekend in Seattle
• Weekend in Los Angeles
• Weekend in San Francisco
• Weekend in Miami
• Swimming with Manatees 

Have a blast on your Florida road trip!  Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. I make a small commission when you purchase something through my links, at NO extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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Nadia and Mike

Nadia and Mike are Travel Bloggers at Couple Travel the World . They left their corporate jobs in 2015 to pursue a life of travel and adventure. You can see more of their journey on their Instagram, @coupletraveltheworld .

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The Comments

Isabella Miller

Loved the blog, Nellie. Florida seems like an amazing place. Might plan a trip there this year. Could you suggest some places where we could try local food.

Komal Goyal

loved the blog. and loved the way you have detailed out everything that one needs to know while traveling to Florida. Just made my planning work very very easy.

Tirupati packages

Awesome post Nadia and Mike!! I always dreaming of a florida road trip. So this post helpful for me.

Alexa Jordan

2 weeks seems like so long, but reading everything you suggest makes it seem not long enough. Once Red Coach opens their bus routes again, I will definitely have to see some of these spots!

Greg Nelson

This is a great itinerary. I agree with Alexa- riding with Red Coach is a great way to get around Florida. That way, you can see the state more.

Sarah in the UK

Thanks for all the tips, really useful! :)

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Ultimate Florida Road Trip Itinerary

With year-round sunshine, thousands of miles of stunning coast and the unique landscapes of the Everglades and the Keys, a visit to Florida can take you to a whole host of unforgettable locations. So why not join them together on a road trip to create a week-long adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime?

This 7-day road trip around Florida covers 800 miles and has a drive time of 32 hours. It takes you to the Orlando theme parks and then carries on around the state to Miami, Key West, the Everglades, Fort Myers, Tampa, Destin and Tallahassee.

Florida has so much on offer that at nearly every stop you'll have the chance to combine your choice of leisure, cultural and outdoor activities. And of course, there's the chance to visit at least one of Orlando's world-famous theme parks too.

The ultimate road trip itinerary in Florida

What is the ultimate florida road trip itinerary.

Our ultimate Florida road trip itinerary starts off in Jacksonville in the northeastern corner of Florida. After a trip inland to Orlando, where you can visit your theme park of choice, it follows the Atlantic coastline all the way to Key West, the southernmost point of the contiguous United States.

Turning north again, the route crosses the tip of Florida so you can spend some time exploring the Everglades before starting to head back toward Jacksonville around the Gulf of Mexico.

After visiting Fort Myers, Tampa and Destin the road will take you to Pensacola, close to the Alabama border, before heading east to complete the route back where you started in Jacksonville.

On this 1,800 mile route you'll spend an average of 4 hours 30 minutes on the road each day, although as you'd expect with a road trip there will be some longer and shorter drives along the way.

That gives plenty of time to stop and enjoy the sparkling sea views, white sand beaches, and stunning waterways that Florida is so famous for.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your ultimate road trip around Florida, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

Day 1: Driving from Jacksonville to Orlando

The first day of your ultimate Florida road trip keeps the drive time to just 2 hours 30 minutes. Whether you want to hit the road early to see all the sights along the way, or have a more leisurely start after brunch in the sunshine, this 145-mile drive is the ideal start to any itinerary.

Road trip route from Jacksonville to Orlando

To get your road trip started, head to I-95 from your starting point in Jacksonville and follow it south out of the city. Turn off towards St Augustine to make your first stop at this wonderful coastal city.

From here you can return directly to the interstate via US-1. Alternatively, if you'd like to immerse yourself in ocean views for a little longer, you can follow Route A1A as far as Daytona Beach.

This means taking the drive at a slower pace so it will add a little time to your journey, especially if you stop to dip your toes in the Atlantic.

Whichever route you take, merge onto I-4 which begins inland from Daytona Beach. This takes you past Lake Monroe and on to Orlando.

Things to explore on the way to Orlando

The first Spanish settlement in what's now St Augustine was founded all the way back in 1565, and today the city is packed full of historic and cultural gems. Walking through the cobbled streets will be a real contrast to Jacksonville and Orlando, the other cities you'll spend time in on the first day of the trip.

Looking out over Matanzas Bay is the fortress of Castillo de San Marcos which dates from the time that Florida belonged to Spain. You can also visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park to find out more about the city's history.

You can also enjoy time on the beautiful beaches in St Augustine and the surrounding area, with plenty of watersports on offer, before heading south to continue your trip.

Signs in the city announce that Daytona Beach is the “World's Most Famous Beach” so you can't visit without spending some time by the water. As well as relaxing on the golden sands you can paddleboard, sail, jet ski and dive, or explore the atmospheric waterways in a kayak or canoe.

The city is also famous for its motorsports, and even if the timing of your trip means you don't get the chance to see some action at Daytona International Speedway fans should head to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. If you're more interested in vintage vehicles there's the Living Legends of Autoracing museum too.

Where to stay in Orlando: get your theme park fix

Orlando is world famous for its theme parks – take your pick from Disney's Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida, and many more.

If you're looking for something different, go boating on Lake Eola or check out the evening light show. Or get your culture fix at Orlando Fine Arts Museum followed by a performance at Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

With the restaurants and bars of downtown Orlando just a couple of minutes' walk away, booking in a bright and spacious room at Aloft Orlando Downtown means you're in the heart of the action. It's also right on the route so it's the perfect base for an overnight stop in the city.

Relax by the outdoor pool before heading out to explore the city - you can hop straight back on to I-4 for a smooth journey out to Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort, which are both within 20 minutes' drive.

Click here to skip back to the top.

Day 2: Driving from Orlando to Miami

You'll spend longer on the road on the second day of your Florida road trip on this beautiful coastal drive from Orlando to Miami .

It's 255 miles from Orlando to Miami, which will take around 5 hours 30 minutes to drive, so we'd recommend making an early start if you want to spend time in Juno Beach, Boca Raton or Fort Lauderdale as well as visiting the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.

Road trip route from Orlando to Miami

Head east out of Orlando until you meet FL-538 near the airport. This road will take you right out to the coast before crossing the Indian River and becoming Route A1A when you arrive on Cape Canaveral. Detour north to visit the Kennedy Space Center, then keep an eye out for space launches as you make your way along the highway.

After Pineda Beach Park, turn back towards the mainland again and continue south on Route 1 through Palm Bay, Vero Beach and Port Salerno before joining back up with the interstate at Palm Beach. All that's left for the day is to follow it to downtown Miami.

Things to explore on the way to Miami

The Kennedy Space Center is the most famous attraction at Cape Canaveral. You can learn about all things space at the immersive visitor center and take a turn in one of the simulators.

Cape Canaveral isn't just about the space center though – take some time to explore Canaveral National Seashore where you can hike or canoe through the pristine coastal environment of this barrier island.

Where to stay in Miami: get ready to party the night away

Spend the night in Miami to enjoy the city's legendary nightlife – whether you're in the mood for cocktails by the waterfront or one of the city's stylish nightclubs you'll find something to suit every taste.

As a bonus you can start the next day slowly on one of the city's stunning beaches before checking out Miami's legendary shopping scene.

If you prefer your entertainment a little more low key head to Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to watch international stars of ballet, opera and live music.

Rooms at Mint House Miami Downtown are bright and modern so you can relax into the stylish Miami vibe as soon as you've checked in. The stunning pool area is the perfect place to relax after a busy day on the road.

Your booking at this Aparthotel will include kitchen facilities, which is ideal if you enjoy a break from dawn-to-dusk restaurant food on your travels.

Larger apartments are also available, making this a great choice if you're travelling in a group. It's also in walking distance of several restaurants if you'd rather dine out.

The hotel isn't far from the route – just a few blocks off I-95 - and has private parking for extra convenience. Plus, it's within walking distance to HistoryMiami and Miami Art Museum, with other city attractions just a short drive away.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Orlando to Miami

Day 3: Driving from Miami to Key West

The drive from Miami to Key West is another stunner . Once you've left the city the drive through the Florida Keys is a memorable experience in its own right as the highway takes you across the ocean via a series of bridges and tunnels which connect the islands that make up the Keys.

In normal traffic it will take around 3 hours 30 minutes to drive from Miami to Key West, the furthest of the islands. This 170-mile drive takes you through Homestead and then across to the Keys where you'll see Key Largo, Marathon and Big Pine Key on the way to Key West.

Some travellers prefer to skip the drive through the Florida Keys and head direct to Marco Island instead. From here, you can park up and take the ferry through the sparkling blue ocean all the way to Key West. Read our guide on how to take the ferry to Key West .

That way you can sit back and relax once you reach Key West without having to worry about parking or finding an affordable place to stay. You'll avoid the traffic driving south from Miami too, which can be heavy at weekends and holidays.

Road trip route from Miami to Key West

Head through the suburbs of Westchester and Kendall to leave Miami, joining up with the Ronald Regan Turnpike to carry on to Florida City. From here, Route 1 will take you across Manatee Bay and Blackwater Sound to begin your drive through the Florida Keys.

This is one of the simplest parts of the road trip to navigate, as there's only one main road between the islands. Sit back and enjoy the ocean view as you follow Route 1 past John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Plantation Key and Islamorada on your way to Key West.

Things to explore on the way to Key West

One of the most popular places to stop along the way is Key Largo. Head out to sea on a fishing trip – all the equipment you need will be provided on board, as well as plenty of advice for beginners. Scuba divers will find a number of sites to explore too.

Or just relax on another beautiful beach – there are plenty to choose from.

Where to stay in Key West: relax in subtropical style

As well as enjoying the subtropical weather and watching the sunset over the ocean there's also plenty to see and do in Key West. Stop at President Truman's Little White House or get a feel for Key West's past with a tour of the golden era Audubon House and Gardens.

Potter around independent galleries to discover local artists and take in the colorful Historic Seaport district.

The beautiful waterfront location of Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Sunset Harbor means you can really immerse yourself in the Key West atmosphere. Many of the bright and spacious rooms have balconies and seating and as well as the outdoor pool and hot tub there's a spa center on site if you're ready for some relaxation.

Many of Key West's attractions are close to this resort including the Little White House and Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. As you would expect, there are beaches within a short walk too.

Accommodation prices in Key West sit at the higher end of the scale so look into staying here mid-week to secure more affordable rates.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Miami to Key West

Day 4: Driving from Key West to Fort Myers

The next day of your road trip covers 300 miles, passing Homestead and Sweetwater before crossing from the eastern side of Florida to the west on this 5 hour 30 minute journey.

Road trip route from Key West to Fort Myers

Make your way back along the Keys and through Florida City onto the Ronald Regan Turnpike, which you'll follow through Sweetwater to join up with I-75.

The interstate takes you all the way to Fort Myers but along the way you can detour to visit the iconic Everglades. As you'll see if you keep reading there are several entrances to this vast national park so just pick the one which works best for your schedule.

Things to explore on the way to Fort Myers

The unique landscape of the Everglades, with endless creeks and channels, is home to diverse wildlife including alligators, wetland birds, manatees, and the Florida Panther.

You can drive through some sections of the Everglades but to really appreciate the landscape it's best to head out across the water – iconic airboat rides are a popular choice, or take a kayak tour to explore at a slower pace.

There are a number of entrances to this huge wetland national park – heading west from Tamiami on US-41 or detouring to Everglades City on the Florida Gulf are two of the most popular. Check ahead for opening times and facilities as hurricane damage has affected visitor centres.

Where to stay in Fort Myers: enjoy a Gulf of Mexico sundowner

As with many of the other stops on this route, you can hit the beach in Fort Myers or take a boat tour to follow one of the pods of dolphins that can be found just off the coast here. There's also the chance to explore the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, who loved to spend time in sunny Fort Myers.

Luminary Hotel & Co. is a beautiful hotel with chic interiors located right on the Caloosahatchee River. It's only a short drive away from the Fishermen's Village and also has easy access to Sanibel Island with the picturesque Sanibel Lighthouse only a short drive away.

Edison & Fort Winter Estates as well as IMAG History and Science Center are both located a short drive away from the hotel, so it's the perfect base if you plan on sightseeing.

The hotel also has free bikes and a fitness center if you want to stick to your fitness regime during your stay - then head to the fantastic restaurant and stylish bar to round off your day.

Day 5: Driving from Fort Myers to Tampa

After a couple of days of longer drives you have a more relaxed section of the trip ahead of you on day 2. It's only a 2 hour 10 minute stretch between Fort Myers and Tampa, with the chance to spend time exploring Myakka River State Park, Sarasota or Anna Maria Island as you travel this 130-mile route.

Road trip route from Fort Myers to Tampa

Heading north out of Fort Myers the interstate crosses the Peace River near Solana then runs around the edge of Myakka River State Park before passing Sarasota.

After crossing the Manatee River the interstate divides, and to carry on towards Tampa you'll take I-275 through Terra Ceia Preserve State Park. then follow the 4-mile-long Sunshine Skyway Bay across the sparkling water of Tampa Bay. The bridge is so long that there are fishing piers along the way - bring your rods if you're keen!

Back on dry land, the interstate takes you through St Petersburg and then over the Howard Franklin Bridge to reach your day 5 destination, Tampa.

Things to explore on the way to Tampa

Myakka River is a scenic, but sometimes overlooked gem in Florida. Since this drive is on the shorter side, you can take a lengthy break here and enjoy the great outdoors for the day. From arching palm trees to beautiful oak trees lining up the banks of the stream, you will find some great scenery here.

Myakka River is Florida's first ever designated scenic and wild river, and it will provide you with the opportunities to boat (depending on the water levels), fish, kayak and canoe during your visit. If you want to stay dry, you can opt for hiking or hop on your bike to explore.

Where to stay in Tampa: enjoy the ocean views from Clearwater Beach

As its name suggests, Clearwater Beach has a choice of stunning sands where you can sit back and relax for a few hours to enjoy the sunshine. Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn about their conservation efforts, or head to Florida Botanical Gardens for a stroll in the sunshine.

It's a great starting point to visit the unspoilt beaches of Caladesi Island State Park. There are no roads in the state park so getting there from Clearwater Beach is part of the adventure. It's around an hour's walk, but check tide times before setting out.

The outdoor bar and terrace at Courtyard by Marriott Clearwater Beach are perfect to watch the sun go down. Rooms here are spacious and extremely comfortable, and many have a view across the water so it will be the first thing you see when you wake up again too.

As a bonus, the hotel is close to the beach and has private parking too.

Day 6: Driving from Tampa to Destin

In contrast to the previous day, your onward drive from Tampa to Destin is the longest on your Florida road trip. Coming in at a mammoth 7 hours and 15 minutes, this 400-mile drive will take you right across the Panhandle.

It's possible to stick to the interstate to cut down the drive time a little, but seeing as this is your last day of ocean we'd recommend following the coast road past East Point, Mexico Beach and Panama City.

Road trip route from Tampa to Destin

Leave Tampa on FL-589 through Citrus Park and Odessa, then continue along the same road as far as the beautiful town of Crystal River. From here, turn onto US-98 which sits a few miles inland but runs parallel to the coast all the way past Big Bend and Apalachee Bay before finally greeting you with ocean views at Alligator Point.

The highway then takes you all the way into Destin, with mile after mile of stunning white sand and dazzling blue sea to enjoy through the car window before you cross over Panama City's East and North Bays and cross Point Washington State Forest on the way to your destination.

Things to explore on the way to Destin

Crystal River calls itself the Manatee Capital of the World, since it's where these gentle giants come in huge numbers to shelter in the warm spring waters over winter. You can take a kayak or snorkelling trip to see them up close - the waterways and shore make this a stunning place to stop.

You can also explore Florida's history at Crystal Rivers Archaeological State Park, set around Native American ceremonial mounds which date back over a millennium, or visit the ruins of Yulee Sugar Mill which until the civil War was a huge plantation.

If you're feeling active, leave the car behind and explore Withlacoochee State Trail which winds 46 miles through beautiful coastal landscapes.

As you continue on around the coast you'll see a different side of Florida at the beautiful waterfront town of Apalachicola. After taking a stroll past the charming timber buildings, enjoy a delicious meal of fresh seafood or maybe try your hand at catching something for yourself.

Where to stay in Destin: enjoy the country's best beaches

The white sand beaches along this stretch of the coastline are said to be among the best in the United States and you'll come home from Destin with a reel of stunning photos.

You can also enjoy watersports at Destin Harbor, or head to Henderson Beach State Park to spend some time in nature.

Destin is a lively destination so you'll find plenty of places to enjoy a cocktail in the evening too.

Some of the spacious and contemporary rooms at Hotel Effie Sandestin have a view out across the bay , but even if you're not lucky enough to book one of them you can still look out over the ocean from the rooftop pool and lounge.

There's a private beach to enjoy too, or borrow a bike for free to explore the coast around Destin on 2 wheels. If you're in need of a pick-me-up at this stage in your road trip, why not book a relaxing treatment in the spa or play a round of golf on your choice of the many local courses?

Day 7: Driving from Destin to Jacksonville

The final day of your road trip takes you from the far west of Florida to the far east - in fact it's pretty much the longest west to east journey you can make in the state.

It will take you 6 hours to drive from Destin to Jacksonville, where you'll complete your road trip. First you'll swing even further west toward Pensacola, before hitting the interstate which you'll follow for most of the 400-mile drive.

You can still squeeze in a little more adventure though, with Florida's state capital Tallahassee plus laid back Lake City both waiting to be explored.

Road trip route from Destin to Jacksonville

From Destin head back onto US-98, which carries on along the Gulf Coast all the way to Pensacola - you can enjoy some amazing views of Santa Rosa Sound as you drive.

After crossing Pensacola Bay and making your way through the city you'll be able to connect with I-10 which takes you all the way back to Jacksonville. It might feel tempting to just push on through this final stretch of the journey but take the time to stop and explore Tallahassee and Lake City along the way to get a feel for inland Florida after so much time on the coast.

Things to explore on the way to Jacksonville

Florida's state capital, Tallahassee, is right on the route. Visit one of its antebellum mansions then check out the Museum of Florida History nearby.

Tallahassee Automobile Museum also has a vast collection of vintage vehicles which have been lovingly cared for - it's the perfect place to stop and picture road trips of the past as you near the end of your incredible journey.

If you have time for one final stop you might like to hop off the interstate at Lake City to play a final round of golf or spend time on the water. The springs here sit at a pleasant 72 degrees Fahrenheit all year round so if you're travelling in winter and find the ocean a little chilly, this is a great alternative.

Where to stay in Jacksonville: round off your road trip with some relaxation

Make a last beach trip to round off your trip once you arrive back in Jacksonville – head to the edge of the city and there's a long stretch of gorgeous sand which runs from Atlantic and Neptune Beaches until you reach Jacksonville Beach itself.

If you need somewhere to stay before heading home, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is a great pick. It has views out across the river and spacious rooms as well as a rooftop pool. The hotel also offers a shuttle service around Jacksonville which means you can leave the car behind after all that driving.

There are 3 restaurants to choose from on-site, including a great seafood restaurant, so sit back and relive the memories of your ultimate Florida road trip.

Things to see on the ultimate road trip in Florida

It will come as no surprise to learn that your road trip around Florida will be packed full of golden sand and blue sea. That's just the icing on the cake though as Florida is packed full of other attractions waiting to be explored.

• Disney World - Watch a live show or enjoy the rides at Disney World's four Florida theme parks.
• Universal Orlando Resort - Immerse yourself in your favorite movies at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park.
• The National Navy SEAL Museum - Learn about the elite US Navy Seals including their training and the battles they've fought.
• Boca Raton - Play a round of golf then head to the sea turtle sanctuary to find out about the conservation efforts taking place around the Florida coast.
• Fort Lauderdale - Explore the canals of this beachfront city or take a walk along the Strip which runs along the ocean
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Take a scuba diving trip to visit the country's only living coral reef. You can explore it on an open-bottom boat trip if you're not a diver.
• Cape Coral - Lose yourself among the many miles of canals in “Florida's Venice”.
• Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Seek out some elusive American crocodile when you follow the trails through this wetland refuge on foot or along the 4-mile long Wildlife Drive.
• Ybor City - Go on a ghost hunt in this historic part of Tampa, rumoured to be among America's most haunted!
• Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve - Explore this less-developed part of the Florida coast by kayak or on a wildlife viewing boat tour.
• Pensacola Lighthouse - Built over 150 years ago, this historic lighthouse watches over the Gulf of Mexico – take a tour to enjoy the beautiful view from the top
• Pensacola History Museum - Learn about Florida's long history as a European settlement at the museum then follow a self-guided tour to some of the city's historic buildings.

Best time to go on the ultimate road trip in Florida

Florida is a popular winter sun escape and also a great summer vacation trip - it's one of the great year-round destinations. However, there are some things to think about when planning your trip.

Traveling in winter

Florida is really popular in winter due to its all-year sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit even when other parts of the country are under a thick covering of snow.

Visit in January and you'll be able to enjoy days of pirate-themed entertainment at the unique Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa. And of course, there are weeks of festive events that run at the theme parks, such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World, which is a unique way to get into the holiday mood.

Unlike many parts of the country, winter in Florida can be one of the busiest and more expensive times to visit so be sure to book ahead, especially if you're taking your road trip over a holiday period.

Traveling in summer

Temperatures reach the low 90s Fahrenheit in summer so on paper a Florida road trip is a great sunshine getaway.

However, parts of Florida can feel very humid during the summer months, so you might like to pick air-conditioned activities and accommodation accordingly!

From June to October there's also a chance of intense rainstorms and occasionally hurricanes so it's best to factor in a little flexibility if travelling at this time of year.

Traveling in spring or fall

Spring and fall are both excellent seasons to visit, as you can enjoy hot sunny days with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There will be plenty going on as you travel around the state, for example April sees Sugar Sand Festival coming to Clearwater when you can marvel at impressive sand sculptures along the beaches.

Both spring and fall are quieter than the winter and summer vacation periods, though be careful to avoid spring break if you want to avoid crowds.

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Florida Road Trip: 31 Amazing Places You Won’t Want To Miss

Florida is the perfect family road trip destination and a great family vacation idea with relaxation , art and culture , plus family-friendly activities ! We have road tripped the state 4 times and can’t wait to share with you all about the beautiful beaches , theme parks , natural wonders and historic sites .

The state is huge and has so much to offer from white sandy beaches to Disney World to Universal Studios to natural springs . Our Ultimate Florida Road Trip will take you from one end of the state down to island hopping in the Florida Keys and back up to the Florida panhandle.

High level List Of Top Activities To Do

• Orlando CityPass
• The Fury Ultimate Water Adventure
• Little Havana Tour
• Visit the Dry Tortugas

Have you thought about renting an RV for your trip? We highly recommend it!

*Be sure to check out our FREE Ultimate Florida Road Trip With Your Family eBook below!

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Florida Road Trip Map

St. Augustine

There are so many things to do in St Augustine Florida , it’s an amazing way to start your ultimate Florida road trip. We recommend 2 nights, but really you could stay a week. If you are staying 2 days visit:

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

You can spend hours here exploring all the different alligators, feeding them, and watching the shows. Plus for only $5 you can take your picture with a baby alligator!

Fountain of Youth

It seemed like such a tourist trap to us, but really there is more to it than just the fountain. The grounds are beautiful and filled with multiple history lessons – including the Timucuan Village and seeing them fire a cannon! The road to get to the Fountain of Youth is also amazing with a canopy of old oaks covering the street. Needless to say it is worth it to go.

St. George Street

You can end your day by visiting St. George Street. It is filled with restaurants and one of our favorite stops: Hyppo for homemade popsicles! They even had a champagne flavored one.

And yes, those are our dogs. St. Augustine is super dog friendly!

We also recommend checking out Historic Tours of America , they offer great packages and other ideas of things to do in the area. The trolley was an amazing way to get around town and really learn a lot about St. Augustine. It also meant we didn’t have to drive and find parking everywhere we went.

Or you could check out this trolley tour that takes you to three of St. Augustine’s museums: The Old Jail, St. Augustine History Museum and The Oldest Store Museum!

For even more history, consider visiting the Castillo de San Marcos Monument, booking the Old Jail Tour, or visiting the Oldest Store Museum!

Check out more fun activities in St. Augustine! Where to Stay:

Compass RV Resort offers another good location in St. Augustine with only a 15-20 minute drive to get downtown. This campground also has two dog parks!

Another option is Ocean Grove RV Resort that is about 7 miles from the historic district. This campground includes a boat launch, restaurant, golf cart rental, and more!

If you want to rent an RV check out our post on How To Rent An RV and How To Plan An RV Trip .

Hotel:  Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

We did not stay in a hotel when we were there but given where this hotel is located we think it would be a great place to stay. If you stay here you could walk to a lot of the downtown attractions or easily get on the trolley.

You can’t come to Florida and not go to Orlando. Plan on at least 3 days for all of these things to do in Orlando, Florida :

Magic Kingdom

Visit Magic Kingdom for 1 day. We have done it multiple times and really feel you can see the majority of the park in 1 day. Here is a post we wrote about our tips for visiting in 1 day here: 11 Tips For Visiting Magic Kingdom In 1 Day

Here are some tips from Global Munchkins:  Disney World Tips & Tricks and also The Best Disney Family Shirts for your trip!

Plan on heading to Animal Kingdom? Our friends at We3Travel share what the best ride is in Animal Kingdom and all of Disney!

Universal Studios

We had put off going to Universal Studios until our kids were a little older. When our youngest turned 6 we figured it was a good time to go! We had an absolute blast and loved every minute of it. There was plenty to do with younger kids and the older ones could go on almost all of the rides.

We also had a great time going to Volcano Bay and highly recommend if you are going to Universal plan a day at Volcano Bay!

Ideally we would recommend 3 days to explore Universal. 1 day for each park and 1 day for Volcano Bay. There are 2 parks in Universal – Universal Studios VS Islands of Adventure we recommend visiting both and have done both in one day if you are short on time. Great tips from Global Munchkins on visiting Universal: The Best Universal Orlando Tips From A Pro Have teens? Merlot Mommy shares: The Best Rides for Teens at Universal Orlando Resort

Visiting during Halloween? Be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

Go tubing at Kelly Rock Springs and visit Downtown Disney. This has been one of our favorite things. The water is crystal clear and with all the beautiful greenery and perfect water it is a can’t miss destination!

You start from the top of the spring on an inner tube and float all the way down to the beach. AMAZING!

You can learn more about it in our post: Tubing By Orlando The Best Non Disney Experience and for more springs check out: Best Springs In Florida

If your kids are 12 or younger we recommend also making a stop at LEGOLAND Florida for a day. The size of the park is so much easier to manage then Disney World and in a day you can pretty much do every ride and see the shows.

If you are interested in visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando or LEGOLAND Florida, you may want to consider using the Orlando CityPass ! CityPass will allow you to order tickets to any of these locations on one convenient website and give you a great discounted price!

Escape Game

If you haven’t checked out the Escape Game yet, you are missing out! At Escape Game Orlando you can test your teamwork and sleuthing skills by trying to escape from one of eight themed rooms with your team or family in under an hour. It is a ton of fun for the whole family and a great teamwork exercise as well!

You can check out our post about our experience at The Escape Game here!

Orlando Museum of Art

If you are looking to take in some culture or expand your horizons a bit while in Orlando, check out the Museum of Art! Take a look at the museum’s calendar of events and see if there is something exciting happening in the art gallery, or just stop in anytime and take a tour!

You could also plan a trip over to the Kennedy Space Center and maybe catch a launch, or Swim or Snorkel with the Manatees!

Get tickets here for the Kennedy Space Center!

Have older kids? Check out this post on things to do with teens in Orlando .

Where to stay:

Luxury Villa :  If you are looking to kick back with a big group or want to experience a luxury vacation home check out the Luxury Villas! We stayed here for a week with friends and it was AMAZING!!

Orlando RV Resort With our RV we always stay at the Thousand Trails Orlando. Its proximity to all of the things we listed above is great and you are a little ways away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. If you want a more glamorous place to stay than Disney’s Fort Wilderness is for you. We spent a day there and it was pretty awesome and we know other RVers who call it their FAVORITE place to stay in the whole US.

Camp Margaritaville – For a fun vacation style RV resort stay here!

If you want to stay outside Orlando, Mill Creek RV Resort is in Kissimmee – only about 30 minutes from the Orlando theme parks. Also, all of these sites are on concrete patios!

Another option outside Orlando is in Davenport. Only 25-30 minutes from the Orlando theme parks, Mouse Mountain RV Resort offers a selection of standard and premium sites.

If you want to splurge stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort ! We haven’t stayed here but went and visited once and it was amazing.

Embassy Suites on International Drive If you are looking for a hotel and want to give your kids a special treat then stay at the Legoland Hotel . They have gifts for your kids once they complete a scavenger hunt in your room, all the legos you want to play with in the lobby and some amazing shows.

Then of course there are all the Disney properties. To be honest we always look for ways to cut costs so we can take more trips and do more things. In that mindset we stayed at an Embassy Suites that provide breakfast was close to Disney – so that is always an option too.

Here is a great list of the Best Hotels For Families In Orlando .

If you are a waterpark family check out: Best Water Parks In Orlando. 

From here you could head to our next stop Miami or make a stop in Jupiter. There are a lot of great things to do in Jupiter, Florida and it is a more under the radar location!

Welcome to Miami! Miami has a very cool vibe to it. We recommend doing the following:

Little Havana

Miami has an amazing Cuban presence and vibe to it. Head into Little Havana and grab some ice cream at Azucar and then walk down the street to see if you can hear any cuban music coming from the bar/restaurants and do a little dance in the street.

Next head into Wynwood and check out the amazing artwork on the sides of the building. This is an up and coming area in Miami and has an awesome vibe to it! You can also park and get out and walk around Wynwood Walls to check out the artwork and restaurants in the area.

South Beach

Go to South Beach and see what South Beach is really like! We didn’t get a chance to get out of our car due to how busy it was. But it was cool to drive down A1A and take in everything South Beach has to offer.

Miami Seaquarium

We had a great time exploring the Miami Seaquarium and all the exhibits. Grab your Seaquarium tickets here ! Don’t forget to check out Miami Beach while you are there!

If wildlife is more your thing check out Tropical Botanical Garden & Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary at Flamingo Gardens

Check out our post on: 7 Things To Do with Kids in Miami

Check out these other great activities in Miami!

RV Park: Miami Everglades RV Park 

We stayed at the Encore RV park. We had to drive a ways to get into downtown Miami – but it was still worth it since the RV park was so nice and quiet. Plus they had a great pool, hot tub and mini golf course!

Hotel:  Check out this highly rated family friendly hotel:  InterContinental Miami

VRBO: Check out this Mediterranean-style cottage with private swimming pool!

Luxury Villa : If you are looking to house up to 12 guests in style with an infinity pool, fitness room and home theater, consider this Luxury Villa !

Another idea is to take a cruise when you are in Miami! The Carnival Vista looks amazing!

Florida Keys and Key West

Ever wonder the distance from Miami to Key West ? Well, it’s about 160 miles. Crazy, right?! That 3 hour drive could be a road trip in itself! Well, now you know the distance from Miami to Key West , on your Florida Keys Road Trip , check these amazing stops:

Feed the Tarpons

Stop at Robbie’s and feed the Tarpons. It is a really cool experience. 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.

So fun! Just look out for the Pelicans, they’re savage!

Grab lunch at Sunset Grille

This is a cool restaurant on the water that has a pool! It is a great place to stop, eat lunch and take a swim before heading on. Make sure to check out their Key Lime Pie! Once you are done swimming walk up the stairs that go under the bridge and walk out on the famous 7 Mile Bridge.

7 Mile Bridge

You can’t avoid it on your way down to Key West, but I wanted to add it so you can be sure you have your camera ready. I love this bridge and the idea of the water surrounding you on all sides!

While you are on the way to Key West, you might want to check out Long Key State Park! Here is a video of our time there:

Key West – Fort Zachary Taylor

Explore the fort and spend time at the beach enjoying the Atlantic Ocean! The beach doesn’t have soft white sand beaches, most in the Keys don’t due to the reef but that’s OK. The color of the water and the ability to snorkel right off the beach make up for it! There is also a small restaurant here where you can grab lunch and a beer.

Key West – Mallory Square

Then head to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. There are a variety of fun shows for the whole family. Yes, some of the comments can be a little crude (they do try really hard to make it family friendly) – but normally will go right over your kids head. We were able to drink from a coconut and enjoy some great food too.

Key West – Fury Ultimate Adventure

The Fury Ultimate Adventure is one of our favorite things we have done! Spend 6 hours on a large catamaran where they feed you all day and provide all you can drink soda plus beer and wine at the end the end of the trip. While you snorkel, parasail, jet ski and play on huge inflatables in the middle of the ocean. Such an amazing time!!

You can learn more at our post: The 4 Best Water Activities With Kids In Key West.

Key West – Dry Tortugas

If you can fit it in, take the boat tour out to the Dry Tortugas. It is an amazing and magical place. Seriously, it is an island 70 miles off of Key West with the bluest water you have ever seen and a beach filled with conch shells. And the fort offers the best photo opportunities.

Get Dramamine and be prepared for the long and bumpy boat ride.

Here is our post on it: Dry Tortugas – One For The Bucket List Or if you have enough time, plan on camping on the Dry Tortugas! We didn’t get a chance to do it but it is on our list to go back and stay for a few nights. Here is a post from a family of 5, Currently Wandering, who spent a few days on the Tortugas (lucky!): Family Camping In Dry Tortugas National Park You can check out: https://www.historictours.com/keywest/index.php for more ideas and discounted packages on things to do in Key West. We really enjoyed the aquarium and the kids loved being able to feed the sharks!

More On The Florida Keys

We spent 2 1/2 months in the Florida Keys. You can check out all of our posts on our time there on our: Florida Keys page .

Check out these post from We3Travel: Family Fun In The Florida Keys and Florida Keys Roadtrip to learn more as well!

You can check out even more activities in Key West here! Check out all the great kayaking options in Florida parks here !

Where To Stay:

RV Park: Boyds Campground We haven’t stayed here but we have heard if you want to be close to Key West this is a great place to stay with your RV.

Another option located a little over an hour from Key West is Pelican RV Resort in Marathon.

If you are looking for a less expensive option and somewhere that is in a quieter location, we recommend Sunshine Key – which is where we stayed. It is a good 90 minute drive into Key West so be prepared for that. Or, if you can get in, the Bahia Honda State Park is amazing – especially if you get right on the water.

Hotel: Casa Marina Resort , in Key West. The property is beautiful and not right in the middle of downtown Key West – which we think is a great fit for being with a family in Key West.

If you can stay in the Keys for longer we also recommend Hawks Cay! The only problem with staying here is you won’t want to leave but will instead want to stay at the hotel and enjoy all the amenities.

For a road trip it would be great for a couple day break but we really recommend it if you are looking for a week long stay in one place.

Everglades National Park

Shark Valley

Make a stop at the Shark Valley Visitor Center in the northern end of the Everglades and take a tram ride (may have to buy tickets well ahead of time for this) or if you have your bikes or want to rent them you can take the 15 mile bike ride into Shark Valley – which we recommend! You don’t need tickets to do the biking.

You can learn more about the tram and about renting bicycles here: Shark Valley Tram Tours

It is one amazing and wild ride as you pedal right past gigantic alligators!!! And depending on the weather you may even be riding through rain puddles with alligators sitting right in them. Once you reach the lookout you can climb to the top and have an amazing view of the Everglades.

At 15 miles round trip it is a long ride, but the path is paved and flat – but like in our case – if it is windy, it can be challenging.

Be prepared when you get to Shark Valley Visitor Center that there may be a line to get into the parking lot. They have a small parking lot and they only let so many people in.

We just sat in our car and waited our turn. It took about 20 minutes or so. A few other people parked on the road outside the entrance.

If you have your bikes I recommend waiting for a spot in the lot since you will be there a while.

You can also tour Everglades National Park by Airboat!

Check out even more things to do in The Everglades here!

Check out our post on Shark Valley here: 7 Things To Do With Kids in Miami .

Where to Stay:

RV Park:  If you are up for National Park Camping we recommend Midway Campground. It is a 21 minute drive from there to Shark Valley. If you don’t mind a 45-minute drive, Riptide RV Resort in Key Largo is another good option.

Hotel:   Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites We did not stay here but do to its location it would be great for visiting Shark Valley. It is about a 38 minute drive to Shark Valley Visitor Center.

Highlands Hammock State Park

Looking for things to do in central Florida other than Orlando? Stop at the Highland Hammock State Park. It is a beautiful park and we recommend taking at least 1 of the hikes before heading out.

The Cyprus Swamp – Highland Hammock Trail is one of our favorite hikes. A couple of our kids were a little freaked out about it but when it was said and done everyone had fun!

RV Park: Highland Hammock State Park campground. We stayed here and it was great! Lake Josephine RV Park and Buttonwood Bay RV Resort , located in Sebring, are two other great options since they’re only about 20 minutes from the State Park.

Hotel:   The Inn On The Lakes   We did not stay here but due to its location we would recommend it.

Clearwater Beach

Voted one of the best beaches in Florida. Clearwater is a beautiful beach with white sand and aquamarine water and beautiful beach resorts . Just be prepared that it can be very busy.

If you can spend a day hanging out at the beach and then head to the main street to check out the shops and restaurants and grab some food and drinks.

Bring Florida home with you with this awesome hurricane drink recipe!

Dolphin Tale

Visit Hope from the movie Dolphin Tale 2 at the Clearwater Aquarium and be sure to take the free boat ride over to the museum that is dedicated to the movie. And be on the look out for dolphins in the ocean on the ride!

If you are looking for something different to try while in Clearwater, why not try a customizable helicopter tour? Check it out here!

Check out more great activities to do in Clearwater! Plus things to do in Tampa Bay with families ! Or maybe take a road trip to Siesta Key .

RV Park: It is a bit of a drive, but we stayed at Lazy Days and made the 1 hour drive into Clearwater Beach. The Dunedin RV Resort , a closer option, is only a few miles from Clearwater.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort would be a great place to stay due to its proximity to the beach! Check out these three spacious Clearwater Beach resorts perfect for families too.

VRBO: Check out the Clearwater Beach Vacation Rentals .

Luxury Villa: Check out these villas .

Port St Joe Florida in Gulf County

We recently spent a week in Port St Joe, Florida and were so pleasantly surprised with how awesome the forgotten coast is! If you are looking to visit a new place in Florida this is it. 

You can kayak and snorkel in the bay. Take a boat out to look for dolphins. Have a campfire on the beach and find some of the best shells we have ever found! 

Gulf County, Florida is beautiful! The beaches are huge and you can walk for miles up and down them. I am so glad we found this hidden gem in Florida! 

You can learn more about it here: 21 Fun Things To Do In Port St Joe Florida

Finish your trip by stopping in Destin for a day of relaxation. If the weather is going to be warm enough when you go then get a hotel room on the beach and plan on just kicking back and relaxing for your last few days.

If you aren’t ready to relax Destin also offers an amazing pirate boat adventure for the kids, private catamaran tours with Smile N Wave and a dolphin cruise . Plus there is under the sea bowling and a lot of yummy restaurants in the area. We also loved The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park  just outside Destin!

The sunsets are amazing so be sure to catch it each night you are there! And you will want to try the Crab at the Crab Trap !

Here is our post on Destin (we have visited multiple times and we totally miss it when we leave!).

Check out more activities to do while you are in Destin!

RV Park : Camp Gulf on the beach! It is by far one of our favorite RV parks and we highly recommend paying the extra to stay on the beach.

About half an hour from Destin is The Hideaway Retreat in Navarre, FL. With large, beautiful oak and magnolia trees surrounding the sites, this campground on the Santa Rosa Sound offers lots of shade and a true outdoor atmosphere.

About an hour the other direction is Emerald Coast RV Resort in Panama City Beach. With two heated pools, a hot tub, fitness center, and more, this campground offers plenty to do when you aren’t visiting Destin.

Hotel: Hilton Sandestin The hotel is actually pretty close to the RV park. You can walk on the beach to the hotel from the RV park and get a drink at their bar/restaurant. A great way to watch the sunset!

VRBO: Check out this awesome house with a pool and hot tub and only a few blocks from the beach!

Recommended Itinerary for 14 nights

You could replace Clearwater with Port St Joe if you wanted to spend more time on the Panhandle of Florida. 

And if you want to get our free eBook on the Ultimate Florida Road Trip With Your Family click here!

The ebook documents everything in this post, along with an area for notes under each city. You can easily print it and use it for your planning and when you go on your trip.

You’ll see the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast on your trip and enjoy one of the best road trips for families in the United States!

More Florida Travel Ideas

Florida has so much to offer. If you can, we recommend staying for months – we stayed for 6. But if that isn’t an option this road trip could take approximately 2 weeks.

It could be longer or shorter depending on how much time you spend at each location. You will be covering a lot of miles but it is worth it to see all of these amazing places.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Florida, from small towns to big cities. It is impossible to list them all! Here are a few more awesome stops that our blogger friends have written about:

Things To Do In Naples Florida

20+ Things To Do In Florida On The Ultimate Sunshine State Road Trip

Florida Beaches: 25 Best Family Vacation Destinations

Places To Visit In Florida

29 Things to Do in Amelia Island

17 Best Florida Beaches

Things to Do in Tampa Bay in a Day . Don’t forget to check out St. Petes Beach in St. Petersburg while you’re there! You can also visit Cocoa Beach, Blue Springs, Crystal River, Vero Beach and so many more amazing places!

A trip to Florida can be spent doing day trips all over the state. Or you can pick one place to stay for your whole trip. 

You may also want to check out some of the great things to do in Fort Lauderdale. See JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Or check out the Barrier Islands in the Gulf of Mexico.

There are some great scenic drives in Florida to check out too and some awesome Florida Small Towns !

Anna Marie Island is another great place to check out!

More Posts To Check Out

Looking for another Road Trip? Check out these great East Cost Family Vacation Spots !

How about other fun things to do around Florida?! Check out:

Where to see Manatees in Florida

9 Delicious Port St Joe Restaurants You Will Want to Try

25 Exciting and Fun Things To Do In Myrtle Beach, SC

9 Outstanding Places to Visit with Kids in Atlanta, Georgia

7 Amazing Things To Do In Asheville With Kids

29 Brilliant Things To Do In Gulf Shores, Alabama

National Park Road Trip

14 Amazing RV Parks in Destin Florida

East Coast Road Trip 25+ Spots You Don’t Want to Miss!

The Ultimate Guide to The Harry Potter World Rides

8 Things to do in Jupiter Florida

6 Best Springs in Florida

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42 thoughts on “Florida Road Trip: 31 Amazing Places You Won’t Want To Miss”

This seriously has me questioning renting an RV and heading off on a road trip adventure. I never thought of laying out a 14 day itinerary like that. It sounds amazing!!! What a fantastic post!

Finally going to take a few days off this weekend to be with family. Thanks for the list of florida road trip ideas. Really great photos too, especially of Dry Tortugas, wish I could jump right into the photo. Can you tell I really need a break? haha

Thanks! Dry Tortugas is amazing – we can’t wait to get back!!

Good site for those who want to travel here in Florida, one trip I would suggest is instead of heading towards Orlando on route 4, go over to Route 1 after Daytona and take the turn in to the Cape Canaveral Seashore. It has hiking trails, bike trails and you can also go to the beach. For the children continue on to the Space Center and take the tour, we had our grandson and he had a wonderful time there. After that yes on to Disney. Good blog.

Great suggestion! Hoping to visit this area on our next time in the state!

Hi, great itinerary. Any chance of a link to the original google map please?

Unfortunately, no. We plotted the map just to grab the picture of it. Next time, we’ll try to save them. Thanks for the idea!

HI could you confirm the period of year in which you did the trip?

We did this mainly in the fall/winter months, but it could be done pretty much at any time. Parts of Florida can get uncomfortably hot during the summer months, but the coastal areas can still be nice.

What were some of the most Dog friendly places you visited. The reason I ask is I am wanting to do a spontaneous road trip and wanted to make sure my four legged friend could come with me as I will not have anywhere else to put him while I am on the road. Or visiting certain places.

To be honest, there are tons of dog friendly places we’ve visited. It seems more and more businesses are being accommodating to pets. But off the top of my head, St. Augustine, Asheville, San Diego and Denver were all very dog friendly cities. Pretty much all of those cities had water bowls on the side walk, we went to a dog night at a brewery in Asheville (including a special dog-safe brew) and other events that dogs were welcome. Hope that helps!

Hello! We are going on our first ever RV holiday next month – March 2018 – around Florida. We are heading to Destin from Clearwater. Where should stop on that last leg? It’s a bit far for our 2, 7 & 8 yr olds. We managed to get the last beach front spot at Camp Gulf! Thanks, Isabel

We’ve heard great things about Apalachicola National Forest, although we’ve never been there. That may be somewhere to consider.

Certainly you found a bunch of Florida road trips spots. Amelia Island, 30A, and Anna Maria Island are among my Florida favorites.

Thanks! We need to explore Amelia Island and Anna Maria Island!

Sorry you forgot the Space Coast! There are so many fun & interesting things to do, including the Kennedy Space Center which is totally geared for the entire family (and maybe a rocket launch!), wonderful beaches, cruise ships, surfing and fishing possibilities, air boating, eco river tours, Brevard Zoo. Our state has so much to offer. Hope you’ll come again and check out our Space Coast fun!

We’ll definitely be back that way at some point. I didn’t really think of Florida as a big state, but it’s huge! So many places to see, we just ran out of time.

I ytuly enjoyed your honesty and thoughts about this. We are taking a road trip there soon amd have seen much, but not the keys!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

The Keys are an amazing destination, one of our favorites. Hopefully you can get down there.

If someone asks me about great post for weekend, which probably create a wonderful mood, definitely it would be yours!

What a beautiful post, I am preparing to move to Fl and I am looking forward to it and freaked out at the same time! I will have to take some time and explore the keys for sure. Thank you.

You’re welcome! The Keys are amazing!

Hi, We are coming over from England with our 5 & 7 yr olds and want to do an RV trip but have a couple of concerns; 1) Are RV parks very expensive 2) Are they isolated ie: do you need a car to get to all the places or can you drive your RV to them. Such as staying at Orlando for 3 nights how do you get to all the parks?

Great blog has given us a great guide on what to do thanks.

Thanks, The Jefferson family

Some RV parks can be expensive. If you stick to state parks, it ranges around $40 USD per night. RV parks are usually a bit away from attractions. If you rent a relatively small RV (something like 30′ or less) you can drive that around town to grocery stores, restaurants, etc. and find parking for it. If you plan to visit attractions like Disney, they do have oversize and RV parking. Worst case scenario, in places like Orlando, you can always get an Uber. Best of luck, have a great trip!

You should really add Naples and if you can. It has great beaches and other things like zoos

Thanks for the suggestion! We’ll add that to our list for next time!

South Florida- our old stompin’ grounds! Our first stop when we hit the road was the Keys. We love it so much down there. The camping has really gone crazy in price since then. But we hope to get back down there soon. Key West has so many awesome places to explore and fine- the back streets off Duval are so much fun to explore. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Frank and Grainne The Roving Foleys

The Keys are amazing, and yes, a bit pricier than other places! We hope to get back down there again soon too!

Thank you for your suggestions. You hit the tourists spots, do you have a blog that maybe hits the places in between that are more off the path and less tourist oriented?

We don’t at the moment, but pass along some good spots if you find them.

I think If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best , you will always find home!) No matter what!

Great advice!

I’ve enjoyed exploring your blog. So many great places – so little time : ). We just got back from camping in Florida over Christmas break and enjoyed St Augustine, too. We spent two nights but could easily have spent more, but Sanibel used up most of our time. If you get a chance, try kayaking at Blue Spring State Park – the manatees swam right under us! Perhaps next winter we can make it to the Everglades and Keys and try out some of your ideas. Best, Gwen

We definitely want to check out Blue Spring State Park. We’ve heard great things about it! Glad you had a fun trip!

I have lived in Florida for 49 yrs and have never taken a road trip here to see what all I have been missing. The keys is our first stop. We live in High Springs Florida right across the road from Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs and Blue Springs. We will start in Pensacola and travel the beaches down to Naples and cut over to Miami and head down to the keys, back up and hug the coast all the way up to St Augustine. Our next trip will be inland and discover all the things we have missed.

• Pingback: 12 RV Parks In Florida That You Will Want To Visit

This is a great list. Florida has so many fun things to do.

Thanks! Yes it does!

Thanks “Bryanna” for sharing a great recommended list. I really love Florida and make a vacation with road trip. I’ve been visited Maximum’s places on your list. I mostly like Shark Valley, Clearwater Beach, Mallory Square, 7 Mile Bridge. But you can also add Disney world to your list.

We tried to give some options other than the usual things people do in Florida.

Comments are closed.

Ultimate Florida Road Trip Planner to See the Sunshine State

Welcome to our Florida Road Trip Planner.

Florida, popularly known as the Sunshine State, is one of the most popular states to visit in the USA. 

Florida is famous for its pristine sandy beaches and relaxed lifestyle. 

Water activities like boating, fishing and snorkeling abound here. 

From the vibrant cities of Miami and Orlando to the numerous theme parks, Florida makes the perfect road trip destination for everyone from couples to families. 

But that’s not all that Florida’s about: here you will also find never-ending swamps of the Everglades, mysterious attractions such as the Coral Castle, and one of the least visited and most remote national parks in the country – the Dry Tortugas! 

And there’s the Panhandle. Enjoy a sunrise at Grayton Beach, explore historic Fort Pickens, or see the amazing restored aircrafts at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. 

Looking for the best Florida road trip itinerary for your next vacation? 

Explore our amazing Florida itinerary recommendations to see the art deco architecture in Miami, people watch at South Beach, eat a Cuban sandwich in Key West, and camp on a beautiful beach in this ultimate Florida road trip itinerary planner.

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full  Disclosure  here. Thank you!

2 Weeks in Florida Road Trip Itinerary

Many people dream of a Florida road trip.

With its beautiful beaches, warm weather and plenty to see and do the Sunshine State is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

If you’re looking to take a road trip across Florida, we’ve compiled some helpful tips that will make your journey easier and more enjoyable!

This ultimate Florida road trip itinerary takes visitors on our favorite scenic routes in Florida.

Begin your trip in Miami and explore the vibrant city before exploring the Florida Keys.

Take an airboat tour to see the gators in Everglades, then explore the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The Tampa Miami scenic drive has been called one of America’s most beautiful drives and has many unique attractions.

Visit the theme parks in Orlando and see central Florida.

Then you have two options:

Visit the East Coast – This route includes stops in Jacksonville, St Augustine, and Amelia Island.

Road trip the Panhandle – From Seaside to Pensacola, this route offers sandy beaches as well as historic sites like Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island.

Here are some of the best attractions to see on a 15 days in Florida road trip including beaches, amusement parks, natural areas, road trips, cultural attractions, and more. 

Miami – 3 Days

Miami is the best place to start our ultimate Florida Road Trip.

This is a city of diversity and culture.

Also Read: 3 Days in Miami Itinerary

Miami is known for its great food, beautiful beaches, and nightlife.

The city has several miles of coastline that tourists can explore!

We recommend spending 2 to 3 days to explore the highlights of Miami.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Miami.

South Beach

Noted for its beautiful beaches, popular oceanfront hotels and nightclubs, South Beach is one of the best vacation spots in the country.

From great food and restaurants to entertainment and nightlife, there are plenty of ways for you to have a memorable time in South Beach.

Art Deco Historic District

The Art Deco Historic District in Miami is one of the most well known places to explore art deco style buildings.

The buildings were built with unique designs that feature an assortment of colors and styles.

You can explore all of these on a guided tour.

The Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District is also well-known for its oceanfront villas and wide variety of historic, cultural, and entertainment attractions.

Little Havana

Little Havana is well known for its Cuban population and culture.

You can find plenty of Cuban restaurants and businesses in the area as well as a rich cultural history.

The Little Havana neighborhood hosts a number of Latin American culture events, including festivals, concerts, and more.

Wynwood Walls murals

Wynwood is a neighborhood in Miami, Florida.

The outdoor art gallery at Wynwood is the perfect place to go if you want to be immersed in art.

Here you will find a variety of thought provoking street art and murals.

Over the past few years, it has rapidly grown into one of the Instagram hot spots in Miami.

Florida Keys road trip – 3 Days

The Florida Keys are a chain that stretches from the southernmost point of mainland Florida to Key West, and offer an opportunity for visitors to experience all the best things this part of Florida has to offer.

From sandy beaches to colorful reefs, from sea turtle nesting grounds to coral gardens, the Florida Keys have something for everyone.

Drive down scenic Highway 1 – also known as the Overseas Highway – for a memorable experience!

Here are essential stops along the way.

Coral Castle

The Coral Castle Museum is located in Homestead, Florida.

It was built by Edward Leedskalnin and his only tools were simple and handmade.

It took him 28 years to complete this amazing structure, but how he did it remains a mystery.

There are many theories about how he moved 3 million pounds of coral stone without any modern tools or equipment.

Some say that Leedskalnin harnessed magnetic forces and used them as an energy source; others say he had help from extraterrestrials who came down with their spaceship; while some even believe that he knew ancient secrets of the pyramids.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is one of the last remaining wildernesses on the Eastern Seaboard.

Located in Miami, this park touches five different counties and has a variety of ecosystems for visitors to explore.

The park includes mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds and rare pine rocklands that are representative of Florida’s diverse natural environment.

Visitors can enjoy paddling through bay waters or hiking trails with views of birds nesting on high trees as well as alligators hiding beneath lily pads.

Biscayne National Park offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as biking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

Key Largo is a great water sports and fishing adventure destination.

Visitors can rent paddle boards or kayaks, go scuba diving or snorkeling, and even swim with dolphins in Key Largo.

The area has many beaches, where you can enjoy sunbathing or swimming in the warm waters.

You can also explore some of the old buildings, including museums and churches in Key Largo.

Islamorada is known for its beautiful clear water and white sand beaches.

The pretty coastal town is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, stingrays and sharks just to name a few!

You will also find several art galleries and artist communities such as The Rain Barrel Village in Islamorada.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is a state park and popular tourist destination in the Florida Keys.

The park offers lodging, an interpretive center, a boat ramp and dock, fishing pier, picnic pavilion with grills and restrooms open year-round.

The Bahia Honda Bridge trail and Calusa Beach are the top attractions here.

The southernmost city in the United States of America, Key West attracts more tourists than any other city in Florida.

The island of Key West is home to many attractions including its famous Hemingway House, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, a butterfly garden, and Ernest’s favorite bar Sloppy Joe’s.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by history as well as culture with each step you take on these beautiful island streets.

Most of the Key West attractions are located within walking distance of each other in Old Town, making it easy to see the city in a day.

Don’t forget to shop for Caribbean themed souvenirs and eat the iconic key lime pie while visiting Key West.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Key West with Kids

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located an easy day-trip from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote destination that is accessible by boat or seaplane.

The park is known for its wildlife and natural beauty, as well as the history that surrounds it.

The islands are home to Historic Fort Jefferson, located on Garden Key.

This 19th-century masonry fort was built by the United States Army to defend against pirates and other attacks.

Visitors can enjoy the idyllic white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and abundant sea life in their natural habitats on a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Everglades National Park – 1 Day

Everglades National Park is one of the most unique and beautiful places in the United States.

The Everglades are a subtropical wilderness area that are home to many rare and endangered species of Florida wildlife.

Visitors can explore this wonderland by airboat or canoe to spot beautiful birds of prey, panthers, manatees, and crocodiles up close.

Everglades National Park also offers camping and hiking opportunities for visitors who are looking to explore this beautiful landscape.

The Flamingo Visitor Center of Everglades is located close to Homestead and can be easily seen on any Southern Florida road trip.

Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip – 2 Days

Florida’s Gulf Coast is an amazing place for a road trip.

The area from Everglades City to Naples is also known as the Paradise Coast.

After seeing the Keys and Everglades, take the Tamiami trail from Miami to the west coast of Florida.

Here are our favorite road trip stops on the Paradise Coast and Gulf Coast of Florida.

Tamiami Trail

The Tamiami Trail is a scenic highway running through the Everglades ​from Miami to Naples and Tampa.

The trail crosses many different ecosystems, which makes for an interesting tour.

Visitors can see mangroves, hardwood hammocks, cypress domes and prairies as they drive southbound on the trail.

Everglades City

Everglades City is a quiet and quaint city located on the southwest coast of Florida. 

This small town has an abundance of natural beauty, with its long shorelines and lush vegetation.

It offers visitors a chance to explore old Florida with its local fishing spots, boat tours, and scenic beaches in the Everglades region.

Big Cypress National Preserve

The Big Cypress Preserve, easily reached by the Tamiami Trail, has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.

The preserve is home to the world’s largest cypress forest and has a variety of trails  and boat tours.

Shark Valley Visitor Center, Everglades

Everglades Shark Valley Visitor Center is close to Fort Myers Beach.

The Shark Valley Visitor Center is a key part of the Everglades National Park.

This visitor center offers educational exhibits and ranger programs to help visitors understand both the natural history and cultural significance of this national park.

The Shark Valley Visitor Center has a variety of hiking trails that covers habitats for many types of animals including alligators, foxes, snakes and more.

Visitors can also see an observation tower to get a birds eye view of the fascinating Everglades landscape.

Marco Island

Marco Island is a large barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Florida, within Collier County.

It was created when a sandbar built up in the shallow bay near Naples and Captiva islands.

The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times by Native Americans.

Marco Island is a great place for those who want to relax and spend time in nature.

Popular activities include dolphin watching cruises, guided nature walks and kayaking in mangrove forests.

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers is a town in Southwest Florida with many attractions for tourists.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates are two of the most well-known places in Florida.

These estates were built by Thomas Alva Edison and Henry Ford in their lifetime.

They offer guided tours, historical exhibits, and an outdoor aviary that is home to different types of birds.

Nearby Cape Coral is known for its miles of beautiful beaches, protected waters and abundant wildlife.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a tropical paradise and home to the most stunning beaches in all of Florida.

It offers a unique combination of natural beauty, preserved wildlife habitats, and an abundance of recreational opportunities.

The island is made up of five miles of scenic, sugar-white sand that stretches from one end to the other.

One look and it’s easy to guess why this area is known as the Paradise Coast!

You’ll find plenty of things to do on this gorgeous little island, like fishing, shelling, birdwatching or just relaxing!

The Tampa Bay Area is a beautiful place to visit!

From pristine beaches, to amazing theme parks like Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and LEGOLAND Florida; it’s no wonder this region attracts millions of visitors every year.

The Tampa Bay Area has something for everyone – from visiting museums like the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts or taking a tour of Ybor City’s historic buildings.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a kayak tour around Egmont Key State Park or if you prefer a more relaxing day out, visit one of the beautiful beaches.

St. Petersburg

The beautiful city of St. Petersburg is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay in Florida’s West Coast region and is home to many attractions and historic architecture.

Explore the different neighborhoods around town on bike or see the famous Salvador Dali museum.

Visit one of the city’s spectacular beaches, stroll along The Pier which offers great views looking over Tampa Bay towards Clearwater Beach, and enjoy fresh seafood while you’re there!

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the United States.

It has a long stretch of powdery white sand and clear blue water that will make you feel like you’re in paradise.

There are many restaurants and shops near the beach, the surf is calm, and the water temperature stays around 72 degrees year round – making it a hit with families.

Clearwater Beach offers many activities such as parasailing, jet ski rentals, fishing charters, boat tours.

Pier 60 is also famous for its sunset celebration every night.

Also Read: Best Beaches for Camping in the USA

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is the perfect place for tourists to explore because of its Greek heritage and cuisine.

This quaint coastal town has an interesting story.

Tarpon Springs was founded by Greek immigrant sponge fishermen.

Some of the most popular things to do while visiting are eating at the Greek restaurants, shopping for sponges, and visiting the Historic Sponge Docks.

You can also take a Tampa Bay wildlife cruise to see manatees, dolphins, sea turtles and bald eagles as well as other wildlife like egrets, pelicans and herons.

Honeymoon Island State Park

The first thing that tourists notice when they arrive at Honeymoon Island State Park is the natural beauty of the white sandy beaches.

The park has more than six miles of shoreline and offers a variety of activities from fishing to swimming in the crystal clear water.

Visitors can also enjoy biking, boating, kayaking or bird watching on this beautiful island.   

In addition to its natural beauty, Honeymoon Island State Park features a number of historical sites including Fort Dade and an old lighthouse which are open for exploration by visitors.

Orlando – 3 Days

No one can visit Florida without seeing Orlando.

Orlando, Florida is a great tourist destination for people of all ages.

The city has many attractions and activities perfect for families such as theme parks like Disney World in Lake Buena Vista and Universal Orlando Resort, which offer fun rides and shows for the whole family.

Orlando also has other gems besides the theme parks.

The downtown has a thriving art scene, restaurants, and shopping.

Nearby parks such as Lake Eola Park are perfect for walking or biking, fishing and kayaking.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth.

No matter what age you are, this destination will captivate you with its charm.

Its expansive complex houses four amusement parks and two water parks that offer endless entertainment. 

The Magic Kingdom is similar to most Disney parks that you would find worldwide, complete with Cinderella’s Castle and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Epcot is a futuristic theme park with mini “worlds” guests can visit. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has movie-related attractions, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an intriguing zoo.

Walt Disney World’s water parks include Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios in Orlando is one of the best theme parks in the world.

The amusement park offers many different attractions for all ages including thrill rides, live shows and restaurants.

At Universal Orlando resort, all of your favorite movie characters come alive.

Famous rides include Jurassic Park-The Ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man!

From Orlando, you have two options.

You can either see attractions along the Atlantic Coast or explore the Florida Panhandle.

Optional: Emerald Coast Road Trip – 3 Days

Tourists and visitors alike are drawn to the Florida Panhandle by its coastal beauty, unspoiled beaches and tropical climate. 

From Dauphin Island to Pensacola Beach, this area is home to some of the best natural attractions in Florida.

The area around Destin and Fort Walton Beach is known as the Emerald Coast for its stunning turquoise water.

Panama City Beach

A trip to Panama City Beach is like a breath of fresh air for the soul.

It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for beach fun and relaxation, with plenty of activities that will keep you busy all day long!

Whether it’s watching dolphins in their natural habitat or indulging in some water sports, this gorgeous stretch of coastline makes for a great stop on the Florida road trip.

Destin is a beautiful coastal town in Northwest Florida.

It’s home to the world famous white sand beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

There are many tourist attractions to see while staying here, such as amusement parks, aquariums, museums, and beaches.

The city also has lots of shopping opportunities for visitors looking for souvenirs or gifts.

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is the world’s longest natural beach.

It spans from Santa Rosa Island to Navarre Beach, and can be enjoyed for activities like fishing, kayaking and surfing.

The Pensacola Bay guarantees a breathtaking view at all times of day with its beautiful sunsets that are best viewed from the Pensacola Lighthouse.

Optional: Florida Eastern Coast Road Trip – 3 Days

Continue your Florida road trip on the Atlantic Coast of the state.

Start all the way north in Jacksonville and Amelia Island and drive south along the coast till Miami.

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a stunning beach getaway located in northern Florida.

The island, which includes the city of Fernandina Beach, has been a vacation spot since the early 1800s and attracts visitors from all over the world to experience its natural beauty.

Visitors have access to miles of stunning beaches that include white sand dunes with soft powdery shores and crystal clear water for swimming or boating excursions.

There are also many historical points of interest such as Fort Clinch State Park, lighthouses, and museums open to visitors who want to learn more about the history on this beautiful island.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville in North Florida is a fun destination to add to your Florida road trip.

Explore the rich history of Jacksonville and it’s surrounding areas at attractions like Fort Caroline National Memorial and Museum of Contemporary Art.

The beautiful Jacksonville beach and white sand dunes are just waiting to be explored in this coastal town, as are the eateries and cafes.

Historic St. Augustine

Historic St. Augustine, Florida is home to the oldest European settlement in the US and it has some of the best preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the country.

The city’s rich heritage dates back more than 400 years and is still evident today with its beautiful Spanish moss-draped oak trees lining cobblestone streets and old brick buildings that house some of Florida’s oldest restaurants and shops.

The city of St. Augustine has something for everyone whether you’re looking to indulge in the world-famous cuisine, explore the vast array of museums or simply relax on one of our pristine beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a popular tourist destination in Florida.

It is perfect for families looking to spend a fun weekend on the eastern coast of Florida.

Daytona Beach is home to world-famous beaches and several amusement parks, making it the perfect place for families to spend time together.

One of the most well-known attractions there is Daytona International Speedway, where you can watch races or even take a ride on one of their go-karts!

Canaveral National Seashore

The Canaveral National Seashore is a national park in the United States that stretches for more than 15 miles along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

The seashore offers visitors beautiful views of both mangroves and pristine sand dunes while also providing opportunities to see endangered species such as sea turtles, dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles.

Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach with this national treasure.

Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is one of the top attractions to visit on any Florida road trip.

The Space Center is a living museum, historic site and NASA launch complex.

It’s located in the Florida coastal area near Titusville, about 45 miles south of Orlando on Cape Canaveral.

Tourists are welcomed to explore the visitor complex with exhibits that tell the story of America’s space program from its earliest days through today’s missions.

You can see exhibits about the history of NASA programs, including manned missions to the Moon (Apollo 11), Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station.

Visitors can go up close with historic spacecraft like an Apollo Saturn V rocket or view moon rock.

The Rocket Garden includes replicas of Mercury-Redstone, Gemini-Titan II, Apollo-Saturn V as well as rockets from other countries.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral may be famously known as the Space Coast, but it also has many other attractions.

The Cape Canaveral Beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.

The beaches are also great for fishing, kayaking, surfing, and relaxing on warm days.

Small coastal towns in Florida such as Merritt Island, Vero Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Cocoa Beach are perfect to add to your Florida road trip along the east coast.

Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce is located on Florida’s east coast, just north of West Palm Beach.

The city has been home to many different cultures and people throughout its history, including Native Americans, African-Americans and Europeans. 

Visitors love the quaint town with shops, restaurants and historical sites such as the Babcock Mansion Museum lining its streets.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a popular tourist destination with its pristine white sand beaches and the world’s most beautiful sunsets.

The city has many attractions for tourists to enjoy, such as shopping, dining and nightlife!

West Palm Beach also offers a variety of outdoor activities including kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding and water skiing.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations.

With its subtropical climate, 40 miles (64 km) of beaches, miles of canals, kelp forests, coral reefs, and mangroves, the seaside resort attracts a number of visitors every year.

The city attractions include Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Museum Of Discovery & Science, shopping, and restaurants.

The city’s eclectic mix of cultures and influences also makes for a thriving art scene. You will find graffiti, street art, sculpture, murals, and more in this coastal city.

That’s the end of the perfect Florida road trip.

Fly back from Miami with incredible memories, fresh tan, and amazing souvenirs.

3 Weeks in Florida Itinerary

If you have more time, then visit both the Emerald Coast as well as the East Coast of Florida.

After seeing Orlando, take the scenic coastal US Highway 98 all the way from Panama City Beach to Pensacola.

Then take the I-10 back to Jacksonville and explore the east coast all the way to Miami.

The Interstate passes through several of central Florida attractions such as Blue Springs State Park, Falling Waters State Park, and Tallahassee.

Also make time to explore day trips from Orlando such as Ocala Forest and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

Central Florida has many natural springs and is perfect for planning a unique Florida Springs road trip around attractions such as Blue Springs and Ginnie Springs.

Falling Waters State Park

Falling Waters State Park is a beautiful park with many natural waterfalls and features to explore.

The park is situated on the Suwannee River which offers excellent fishing and other recreational activities like swimming or kayaking.

Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, or take a leisurely stroll through this lush green space.

Blue Springs State Park

The Blue Springs State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Florida.

It’s located north of Orlando and has plenty of activities such as zip lining, kayaking, hikes, biking, fishing and swimming.

Blue Spring State Park is especially popular with hikers.

Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest is a beautiful, tranquil place to visit.

Nestled in Central Florida, this national forest encompasses over 190 species of animals and plants, and has several miles of trails. and plenty more to explore.  

The forest is home to the largest old-growth longleaf pine ecosystem left in North America.

It’s also home to some pretty unique creatures like white tailed deer, wild turkey and gopher tortoises!

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Panhandle, and was established to protect a variety of wildlife habitats.

There are many different animals that call this area home including alligators, bald eagles, otters, egrets, black-crowned night herons, white ibises and more!

Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, photography or just relaxing on the beach at this beautiful location.

10 days in Florida Road Trip

If you have 10 days to visit Florida, then we recommend planning a trip around Miami, Orlando, and the Atlantic coast all the way from St. Augustine to Key West.

This Florida road trip will let you cover the major highlights of the Sunshine State including the Space Coast, South Beach, theme parks, and Florida Keys.

Begin in Miami and enjoy the attractions of this charming city.

Explore the Florida Keys on a fantastic road trip. Snorkel in Key Largo, see the Key West light, and tour the Dry Tortugas.

See the Everglades wildlife on an airboat tour.

Visit the theme parks in Orlando and explore attractions such as Cape Canaveral on a day trip.

Fly back from the Orlando International Airport.

A Week in Florida Road Trip Itinerary

With a week in hand, you can pick one coast of Florida to explore and keep the rest for future road trips in the Sunshine State.

For your first trip, Miami and Florida Keys make excellent options.

If you are driving from Texas or Louisiana, then plan a week long Florida Road trip along the panhandle.

For those driving from the Carolinas, or further up the coast – the drive from Jacksonville to Miami is a great vacation.

Getting cheap air tickets to Tampa? Explore the west coast and its stunning beaches.

4 Days in Florida Itinerary

If you have anywhere from 4 to 5 Days in Florida, then use the below Florida road trip ideas to plan your itinerary.

Miami Key West Drive

Miami Key West drive is one of the best Florida road trips.

After enjoying Miami Beach, take an airboat tour in the Everglades National Park.

Then road trip the scenic Seven Mile Bridge and Overseas Highway on your way to Key West.

Take a photo with the southernmost point, tour Hemingway House, and attend a sunset celebration in Mallory Square.

Take a day trip aboard Yankee Freedom III ferry to the Dry Tortugas from Key West.

Scenic Highway 98/30 A Road Trip

One of the best Florida road trips, this route will take you across the stunning beaches in the Panhandle.

The Florida Panhandle is the westernmost part of the state, extending from Pensacola to Apalachicola.

The region contains many natural resources and attractions, such as waterfalls at Wakulla Springs State Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore.

For those looking for more than just a beach vacation, take a trip up Highway 98 through Tallahassee where you can find museums like the Museum of Florida History.

West Coast road trip

The Florida West Coast Road Trip is an amazing adventure that you can do at any time of the year.

The trip will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of America.

The scenery ranges from beautiful beaches to natural wonders like the Everglades.

Orlando and Central Florida Road Trip

Planning a family adventure to Florida’s theme parks?

Base yourself in Orlando and plan a trip that combines theme parks with natural wonders.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kissimmee;  experience the magic of Disney World, go behind the scenes at Universal!

This relaxing Florida road trip is perfect for those with toddlers or younger kids.

Florida Eastern Coastal Towns

The Florida East Coast is a beautiful and diverse landscape, with cities like Miami and St. Augustine on the Gulf of Mexico to Orlando in the middle.

From big city life in Miami to fishing villages such as Cocoa Beach, there is something for everyone.

Whether it’s beaches, theme parks or attractions like Kennedy Space Center, the east coast has you covered.

Plan this Florida road trip around attractions such as St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

We hope you liked our epic Florida road trip guide.

Did we miss any state parks or best beaches or fun trip stops in Florida? Let us know in the comments!

Best time to Visit Florida

Looking for a great time to plan a Florida road trip?

With a wide variety of attractions, beaches, and activities to choose from, Florida makes a great year round destination.

April to June or early November through February when holiday crowds are less intense is one of our favorite times to travel to Florida.

Temperatures range between 75°F and 88°F during these months with sea breezes that cool down the heat of summer days.

If you’re planning on visiting the state in the spring or summer months, make sure to bring your sunscreen!

More Florida Road Trip Ideas and Destinations

Explore our other Florida destination guides to plan an amazing Florida road trip.

Miami Key West Drive Itinerary

Best Things to do in Miami

Best Tours in Key West, Florida

• Destinations

KEY LARGO to KEY WEST: 23 Amazing STOPS You Can’t Miss

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Key Largo to Key West is a classic Florida Keys road trip ! Within a 100-mile distance from Key Largo to Key West along the Florida Overseas Highway , you can go snorkeling, kayaking, try many local delicacies, stroll on endless beaches and soak in the views.

You can plan a Florida Keys road trip in several different ways. If your time is limited, then do a day trip from Miami to the Florida Keys. If you have more time, then spend 3 days or even 5 days in the Florida Keys, staying overnight in a couple of places, then driving and stopping along the way from Key Largo to Key West .

In this post, I covered all the best stops and things to do on a drive from Key Largo to Key West that will tick off all the major attractions in the Florida Keys.

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• 1. What You Need to Know About the Florida Keys Overseas Highway
• 2. How Much Time Do You Need for Key Largo to Key West Drive with Stops?
• 3. What Is the Best Time to Visit Florida Keys?
• 4. Where to Stay Between Key Largo and Key West: 7 Amazing Places to Stay in the Florida Keys
• 5. Map of Key Largo to Key West with 23 Amazing Stops
• 6. Key Largo to Key West: 23 Amazing Stops You Can't Miss
• 6.1. Snorkel, Dive, or Kayak at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• 6.2. Have an Amazing Lunch or Dinner at The Fish House Restaurant and Fish Market
• 6.3. Try Hogfish at Sharkey's Sharkbite Grill
• 6.4. Enjoy the Best Key Lime Pie at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen
• 6.5. Try Key Lime Muffins at Harriette's Restaurant
• 6.6. Visit Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
• 6.7. Try Delicious Key Lime Pie at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
• 6.8. Have Dinner and Watch an Amazing Sunset at Marker 88 Restaurant
• 6.9. Stop at Rain Barrel Village
• 6.10. Swim in Dolphin Lagoon at Theater of the Sea
• 6.11. Explore The Florida Keys Diving Museum
• 6.12. Have a Sunset Dinner at the Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar
• 6.13. Feed Tarpon at Robbie's
• 6.14. Hike in Long Key State Park
• 6.15. Book a Dolphin Encounter or Family Dolphin Splash at Dolphin Research Center
• 6.16. Go Kayaking, Hiking, or Snorkeling in Curry Hammock State Park
• 6.17. Visit Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
• 6.18. Spend Time and Enjoy Beautiful Sombrero Beach
• 6.19. See Turtles Up-CLose at the Turtle Hospital
• 6.20. Drive Over the Ocean on the Seven Mile Bridge
• 6.21. Visit Bahia Honda State Park
• 6.22. See Deer at the Big Pine National Key Deer Refuge
• 6.23. Stop at No Name Pub to Check out the Decor and Have a Beer (skip food)
• 7. What to Do in Key West? Check out These 22 Things to Do in Key West on Your First Visit
• 8. Intrepid Scout's 6 Favorite Stops Between Key Largo to Key West

What You Need to Know About the Florida Keys Overseas Highway

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is about a 100-mile highway via US Route 1 (US 1) that runs from Key Largo to Key West. The drive without any stops takes roughly 2.5 hours depending on the traffic.

You will be going on 42 bridges that connect various small islands.

Intrepid’s Tip: 

What you need to know is that there are no tolls on the Florida Overseas Highway. So, once you pass Florida City/Key West county line, you do not have to worry about paying for tolls!

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway / Key Largo to Key West

Key Largo to Key West

The drive along Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the most spectacular drives in the United States . The views are simply breathtaking. My recommendation is to take your time and make as many stops as possible to make a memorable trip!

Florida Keys Overseas Highway / Key Largo to Key West

What’s interesting about the Florida Keys Overseas Highway is that large parts of it were built on the former  Overseas Railroad , which was heavily damaged and partially destroyed in the  1935 Labor Day hurricane .

The Florida East Coast Railway was financially unable to rebuild the destroyed sections, so the roadbed and remaining bridges were sold to the state of Florida for $640,000 . Since the 1950’s the Overseas Highway has been refurbished into a main coastal highway between the cities of Miami and Key West.

Historic Rail Bridge at Bahia Honda State Park / Key Largo to Key West

A Quick Read: 

The Florida Department of Transportation maintains mile marker signs along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Numbering commences at “0” in Key West and ends at Key Largo at “106.”

One of the most popular places to have your picture taken is in front of  the US1 mile marker zero sign to commemorate visiting the southernmost point of the United States. The sign is located on the corner of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street in Key West.

How Much Time Do You Need for Key Largo to Key West Drive with Stops?

First of all, just to drive from Key Largo to Key West (no stops!), it will take you 2-3 hours. If you want to stop along the way, then, I am recommending that you reserve at least 2-3 days to make some stops and visit a few places and do some activities.

I usually fly in and rent my car in Miami. Although, sometimes, flying into Fort Lauderdale is less expensive. On top of that, it is only a 30-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. So, make sure to check the prices for both airports.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Florida Keys?

Hands down, spring and fall are the best to plan and head to the Florida Keys. The temperatures are between 70-80 F, the water is awesome for snorkeling, and the rain is almost none. Winter is beautiful as well with temperatures at about 65-75 F and also not much rain.

With that being the case, my recommendation is to avoid going to the Florida Keys in the summer. First of all, it is hurricane season. Second, temperatures are in the high 90’s and humidity is unbearable, plus bugs are everywhere. Also, it rains a lot!

Where to Stay Between Key Largo and Key West: 7 Amazing Places to Stay in the Florida Keys

7 Amazing Places to Stay in the Florida Keys:

Atlantic Bay Resort – located in Tavernier . This beachfront resort is 2 miles from Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, 8 miles from the Theater of the Sea, and 10 miles from the Dolphin Cove Research Center. Tavernier city center is 6 minutes walk away. You can enjoy snorkeling near the hotel’s private beach and an outdoor pool. All guestrooms feature a small refrigerator, microwave, and cable television. Some suites at Atlantic Bay Resort also include a fully-equipped kitchen or kitchenette and views of the gulf or pool.

Anglers Reef Gateway – located in Islamorada , just a 4-minute walk from Windley Key. Anglers Reef Getaway provides beachfront accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a private beach area.

Largo Resort –  located in Key Largo , 1.6 miles from John Pennekamp State Park. Largo Resort has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a private beach area .

Grassy Flats Resort   – located in Marathon , 5 miles from Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar, and a garden.

Playa Largo Ocean Residencies – located in Key Largo . The units come with a kitchen that includes a dishwasher, microwave, and a fridge.

Deer Run on the Atlantic – located in Big Pine Key , this adults-only bed and breakfast is eco-friendly, sustainable, and beachfront. Recycled water barrels and solar energy are used property-wide. A full organic, vegan breakfast is served daily. A mineral spring saltwater pool with a spa is on-site. Free bikes, kayaks, and snorkel gear are provided at Deer Run on the Atlantic.

Courtyard by Marriott Marathon the Florida Keys – you will be a 5-minute walk from the Turtle Hospital and a 16-minute drive from the Dolphin Research Center. A microwave, coffee machine, and small refrigerator are featured in each room at this Courtyard by Marriott. A flat-screen TV, desk, and private bathroom with a hairdryer are also included. A 24-hour front desk and a fitness center are available at the property. There is an on-site restaurant , The Bistro, as well.

Map of Key Largo to Key West with 23 Amazing Stops

Key Largo to Key West: 23 Amazing Stops You Can’t Miss

Key Largo to Key West: 23 Amazing Stops You Can't Miss

There are so many great places to stop and things to do along the drive from Key Largo to Key West , that you will definitely have a hard time deciding what to do. My recommendation is to go through my list and see what sounds the best and interests you the most.

However, I have to say, that if you are driving from Miami to the Florida Keys, then on the way to the Florida Keys, make sure to stop at South Florida’s landmark –  Robert Is Here . It is a fruit stand that has grown into a complete tourist destination in South Florida, and it belongs to the Historic Redland Tropical Trail. The milkshakes that are made with fresh milk and fruit, are simply spectacular! If milk is not for you, then grab one of their smoothies , which contains just ice and fruit. Robert Is Here is located at 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034

Snorkel, Dive, or Kayak at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Go snorkeling, diving, or kayaking at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ! It is one of the best stops from Key Largo to Key West.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States. It encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. It was established to protect a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

There are many snorkeling tours , scuba diving tours , and glass-bottom boat tours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park that you can choose from. Also, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards . So all in all, it all depends on what you are up to.

If you have never done snorkeling , I want to encourage you to try it. It is a lot of fun! My recommendation is to check out Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys . This snorkeling trip will take you out onto the water in a catamaran and you will journey to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to explore the reefs and observe marine life. You will get snorkeling equipment and a snorkel vest.

Now, what you need to know is that snorkeling Christ of the Abyss is probably the most famous underwater attraction at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It is also known as Christ of the Deep . It is a bronze statue of Christ mounted on a cement base in one of the grooves of a patch reef. The statue is in about 25 feet of water, but, while you are snorkeling you should be able to see the top of the statue.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park / Key Largo to Key West

Also, the area around the statue is pretty good for spotting some corals that are in relatively good condition and a variety of tropical fish. Be on the lookout for groupers, snappers, grunts, angelfish, nurse sharks, and moray eels.

Paddling at John Pennekamp is a very popular activity. So, rent a canoe, or a kayak, or go paddleboarding at John Pennekamp State Park and explore the many channels and mangrove creeks within the park. If you have never done kayaking or canoeing, then join a small group tour. Check out Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo . This tour is fun and educational!

The winter months are the best time for wildlife viewing. You can spot osprey, herons, egrets, cormorants, and pelicans and below the surface look for stingrays, mangrove snappers the occasional manatee wading around.

The last thing you should look into is glass-bottom boat tours . Hands down, it is the most relaxing experience you can have observing the marine life and looking at the corals from a safety of a glass-bottom boat. My recommendation is to try Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Adventure Tour.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

• Location: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, mile marker 102.5
• Hours: 7 days a week, 8 am till 7 pm

Have an Amazing Lunch or Dinner at The Fish House Restaurant and Fish Market

The food at The Fish House is amazing!  If you are going to stop for lunch or dinne r between Key Largo to Key West, this is the place! Fresh fish is their commitment , brought daily from dock to table. The Fish House remains one of the only existing establishments that purchase from local commercial fishermen and fillets all fish on-premise.

What you need to order here is Today’s Catch prepared Matecumbe style . It is a house specialty! Matecumbe style is fish t opped with fresh tomatoes, shallots, fresh basil, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice, then baked.

This Fish House favorite has been featured on the Food Network with Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!

Now, another one of my favorites is Shrimp & Scallops Key Lime . It is a house specialty and it is simply delicious. What you will get are large shrimp and scallops, sautéed with lime juice, white wine, garlic butter, mushrooms, scallions & a touch of hot sauce, served over rice.

The Fish House Restaurant and Fish Market / Key Largo to Key West

The Fish House Restaurant and Fish Market 

• Location: 102401 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, mile marker 102.4
• Hours: 7 days a week, 11:30 am to 10 pm

Try Hogfish at Sharkey's Sharkbite Grill

Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill has been around since 2001 and it is a local favorite spot. The first floor has Sharkey’s Pub and Taphouse with 32 taps and a full liquor bar. The second floor offers a quiet family-style dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also dine on the patio and watch the boats go by as you are enjoying either a cold beer or some of their tasty food.

My recommendation is that you try the hogfish here. Hogfish is a Florida Keys delicacy and a local must-try fish. I would say that they are as rich as scallops, flakier than Mahi, and possibly sweeter than Grouper. It can have it cooked in several ways. Don’t be afraid to try it! If you decide to give it a try, then Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill is the best place on the Florida Keys road trip!

If you are not up to it, they have plenty of other stuff to try and it is all good!

Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill / Key Largo to Key West

Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill

• Location: 522 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037, just east of mile marker 99.7
• Hours: 7 days a week, 7 am till 12 am

Enjoy the Best Key Lime Pie at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen

“Eat Well, Laugh Often, Live Long” is the motto at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen , the longest-running restaurant in Key Largo.

My recommendation is that you try Konk chowder with conch in a tomato base, alligator tenders, or lobster bites. Another one of my favorites is Caribbean-style crab cakes loaded with real crabmeat, lightly seasoned, and served with honey mustard aioli.

Sandwiches are good too! You will love Fish-On-A-Bun and Superfishwich .

Finally, you need to try Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen award-winning chili , known as the best in the Florida Keys. it is full of flavor, a bit spicy, made fresh daily and you can add cheese and onions.

However, the star here is the famous key lime pie ! It is excellent! I would say, it is slightly tart, but not too tart, and super creamy. The crust is awesome! It is made with fresh beautifully flavored graham crackers. Hands down, the best key lime pie between Key Largo to Key West.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen / Key Largo to Key West

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is so popular that there are two locations in the Florida Keys. My recommendation is that you visit the original Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen at 99336 Overseas Highway. You will love the decor of license plates from all over the world!

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen 

Location: 99336 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, mile marker 99.3

Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 am till 9:30 pm, closed on Sundays

Try Key Lime Muffins at Harriette's Restaurant

Another place that you should not miss is Harriette’s Restaurant . And, two things that you need to try are biscuits and key lime muffins ! Hands down, the biscuits are the flakiest and softest biscuits you will ever have, and key lime muffins are super moist and delicious!

Harriette’s Restaurant / Key Largo to Key West 

Harriette’s Restaurant 

Location: 95710 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, mile marker 95.7

Hours: Open 7 days a week, 6 am to 3 pm

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Visit Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center , also known as Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced. It provides a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released. Also, it educates the public towards the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species.

Stop by and visit the non-releasable wild birds ! Take a walk along the boardwalk, watch the sunset, see a pelican feeding.

Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary / Key Largo to Key West

Laura Quinn Wild Bird  Sanctuary

Location: 93600 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070, mile marker 93.6

Hours: Open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free (donations are very much needed and appreciated)

Try Delicious Key Lime Pie at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

What can I say, Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory is another place to sample some key lime pie . And, hands down, Blond Giraffe’s pies have the best crust of all the pies that I have tried between Key Largo to Key West. I think you will love the lime filling with the meringue topping.

Make sure to check out their beautiful garden and leave a lock !

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory / Key Largo to Key West

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

Location: 92220 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, mile marker 92.2

Hours: Open 7 days a week, 9 am to 8:30 pm

Have Dinner and Watch an Amazing Sunset at Marker 88 Restaurant

Marker 88 is a bay-front restaurant offering great beachside dining and amazing sunsets !

Marker 88 Restaurant / Key Largo to Key West

So, first of all, make a reservation and make sure to arrive before sunset. Sunsets are absolutely spectacular from Marker 88!

Sunset at Marker 88 Restaurant / Key Largo to Key West

Now, as far as food choices , my recommendation is to try coconut shrimp, onion-crusted Mahi Mahi, and key lime pie.

Marker 88 Restaurant 

Location: 88000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33070, marker 88

Hours: Hours vary, however, in general, they are open from 11 am to 9 pm

Stop at Rain Barrel Village

Ok, so you need to see and take some pictures with Betsy the Lobster. And, that is about it, in my opinion.

There are a couple of very nice stores that f eature items from local artists . But all in all, the rest of the stores are pretty much typical places with cheap souvenirs.

So, take your obligatory photo with Betsy and keep going!

Rain Barrel Village / Key Largo to Key West

Rain Barrel Village 

• Location: 86700 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, mile marker 86.7
• Hours: Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm

Swim in Dolphin Lagoon at Theater of the Sea

Theater of the Sea offers dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows, bottomless boat rides, and fish and reptile tours. In addition, they have some interactive programs where you can swim with dolphins, and sea lions, or swim the rays or sharks.

Probably the best offer is: Swim in the Dolphin Lagoon at Theater of the Sea . You get to snorkel in the lagoon surrounded by dolphins!  What is nice is that if you book one of their interactive programs, then the general admission ticket is included in the price. So, check out everything that they offer and see what is best for everyone.

Theater of the Sea / Key Largo to Key West

Theater of the Sea

• Location: 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, mile marker 84.5
• Hours: Open daily, 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Cost: General Admission – Adults $44.95, Children 3-10 $29.95, Seniors $40.46; Animal Interactions Programs – Prices vary.

Explore The Florida Keys Diving Museum

The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution focused on the Story Of Man’s Quest to Explore Under the Sea . The majority of the Museum’s artifacts have been provided through the generous support of its founders, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, who hold one of the largest collections of historic diving equipment and research documents in the world.

Florida Keys Diving Museum / Key Largo to Key West

The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum

• Location: 82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, mile marker 83
• Hours: Open daily, 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: Adults $15, Children 6-11 $7

Have a Sunset Dinner at the Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar

The Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar is a bistro café situated on a  beautiful palm-lined beach overlooking blue waters. It is an awesome spot to have some great food, chill, relax, and watch a sunset. The Café’s menu is a blend of the Caribbean and American cuisine made with the freshest in local seafood and produce.

The Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar / Key Largo to Key West

My recommendation is to try Thai Key West Tacos made with shrimp crispy tempura battered, spiced sriracha aioli Thai basil cilantro pesto, toasted coconut flake. And, Morada Bay Margarita with jimador tequila, cointreau, sour mix grand marnier floater served in a 32oz mason jar.

The Morada Bay Keys Beach Café & Bar

• Location: 81600 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, mile marker 81.6
• Hours: Open daily, 11 am to 9 pm

Feed Tarpon at Robbie's

Robbie’s is a great experience at least once, while you are traveling from Key Largo to Key West. And, tarpon feeding is fun and worth the stop! Tarpons are large and come out of the water to grab the fish.

But beware, of the pelicans. They want the fish too and they bite! So, all in all, it is fun feeding the tarpon and fending off the pelicans.

Robbie’s of Islamorada / Key Largo to Key West

Robbie’s of Islamorada 

• Location: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, mile marker 77.5
• Hours: Open daily, 6:30 am to 9 pm
• Cost: Admission to the dock is $2.50 per person (once per day). Each bucket of fish is $4.00 (5-8 fish per bucket).

Hike in Long Key State Park

Long Key State Park has one of my favorite hikes in the Florida Keys! It is called Golden Orb Trail and it swings an arc through the heart of Long Key and ends up at views of the Atlantic Ocean. Formerly a loop trail, it was chopped apart by damage caused by Hurricane Irma.

It is a 1.2-mile easy hike that will take you through a “tropical rockland hammock, traverse the desert-like tidal rock barren – where the “soil” underfoot is sun-bleached pieces of coral – and end up on a coastal berm, a hurricane-crafted sand ridge defining the island’s perimeter.” Source: Golden Orb Trail

Long Key State Park / Key Largo to Key West

Long Key State Park

• Location: 67400 Overseas Highway, Long Key, FL 33001, mile marker 67.5
• Hours: Open daily, 8 am till sunset
• Cost: One person, $4.50; two or more people, $5.50 plus 50 cents per additional person

Book a Dolphin Encounter or Family Dolphin Splash at Dolphin Research Center

Dolphin Research Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 marine mammal education and research facility providing sanctuary and a forever home since 1984.

And, hands down, this place is awesome! And, I can say without any doubt that the animals are happy there, well taken care of, and respected!  The heart of their mission is the welfare of every animal that is in their care. Whether they are born here or come from rescue/rehabilitation centers or other facilities, each receives the finest possible care and a safe, healthy, enriching home for life.

My recommendation is to book either a Dolphin Encounter or a Family Dolphin Splash . Both programs are great and you get an up-close and personal experience with several dolphins.

What I like about Dolphin Research is that they limit visitor numbers, so groups are always small !

Dolphin Research Center / Key Largo to Key West

Dolphin Research Center 

• Location: 58901 Overseas Highway | Grassy Key, FL 33050, mile marker 59
• Hours: Open daily, 9 am to 4:30 pm
• Cost: General Admission Adults $28, Military/Veterans $25, Children (4-12) $23. Interactive Programs – prices vary

Go Kayaking, Hiking, or Snorkeling in Curry Hammock State Park

Hands down, Curry Hammock State Park is one of the best places to stop and explore on your road trip from Key Largo to Key West. It is the largest undeveloped parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key! Kayaking , hiking , and snorkeling are my favorite things to do at Curry Hammock State Park. In addition, it is a perfect spot for a picnic or a stroll on the beach .

First of all, there are two kayak paddling adventures that you can check out:

• The 1.5-mile path circumnavigates Little Crawl Key and takes approximately one hour. This sampler trail makes the most of its time, featuring a mangrove tunnel, deepwater lagoon, grassy flats, sandbars, and an open ocean.
• The 5-mile path will require at least four hours, but this will take you along mangroves and out around another island. Most take this opportunity to do a little kayak fishing.

Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent in two-hour increments:

• $21.50 – paddleboards and double kayaks
• $17.20 – Single kayaks

If you are visiting on a Friday, then sign-up for a ranger-led Mangroves Matter Kayak Tour ( every Friday at 10 am).

Now, do not miss a fabulous hike through the tropical hardwood hammock forest. You will be going on top of ancient fossilized coral that was once living underwater, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes. The coral rock now serves as a high ground for hardwood trees so they can keep their roots high and dry out of the saltwater. This rare habitat is an oasis for local and migrating wildlife. Be on the lookout for different birds!

The trailhead is located one mile south on U.S. 1 from the park’s main entrance. Before you head out, stop at the ranger station and pick up a map.

Curry Hammock State Park / Key Largo to Key West

Curry Hammock is a great place to learn to snorkel and practice your skills ! Curry Hammock’s shallow seagrass flat, where marine life is abundant. The seagrass serves as an excellent nursery for many of the marine species of the Florida Keys.

Curry Hammock State Park

• Location: 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050, mile marker 56
• Cost: One person, $4.50; two-plus people, $5.50

Visit Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is a great stop if you are traveling from Key Largo to Key West with small kids. Basically, it comprises tanks and pools where you can observe the marine life, feed different animals, and snorkel in a small made-made lagoon.

They offer Big Shark Bay Encounter , where you get to feed adult Nurse Sharks (no getting into the water). Next, they have Stingray Cove Encounter , and you actually will get a wetsuit and get into one of the tanks and feed stingrays. Finally, check out Coral Reef Snorkel Encounter . You get to snorkel in a coral reef tank.

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters 

• Cost: General Admission Adult $24.50, Children $17.50. Encounters are extra and prices vary.

Spend Time and Enjoy Beautiful Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach is a beautiful sandy beach and a great park with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers. Make sure to stop at Sombrero Beach, spend some time, and enjoy this beautiful place.

Sombrero Beach / Key Largo to Key West

To top it off, Sombrero Beach is a turtle nesting beach ! From April through October it is not unusual to have Loggerhead Turtles (primarily) coming on to the beach at night to lay their eggs.

Sombrero Beach 

• Location: Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL 33050, mile marker 50
• Hours: Open daily, 7 am till dusk

See Turtles Up-CLose at the Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital (Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. They are a fully functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. They rescue , rehab , and release sea turtles in the Florida Keys.

You can take a guided educational tour of the hospital facilities and the sea turtle rehabilitation area . The educational experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and provides a presentation on sea turtles as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area. At the end of each program, you can feed the permanent residents.

The Turtle Hospital / Key Largo to Key West

If you are planning on visiting The Turtle Hospital, then my recommendation is to make a reservation as soon as possible! To make a reservation, either call at (305)743-2552 or click here .

The Turtle Hospital 

• Location: 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050, mile marker 48.5
• Hours: Open daily, 9 am to 6 pm. Educational programs run every 30 min. The last one is at 4 pm.
• Cost: Adults $30, Children (4-12) $15

Drive Over the Ocean on the Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking drives between the Atlantic and the Gulf! There is nothing else like it!

The Seven Mile Bridge / Key Largo to Key West

The views along the way are awesome with the blue sky and aquamarine color open water in any direction and some islands here and there. It is a must scenic drive to do and most definitely a bucket list item .

Visit Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is an absolutely beautiful park with views all around. The beach is awesome with turquoise waters. There are restrooms, dressing rooms, outdoor showers, and a snack shop. Plus, there is plenty of parking available.

Bahia Honda Ste Park / Key Largo to Key West

What is really neat is that there is a scenic trail that leads up to the Old Seven-Mile Bridge. The views from the top are breathtaking.

What is really neat is that there is a scenic trail that leads up to the Old Seven-Mile Bridge.

The Old Seven-Mile Bridge was a part of the Railroad That Went to Sea and it was a result of innovative engineering and years of toil from 1909 to 1912. It stayed open for 23 years until the devastating Labor Day Hurricane in 1935 that washed away miles of railroad.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge was too narrow and not ideal for cars, so in 1982, the new Seven Mile Bridge was opened.

The Old Seven-Mile Bridge / Key Largo to Key West

Bahia Honda State Park has a concession service that offers daily snorkeling tours to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary . Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary features one of the most spectacular reefs in the Florida Keys with plentiful Elkhorn and massive Star coral.

There are two daily departures at 9:30 am and at 1:30 pm. Each trip provides 1.5 hours of snorkeling, plenty of time to explore this fabulous coral reef. An adult ticket costs $29.95 and a ticket for a child (under 18) is $24.95.

You can rent kayaks as well to explore the beautiful waters that surround Bahia Honda State Park. A single kayak costs $12 per hour or $36 for a half-day. Double kayak costs $18 per hour or $54 for a half-day.

Bahia Honda State Park

• Location: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043,  mile marker 37
• Hours: Open daily, 8 am till sundown.
• Cost: $8 per vehicle (two to eight people). A 50-cent Monroe County surcharge will be added per person.

See Deer at the Big Pine National Key Deer Refuge

National Key Deer Refuge is spread over 25 islands and Key deer are found on these 25 islands. Your best bet to be able to see Key deer, is at Big Pine Key, which is part of the National Key Deer Refuge.

Map of National Key Deer in the Florida Keys. Image Credit: FWS

The Key deer is the smallest sub-species of the Virginia white-tailed deer found throughout most of North America.

Because the Key deer population is low and remains under threat of extinction from human interaction, the subspecies are federally listed as endangered . The current population is estimated at over 800.

Key deer can best be seen at dawn or dusk throughout Big Pine. Please help keep the Key deer wild by not feeding them!

Big Pine National Key Deer Refuge / Key Largo to Key West

The National Key Deer Refuge has a visitor center on Big Pine Key where you can pick up some maps and find out about the best and recent sightseeings of Key deer.

There are a couple of trails as well: the Jack Watson Wildlife Trail and the Fred Mannillo Wildlife Trail.

In addition, there is the  Blue Hole . It is a short hike from the visitor center. The Blue Hole is an abandoned limestone quarry. The rock material removed was used to build many of the original roads on Big Pine Key. The freshwater, dependent on rainfall is layered over saltwater, which flows through the limestone. Wildlife here includes fish, turtles, birds, and alligators.

The Big Pine National Key Deer Refuge

• Location: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, mile marker 30.3
• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm

Stop at No Name Pub to Check out the Decor and Have a Beer (skip food)

No Name Pub is a small restaurant with a casual atmosphere and an interesting decor of many, many $1 bills pinned all over the roof and walls.

My recommendation is to check out the place, have a beer and move on.

No Name Pub / Key Largo to Key West

No Name Pub 

• Location: 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
• Hours: Monday – Sunday Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm

To Print the List of 23-Stops Between Key Largo to Key West

Click: HERE

What to Do in Key West? Check out These 22 Things to Do in Key West on Your First Visit

The ultimate key west bucket list.

Key Largo to Key West – Florida Keys road trip ends in Key West ! Now, for ideas to do in Key West, I have compiled an amazing list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Key West ! Make sure to check it out!

Intrepid Scout’s Tip:

READ: 22 Things You Can’t Miss on First Visit to Key West, Florida

Intrepid Scout's 6 Favorite Stops Between Key Largo to Key West

So, this is a lot of stops and places to see, and things to do between Key Largo and Key West . What if you only have time to do a few things. Here are my favorite 6 stops between Key Largo and Key West:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – it is one of the best stops between Key Largo and Key West. You can snorkel, kayak, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or hike. It is a great spot and you can easily spend here 3-4 hours!
• The Fish House Restaurant – there are a lot of choices for lunch or dinner between Key Largo to Key West. My go-to place is always The Fish House Restaurant. You will love all their creations, the food is fresh and delicious!
• The Morada Bay Beach Cafe and Bar – another great place is The Morada Bay Beach Cafe and Bar. I love their food and drinks. However, it is an awesome spot to head to before sunset and have a great dinner on the beach watching a sunset (reservations recommended).
• Feeding Tarpon at Robbie’s – you can’t miss it! It is just so much fun! So, buy a bucket of fish, fend off the pelicans, and feed tarpons.
• Dolphin Research Center – make sure to visit and book one of their encounters. It is a great place where all animals are well taken care of and genuinely respected.
• Sombrero Beach – the lovely sandy beach! Snorkel, kayak, or just chill on the beach.

In addition, I need to mention to you Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail that you might want to check out as well. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail  (FKOHT) is a 90-mile multi-use trail that runs parallel to Florida Keys Overseas Highway. This recreational pathway incorporates 23 of the historic Flagler Railroad bridges, offering a scenic venue for hiking, running, bicycling, or skating.

More Helpful Posts About Florida:

12 insider miami tips for first-time visitors: unlock a spectacular experience.

Amazing 2 DAYS in KEY WEST (10 Best Things You Can’t Miss)

Read All the Posts About Florida in: 

Florida Travel Guide 

Read All the Posts About the United States in: 

United States Travel Guide

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Are you planning your trip to the Florida Keys? Let me know and drop me a quick comment right below!

Also, click on any of the images below to get inspired and to help you with the planning process for your trip to the Florida Keys!

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The 10 Best Cities To Vacation In Florida

For family vacations, romantic trips, mother-daughter getaways, and solo adventures.

As a Florida resident for 25 years, I’ve traveled throughout the Sunshine State, sometimes flying but usually taking a great road-trip. From family vacations and romantic trips to mother-daughter getaways and solo adventures, I’ve hit sleepy beach towns , inland theme parks, and buzzing metro areas. Where do I recommend travelers visit when they’re planning a Florida vacation? While it really depends on whom you’re traveling with (BFF, little kids, parents) and what you want to do (visit craft breweries, build sand castles, go kayaking), you can’t go wrong in any of these Florida destination highlights. 

St. Augustine

Sean Pavone Photo/Getty Images

History buffs flock to America’s oldest city for a glimpse into the past. Check out the 450-year-old Castillo de San Marcos , the oldest U.S. masonry fort, where you can witness live reenactments and the firing of cannons. Take an historic tour of Flagler College, visit the iconic Lightner Museum , and tour the Old Jail Museum and Oldest Wooden School House. Stroll along the famed St. George St., the walkable thoroughfare dotted with shops, eateries, and attractions. Then cross the Bridge of Lions to soak in spectacular birds-eye views at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Nearby, explore Anastasia State Park , a 1600-acre property brimming with wildlife, stunning beaches, maritime hammocks, and tidal marshes.

Anna Maria Island

For some charming, Old Florida hospitality, visit Anna Maria Island, which sits at the northern tip of a seven-mile island that also includes Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Thanks to the daily free trolley, you can easily access the entire island. For incredible views of Tampa Bay’s iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, pop over to Anna Maria Bayfront Park. Amble along historic Pine Avenue to peruse local shops, grab lunch, or visit Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum . Hit the surf at the family-friendly Holmes Beach. Spend the day in Historic Bridge Street area, where you can nosh on fresh seafood, peruse local shops, and book a dolphin tour through the Intracoastal Waterways.

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Known as the theme park capital of the world, Central Florida bursts with family-friendly fun. From Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando to SeaWorld and Legoland, kids and kids-at-heart can ride rollercoasters, learn about marine life, see live entertainment, meet favorite characters, and splash in waterparks for days of memory-making adventures. But beyond the theme park gates, you’ll find plenty to do in and around Orlando. Take in live improv at SAK Comedy Lab, learn to play pickleball at the U.S. Tennis Association campus, eat at Michelin-ranked restaurants , amble along the picturesque grounds of Leu Gardens , and take a swan boat ride in Lake Eola nestled in the heart of downtown.

Amelia Island

In the Northeast corner of Florida sits the lush Amelia Island beach town. Its 13 miles of uncrowded beaches lure travelers looking for a quiet, toes-in-the-sand respite. It’s also one of the few beaches where you can go horseback riding. But this island destination also boasts a walkable downtown, natural beauty, historical fort, top-notch golf courses, and a mix of both luxe resorts and quaint inns. Explore the Civil War era Fort Clinch State Park , “where history meets nature” to see the row of cannons lining the St. Mary’s River. Shop and eat your way along Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach , the 50-block Victorian seaport village dotted with local eateries and eclectic shops. And take a local-guided bike tour to learn about the city’s past.

Daytona Beach

With roughly 23 miles of expansive shoreline, Daytona Beach has been drawing tourists for decades. One reason? With a 500-foot-wide beach at low tide, you can drive your car right on the hard-packed sand! It tees up the perfect playground for throwing a Frisbee, fishing at the surf’s edge, playing volleyball, or building sandcastles. Stroll along the 1000-foot long Daytona Beach Pier, catch a concert in the oceanfront bandshell, or spend the day swimming, boating, or kayaking. Head inland for more fun, whether you want to take a mini-tour of the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, race over to Daytona International Speedway , sip your way along the Daytona Beach Ale Trail, or shop at One Daytona.

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As Florida’s ultimate “chill” vacation, the Florida Keys tops the travel bucket list for many people. It takes about three hours to drive the 113-mile Overseas Highway from end to end. But instead of rushing through, drop anchor along the way. In the Upper Keys, visit Key Largo (Dive Capital of the World) with a can’t-miss stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Go scuba diving, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or paddle a kayak. On your drive, stop in the iconic Rain Barrell Village to buy kitschy souvenirs or handcrafted pieces from local artisans. In the Middle/Lower Keys, tour Pigeon Key (“the tiny island under the Old Seven-Mile Bridge”), visit some amazing craft breweries, and climb atop the old bridge at Bahia Honda State Park for incredible panoramic views. In Key West, grab a cold one at the famed Sloppy Joe’s bar, see the famous five-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home , dive into history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and watch the glorious sunsets at Mallory Square.

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If you’re looking for a more urban adventure, the Miami area won’t disappoint. Its thriving cultural scene, buzzing nightlife, and beautiful beaches draw millions of tourists every year. Don’t miss Miami’s funky Art Deco Historic District in South Beach and the colorful street art of Wynwood Walls. Stroll along the pedestrian-friendly beach promenade, visit the jaw-dropping Vizcaya Museum & Gardens , and savor al fresco dining on the waterfront.

Fort Lauderdale

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With the nickname of “the Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale boasts 165 miles of picturesque waterways and canals, making it the perfect playground for watersports, boat tours, and swimming. Get some retail therapy on Las Olas Boulevard, hike through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park , and tour the lovely Bonnet House Museum & Gardens .

Robbie Caponetto

Located on Florida's beautiful Sun Coast, just south of Tampa, Sarasota has all the essential ingredients for an unforgettable beach vacation. For one, you'll have 35 miles of beaches to explore in the area, including hotspots like Siesta Key and Lido Key Beach that both are renowned for their fine, sugar-white sand and turquoise waters. If you're able to peel yourself away from the crashing waves, take a walk or bike ride along the water at Bayfront Park. One non-waterfront, but still very worthwhile activity is exploring the 66-acre Ringling property that consists of a circus museum, museum of art, and Ca' d'Zan, the palatial Venetian-inspired home and gardens that circus tycoon John Ringling built for his wife Mable.

Lots of destinations tout that they offer something for everyone, but nowhere lives up to that promise like Naples. Yes, you can explore the many public beaches at Naples Pier, Lowdermilk Park, and Vanderbilt Beach. You can just as easily climb aboard a boat to see dolphins, other wildlife, uninhabited beaches, and the surrounding barrier islands. But you can also find upscale shopping in the ritzy Third Street South neighborhood and a quaint downtown district along Fifth Avenue South. Accommodations range from the luxurious Ritz-Carlton to private beach homes.

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Key West, Florida: A hyper-local guide to the Conch Republic in the summertime

Get off the beaten path and explore the locals' side of Key West, including punk shows, drag bars, lobster rolls and amazing barbecue.

Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time Out

Every Florida local has a favorite Florida getaway. Some head north to float through natural springs , while others covet the roller coasters of Orlando . As for me? My favorite escape is Key West. With miles of ocean views, top-tier snorkeling and loads of historic charm, it’s not surprising this quirky little island paradise is more popular than ever. It’s idyllic, yes. But let’s be real: People come here to party, and the locals are no exception. 

Key West’s bar scene is divey, the music is rowdy and restaurants are hit or miss. I know this from experience, having visited the Conch Republic over 10 times for spontaneous vacations, bachelorette parties, birthdays and, most recently, my honeymoon. In truth, I’d like to live here one day. Until then, I’ve lovingly assembled this comprehensive guide: an aspiring local’s handbook to Key West. 

Key West sizzles in the summertime. Though it’s surrounded by water, there are times when you might wonder if this tiny town is landlocked—that’s how stifling the heat and humidity can be. But if you’re trying to experience the area like a local, we recommend planning a trip in the summer. Since it’s off-peak season, crowds are thinner, traffic isn’t as bad and the vibes (and prices) are way more chill.

Getting around

Biking is my favorite way to get around Key West, especially Old Town . You’ll cover way more ground than walking, thus increasing your chances of cool discoveries. Finding parking with cars and scooters is no fun (sometimes impossible). Plus it’s a gorgeous ride! I like renting from We Cycle . They’re reasonably priced with a friendly staff, and they offer complimentary bike pick-up and drop-off service.

Ocean adventures

Key West has so many water activities, it’s almost overwhelming. Deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayak tours, sunset cruises, jet skis, parasailing, paddleboarding. You name it, Key West has it. Banana boats? Check. A giant inflatable water park that slides into the ocean? Yep, got that too. 

Group charters are easy to find in Key West, though often overcrowded and somewhat less glamorous than what you might imagine. If you’re ballin’ on a budget, try haggling prices at the kiosks near Schooner Wharf . Sometimes you’ll score a deal and get on a pontoon that same day—and if you don’t, Schooner’s live music will keep you entertained. 

For a more personalized experience on a private boat, consider charters that leave from nearby keys like Stock Island . (Pro tip: Stop for lunch at Hogfish Bar & Grill or Hurricane Hole Marina . Both are bomb, and they’ll cook your catch minutes after you’ve docked. It doesn’t get more local than that!)

Culture stops

Key West is only 4.2 square miles, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character (and characters: Jimmy Buffet, Harry Truman and Judy Blume, to name a few). Random? Yes. Fascinating? Also yes! 

Literary buffs may fancy a visit to The Hemingway Home , a residence-turned-museum filled with historic artifacts and the late author’s six-toed cats. The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is a lovely indoor garden that’s great for kids, and when you need a break from the sun. The Audubon House has winged creatures too, albeit drawn on paper by the famous Birds of America artist, John James Audobon. 

For a bit of history with a side of day drinking, check out The Southernmost House , a Prohibition-era speakeasy that later hosted U.S. presidents like John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. These days, it’s a boutique hotel with a chill waterfront cafe. Soak in the views with a bucket of beer and a slice of lobster pizza. (Pro tip: You’ll often find a frozen daiquiri shop set up down the block, and you’re nearby Louie’s Backyard , another oceanfront gem.)

There are plenty of other historic sites and niche museums worthy of your time. Many attractions offer ticket combos and group savings on their websites. Old-school coupon booklets are alive and well in Key West hotels, too. Find out what your hotel offers, and book directly through the business. You’ll get the best deal, and support local! Win-win.

Island dining

The best spots to eat in Key West are laid-back, sandal-friendly and very seafood-focused. That’s not to say you can’t find a decadent dinner in Key West, just don’t get your hopes up for caviar service or vinyl-spinning DJs. (We have enough of those in Miami, anyway.) 

A majority of Key West’s best restaurants are in Old Town. Atlas Izakaya is an excellent date night spot for Japanese cuisine. The four-course tasting menu at Little Pearl is delightful, as is Azur , a Mediterranean restaurant and Andrew Zimmerman favorite. I love  The Flaming Buoy , partially for its funky decor but mostly for the delicious food and super-friendly service. Hot Tin Roof , Santiago’s Bodega , Nine One Five and Blackfin Bistro are more great restaurants to have on your dinner radar. 

On the hunt for a fat lobster roll? (And really, when are you not?) Check out DJ’s Clam Shack or the aptly-named (but unrelated) Lobster Shack , which serves not one, not two, but five different lobster rolls. Brunch and key lime pie at Blue Heaven are always a good idea, just like brunch dates at Moondog Cafe or The Breakfast Club, Too . 

As for late-night eats, Mr. Z’s Philly cheesesteak comes highly recommended. Angelina’s Pizzeria will remind you of your college years. And in times of need, remember there’s always the hotdog stand outside of Rick’s .

I almost don’t want to tell you about Smoked , arguably the best barbeque in all of the Florida Keys and, according to their motto, “Home of the tender butts.” But, in the name of journalism! Tell them I sent you, bring me 48 bottles of their blackberry jalapeño sauce, and we’ll call it even. 

Drink all day...

If day drinking were a sport, Key West would be an Olympian. Its reigning champ? Duval Street , of course. This 1.25-mile block has bar after bar, daiquiri shop after daiquiri shop. It’s like the Bourbon Street of Florida, right down to the Mardi Gras beads and barenaked body paint (look up “Fantasy Fest” and you’ll see what I mean).

Before you tackle the “Duval Crawl,” you must day party at Dante’s . Come on a Friday or Saturday to see the place in full swing. Partying with a big group? Get there early and hold down a table near the pool. Small groups, check out the Smallest Bar . When the mood strikes for cocktails and Jimmy Buffet covers, venture to Willie T’s or Hog’s Breath Saloon . And when it’s too hot for anything but ice, Flying Monkeys has the best frozen drinks to cool you down.

...Play all night

Have you ever walked into a bar and thought, “Woah, that musician needs to be famous”? Expect this reaction from just about every live act in Key West. From country singers to punk rock bands, Key West’s live music scene easily rivals Nashville’s. Yeah, I said it!! Sloppy Joe’s and Durty Harry’s are two of my go-to’s for aforementioned punk rock bands. Irish Kevin’s and Hank’s Hair of the Dog are also a blast. Sing along with locals at the Green Parrot , a Key West staple since 1890, or rock out to some face-melting guitar solos at General Horseplay . 

Not to be outshined, Key West’s famous LGBTQ+ community puts on a show further down Duval. Party with drag queens at the 801 , get into cheeky antics at Bourbon St. Pub , catch a live cabaret show at the Aquaplex , or head to 22&Co for a glitter-fueled bingo game. 

Mix all of the above and you’ve got Rick’s , a multi-floor mecca of late-night debauchery. On floor one, live bands and pizza. Floor two is a dancehall with live DJs. And behind door number three? You’ll have to see for yourself. When all else fails and the bartender yells last call, just remember: there’s always the hotdog stand outside.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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The new, high-speed Brightline train route connecting South Florida to Orlando has been the talk of several towns since that day, so we hopped aboard to experience it for ourselves.

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Key West to Orlando drive

Key west to orlando road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Key West to Orlando. If you're planning a road trip to Orlando, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Key West drive for about 1 hour

12:07 pm   Marathon stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:07 pm drive for about 1 hour

2:13 pm   Key Largo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:13 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 3.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Fontainebleau Resort drive for about 1 hour

11:07 am   West Palm Beach stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:07 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

1:45 pm   Yeehaw Junction (Florida) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:45 pm drive for about 56 minutes

3:41 pm   Kissimmee stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:41 pm drive for about 33 minutes

5:14 pm  arrive in Orlando eat at Cafe Tu Tu Tango stay at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

day 2 driving ≈ 4 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Marathon   (7 answers) Key Largo   (13 answers)     questions about Key Largo:         What is your favorite restaurant in Key Largo?         Restaurant Recommendations?         What's the best neighborhood in Key Largo for a first time visitor? Miami   (154 answers)     Miami Beach   (22 mentions)     Lincoln Road   (14 mentions)     Lincoln Road Mall   (11 mentions)     Ocean Drive   (9 mentions)     Vizcaya Museum and Gardens   (9 mentions)     restaurants around Miami:         Versailles         Joe's Stone Crab         Puerto Sagua Restaurant         Seasons 52         The Broken Shaker     hotels around Miami:         Fontainebleau Resort         Crescent Resort On South Beach         Freehand Miami         Delano Hotel         The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club     questions about Miami:         What is your favorite restaurant in Miami?         Good Cuban food in Miami?         What is the weather like during the winter months?         one night lay over in Miami- what to see, where to eat?         Unsafe neighborhoods in Miami West Palm Beach   (18 answers)     questions about West Palm Beach:         What's the best neighborhood in West Palm Beach for a first time visitor?         Looking for a hotel with a great view         Restaurants in West Palm Beach - casual with good beers on tap         Where are popular areas to stay in West Palm Beach? Yeehaw Junction (Florida) Kissimmee   (12 answers)     Medieval Times   (3 mentions)

Where's the best place to stay in Orlando?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Orlando .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort , which was mentioned 2 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Orlando? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Orlando?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Cafe Tu Tu Tango , which was mentioned 5 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Orlando? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Orlando?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Orlando. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Orlando.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Orlando to Key West drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Key West to Orlando . Or get a full Key West to Orlando flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Key West well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Key West!

More info on this route:

road conditions

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cities along the way

flattest route

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Here are 8 of the best downtown areas in Florida. See if your favorite made the list

Winter park, winter garden, deland make the list.

Kendal Asbury , Digital Intern

The World Atlas released a listing of eight of the best downtown areas in Florida, with several Central Florida cities making the cut.

Florida is one of America’s most visited states and attracts over 120 million tourists every year, according to World Atlas . Whether it is due to the endless warm weather and beautiful beaches or the iconic theme parks, countless people make the trip to the Sunshine State.

However, there is more to Florida than the popular attractions and renowned climate. Some of the most notable offerings are the hidden gems, found in small towns sprinkled across the state. From the historic streets of St. Augustine, the oldest city in Florida, to the shores of Key West’s tropical paradise, there is no shortage of charming downtown areas to provide locals and visitors with a new place to explore.

Here is World Atlas’s list of the best downtown areas in Florida, giving you some new places to add to your travel regiment this summer.

Naples is a popular tourist and retirement destination, nestled in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. The small town was named after the Italian city of the same name, due to its beautiful bay locations and similar climate, and was founded in the 1880s.

Defined by its world-class culture and high-end shopping opportunities, Naples’s downtown streets lead to the beach, famous for its breathtaking sunsets. The area is beautiful to explore on foot and reflective of the town’s wealth, consisting of artisan boutiques, art galleries and gourmet dining establishments.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine resides on the northeast coast of Florida and holds the title of being the state’s oldest city. Founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, St. Augustine’s historic downtown area is defined by its Spanish colonial architecture, European streets and 19th-century buildings.

There are several attractions in the downtown area, including the Lightner Museum and the Spanish fort Castillo de San Marcos built in the 17th century from coquina, a shell stone native to Florida’s east coast. The historic district also consists of St. George Street, a narrow European-style thoroughfare designed for pedestrian traffic only, which features artisan shops, specialty restaurants and famous landmarks.

This area is home to the renowned Nights of Lights that occurs each holiday season, from November to January. This annual event, a favorite of both locals and visitors, was listed in the top 10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic in 2012, according to Florida’s Historic Coast.

Winter Park

Winter Park is a “picturesque community” located just north of Orlando that is known for its stylish homes and luxury shopping locations. Initially founded in the late 19th century as a winter vacation destination for wealthy northerners, the streets and buildings are indicative of the town’s elevated atmosphere.

Much of the downtown area revolves around Park Avenue , which is home to numerous upscale boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafés and fine dining options. The area around Central Park is additionally an ideal location for a stroll and where the town’s events are held, such as outdoor concerts and art festivals.

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Winter Park is also home to Rollins College , a private liberal arts school that has consistently topped the charts for the beauty of its campus, along with attractions such as the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art .

Winter Garden

A vibrant lakefront community that initially started as a citrus farming town, Winter Garden is another Central Florida town that made the list. With its distinct historic charm and brick-lined streets, the downtown area of Winter Garden has a thriving arts and culture scene with upscale eateries, unique vintage shops, nature parks and museums.

Some of the notable attractions include the Garden Theatre, the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and the Plant Street Market , which offers an array of artisanal goods and culinary selections.

Famous for being the southernmost point of the United States, Key West is a small island town at the very tip of the Florida Keys. It is known for its tropical atmosphere, lively nightlife and rich history. Nicknamed the “Conch Republic” by those who call the town home, Key West is a favorite of both local Floridians and tourists alike.

Duval Street encompasses the downtown area and is famous for its specialty shops, restaurants and colorful bars. The town’s diverse artistic landscape has long been a preferred destination for artists, such as the famous author Ernest Hemingway. Mallory Square , at the end of Duval Street, is often the venue for street artists and musicians, who fill the coastal air with creativity and their own artistic aura as the sun sets behind the ocean.

Palm Beach is another island town, located on the southeastern coast of Florida. Characterized by its tropical elegance, pristine beaches and “old-world” glamour, Palm Beach is home to one of the highest densities of billionaires in the county, according to World Atlas. The city’s streets, lined with lavish mansions and landmarks of the Gilded Age, allow a perfect opportunity for sightseeing.

The downtown area consists mainly of Worth Avenue , which features designer boutiques, charming courtyards and art galleries placed right alongside high-end realtors and luxury yacht sales rooms. The Norton Museum of Art is a staple of the town, which showcases Florida’s artistic heritage through artworks inspired by the state’s unique landscape and culture.

DeLand is a small town tucked in between Orlando and Daytona Beach. There are several quaint shops, restaurants and attractions to check out on Main Street while exploring the downtown area.

DeLand was founded in 1876 and consequently provides a rich storied landscape in the Downtown Historic District . This area in particular is home to 68 historical buildings, including the Museum of Art-DeLand and the Athens Theatre , where the charm of a classic American theater meets Italian Renaissance architecture. Another of the most prominent is Stetson University , the city’s private college, one of Florida’s first luxury estates and a 19th-century architectural masterpiece.

Known as the “little town that time forget,” Micanopy is a very small town just south of Gainesville. This old, inland town was founded in 1821 and is defined by its rich history that predates the Second Seminole War.

The downtown area does not span very wide, but those who visit liken the experience to “stepping back in time.” This is due to its well-preserved antique buildings and architecture. One in particular is the Micanopy Historical Society Museum or the Herlong Mansion , which was built in 1845 with signature red bricks and is now a classy bed and breakfast. Many others are home to quaint vintage shops or boutiques.

Another must-see in Micanopy is the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park . This vast wetland habitat is home to bison, wild horses and over 270 species of birds that visitors have the opportunity to see in their natural environment.

You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below:

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Kendal asbury.

Kendal is a journalism student at the University of Central Florida. Born and raised in the Sunshine State, Kendal loves reporting on local and regional news in the Central Florida area. Her favorite coverage areas are breaking news, politics and environmental reporting. She joined ClickOrlando.com in June 2024.

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Fastest routes from Brevard to Orlando: Here's what you should know before planning a trip

Toll routes are the fastest way to get from brevard to orlando..

With summer vacation approaching, many Space Coast families will be heading to Orlando to enjoy its theme parks and other attractions. But with that comes battling the inevitable sluggish Central Florida traffic.

Here are the best ways to get to your destination quickly.

Non-toll routes

The fastest way to get to downtown Orlando from South or Central Brevard is to take State Road 520, then head west on State Road 50, according to Michael Williams, deputy communications director at Florida Department of Transportation.

If you're coming from North Brevard, you'll want to head to the downtown Orlando area by taking State Road 50 all the way to Orlando, Williams said.

Toll roads are more time-efficient

No matter where you're coming from, your trip will be faster if you take the routes with tolls, as these roads are the most direct and have the highest average speeds, according to Williams.

"Toll roads provide travelers with a choice that typically has greater reliability, less congestion and quicker travel times," Williams said. "Also, toll roads and other limited access roads in Central Florida are patrolled by Road Rangers who can render several services for free, including changing a flat tire, providing one gallon of gas, making minor mechanical repairs and towing a disabled vehicle to a safe spot."

If you're coming from South or Central Brevard, you'll want to take State Road 528 to State Road 417, then head north to westbound State Road 408, Williams said.

Those coming from North Brevard generally take State Road 50 west to State Road 408.

For theme parks via toll roads out of Central Brevard: For Walt Disney World, take State Road 528 west and then proceed south on State Road 417. For Universal Studios: Take State Road 528 west to I-4 East; then look for the Universal Orlando exit (Exit 75A).

Does weather, time of day impact best route?

Toll roads are considered the fastest routes for everyone, including motorcyclists, regardless of weather or time of day, according to Williams. However, some times are busier than others.

These roads will experience heaviest traffic from around 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, according to Williams. Traffic is lightest between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Preparing for your trip: Know what Orlando traffic looks like now

Before heading out, you can map your trip on apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. Not only will these apps show you how long you can expect your drive to take, but they'll also show you if there are crashes or other delays along your route.

You can also check live traffic feeds from Florida Highway Patrol and FL511 , which will show you crashes, fires and other incidents along your route. FL511's feed allows you to map your trip with directions that can be printed ahead of your drive.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends checking your vehicle's fluids and tire pressure before making a trip away from home, and also making sure you have your proof of insurance and registration with you. It's also a good idea to make sure you have a spare tire and to check its pressure prior to your trip, according to FLHSMV.

Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at   321-290-4744  or   [email protected] . X:  @_ finchwalker .