Driving from Miami to Key West – A Fun Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re in the mood for experiencing one of America’s most classic and well loved road trip adventures, put on your driving hat because we’ve got a Florida Keys road trip itinerary for you - a whirlwind adventure from the famously festive Miami to the tropical paradise of Key West. America’s southern-most city, Key West is a breathtaking 3.5 drive from Miami following the Overseas Highway -- a winding and scenic 110 mile route with lots of excitement to be had including more than 42 unique Floridian bridges. Here’s what you can expect, and a few recommendations for your journey driving from Miami to Key West...

• Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
• Duck Tours South Beach
• Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Ride
• Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
• Key West Parasailing
• and much more!

You Can Save on Miami & The Florida Keys Attraction Admission

Admission to these top Florida attractions are available on our Passes. Go City Cards give you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family’s interests. Remember, this Miami to Florida Keys itinerary is just one of many ways to experience this gorgeous region. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Fun Miami Area Options to Add to Your Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary:

Before driving from Miami to Key West, we really recommend you spend a few days exploring Miami. There is a reason this place is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We suggest picking up Go Miami Card - available in 1, 2, 3, or 5 Day All-Inclusive Passes. Below we recapped a number of fun things to do available on the pass.

Hop On Hop Off Miami Big Bus Tour

If you love to explore all around new cities and don’t want to have to bother with finding parking and then finding your car a number of times a day, then a Hop-on Hop-off Miami Bus Tour may be the perfect option for you. This double decker bus tour will take you to many of the important sights all through the city, while giving you time to explore each area thoroughly. Some notable things you will be able to see include South Beach, the Biltmore Hotel, Coconut Grove, Cuban Eateries, and much more. Your pass entitles you to ride both the Beach Route (blue) and the City Route (red). Choose one, or enjoy them both! Keep in mind that depending upon how long you stay on the bus, it can take up to several hours to ride entire loops. Getting In: Big Bus Miami tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Jet Boat Miami

Jet Boat Miami is the perfect activity for you thrill-seekers and adventure-lovers out there. Tour the Sea Isle Marina and San Marco Islands in an adrenaline pumping high-occupancy jet boat reaching speeds up to 45-mph. Sights you will see along the way include downtown Miami, Star Island, and a bunch of beautiful homes that line Memorial Island. Getting In: Jet Boat Miami tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Duck Tours South Beach

After you’ve had enough of the spray of high speed water in your face, hop aboard Duck Tours South Beach for a one of a kind trip on an aquatic bus as you journey through iconic locations and extraordinary landmarks on both land and sea. This amphibious vessel tour explores a number of Miami’s top destinations on land before taking passengers out on the way to get an up close look at some of the most exclusive properties on the beautiful Biscayne Bay and Star Island. Or, you could always choose between this option and Jet Boat Miami if you're only interested in one cruise. They both have different things to offer, but if you're not feeling that much water time, you can opt to replace one with another of the top attractions below. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

This Italian-Renaissance style villa is an ideal spot as a change of pace from your wildlife adventures, and is a great way to soak in some local history and culture. The former estate of world renown industrialist James Deering, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers a first hand look into the opulence, influence and power that made the post-colonial/industrial world possible. The site is often compared to California’s Hurst Castle, for its combination of historical and cultural attractions, and as an exposition of the zenith of wealth in the mid-1900s. You should also reserve some time to explore the gorgeous gardens, including the David A. Klein Orchidarium -- a distinctive garden that features some of the world's most rare and beautiful flora. Getting In: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Miami Seaquarium

Another fun option to include before you drive south to the Keys is the amazing Miami Seaquarium. It’s 38 acres of magnificent aquatic wildlife exhibits in a sprawling amusement-park-like setting that is as educational as it is thrilling. Come here to see animal performances by dolphins who love to dance and play, or observe animals hanging out or swimming around in recreated habitats. Something we love about the Miami Seaquarium is its commitment to animal conservation and rehabilitation, and their dedication to making a home for injured wild creatures. They are particularly known for their work with manatees, and are only one of a small few facilities certified as a Manatee Critical Care Facility in Florida. Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat

You really can't come to South Florida without experiencing one of the most unique areas in the entire world -- the Florida Everglades. One particularly fun place to check out is the Everglades Alligator Farm. Here you will get a crash course in the lives and habitat of the amazing Florida alligator, as well as a bunch of other local species of plants and animals. Plus you’ll get a chance to take an electrifying ride on airboat as it zips across the surface of a vast estuary. Getting In: Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Fun Florida Keys Options to Add to Your Road Trip Itinerary:

Now that you had enough time to explore Miami and the nearby areas, we think it's probably time to head south! Here is a little previous of the paradise-like views you will be immersed in while driving from Miami to Key West. Depending on how much you want to see and do, we suggest picking up either a 3, 4, or 5-Choice Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass. Below we recapped a number of fun things to do available on the pass.

Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Sail aboard the M.V. "Key Largo Princess" glass bottom boat and view the underwater world of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the only undersea park in the United States. Experience all the amazing sea life from vibrant coral to sea plumes and hundreds of different types of fish. Be sure to have your camera or phone at the ready! You'll get fantastic pictures of the water below with the right lighting. Getting In: Key Large Glass Bottom Boat Cruise tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Seven Mile Bridge & Marathon Key

Driving over the unbelievably vivid blue ocean for miles on a bridge that seems endless could be one of the most memorable parts of driving from Miami to Key West. The Seven Mile Bridge was built in 1912, intended for railroad traffic. Today, drivers cross it en-route to Key West. You may elect to park at Mile Marker 47, just north of the bridge and walk or bike to Pigeon Key on the original span. While it’s possible to drive straight from Miami to Key West in less than 3 hours, there’s too much to see and do in the rest of the Keys. You may want to drive down taking several days, spend a night in Marathon and really absorb the sights, sounds, and culture. You could also book a room at the remarkable Faro Blanco Resort. Grab yourself a hearty lunch at the Tarpon Creek Bar & Grill, dinner at the Lighthouse Grill. Both of these local favorites offer a selection of fresh fish caught and prepared locally.

Sunset Watersports Key West Parasailing

Experience the thrill of soaring over sparking tropical water and take in a bird’s eye view of this beautiful area. This one is almost a must do for your itinerary. Please note: the Miami and the Keys Explorer Pass is valid for parasailing at 9:00 am only. Getting In: Key West Parasailing tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Sunset Watersports Key West Snorkel Dip & Sip

Get up-close to the sea life of Key West on a snorkeling adventure out to the world’s third largest living coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, draft beers and soft drinks; it’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends enjoying the water. Besides, who can turn down a chance to sit back in the sun and sip a cool drink in Key West? It's like everyone's dream vacation come to life. Getting In: Sunset Watersports Snorkel and Dip tickets are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Island Safari Bike Rental

Leave no Key West site unseen as you pedal out over the sand or through the town on a fat-tire beach cruiser. Located in Old Town Key West, Island Safari bike rentals are the perfect way to get around the area to explore and enjoy everything Key West has to offer. Getting In: Key West Bike rentals are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Key West 2-Hour Kayak Rental

There’s no better way to explore a stretch of coastline than in a kayak. Go at your own pace and have the most relaxing and intimate experience with the sea possible right on the waterline. Safety gear is included as well as extra assistance for beginners. Getting In: Key West Kayak rentals are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Sunset Watersports Paddle Board Rental

Like the feeling of surfing with the mobility of a kayak? If so, exploring the Florida Keys on a paddle board would be an ideal way to spend an afternoon. Learn this popular water sport during your 2-hour rental, or- if you’re experienced- get out there and show the beginners what you can do. Getting In: Paddle Board rentals are available with the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass.

Explore Duval Street

To celebrate your amazing journey, take a walk down Duval Street. It may be just one mile in length, but Duval Street is jam packed with small kitschy bars and gorgeous Victorian mansions. Soak in the music and make recap all the fun and adventure you’ve scratched off your bucket list during your trip. Getting In: It's free to stroll Duval Street.

Let’s Recap

This Florida road trip itinerary was designed to be a fun way to experience driving from Miami to Key West full of popular attractions, activities, and other things to do along the way. Remember, many of these great attraction options and more are available on our Florida attractions pass options, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your South Florida vacation itinerary and thanks for reading!