The Ultimate Guide to the Best Florida Keys Scenic Drive Stops 2026
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Florida Keys Scenic Drive Stops There is that magical second on the Overseas Highway when you pass the mainland, look in the rearview, and it is just you, an open highway and endless shades of turquoise on either side. It is not just the a Florida Keys road trip; it is a full experience. The Keys road trip stops have a reputation part kitschy roadside curiosities, part phenomenal marine life, part some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets you will ever encounter.
We have done the road trip from Miami to Key West more times than we can count,Florida and we compiled some of the ultimate Florida Keys scenic stops that we can not live without recommending.
Follow us from tropical rainforest in Key Largo, all the way to the boho bliss of Key West. This will guide you through the best Florida Keys road trip spots you want to check out to have the road trip of your lifetime. So fuel up, sunglasses, and let’s get this road trip guide to the Keys started.
Why the Overseas Highway is a Bucket List Drive
It doesn’t only feel like a road trip; because it basically is. Miami to Key West is officially U.S. Route 1, a 100+ mile stretch that takes you from Florida’s mainland all the way out into the Gulf of Mexico.
As you travel, you’ll cross more than 40 bridges with miles and miles of ocean on one side and the Gulf on the other.
You are, in essence, on a bridge for over three to four hours. It feels like you’re visiting another country. Miami to Key West and even though there are parts of that trip that feels like there is absolutely nothing around but water, there are tons of stops in between that bring their own sort of magic.
My only recommendation?
Don’t rush through it!
Sure you can make the trip in four hours; but that would be like going Florida to Disney and only going to the Pirates of the Caribbean. Ha! You could dedicate at least a week to this trip!
Your Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary
Here is a rundown of our essential stops along the Overseas Highway in order from north to south, and our recommendations for all things eat, play, and marvel.
Key Largo The Diving Capital of the World
Key Largo is your first major destination in the Keys and also considered “the Diving Capital of the World”. It’s a laid back town and a great way to experience the keys for the first time:
Top Florida Keys Scenic Drive stops in Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5): This is an absolute no brainer. First underwater park in America and it’s phenomenal. A diver or snorkelers heaven, if you can stay dry then take a glass bottomed boat tour and you can see the stunning coral reefs and marine life, including Christ of the Abyss a 9 foot bronze statue.
Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park: This is the largest intact tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the USA and feels more like a Caribbean jungle or rainforest than any other state park in Florida, you Florida can stroll through a short nature trail to get your legs stretched.
Caribbean Club (MM 104): history comes to the keys with the original owner who opened this place back in 1938. It’s also famous for being featured in the classic movie with Humphrey Bogart named ‘Key Largo’. Head here for a great sunset rum punch.
Pro Tip: The Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory (in Tavernier, just a bit south) serves up the most massivemile high key lime meringue pie which is a perfect instagram photo and tastes even better:
Islamorada The Sportfishing Capital
Continuing south brings you to Islamorada, a string Florida of islands nicknamed the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.”The mood in Islamorada is upscale but unhurried.
Most popular Florida Keys Scenic Drive stops Islamorada
* Robbie’s Marina (MM 77.5): It’s hard to think of a more unusual stop on a Florida Keys scenic drive. You can buy buckets of fish bits for a few dollars and feed huge tarpons, who can be more than 100 pounds, that hang out by the marina, leaping in the air for food.
* Lignumvitae Key (MM 78.5): If you want to strike out on the adventurous path and visit an isolated natural and historical Florida Keys treasure, hop a kayak or ferry to this State Park that you can only visit via the ocean. Visit it and see the classic Florida house and have stunning panoramic views of the offshore islands.
* Theater of the Sea ( MM 84.5): Water park founded in the 1940s that is really all about the intimate encounters including swimming with dolphins or sea lions. The attractions are located in actual saltwater lagoons.
* Anne’s Beach ( MM 73.5): Stunning sand, shallow water where you can just run you fingers through the waves, perfect for children with the boardwalk that is there for sitting and the gentle lapping waves. Good place to bring a lunch and take in some shade and take a quick swim.
A little advice, stop at Lazy Days for a delicious fresh Mahi Mahi sandwich for lunch, or catch a beautiful sunset while enjoying a beverage and having a bite to eat and drink on Islamorada at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar.
Marathon A Family Friendly Paradise
Middle Keys’ Marathon is an easy stopover and has some of the best beaches of the Keys. Marathon is also home to the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
The Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47 to 40): I’m not gonna lie to you, this is probably “the” top on anyone’s list for the overseas highway. This drive is truly phenomenal and feels totally other morldly to drive over. For real though, there’s a whole old 7 Mile Bridge you can actually walk on / Bike on / Fishing on right next to this bad boy. That bridge marks the absolute peak.
The Turtle Hospital (MM 48.5): Easily one of the cuter stops. This isn’t quite a attraction, it’s a functional animal hospital that takes in and cares for injured and ill sea turtles that are found and help make them feel better. Do a tour and learn all about sea turtles.
Sombrero Beach (MM 50): White sand, shallow clear waters and palm trees, Sombrero beach is frequently cited as the best beach in the Keys and not for nothing. It is just that…perfectly chill.
Insider TIP: The 7 Mile bridge is where Marathon connects to the lower keys. I highly recommend driving the 7 Mile Bridge at sunset for photos and a completely breathtaking experience.
Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys Encounter the Tiny Key Deer
Things start to get crazy and out there in the Lower Keys. Finally things slow down and this segment offers some the greatest unexpected surprises of the trip. Top Florida Keys Scenic Drive Must Do in the Lower Keys: Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37) Bahia Honda’s name regularly appears on best beaches in America lists and for good cause: soft white sands; clear, pure waters; and you can walk out on the Old Railroad Bridge to take in these awe inspiring waters… simply awe inspiring.
National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key) An absolute must do, this refuge is of the only of its kind.
It exists to give a tiny subspecies of white tail deer the Key deer protection, and it’s common to spot the miniature whitetail munching on flowers in neighborhoods. Drive in slow gear and have your camera on standby these are small and you won’t want to miss their appearance.
Key West The Final Frontier
Key West is truly road’s end and the best of the pack on any trip. It marks the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. And is as lively a place as any around.
Here are our picks for Top Florida Keys Scenic Drive stops in Key West.
Top Florida Keys Scenic Drive Stops in Key West
* Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: A nightly party in Key West. When the sun sets, Mallory Square bursts to life with street artists, performers, musicians, and a whole mix of people soaking in the evening atmosphere. A must to see!
* Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This is one house that the most dedicated writers in all the world would wish to live in. The house that Ernest Hemingway occupied for a while when writing some of his most famous books also features the author’s famous six toed cats.
* Duval Street: The street is lined with pubs, diners, and boutiques and when it’s this close to anything you like, why walk? Why not walk? Well, for me at least, there seems to be so much walking that’s best not done. (This is where folks get wild).
* Southernmost Point Buoy: Key West also points you toward that important landmark on your continental U.S. Journey that leads 90 miles across Cuba in other words it’s quite far down, down south. Visit the most southernmost buoy in the continental U.S. To get your photo op.
Pro Tip: Skip the car (when it comes to navigating the town) and rent bicycles or use your walking shoes to discover Key West’s labyrinthine streets and historic buildings.
Essential Tips for Your Florida Keys Road Trip
- Don’t feel like you have to rush; the drive is what it’s all about, and you should dedicate at least three or four days to this road trip. The MM system along US1 is how the locals get around. The speed limits on US1 are usually low and speed traps plentiful, so really enjoy going slow in a convertible.
- If you are planning this trip during the winter and spring high season, reserve rooms and boat excursions early; in general, dress is very casual swimsuits, sunglasses, and sunscreen would be more useful than a formal outfit.
- Gas grows incrementally more expensive as you go further south; for your bargain hunter purposes fill up the tank in either Key Largo or Tavernier.
Conclusion
The Florida Keys road trip stops that define bucket-list travel. If you’re looking to slip underwater in ocean parks, walk in the footsteps of legendary writers, and sample some seriously great key lime pie, book a trip for a road trip through this slice of heaven. Some people take trips. People who take road trips through the Florida Keys take road trip adventures where the trip is just the tip of the iceberg.
What are you waiting for? The road is calling. Or, um, the water is calling. Take your pick.
FAQs About Florida Keys Scenic Drive Stops
Is the Overseas Highway safe to drive?
Yes, it’s well maintained and safe. That said, it’s largely a two lane highway so do expect limited passing opportunities. Drive carefully and be especially aware of this along the numerous bridges, and don’t be surprised to encounter wildlife like the protected Key deer, particular during dawn or dusk.
When do you think is best time to go to the FL Keys?
If the question is for best balance then mid March to May, is ideal, weather still nice and less humid than summer but before the summer season officially gets started. Winter time (December to February) definitely gets the most attention but also can be the costliest as well as very busy.
Any under the radar places ?
It is definitely worth checking out the somewhat more remote, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park; as is the somewhat peculiar but loved Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower, and as mentioned above, the beautiful, sugar-soft sandy beaches of Bahia Honda State Park.
What are some lesser known spots?
Check out Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park if you crave a more remote (and quiet!) getaway, the rather bizarre but beloved Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower, and the pristine beauty and sandy beaches of Bahia Honda State Park.
Can I see the “green flash” there?
Legend says that with good weather conditions, right at sunset you will glimpse the elusive “green flash,” a quick burst of green light just before the sun disappears below the horizon. You’ll find plenty of locals and tourists perched on the seawall at Mallory Square awaiting this magical phenomenon!
Where do I find the Key deer?
These teeny tiny native creatures live freely throughout Big Pine Key’s National Key Deer Refuge. Most frequently you’ll see them scampering about near or before sunset, or during the cool hours of the early morning.
