A Florida Keys highway journey is a bucket listing merchandise to do in the US. Vacationers from all over the world take pleasure in a once-in-a-lifetime drive between Key Largo and Key West! It’s unbelievable what number of sights there are to see in only a brief 113 miles!
So what’s there to see between Key West and Key Largo? From making an attempt native seafood to serving to rescued turtles, listed below are the perfect stops to make within the Florida Keys!
Key Largo to Key West (or Vice Versa)
These stops concentrate on touring from north to south (Key Largo to Key West), however clearly, it may also be accomplished in reverse if you wish to begin in Key West and drive north to Key Largo. Each are common choices!
In the event you don’t have your individual automotive for this journey, it’s greatest to hire one in both Key West, Key Largo, or Miami. We seek for the perfect offers on automotive leases on Uncover Vehicles.
Touring the Abroad Freeway on a florida keys highway journey
How far is Key Largo from Key West? The Abroad Freeway is a 113-mile freeway connecting Southern Florida to the Southernmost Level of the US (Key West). It’s known as “The Freeway That Goes to Sea” since drivers cross coral and limestones islet all through the way in which.
It’s a singular a part of the world that’s typically onerous to consider exists. Lots of of islands are known as “keys,” that make up The Florida Keys.
The gap from Key Largo to Key West is below 100 miles, and with out stops, you possibly can anticipate the drive to take you about 2.5 hours; nonetheless there’s no enjoyable in that! This publish goes into the perfect Florida Keys stops you must make!
Key Largo
Snorkel in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is situated proper in Key Largo and was established in 1963 to guard the one residing coral reef in your complete nation. This state park is properly value a go to because it’s the primary and one of many solely undersea parks within the US.
The park encompasses 70 nautical sq. miles of pure, protected magnificence. There are many issues to do within the park right here that households and people may simply spend your complete day and never get bored. Most guests enterprise out on a glass-bottom boat tour or go scuba diving or snorkeling.
One of the common spots is the Christ of the Deep statue, and seeing it is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Key Largo. A present from Italy within the 60s, this nine-foot-tall bronze Christ statue sits 25 ft underwater! It’s fairly the sight for snorkelers! Different actions embody kayaking, canoeing, and a few fishing is allowed in designated areas.
Tour the Coral Restoration Basis Training Heart
The Coral Restoration Basis (CRF) is a singular nonprofit headquartered proper in Key Largo and properly value a cease if you find yourself driving from Key Largo to Key West.
Do you know that we’ve got misplaced 50% of the world’s shallow-water coral reefs within the final three a long time? It’s estimated by 2100, we may lose all of them if humanity doesn’t act quick. Did you additionally know that coral is an animal (not a plant)? As these animal numbers decline, their genetic range and inhabitants resiliency are misplaced.
It’s estimated that 500 million folks depend on coral reefs for survival, accounting for nearly 10 trillion {dollars} in enterprise. Their significance on this planet is astounding, and that’s why we’re so grateful for the Coral Restoration Basis which work with the reefs and support of their restoration course of. They’ve large-scale cultivation and outplanting course of and plant new coral reefs within the ocean! Primarily volunteers perform these duties of working within the “coral nurseries.”
Guests can enterprise into their Key Largo heart to find out about their tasks, or divers can go underwater and truly plant new coral themselves! There’s nothing higher than feeling like you might be giving again on trip, and this can be a nice trigger to offer again to!
Dive The Spiegel Grove Wreck
Key Largo is the dive capital of the USA, so in case you are a diver, you possibly can’t go to the Florida Keys and never go for a minimum of one dive underwater. Horizon Divers runs epic dive journeys each morning and afternoon.
We spent your complete day with them and beloved each minute of our time diving. We have been even fortunate sufficient to see two eagle rays and some turtles utterly making our journey!
Over 100 common dive areas can take you out, with all dive websites situated lower than 45 minutes from shore. We loved diving into the Metropolis of Washington and the Undersea Freeway, however undoubtedly, probably the most well-known place to dive in Key Largo is the Spiegel Grove Wreck.
Harry Harris Seashore and Park
Henry Harris Park is a superb choice in case you are on the lookout for an gratifying day on the seashore whereas having fun with your time in Key Largo. This can be a common hangout for locals and vacationers alike, particularly on a pleasant day.
The park has a number of glorious facilities like a tidal pool, boat ramp, grills, picnic tables, showers, playgrounds, and a motorbike path! It’s a standard spot for anglers and snorkelers to come back to! Word that there’s a parking charge of $5 per particular person on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays.
What to Carry to the Seashore? 50 Seashore Should Haves
Have Lunch at Key Largo Conch Home
Tucked away off proper off the Abroad Hwy is that this chilled-out lunch and dinner spot. They dish up scrumptious conch meals (which you could strive when within the Florida Keys) and different seafood dishes. It’s greatest to name forward and make reservations – this place can get busy!
Eat at The Fish Home
There’s arguably no higher spot to really feel like you might be eating within the keys than at The Fish Home Key Largo. The Fish Home is without doubt one of the greatest Key Largo eating places and is a unusual place with scrumptious native seafood each night time. Their grouper will be served in some ways, and their drinks are enjoyable and fabulous to take pleasure in with a bunch of associates or household in your Florida Keys highway journey.
Though the meals was nice, my favourite half was the ambiance that made me wish to return. If you consider what the Florida Keys have been like 40 years in the past – this place could come to thoughts!
Examine into Baker’s Cay
The perfect place to remain in Key Largo is Baker’s Cay. This 13-acre, 200-room personal resort is without doubt one of the most snug locations we’ve stayed in the US. Baker’s Cay has an ideal location off the Abroad Freeway, with a big personal seashore sufficiently big for your complete household to take pleasure in.
In true Florida Keys vogue, the water is calm and alluring, and there are many actions to take pleasure in in the course of the day.
The Baker’s Cay seashore has enjoyable toys like stand-up paddleboards, clear kayaks, and jet skis. Or, should you don’t really feel like spiking your adrenaline, simply sit back with a guide and a pina colada from the tiki bar.
The rooms at Bakers Cay are trendy and romantic. We loved an oceanfront room and actually loved falling asleep to the sound of the ocean close by.
In the event you’re bringing the fur infants, relaxation assured as Baker’s Cay is pet pleasant and even has canine tiki huts! There are additionally two swimming swimming pools with a waterfall, an attractive marina space, and a romantic dock to take pleasure in drinks on whereas the solar goes down. Relaxation comfortably right here earlier than persevering with your Key Largo to Key West journey.
Islamorada
Constitution a Fishing Boat
Islamorada is a captivating small American city often known as the “sport fishing capital of the world,” In the event you’re an angler, you seemingly already know that. We’re not anglers, so we didn’t constitution a fishing boat. Nonetheless, it’s a classy factor to do in Islamorada!
Scuba Dive
Islamorada isn’t simply identified for fishing but in addition for diving! A few of the greatest diving within the Florida Keys will be discovered right here. The Davis Reef, Alligator Reef, Pickles Reef, and plenty of extra dive spots are close to Islamorada. Take a look at the Islamorada Dive Heart to take pleasure in a full-service PADI scuba diving journey!
Have a Sundowner at Lorelei
The Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar is without doubt one of the greatest locations to move for a drink after a protracted day trip. They’ve nightly sundown leisure and Blissful Hour (4-6) specials on cocktails. On lovely nights come ready to attend for a spot or to squeeze in with the locals on the bar.
Catch Sundown at Morada Bay
Morada Bay is certainly one of my favourite sundown spots in all of the Florida Keys, and should you head right here for sundown, you’ll see why. It’s an attractive location on the seashore, with limitless palm bushes and beautiful sundown views. Certain, drinks could also be $15 a chunk, however watching the solar set in such a great location is properly value it.
Have Dinner at Chef Micheals
If there’s just one factor you do in Islamorada, it must be to have a meal at Chef Micheals. Arms down the most effective seafood meals we’ve ever had; this upscale restaurant affords an inspiring menu filled with recent fish.
Chef Micheal himself creates probably the most tempting dishes consisting of Hogfish, Grouper, and the invasive Lionfish. You can even herald your recent catch for the day trip, and Chef Micheal will blacken, grill, or put together your fish any means you need!
Marathon
Feed the Tarpon at Robbies
One of the common issues to do on any Florida Keys highway journey is feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina. On the marina is a faculty of over 100 tarpons that hang around close to the marina daily. It’s no secret why, for simply $2.25 an individual, vacationers can hand-feed a tarpon and watch its highly effective mouth snatch a fish. Whereas admission to the dock is $2.25, it’s an additional $4 per fish bucket.
Go to the Marathon Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospitals slogan is – Rescue, Rehab, Launch, and that’s exactly what they do. Based in 1986 as a hospital for injured sea turtles, this group is doing unbelievable work.
Positioned at mile marker 48.5 works to rescue injured turtles and rehab them to be safely launched into the wild. This small nonprofit educates guests on the significance of sea turtles and the human impacts on the species all through this course of.
The Turtle Hospital additionally assists with analysis support to sea turtles and works towards environmental laws to make the seashores and water safer for sea turtles.
Guests can cease in and get a look at what goes right here behind the scenes. They run day by day excursions of the services, that are very academic and enjoyable! You’ll even get an opportunity to feed sea turtles, making it an ideal factor to do within the Florida Keys for households. These Instructional Packages run day by day at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm and value $27.00 per grownup and $13.00 per baby.
Drive the Seven Mile Bridge
Anybody driving from Key Largo to Key West has to drive alongside the Seven Mile Bridge, however I nonetheless wished to make particular point out of it as a result of it’s genuinely one of many coolest roads on the earth.
Simply driving throughout it makes you actually understand what a outstanding piece of civil engineering the bridge is. The bridge connects Knight’s Key within the Center Keys to Little Duck within the Decrease Keys; when it was first constructed, it was one of many longest bridges on the earth.
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Bahia Honda State Park
When driving the Seven Mile Bridge, save just a little time to cease on the Bahia Honda State Park. It’s an exquisite spot for sunbathing and having fun with the salty air. It’s situated at mile marker 37 and affords a number of the greatest snorkeling within the keys.
Key West
Get pleasure from a Espresso from Cuban Espresso Queen
An iconic factor to do in Key West is seize a fast cafe con leche from Cuban Espresso Queen close to the harbor. They’re fast and straightforward, so in case you are working brief on time relaxation assured you possibly can seize a fast chunk and occasional right here. And snap a “Key West photograph” when you’re ready.
Paddleboard Yoga with Lazy Canine Charters
For a leisurely morning out why not strive some yoga, besides make it Florida Keys model and observe your down canine on the water. Lazy Canine Excursions runs paddleboard yoga excursions proper on Inventory Island.
Excursions usually final about two hours, one hour of yoga and one-hour of paddling. In case you are fortunate you’ll get to see some manatees beneath your board! Be sure to placed on a number of sunscreen and canopy up with an out of doors hat as there’s little shade.
Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour with Sincere Eco
In the event you enterprise off just a bit off the coast of Key West, you’ll seemingly see some wild dolphins within the distance. In truth, it’s so seemingly the Sincere Eco Sustainable Nature Excursions virtually assure a sighting with them!
E-book a visit with them, and also you’ll get to take pleasure in SQUID, Key West’s first electric-powered constitution boat. We’ve solely been on one electrical boat in Zambia earlier than, so we have been ecstatic to take a trip on the hybrid constitution boat.
SQUID will take guests out on a four-hour dolphin-watching tour each morning and night. You’ll additionally get the prospect to hop within the water for a snorkel to see what different superior marine life you’ll find. I really like that Sincere Eco focuses on seeing wild dolphins of their pure habitat somewhat than dolphin exhibits or dorsel fin rides that are unethical animal tourism actions.
Have Dinner at Matt’s Inventory Island
Matt’s Inventory Island is situated on Inventory Island at The Perry Resort. Head right here for dinner round sundown so you possibly can take pleasure in craft beer with laid-back consolation meals because the solar goes down over the marina.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
If you end up accomplished having fun with the seashore or a recent seafood meal, head to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to chill out in nature. The conservatory has loads of lovely birds, flowering crops, and naturally, butterflies.
The spotlight of the conservatory is their two resident flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett. This well-known Key West couple charms all guests with their mating calls, foot patting dance, and mesmerizing pink shade.
Land’s Finish Sundown Sail with Sebago Key West
I didn’t know what to anticipate once we boarded the Sebago Catamaran, however their sundown boat tour ended up being a spotlight of our time in Key West. The Sebago sundown sail is really for those who wish to let unfastened and hearken to island music whereas ingesting rum punch because the solar units on the water.
Reserving a night with Sebago begins at 6:30 and ends after sundown; a ticket contains all-you-can-drink, appetizers, and loads of leisure. Oh yea – and epic views because the solar units within the lovely Florida Keys.
Get pleasure from Cuban Delicacies at El Siboney
In case you are a bit bored with the limitless scrumptious seafood, head to El Siboney for genuine Cuban delicacies. We beloved our meal right here and will inform it was genuine Cuban house cooking in an inviting and pleasant ambiance.
One among their greatest dishes is the roast pork with black beans and rice and candy plantains. Be sure to pair your meal with their house-made sangria and finish it with their signature Flan.
Catch the Sundown at Mallory Sq.
Among the finest free issues to do in Key West is catch the sundown at Mallory Sq.. Round 5 pm each night time, this space comes alive with avenue distributors, performers, artists, and naturally, meals and drinks to soak within the ambiance collectively.
There will not be many higher locations to have fun the top of a wonderful day within the Florida Keys than on Mallory Sq.. Even when crowds will not be your factor (they aren’t mine), it’s nonetheless an environment it’s a must to absorb a minimum of certainly one of your days in Key West!
Tacos at Fisherman’s Café
An excellent lunch spot to move to is Fisherman’s Cafe proper on Lazy Method Ave. It’s a enjoyable takeaway spot with scrumptious lobster tacos!
Get pleasure from Key Lime Pie on a Stick at Kermit’s Key Lime Café
You’ll be able to’t go to the Florida Keys and never have a style of the well-known Key Lime Pie! There are many locations promoting Key Lime Pie in Key West! Nonetheless, none stand out as a lot as our FROZEN key lime at Kermits. Kermits is well-known within the Key Lime world. Kermit Carpenter himself nonetheless bakes a number of the pies himself, even after 28 years in enterprise.
To say this place is an establishment is an understatement, and even should you’ve already had Key Lime Pie within the keys, it’s properly value popping in right here. There are actually two areas, the unique at 200 Elizabeth Road and one proper off Duval Road.
Southernmost Level Buoy
Though it’s not probably the most thrilling factor to do in Key West, it’s value venturing to the Southernmost Level within the US to snap a photograph and say you could have been there!
Smathers seashore
Surprisingly Key West actually isn’t identified for its seashores. Most guests hang around at their resort swimming pools, the marina, or the notorious Duval Road. Nonetheless, there are a number of locations you possibly can head for some seashore time. Our favourite was Smather’s Seashore! It’s an attractive sandy seashore with loads of idyllic palm bushes for shade. There’s a volleyball court docket and locations you possibly can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboard boards as properly.
Different Nice Key West Seashores Embody
Higgs Seashore
Relaxation Seashore
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Slurp Up Oysters at Half Shell uncooked Bar
The Half Shell Uncooked Bar is rated as the most effective Key West Seafood Eating places. Set in alongside the harborfront on the historical past seafront, they dish up recent meals and, after all, loads of shellfish.
We needed to order a dozen oysters and have been stunned by how giant and engaging they have been. They’re additionally the one seafood restaurant in Key West that owns its personal fish market – so you already know you might be getting the freshest catch!
Keep at Oceans Edge Marina and Resort
In the event you don’t thoughts not being within the heart of all of the Key West motion, Oceans Edge Resort is a superb place to remain on Inventory Island. This secluded resort permits visitors to take pleasure in peace and tranquility in Key West, all in an attractive setting.
All rooms at Oceans Edge have ocean views and entry to the marina. There are six swimming swimming pools to take pleasure in with bar service to all! Oceans Edge additionally has kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles free of charge on-site. If you end up prepared to move into Key West, there’s a free shuttle that runs hourly downtown, which suggests you don’t need to cope with the hectic parking scenario in Key West.
The oceanfront rooms all have a balcony, high-speed WiFi, and enormous flat-screen tv. The rooms are bigger than common and adorned with trendy seashore decor. We stayed three nights right here and by no means wished to depart!
Florida Keys Street Journey Stops Map
how Many Days Do You want within the Florida keys?
We spent 5 nights and 6 days within the Florida Keys, and I assumed it was the right period of time to spend touring the Florida Keys. The drive from Key Largo to Key West will be accomplished in sooner or later because it’s solely 97 miles (about two hours drive), although to take advantage of out of your Florida Keys highway journey, it is likely to be value breaking apart the drive in Marathon or Duck Key.
The place are the perfect locations to remain within the florida Keys?
When planning out your Florida Key highway journey, you might understand that there are solely a plethora of inns and lodging choices in Key Largo and Key West. That’s to not say there aren’t locations to remain on different elements of the Keys, however there are fewer choices. Each Islamorada and Marathon have quite a few choices, after which there are a number of inns and resorts on the Keys.
I’d recommend staying a number of nights primarily based out of Key Largo at Baker’s Cay, spending one night time in Islamorada or Marathon, and staying three nights in Key West for the whole Florida Keys expertise.
Is it Higher to Fly into Miami or Key West?
I’d extremely recommend taking a look at choices for flying into both Miami or Key West and flying out of the other, making your highway journey a technique; typically, it will possibly work out higher and never value far more! We flew into Miami, rented a one-way automotive rental for cheaper than a round-trip automotive rental, and flew out of Key West.
This gave us extra time to discover every Florida Keys cease on our means, driving from Key Largo to Key West, and allowed us extra time on our last day within the Keys as we didn’t need to drive again as much as Miami to fly out.
Which is healthier Key West or Key Largo?
Neither are higher than each other, however one could also be higher for you and what you wish to do! Key Largo is unbelievable for seashores, diving, and snorkeling. It’s nearer to Florida’s Barrier Reef and is the place a lot of the underwater motion occurs within the keys. Key Largo can be nearer to Marathon and Islamorada, making day journeys right here simpler.
Key West has extra issues to do, and also you’ll discover it onerous to get bored right here! Key West has a extra relaxed “Jimmy Buffet” ambiance with loads of eating places, bars, and outlets. If you wish to have a celebration vacation with associates, you’ll in all probability discover that Key West is extra your scene. Don’t take my phrase for it – be certain to take a look at each!
Is there a shuttle from Key Largo to Key West?
There isn’t a shuttle, however the Greyhound Bus Service does function a route between Miami, Key Largo, and Key West. It solely serves these few stops, so it’s not ultimate for many vacationers. Nonetheless, it’s an choice for these that may not drive. If you’d like personal transportation, you possibly can rent an organization like Florida Keys Specific Shuttle.
How a lot are Automotive Leases within the florida Keys?
Anticipate to pay about $100 per day for a automotive rental within the Florida Keys. The additional out prematurely you guide, usually the cheaper charges you’ll find. Learn our automotive rental suggestions for extra details about renting a automotive.
Search and Evaluate Costs for Rental Vehicles
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Do I want a automotive in Key West?
Whereas a automotive is important for getting from Key Largo to Key West as soon as you might be in Key West, I discovered you don’t want a automotive rental in any respect. All Key West is fairly walkable, and there are Ubers and Lyfts on the island ought to you have to go additional. A preferred factor to do is hire a bicycle throughout your keep and get round Key West that means!
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE KEYS