Miami to Key West Drive: Florida Keys Stops, Stays + Map!
Last Updated on February 7, 2023
Visiting the Florida Keys is a classic U.S. vacation, with beaches, clear blue waters, and adventurous activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and camping. One of the best ways to experience the Florida Keys is with a Miami to Key West road trip. Get tips on how to plan an itinerary that includes all the best of the Keys: quirky roadside stops, beautiful beaches, state and national parks, and waterfront bars and restaurants for sunset each night.
As far as road trips go, a Miami to Key West drive belongs on every bucket list. You’ll follow the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 which spans the coral and limestone islands of the Keys and connects mainland Florida to Key West.
Driving to Key West lets you discover all the best sights, eats, and adventures of the Florida Keys along the way. Experience amazing snorkeling in Key Largo, kayak and relax on the sandy beaches of Bahia Honda State Park, and watch the spectacular sunset in Key West — plus so many more things in between!
In this guide, I’ll share all the tips you need to plan a Florida Keys road trip, with drive tips, must-see sights, restaurants, and other fun stops along the way. I’ll also suggest how many days to spend in each location and advice on the best places to stay on your Miami to Key West drive.
I independently evaluate all of my recommendations. I might receive compensation for any links you click on my site. Learn more.
Pin this Miami to Key West Road Trip Planner for later!
In This Guide to a Miami to Key West Drive
Florida Keys Road Trip: Top Sights from Miami to Key West
The Florida Keys is an archipelago of 800 tropical islands that stretches 120 miles off the coast of Florida. The Keys begin just south of Miami and continue to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas, one of the most remote U.S. National Parks.
These vacation planning tips will help you make the most of your road trip adventure from Miami to Key West with quirky local spots, popular sights, and beautiful Florida beaches.
So get your road trip playlist and Instagram sunset captions ready — we’re going on a Florida Keys road trip!
In December I returned again to to the Upper and Middle Keys for a long weekend. See the Instagram Reel below of my Keys mini-road trip, and follow me for more adventures!
You’re gonna be here, drinking a rum runner and watching this sunset 🙂
The Best Time to Drive the Florida Keys
The Keys are one of the warmest and sunniest destinations in the United States, with average high winter temperatures of 75-80 degrees. The best time for a Florida Keys scenic drive is between March and May, after the busy tourist season is over and when hotel rates are more reasonable.
It’s best to avoid the peak hurricane season of August and September.
I just visited again in December and although we had some rain and clouds, the weather was warm and I got to do almost everything I wanted to!
The hottest months in the Florida Keys are July and August, with average high temperatures of 90 degrees. June, August, and September are the months with the most rainfall.
The best airports to begin a Florida Keys road trip are the Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), about 30 miles north. I recommend checking both – there are often direct flight deals for me from D.C. to Fort Lauderdale on United that make it worth flying in there.
Car rental is available at both airports and both have rental car centers attached to the terminal, which really helps with getting your adventure started!
If you’re short on time, it’s usually possible to rent a car one-way for an extra fee. In this case, you would pick it up in Miami and return it at the airport in Key West (EYW), or vice-versa. When I last checked rates, this added around $100 to the weekly price with most of the major companies.
How does a month sound? But seriously, I’d recommend at least a week to see the best of the Keys. It’s a great way to extend a budget trip to Miami.
You can save time on your Keys road trip by paying extra for your car rental and only making the drive one-way. If you have a little less time or a few extra days, I’ll include other options in the itinerary below.
I’ve also just visited the Upper and Middle Keys on a long weekend! I flew into Fort Lauderdale (there are often great flight deals here) and stayed in Layton near Marathon, exploring everything from Key Largo to Bahia Honda.
Driving the Overseas Highway | U.S. Route 1
The Florida Overseas Highway spans 113 miles and 42 bridges, connecting the mainland of Florida from Miami to Key West.
Actually the southernmost leg of U.S. Route 1, the Overseas Highway (or Highway 1) follows a trail which began in 1912 when Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railroad to Key West. This railroad route ran until 1935, when the Keys sustained extensive damage from the strongest hurricane to strike the U.S.
A new highway was built to replace it by the end of the 1930’s, which paved the way for the Keys to become the tourist destination they are today. In the 1980’s, 37 bridges were replaced with wider, heavier spans, including the most famous portion of the road: the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
Known as the “Highway That Goes to Sea,” the Overseas Highway is a scenic drive. Most sections of the road are well-paved, although there is currently some overnight construction near Islamorada (December 2022 – but it didn’t impact my trip much).
Straight through, it would take 4-5 hours to drive from Miami to Key West for the 160-mile trip. The total time depends on traffic, since parts of the road are still only two lanes. But there are many sights and stops along the way, making it a perfect leisurely road trip to spread over several days.
Overseas Highway Mile Markers from Miami to Key West
Mile markers along the Overseas Highway are often used as address locators. The highway ends in Key West at mile marker 0. Other stops: Key Largo is mile marker 102, Islamorada begins at 90, Marathon at mile 60, and the Seven Mile Bridge at 47.
Restrooms/Rest Stops on Your Road Trip
There aren’t any rest areas along the Miami to Key West road trip route, but there are many restaurants and convenience stores that have restrooms available. If you stop at any of the state parks, you might need to pay an entrance fee.
There is a visitor’s center run by the Chamber of Commerce on Key Largo, and a commercial visitor’s center for Key West located on Big Pine Key.
Gas Stations & Supplies
There are gas stations every few miles along the route through the Keys. The longest stretches in between are perhaps 10 miles, so just keep an eye on your fuel gauge.
Grocery Stores
You’ll also find grocery stores and smaller markets through the Keys. Some of the main grocery stores are:
Key Largo: Winn-Dixie and Publix
Islamorada: Publix and The Trading Post, a 24-hour market across from the Cheeca Lodge. *Note that you can buy Key Lime Pie Lady brand goodies here late-night
Marathon: Winn-Dixie and Publix
Big Pine Key: Tom Thumb and Winn-Dixie
Key West: Winn-Dixie and Publix
Pharmacies
In case you forget sunscreen, bug repellent, motion sickness tablets, etc. there are several chain pharmacies throughout the Keys. The larger grocery stores have pharmacies, as well as:
The map below shows the best sights for your Miami to Key West drive. To see details, click the arrow on the top left to view the different layers. You can scroll to see the different categories – stops, beaches and parks, more top sights, and restaurants. You can also click each item on the map for more information. Save the map by clicking the star after the map name – this will save it to your own Google Maps folder.
Miami to Key West Road Trip Itinerary & Stops
Use this overview to get an idea of the suggested number of nights for each destination, as well as must-see sights. Keep reading for the full details on each step of the itinerary including more sights, restaurants, tours, and recommended hotels and Airbnbs.
Distance from Miami to Key West: 160 miles | EstimatedDriving Time: 4 hours
Itinerary Length: 5-8 nights depending on selected sights & stays
Miami | Bonus South Florida Stop to Start Your Trip
Got extra time? If you haven’t visited Miami before, you should tack on a few days here at the start of your trip. Gorgeous beaches, non-stop nightlife, and luxe hotels have made it one of the most popular vacation spots in the U.S.
MiamiBeaches: Miami Beach has calm, crystal-clear water and soft sands, as well as cafes, sidewalk bars, and a boardwalk for strolling. South Beach is where the action is, with endless nightlife and celebrity-chef eateries. For a quieter spot, check out North Miami Beach, with its open-air bandshell and plenty of bars, restaurants and parks great for families.
Wynwood Walls: Just minutes from Downtown Miami, this collection of giant wall murals covers six buildings. Wynwood Walls has become a famous Instagram spot thanks to famed artists from across the globe.
Art Deco Historic District: Miami is famous for sleek, colorful architecture. But Miami is especially famous for its 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach. It’s located between 5th Street and 23rd Street, along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue
Everglades National Park: If you want to explore this top 5 U.S. National Park, it’s best seen on a day trip from Miami or a a stop on your first day (turn south at Florida City). The 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve is made up of coastal mangroves and marshes home to hundreds of animal species. Here you can spot leatherback turtles, crocodiles, dolphins, and perhaps even the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.
Upper Florida Keys: Miami to Key Largo – 63 miles, 1 hour
Stay in Key Largo: 1-2 nights
Top Sights: Robert is Here | Alabama Jack’s | John Pennekamp State Park | Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
Middle Keys: Key Largo to Marathon – 47 miles, 1 hour
Stay in Islamorada or Marathon: 2-3 nights
Top Sights: Diving Museum | Rain Barrel Village | Robbie’s | Turtle Hospital |Sombrero Beach | Bahia Honda State Park
Alternatively, you can combine the first two stops and use Islamorada as your base for exploring the Upper and Middle Keys. Islamorada is only about 30 minutes from Key Largo and 35 minutes from Marathon. I did this so that I could get a weekly vacation rental, and it worked out great.
I’ve also stayed in Layton, between Islamorada and Marathon, to explore the Upper and Middle Keys.
Lower Florida Keys: Marathon to Key West – 50 miles, 1 hour
Stay in Key West: 2-3 nights
Top Sights: Key West Lighthouse | Ernest Hemingway House | Key West Butterfly Conservatory | Duval Street | Smathers Beach | Mallory Square | Southernmost Point Marker | Dry Tortugas National Park
Key Largo | Miami to Key West Drive First Stop
Key Largo is the first stop on a Miami to Key West road trip, and is most famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling. It’s accessible via U.S. Route 1 or the Card Sound Bridge – take the slightly longer Card Sound toll route if you want to stop at Alabama Jack’s bar.
Key Largo is also known for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. To the west on the mainland lies Everglades National Park. Read on for the best things to do in Key Largo for your Miami to Key West road trip, as well as a variety of options for where to stay, including family-favorite Baker’s Cay resort.
Top Key Largo Sights
Robert is Here | Homestead, Florida (Mainland) Fruit Stand
This family owned fruit stand has been around since the 1950’s and is located on the mainland of Florida. It all began when Robert’s dad, a farmer, set him up with a roadside table to sell cucumbers and a sign declaring “Robert is here.”
Well, Robert is still here, and from those humble beginnings has built a fruit mecca and tourist destination. In addition to hundreds of exotic fruit varieties, there’s an animal farm, kids’ play area, famous milkshakes (including key lime, of course), and a band on weekends.
Itinerary priority: Add if you have extra time and want a classic Florida experience. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh produce and also a good stop if you’re on a longer road trip.
This biker/tiki/dive bar (yes, that’s a lot of slashes!) is found in the town of Card Sound. It’s been around since the 1950’s and has become a traditional first stop in the Keys for many road trippers. Alabama Jack’s has the reputation of the best conch fritters in the Keys, cold beers, and friendly service.
On the weekends the house band, Card Sound Machine, has played in the afternoons for over 30 years. Alabama Jack’s closes at sunset, perhaps so you’re not carried off by mosquitoes from the nearby swamps.
Itinerary priority: Add this if you have extra time and want a classic quirky Keys experience. Be sure to take the toll road headed out of Miami or Homestead.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park & Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-see as the first underwater state park in the U.S. It includes 70 nautical square miles of the Atlantic. The famous “Christ of the Deep” statue is here, an 8 foot tall sculpture sunk 25 feet deep.
You can also snorkel from the shore at John Pennekamp, canoe or kayak, or take a glass-bottom boat tour. Cannon Beach is one of the most popular spots.
The adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary extends 2,800 square nautical miles from Key Biscayne in the north down to Dry Tortugas. Experienced divers can take an excursion to the artificial reef of the sunken USS Spiegel Grove.
Itinerary priority: Must-see. Key Largo is a world-class snorkeling and diving destination and one of the top sights on a Miami to Key West road trip.
Yes, that African Queen – from the 1951 movie starring Humprey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn! Relocated from Africa and restored, the iconic boat now cruises the waters of Key largo offering canal and dinner cruises. There are several departures daily, and on weekends you can take a dinner cruise with roundtrip transportation to the Pilot House Marina.
Itinerary priority: A quirky addition for classic movie buffs.
The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary in Tavernier is a center for wildlife rehabilitation, and is home to over one hundred resident birds who cannot be returned to the wild. See rescued hawks, owls, vultures, pelicans, gulls, songbirds, and more. Visitors can learn about the birds and the ecosystems of the Florida Keys.
Itinerary priority: This is a quick stop – less than an hour – interesting for nature and wildlife lovers.
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen Iconic Key Largo favorite with kitschy decor, fresh seafood, and some of the best coconut shrimp and key lime pie in the Keys (try it yourself to see if you agree!). There are two locations on the Overseas Highway – the first is the original and closes mid-afternoon. The second, a few blocks away, is larger and has more parking and seating.
Caribbean Club Classic dive bar and Key Largo tradition with amazing sunset views
Pilot House Restaurant Local favorite overlooking a marina with fresh seafood and a tiki bar vibe
Sundowner’s Key Largo Seafood eatery with a glass dining room and outdoor waterfront seating
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen: original location sign, fish tacos and key lime pie at the second location
Where to Stay in Key Largo | Top Accommodation Picks
Check out these top picks in the Key Largo area for your first stop from Miami to Key West.
Best Key Largo Hotels
$Gilbert’s Resort | Budget waterfront stay with pool, private beach, tiki bar and views. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$ Sunset Cove | Rooms and cottages close to sights; some pet-friendly rooms, breakfast, kayaks, and private beach. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$$ Coconut Palm Inn | Resort in Tavernier with rooms and suites, breakfast, and thoughtful service touches. Pool, private beach, kayaks. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$$$ Kona Kai | Luxury adults-only resort and botanical gardens in Tavernier. Spa, hot tub, heated pool, tennis in a spectacular setting. Check rates on Booking.com
Gilbert’s ResortSunset CoveCoconut Palm InnKona Kai
Key Largo Vacation Rentals
Looking for more space or a local stay? Check out these Key Largo area vacation rentals.
Islamorada | Second Keys Road Trip Stop
Islamorada is a village made up of 6 of the Middle Keys, and the halfway point between Miami and Key West. It’s known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” thanks to its bounty of options for professional fishing charters with experienced captains.
There are many choices of mid-range to luxury resorts in Islamorada, as well as shopping, restaurants, sights and eco-experiences.
During one of my Keys road trips, I stayed here as a base for exploring everything from Key Largo to Marathon. Read on for the best things to do around Islamorada on your Miami to Key West road trip!
Top Sights In the Islamorada Area
Rain Barrel Village
You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see Betsy.
This quirky stop is a garden oasis with shops, galleries, and boutiques. Spend a few hours and grab a snack at the local eateries too. You’ll want to get a selfie with its iconic giant lobster named Betsy!
Itinerary priority: A fun stop, great for souvenirs and Instagram ops.
For divers and adventurers, the History of Diving Museum is a cool stop for your itinerary. Explore more than 4,000 years of diving history (yes, really) from breath-holding divers to early diving machines and helmets to the revolutionary invention of SCUBA. Includes the world’s largest collection of diving memorabilia.
Itinerary priority: A well-done museum and a must-see for diving aficionados.
Robbie’s | Islamorada Restaurant, Bar & Activities
Robbie’s is a fun waterfront restaurant and bar with a bonus: from its dock, you can feed tarpon fish which grow up to 8 feet. The trick is avoiding aggressive pelicans and trying not to scream when the tarpons jump to snatch the fish! Robbie’s is also a spot for booking local fishing charters and other excursions.
Itinerary priority: A great photo spot and place to book local tours. If you’re afraid of fish bigger than you are, skip that part.
Calling tiki bar lovers and cocktail connoisseurs! You’ll want to make a stop at the Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn to see where the Rum Runner was invented.
Legend has it that in 1972, the bartender Tiki John was tasked with creating a cocktail to get rid of excess inventory. He mixed banana liqueur, Meyers rum, brandy, and grenadine. And behold – the Rum Runner was born!
Itinerary priority: A must-see for tiki and cocktail connoisseurs. It’s been restored and the resort itself is very upscale; if you prefer your tiki bars a little less flashy, try nearby Lazy Days.
Florida Keys Brewing Company| Tasting room and beer garden with a fun vibe and pretty courtyard. Try a flight of local beers and get a growler to go. A must for beer lovers!
Morada Bay| Luxury dining at Pierre’s; casual fare at its Beach Cafe, perfect for drinks, dinner, and sunset on a white sand beach
Marker88| This restaurant has been a Keys tradition since 1967, and offers beachfront dining and amazing sunsets
Lorelei Cabana Bar| Seafood Restaurant known for conch and stone crab chowders, mahi fish tacos, and gorgeous sunsets
Islamorada Brewery and Distillery | Distillery and brewery with a beer garden with food trucks and local music. Try their key lime pie frozen cocktail!
Where to Stay in Islamorada | Top Accommodation Picks
$ Sunset Inn Trendy, family-friendly budget stay with pool, close to sights. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$ Lime Tree Bay Resort Studios, rooms, and 2-3 bedroom suites, some with kitchenettes. Beachfront with pool and breakfast. I loved my stay here – I had a studio with a kitchenette overlooking the water. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$$ Islander Resort Stylish resort with private beach, 3 pools, lanais, many amenities. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$$$ Cheeca Lodge Luxury resort with spa, golf course, pools, tennis, private beach. Plus there’s a 24-hour grocery store across the street. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
Sunset InnLime Tree Bay Islander ResortCheeca Lodge
More Islamorada & Marathon Stays
These vacation rentals will give you extra space and amenities for your Florida Keys Road trip stay.
Marathon | Miami to Key West Drive Stop
The Florida Keys city of Marathon is made up of 13 islands, and is known for beaches, fishing, and a barrier reef. Marathon is a mini archipelago of its own.
Marathon is actually made up of East and West Sister’s Island, as well as a collection of smaller keys, like Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl, Little Crawl, Deer, Fat Deer, Long Pine and Grassy Key.
Find out the best things to do in Marathon for your itinerary, including turtle conservation, snorkeling and nature experiences.
Top Marathon Sights for Your Road Trip
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach in Marathon is a calm public beach perfect for swimming. There are restroom facilities here as well as picnic shelters with grills, and plenty of room to spread out on its long white sand beach.
From April through October, loggerhead turtles nest here, so you might see some small areas roped off to protect the eggs.
Itinerary priority: This is a great option for a beach day if you stay at a hotel that isn’t beachfront – bring a cooler with what you’ll need for the day, and pick out a spot to relax. I think it’s also one of the nicer beaches in the Keys, which are known for rocky rather than sandy coastlines!
This small non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles. Visit on a guided tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at their hospital facilities and see their turtle rehabilitation tanks close-up!
The entrance fee and gift shop support their rescue efforts. It’s very popular, so be sure to make a reservation.
Itinerary priority: This is a Florida Keys must-see. It’s a great family activity and unforgettable experience!
Seven Mile bridge, along with the restored Knights Key segment for walking, running, and biking.
The Seven Mile Bridge begins around mile marker 47 and connects Knight’s Key in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys.
This is the most iconic portion of the Overseas Highway, frequently featured in movies about the Keys. You’ll get spectacular views of turquoise water reaching all the way to the horizon.
A section of the old original bridge has been restored for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This is a great place to watch both sunrise and sunset. A parking lot on the southbound side also has a waterfront park with shelters for picnics.
This is a must-see, obviously, as there’s no other road to Key West!
Bahia Honda State Park | Bahia Honda Key
View of Calusa Beach from the Old Bahia Honda Bridge
Bahia Honda is one of the islands of the Keys, and is home to a namesake state park. It’s possible to visit here on the day that you drive to Key West, since it’s located past the Seven Mile Bridge around mile markers 38.5-36.
Be sure to visit its three beaches. Turn right when you enter the park to get to Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach, located near the concession shop and the Old Bridge. Or turn left and drive past the camping areas to reach mile-long Sandspur Beach.
Other activities at Bahia Honda include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking, and spotting birds and wildlife. Limited campsites are available. There are picnic shelters and tables throughout the park, as well as restrooms in the beach and camping areas.
The hiking trail on the southwest end of the island leads to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, and has spectacular views of the island and the waters below.
Itinerary priority: Bahia Honda State Park is a Florida Keys must-see for your road trip! Bring a picnic lunch and spend a few hours here.
Website | Google Maps | Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Old Bahia Honda BridgeSandspur BeachWalking path along Loggerhead Beach
National Key Deer Refuge
The endangered Key Deer is the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer. Poaching and habitat loss had reduced their numbers to only a few dozen animals by the 1950’s. Luckily, the establishment of this Refuge allowed for protection and a dramatic recovery.
The deer now number close to a thousand, 75% of which are concentrated on Big Pine and No Name Keys. Stop at the visitor center for information and drive slowly through Big Pine Key or hike to spot them.
Itinerary priority: This is an interesting addition for nature lovers and photographers.
Website | Google Maps | Address: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
$$$ Isla Bella | Luxury resort with rooms and 1-2 bedroom suites, some with kitchenettes. Beachfront with pool, spa and restaurants. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$$ Tranquility Bay Resort | Luxury resort with rooms and 2-3 bedroom cottages. Beachfront with pools, spa and restaurants. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
Coconut CaySeascape ResortIsla BellaTranquility Bay Resort
Key West | Florida Keys Road Trip End
Although Key West might be the final stop on this Florida Keys road trip, the fun is just beginning! Famed for its beaches, water sports, nightlife, and pastel “conch-style” architecture, Key West packs a lot into its 7 square miles.
It’s also at the southern end of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which extends Key West’s playground with adventurous snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Read on for the best things to do here and save time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, the top day trip from Key West!
Top Sights and Things to Do in Key West
Duval Street
Duval Street, and specifically its 6-block stretch within the Key West Historic District, is the epicenter of Key West’s famous party atmosphere. You could spend your entire time in Key West exploring its galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Be sure to check out Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a hangout of Ernest Hemingway and host to the “Papa Look Alike Contest” in July.
Itinerary priority: This is a must-see in Key West!
Mallory Square
Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza at the end of Duval Street, adjoining the seaport. With shopping, restaurants, bars, and the best place in Key West to see the sunset, be sure to save time in your itinerary for this spot!
Itinerary priority: This is an iconic place for sunset, so try to add it if you can.
Located on the south shore of Key West, Smathers Beach is the island’s longest and calmest beach, with nearly a mile of soft white sand and palm trees. It’s a public beach, with chair rental and food trucks available.
For more beaches, you can also check out Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
Itinerary priority: Add it to the list if you haven’t yet had enough beach time and won’t be able to see Dry Tortugas.
Google Maps | Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Southernmost Point
This simple but iconic monument is located at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S., 90 miles north of Cuba.
Itinerary priority: If you don’t have a photo here, have you even been to Key West?
Google Maps | Address: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway Home was the residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. Located across from the Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway House is the most popular tourist attraction on the island.
Legend has it that its many celebrated polydactyl (6-toed) cats are descendants of one that Hemingway owned. The cats have the run of the home and gardens. If you have time, visit the lighthouse across the street for the best views of Key West.
Itinerary priority: The Hemingway House is a must-see for history and literature buffs, as well as cat lovers.
Take a break from Duval Street and walk among hundreds of butterflies & birds including flamingos in this glass-enclosed conservatory. In the learning center, you can explore butterfly migration and science, then look for butterfly souvenirs in the adjoining gift shop.
Be sure to wear bright colors if you want the butterflies to land on you!
Itinerary priority: It might sound nerdy but I loved it, so I’m going to rate this one a must-see.
Almost 70 miles west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is the home of historic Fort Jefferson, crystal clear blue waters, coral and marine life, and a vast assortment of bird life.
Itinerary priority: Dry Tortugas is a bucket-list destination as one of the most remote U.S. National Parks. If you’re out of time or money on this trip, you’ll have to save it for your next Key West visit!
Planning a trip to Key West? Be sure to include a visit to Dry Tortugas, one of the least-visited U.S. national parks for pristine beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and even camping.
Harry S. Truman vacationed here under orders from his doctor that he take a warm vacation. He also had friends, cabinet members, and foreign officials visit for fishing trips and poker games.
Truman set up shop there for 175 days of his presidency from 1946 through 1952, which gave the circa-1890 naval site the name “The Little White House.” The surrounding neighborhood, known as Truman Annex, is a leafy shaded area with parks and vacation homes.
Address: 111 Front St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040| Website | Google Maps
Blue Heaven| Quirky, iconic spot with Floridian-Caribbean cuisine & key lime pie. Located in a tropical plant-filled garden where Hemingway once officiated boxing matches
Better Than Sex| Key West dessert restaurant with a speakeasy atmosphere
Where to Stay in Key West | Top Accommodation Picks
Key West has a wealth of accommodation options for every traveler, from budget and luxury stays to clothing optional resorts. There are also Airbnb rental homes in the traditional Key West “conch-style” architecture.
Old Town is the best place to stay for first-time travelers and for proximity to sights, restaurants, and nightlife.
All of the resorts below offer parking; although most hotels in the historic district add an extra charge for this, since space is limited.
$ Blue Marlin Motel | Bright budget stay with a pool in a great location. Parking available for an extra daily fee. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$ Harborside Motel & Marina | A top midrange Key West pick with pool, kitchenettes, and free parking. Check rates on Booking.com | TripAdvisor
$$$ Havana Cabana | Resort style hotel with pool, bar, restaurant and fun vibe. Hourly shuttle to Duval and free parking. Check rates on Booking.com | Expedia
$$$$ Southernmost Beach Resort | Luxury resort in historic Old Town with pools, restaurants, spa, and private beach. Parking available for an extra daily fee. Check rates on Expedia
Blue Marlin MotelHarborside MotelHavana CabanaSouthernmost Beach Resort
Don’t miss my guide to the best rentals and Airbnbs in Old Town Key West – from budget options to luxury stays for a group.
Planning a Florida vacation? Get tips on the best Key West Airbnb stays for solos, couples or groups of any size: honeymoons, families, bachelorettes & more!
Have you decided to add a Miami to Key West road trip to your bucket list? Pin this guide for later, so you’ll have my updated tips when you’re ready to book!
Save for later or share with a friend!
32787shares
Adrienne Barile
I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips from over 50 countries around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, D.C.
Travel Writer | Photographer | Licensed Drone Pilot
Member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)
& North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)
