Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the best road trips in the USA. White sandy beaches, palm trees, beautiful aquamarine water, warm sunny skies…sounds nice, right? Add in tropical drinks, alfresco dining, a few slices of key lime pie, a national park or two (or even three), and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the US, and you have an awesome road trip destination. In this guide, learn how to put all of this together into the perfect Florida Keys itinerary.
With 7 to 10 days, you can drive from Miami to Key West, spend a few days exploring the islands, and visit Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks along the way.
We’ve made this trip several times, both driving through the Florida Keys and flying directly to Key West. Based on these experiences, we’ve created three Florida Keys itineraries: a 10-day round-trip itinerary from Miami and two 7-day itineraries that travel between Miami and Key West in opposite directions.
Below, we’ll help you choose the right itinerary, decide how much time to spend in each location, and plan the logistics, including rental cars, reservations, and costs.
Our Experiences in the Florida Keys: We’ve explored the Florida Keys on multiple trips, including road trips along the Overseas Highway and visits to Key West. We’ve also visited all three national parks included in this itinerary: Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas. With firsthand experience in 56 of the 64 U.S. national parks, we have plenty of experience planning national park road trips. This guide combines our favorite places and experiences with practical advice on creating a Florida Keys itinerary that fits your time and interests.
Florida Keys Itinerary: The Essentials
START & END | Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Key West, depending on your itinerary
HOW MUCH TIME | 7 to 10 days, with options for shorter trips
NATIONAL PARKS | Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas
HIGHLIGHTS | Overseas Highway, Seven Mile Bridge, Key West, snorkeling, beaches, and three national parks
BEST TIME | December through April for generally pleasant temperatures and drier weather
GETTING AROUND | Rental car for the Florida Keys; boat or seaplane tours for the offshore national parks
OUR RECOMMENDATION | 10 days for the most complete experience, or 7 days if you want to visit all three national parks in less time
Which Florida Keys Itinerary is Right for You?
In this guide, we provide three different itineraries.
The first is a detailed 10-day Florida Keys itinerary that includes all three national parks, some time in Miami, and a road trip through the Florida Keys in both directions. It also provides lots of time in Key West.
Florida Keys itinerary #2 and #3 are 7-day road-trips that are done point-to-point. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and Key West form the end points for both itineraries, and you will drive through the Florida Keys one way. I provide an itinerary for both directions through the Florida Keys, because rental car prices can vary depending on the direction you choose.
| Itinerary | Route | Best for |
| 10 days | Miami → Key West → Miami | Our top pick. A more relaxed trip with the three national parks, more sightseeing, and extra time in Key West. |
| 7 days | Miami → Key West | First-time visitors who want to end their trip in Key West and fly home from there. |
| 7 days | Key West → Miami | Travelers who find better airfare or rental-car prices in this direction. |
Which itinerary do we recommend? If you have the time, go with the 10-day itinerary. You’ll have more opportunities to stop along the Overseas Highway and enjoy Key West without feeling rushed.
With 7 days, you can still visit all three national parks, but there is less time for extra activities and relaxing. Before committing to a shorter itinerary, compare airfare and rental-car costs in both directions. One-way rental fees can make a significant difference in your total trip cost.
Only have 4 or 5 days? You can still have a fantastic Florida Keys road trip. We’d focus on the drive from Miami to Key West, with stops in Islamorada, Marathon, and Bahia Honda State Park, followed by a few days in Key West. Our guide to the Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys will help you choose which stops are worth your time. Add a national park if it’s a priority, but don’t try to squeeze all three into such a short trip.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you are planning to road trip in only one direction through the Florida Keys, I recommend researching flight and rental car costs before choosing your route. By traveling one way, you will have a rental car drop fee. It is usually (but not always) cheaper to start in Key West and drop the car in Miami or Fort Lauderdale (rather than starting in Miami and ending in Key West). It’s good to know this cost, and your flight costs, before finalizing the direction you go.
What to Book in Advance
A few experiences on this Florida Keys itinerary require advance planning. We recommend making these reservations before your trip, particularly if you’re visiting during the busy winter and spring months.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: This should be your first reservation. You can only reach the park by boat or seaplane, and ferry and seaplane tickets can sell out far in advance. If Dry Tortugas is a must-do, check availability before booking the rest of your trip.
- Biscayne National Park: Reserve a snorkeling, sightseeing, or paddling tour in advance. Most of the park is water, and you’ll need a boat to see its highlights.
- Key West hotels: Accommodations can be expensive, particularly in winter and around major holidays. Booking early gives you more choices and may help you find better rates.
- Other activities: We recommend reserving the Turtle Hospital tour and any snorkeling, diving, or boating excursions you plan to take along the Florida Keys.
Our advice: Book Dry Tortugas first and build the rest of your itinerary around that reservation. If you have several days in Key West, consider visiting Dry Tortugas earlier in your stay so you have some flexibility if bad weather affects your departure.
Brief Overview of the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys stretch over 180 miles. Along this distance are more than 800 keys.
The term “key” comes from the Spanish word “cayo,” which means “small island.” Keys are formed on the surface of a coral reef.
This coral reef (which is called the Florida Reef) forms the keys that run from mainland Florida down to Key West and out to the Dry Tortugas.
The Florida Reef is the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world (the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Belize Barrier Reef are larger). This reef starts in Biscayne National Park and runs to Dry Tortugas National Park.
So, on this Florida Keys itinerary, you get to visit both ends of this massive reef system, plus road trip along the small keys that were formed by the reef.
The Florida Overseas Highway is 113 miles long, running from mainland Florida to Key West. As you road trip along this highway, you will drive through hundreds of small keys, all joined by numerous bridges. It’s a gorgeous drive with lots to do, as you will see in this post.
Florida Keys Itinerary #1: 10 Days
10-Day Road Trip: Miami, Key West, Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks
This 10-day itinerary is done out-and-back from the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. It includes a visit to all three national parks plus lots of time along the Florida Keys and in Key West.
10-Day Florida Keys Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Day 2: Everglades National Park
Day 3: Biscayne National Park
Day 4: Florida Keys road trip to Key West
Day 5: Key West
Day 6: Key West
Day 7: Dry Tortugas National Park
Day 8: Key West
Day 9: Florida Keys road trip to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Day 10: Fly home
Florida Keys Itinerary Map
Day 1: Arrive in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Arriving in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
To start off your trip, you have two major international airports to choose from. Miami International Airport and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are located relatively close to one another.
We typically fly into Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Southwest Airlines. Flights are cheap and this airport is smaller and a bit easier to get around. By car, Ft. Lauderdale is located 30-minutes north of Miami, so it adds a little extra driving time to get to Homestead and the Florida Keys, but for us it has been worth the cost savings.
On this Florida Keys itinerary, you will fly round trip out of one airport (either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood) and pick-up and drop-off the rental car from this same location.
When planning your trip, I recommend checking flights for both airports. Also check rental car prices, because there could be a slight difference in price as well.
If you plan your flight such that you arrive in the morning, you will have the afternoon and evening to visit Miami and/or South Beach.
Where to Stay
If you plan to spend the evening in Miami or South Beach, sleep in Miami tonight.
However, the best place to minimize driving tomorrow is Homestead. This town is located south of Miami, near Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, and the start of the drive down the Florida Keys.
In Homestead, we have stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead and had a great experience. The Speedway Blvd Townhouse is a two-bedroom townhouse that can accommodate up to six people and gets excellent reviews.
In Homestead, we ate at the Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria (good Italian food) and Bangkok Cuisine (good Thai and Southeast Asian food). Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery was highly recommended, but they were closed during our visit. This winery is located to the west of Homestead so you will do some extra driving to get here but it really looks great.
Day 2: Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is one of the largest national parks in the lower 48 states. This enormous wetland park is home to manatees, American crocodiles, a huge number of birds.
With one day, you can visit the eastern side of Everglades National Park, visiting both Shark Valley and the Flamingo area of the park.
Start at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, ideally by 8 am, before the park gets busy. From Homestead, it is just a 20-minute drive to get here.
Spend the morning visiting the sights along Highway 9336, as you drive towards Flamingo. Spot alligators from the Anhinga Trail, walk the short Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, and look for manatees in Flamingo.
Anhinga Trail
In the afternoon, drive north to Shark Valley, one of the best spots in Everglades National Park for wildlife viewing. End the day with an airboat ride through the Everglades.
An airboat ride is a great way to spot alligators.
One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park
How to spend one day in Everglades National Park.Tonight, sleep in Homestead.
ITINERARY MODIFICATION: If you spent last night in Miami, South Beach, or Ft. Lauderdale, I recommend starting at Shark Valley, then do the airboat ride, and end with the Flamingo area of Everglades National Park. This will save you some driving time if you do it in this order.
Day 3: Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located south of Miami. 95% of this park is water, so the best way to explore it is by boat. If you like snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, or simply cruising around by boat, you will love this park.
Our favorite experiences in the park are visiting Boca Chita Key, snorkeling the reefs and shipwrecks, and paddle boarding in Jones Lagoon. For the full list of things to do, and a lot more information about the park, read our Guide to Biscayne National Park.
Lighthouse on Boca Chita Key
The view from Boca Chita
Stiltsville
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse
To visit Biscayne National Park, you will have to join a tour or hire a private charter.The Biscayne National Park Institute is the main tour operator for the park, and they offer lots of different tour options, from half to full day trips into the park, where you can go snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and paddle boarding.
They offer a lot of different tours and availability changes throughout the year. If you need help narrowing down the list, here are several tours I recommend:
- Jones Lagoon Eco-Adventure
- Sail, Paddle, Snorkel & Island Visit
- Small group snorkel experience
Alternatively, you can also hire a private boat. This is more expensive, but you can customize your trip. There are very few companies authorized to lead tours of Biscayne (get the full list on the National Park Service website). We used Aboard Biscayne Adventures (but prices have doubled since our trip). Prices start at $1200 for a 4-hour tour with a max group size of 6.
That sounds like a lot, and it is, but if you are a family of four, you could spend $400 – $700 for a group tour with Biscayne National Park Institute. By hiring a private charter, you can customize your itinerary and move at your own pace.
What We Did: We spent two days in Biscayne National Park. On the afternoon of day 1, we took the Jones Lagoon Tour with Biscayne National Park Institute. On day 2, we hired Aboard Biscayne Adventures for a 6-hour tour of the park.
Where to Stay
Tonight, sleep in Homestead or Key Largo.
Key Largo is one of the northernmost Florida Keys. There are a lot of beachfront resorts and restaurants here, making this a great spot to spend the night.
Coconut Bay Resort gets excellent reviews and has rooms that can accommodate up to six people.
In Tavernier, which is just south of Key Largo, the Island Bay Resort and the Atlantic Bay Resort get rave reviews. If you want to stay in a large hotel with lots of amenities, take a look at the Playa Largo Resort & Spa.
For dinner, Gilbert’s Resort, the Caribbean Club, Hobo’s Café, and Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill all get good reviews.
Caribbean Club
Day 4: Florida Keys Road Trip to Key West
Today, road trip along the Florida Keys to Key West. If you are starting the day in Homestead, it is about a 3-hour drive (130 miles) without stops. From Key Largo, you are looking at a 100-mile drive that takes about 2 hours without stops.
The to-do list in the Florida Keys is long. For the full list, read our article Things to Do in the Florida Keys, but below I list several great activities to do on the drive today.
Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys: Key Largo to Big Pine Key
Best things to do between Key Largo and Key West.Note: Since this Florida Keys road trip itinerary includes two separate drives through the Florida Keys, I will be listing different activities to do on the return drive. Places we are saving for the return drive are snorkeling in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Turtle Hospital.
Breakfast in Key Largo
For breakfast in Key Largo, Mrs. Mac’s is our favorite spot. Wait times for brunch can get long. If the wait is too long, we also really like Harriette’s Restaurant. They are famous for their Key Lime muffins, which are good, just not quite as good as key lime pie (in my opinion).
Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
This sanctuary is home to more than 100 birds that cannot be released back into the wild. Owls, pelicans, vultures, hawks, and other species native and migratory to the Florida Keys have a home here. The sanctuary is free to visit but donations are appreciated.
Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
Best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys
We have sampled a lot of key lime pie, in both the Florida Keys and Key West. The key lime pie at the Blonde Giraffe is our favorite. Buy a slice or two and enjoy it while sitting in their lovely garden.
Garden at the Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
Rain Barrel Village
This quirky cluster of shops is a great place to go shopping for souvenirs and unique Florida Keys gifts.
Rain Barrel Village
History of Diving Museum
If you have an interest in scuba diving, this is a cool museum to visit. Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer have spent the last 40 years assembling the largest collection of dive helmets, scuba gear, armored suits, and diving memorabilia in the world.
Early Lunch at Morada Bay Beach Café
This is one of our favorite spots in the Florida Keys. Dine al fresco, on a white, sandy beach, under the shade of palm trees. The food is great, and the drinks are even better.
Fish tacos at Morada Bay
If it’s still too early for lunch, you can save Morada Bay for the return drive up the Florida Keys on day #9. The Midway Café and Coffee Bar, just a few miles down the road, makes a great spot to stop for a snack or a cup of coffee.
Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s
This is a must do in the Florida Keys.
Tarpons are large fish that grow up to 8 feet in length. At Robbie’s, you can hand feed these fish.
It costs a few dollars for a bucket of fish. And it helps to have a buddy…someone to chase away the pelicans, who are very determined to steal your fish before you have a chance to feed them to the tarpons.
A visit to Robbie’s is tons of fun, cheap, and takes just a few minutes of your time.
Tim feeding a tarpon at Robbie’s
Visit Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key
As you drive through Marathon Key, you can make a detour to Sombrero Beach. If you want to get in some beach time on today’s drive, this is a great place to do it (another option is Bahia Honda State Park).
Sombrero Beach
Seven Mile Bridge
Enjoy the drive, and the views, as you drive over the Seven Mile Bridge.
Drone photo of Seven Mile Bridge
Bahia Honda State Park
This state park is a beautiful place to visit in the Florida Keys. Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach are located at the far end of the peninsula, near the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Currently, Sandspur Beach is closed for a renovation project.
You can also go kayaking, boating, snorkeling, and fishing.
Calusa Beach
One of the best things to do in the Florida Keys is walking to the end of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. This trail was once part of the Overseas Railway. In 1938, the railway was converted into a road, and this was used as part of the Overseas Highway until 1972, when a replacement bridge was constructed.
It’s an uphill walk to get onto the bridge but what a great view from the top!
View from the Old Bahia Honda Bridge
Big Pine Key: Key Deer & the No Name Pub
In Big Pine Key, keep a look out for the Key Deer, an endangered deer that only lives in the Florida Keys. They are smaller than other white-tailed deer and we usually see them near the No Name Pub.
The No Name Pub is the coolest bar in the Florida Keys, at least out of the ones we visited. Located in what feels like the middle of nowhere on Big Pine Key, this pub has the slogan, “a nice place if you can find it.”
No Name Pub dates back to 1931 and started off as a bar and a brothel. It’s no longer a brothel, but since the 1980’s visitors have been adding their dollar bills to the walls and ceiling of the pub. Now it looks like every square inch of the No Name Pub is covered with the faces of George Washington, with a few bills from other countries thrown into the mix here and there.
Key West
From Big Pine Key, it takes about 45 minutes to get to Key West. Check into your hotel and then have dinner. For restaurant recommendations, read our Best Restaurants in Key West. For recommendations on where to stay in Key West, read our Key West Hotel Guide.
Days 5 & 6: Key West
One of the great things about Key West is that there is plenty to do, if you want to stay busy. Or simply relax on the beach or at a resort during the day and go out at night.
Below I list several ways to plan your days in Key West.
Morning: Brunch at Blue Heaven or La Grignote
Midday: Tour the Hemingway House, then take in the view from the Key West Lighthouse, go shopping along Duval Street, visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, then wait in line to have your photo taken at the Southernmost Point (optional)
Evening: Dinner (we recommend Café Marquesa, Salute! On the Beach, or El Siboney; Louie’s Backyard at sunset is nice), then go bar hopping on Duval Street
Brunch at La Grignote
Morning and midday: Breakfast at Cuban Coffee Queen, take an Uber to Smathers Beach or Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and spend the morning and midday here
Afternoon and evening: Rum distillery tour, visit the Key West Historic Seaport, take a sunset cruise (we love the sunset tiki boat tour with Cruisin’ Tikis Key West).
Smathers Beach
Rum tasting at Papa Pilar’s Rum Distillery
Morning: Kayaking tour of the mangroves with Lazy Dog Adventures
Midday: Lunch in Key West (Amigos Café, Santiago’s Bodega, and DJ’s Clam Shack are all great options)
Afternoon: Visit the Truman Little White House, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and/or the Key West Shipwreck Museum
Evening: Watch the sunset in Mallory Square, dinner and drinks on Duval Street
Sunset at Mallory Square
Sloppy Joe’s Bar on Duval Street
Morning: Take a Jet Ski tour or Dolphin watch and snorkeling tour
Midday: Lunch in Key West
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon in one of Key West’s museums (Hemingway House, Truman House, Mel Fisher Museum, etc.) if you have not done this yet
Evening: Dinner at Latitudes (upscale dining experience with gorgeous sunset views)
18 Best Things to Do in Key West, Florida
Best things to do in Key West…best beaches, must-have experiences, plus a few unique things to do.Day 7: Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located at the end of the Florida Keys, about 70 miles west of Key West.
Day trips from Key West last anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the mode of transportation you use.
Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park
The only way to get to this remote park is by boat or by seaplane. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
By Ferry
The Yankee Freedom Ferry is the ferry that connects Key West to the Dry Tortugas.
Taking the ferry is a full day experience (about 10 hours total). Check-in time is at 7 am. The ferry departs at 8 am and it takes 2.5 hours to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. After spending four and a half hours in the park, it’s another 2.5-hour ride on the ferry, getting you back to Key West at 5:30 pm.
Ferry tickets are expensive but a huge savings over hiring a private charter or flying to Dry Tortugas National Park.
You can also hire a private charter, but prices average about $3000 for the day.
By Seaplane
This is the quickest way to get to the Dry Tortugas. It’s also an incredibly scenic flight.
You will fly over the keys and the Marquesas Islands and get to see both Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park from the sky. The plane flies low, so you can also see nurse sharks and sea turtles in the water (yes, the water is that clear!), underwater sand dunes, reefs, shipwrecks, and the keys.
Dry Tortugas National Park from the seaplane
Key West Seaplane Adventures is the only company that flies to Dry Tortugas National Park. They offer flights throughout the day, and you can choose between a half day visit and a full day visit.
What We Did: We took a morning flight to Dry Tortugas National Park. At 8 am, we flew to the Dry Tortugas and then spent two and half hours exploring Garden and Bush Keys. We returned to Key West at noon and had all afternoon in Key West. Prices for the flights to Dry Tortugas National Park have substantially increased since our visit.
For more information on how to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, with essential planning tips, plus how much the flights and ferry tickets cost, read our guide ↓
How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park: Ferry, Seaplane & Private Charter
A guide to the multiple ways to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, with pricing and which one is the best option.Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
On a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, your time will be spent on Garden Key and Bush Key, if it is open.
Tour Fort Jefferson, the largest brick structure in the Western Hemisphere. This historic building was used as a fort, a prison, and a coaling station. Touring the fort and walking on top of the walls is one of the best experiences in this national park.
Note: The moat walls will be closed until winter 2026 for repairs. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
View from Fort Jefferson
The Dry Tortugas are also a great spot to go snorkeling. Not only can you see a wide variety of tropical fish and sea corals, but there is also a chance to see sea turtles.
One of our favorite experiences is walking around Bush Key. Along this 1-mile loop, the views of Garden Key and Fort Jefferson are awesome. Note: Bush Key is closed from February through September for bird nesting.
Dry Tortugas National Park
For the full list of things to do, and a lot more photos, read our article Best Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park.
How Much Time Do You Need in Dry Tortugas National Park?
For most people, just a few hours are all you need to see the highlights (the half-day seaplane tour is sufficient). If you want to spend a lot of time snorkeling, plan on spending a full day here (take the ferry or the full day seaplane tour).
It is possible to camp at Dry Tortugas National Park, spending multiple days here. This gives you enough time to kayak out to Loggerhead Key. Learn more in our Dry Tortugas guide.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: For the best experience, take the first seaplane flight of the day. You will have almost two hours on Garden Key before the ferry arrives, so you will be sharing the park with just a handful of other visitors.
Day 8: Key West
Today is your last full day in Key West. Use this time to visit places still on your to-do list, or to simply relax on the beach before heading home.
Use our suggestions earlier in this itinerary for ideas on how to spend your time today.
Tonight, sleep in Key West.
View of Sunset Key from the Cruisin’ Tikis Key West tiki boat
Day 9: Florida Keys Road Trip to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Today you will road trip through the Florida Keys once again, ending in either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. This drive is roughly 170 miles and takes 4 hours without stops.
Earlier on this itinerary, there were a few places we skipped on the drive through the Florida Keys, saving them for today.
Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles so they can be returned to the wild. Guests can take a 90-minute tour of the hospital facilities. It’s one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys and great for all ages.
The Turtle Hospital rescues turtles that have fibropapillomatosis, a disease that causes large tumors. These tumors are removed and the sea turtles spend several months at the hospital before being returned to the ocean.
The Turtle Hospital is located on Marathon Key. To get here from Key West, it takes one hour. I recommend making a reservation in advance, because tours do fill up, particularly those midday. We took the 10 am tour, which gave us enough time to have breakfast in Key West before starting the drive.
Long Key State Park
Located at mile marker 67.5, Long Key State Park offers nature trails, kayaking, birdwatching, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
We hiked the Golden Orb Nature Trail, which passes through tropical hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and coastal habitats. It’s a worthwhile stop for those who enjoy nature walks, although with a busy day of sightseeing, I wouldn’t consider it a must-do.
Trail Closure Alert (October 2026): The Golden Orb Nature Trail has been closed for construction since July 12, 2026. Primitive camping is also closed. The park remains open for day use, and visitors can still enjoy the shoreline, birdwatching, and the shorter Layton Trail. Check the official Long Key State Park website for the latest closure updates before your visit.
Lunch at Morada Bay Beach Café or Marker 88
If you skipped Morada Bay Beach Café earlier this week, or loved the experience and want to repeat it, here’s your chance. This restaurant serves great food and drinks, right on the beach.
Farther up the road, on Plantation Key, is Marker 88. It has a similar vibe to Morada Bay. Alfresco dining, right on the beach, with more good drinks and good food. They recently underwent a major renovation and have two tikis, 14,000 feet of event space, two boat docks, and beachfront tables. This would be a nice spot the spend the entire afternoon.
Marker 88 | photo courtesy of Marker 88
Go Snorkeling at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key Largo is one of the best places to go snorkeling or diving along the Florida Keys. You can take 2 to 4-hour snorkeling trips of the John Pennekamp reef. One of the highlights here is seeing the famous statue “Christ of the Deep.”
Tonight, sleep in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Day 10: Fly home
Today, fly home or continue to your next destination.
Florida Keys Itinerary #2: 7 Days, Miami to Key West
This is a shorter version of the above itinerary. If you only have a week, you have just enough time to visit all three national parks, road trip through the Florida Keys, and spend some time in Key West.
This Florida Keys itinerary is done point-to-point. Fly into Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and out of Key West. You will pick up your rental car in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and drop it in Key West.
Starting near Miami and ending in Key West is the most popular direction for a point-to-point Florida Keys road trip. It’s great ending in Key West, with its laid-back vibe, beaches, restaurants, bars, and sunsets. This also tends to be the more expensive route, since rental car drop fees can be higher in this direction.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Before finalizing the direction you plan to go, research rental car prices, drop fees, and flight costs for road tripping through the Florida Keys in both directions. By traveling one way, you will have a rental car drop fee. It is usually (but not always) cheaper to start in Key West and drop the car in Miami or Fort Lauderdale (rather than starting in Miami and ending in Key West).
Day 1: Arrive in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Ideally, plan to arrive by midday, so you can spend the afternoon and evening in Miami or South Beach. Tonight, sleep in Miami, South Beach, or Homestead.
Day 2: Everglades National Park
Spend the day at Everglades National Park (refer to day #2 above). Tonight, sleep in Homestead.
Day 3: Biscayne National Park
Spend the day at Biscayne National Park (refer to day #3 above). If you do a half-day morning tour of Biscayne, you can drive to Key Largo in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day here. Tonight, sleep in Homestead or Key Largo.
Day 4: Florida Keys Road Trip
Drive from Homestead or Key Largo to Key West, visiting sights along the way that interest you. For more information, read our Florida Keys Road Trip Guide or refer to day #4 and day #9 in the itinerary above. Tonight, sleep in Key West.
Day 5: Key West
Spend the day in Key West. If it is your first time in Key West, don’t miss the Hemingway House, a visit to one of Key West’s beautiful beaches, and the bars on and around Duval Street.
Day 6: Dry Tortugas National Park
Today, day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, either by seaplane or on the Yankee Freedom Ferry. Tonight, sleep in Key West.
Day 7: Fly Home
Today, fly home or continue to your next destination.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Florida Keys Itinerary #3: 7 Days, Key West to Miami
This itinerary is done point-to-point from Key West to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. If you find that rental cars and/or flight prices are cheaper to do it this direction, this 7-day itinerary is simply the reverse of the itinerary above.
Day 1: Arrive in Key West
Day 2: Key West
Day 3: Dry Tortugas National Park day trip
Day 4: Florida Keys road trip
Day 5: Everglades National Park
Day 6: Biscayne National Park
Day 7: Fly home
Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys
The best time for this Florida Keys itinerary is between November and March, when the weather is cool and rainfall is low. December through February is peak season in the Florida Keys for visitors, so expect larger crowds and more expensive prices for hotels during this time. I also recommend reserving your activities and restaurants in advance.
From June through October, expect hot, humid weather. Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur during this time, which can disrupt travel plans.
In recent years, we did this same road trip in both February and December. February is an awesome time to visit the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, since mosquitoes are at their lowest during this time. In December, we learned that mosquitoes can still be quite annoying in Biscayne National Park.
In December, Key West is decorated for Christmas, making this a very festive time to visit. Plus, crowds tend to be a little lower just before Christmas, making this a great time for this Florida Keys itinerary, if you want to visit during the winter months with lower crowds.
Key West Sunset
Florida Keys Trip Planning: Rental Cars, Tolls & Costs
Rental Car Tolls and SunPass
One additional cost to consider when renting a car in Florida is tolls. The Overseas Highway (US 1) through the Florida Keys is toll-free, but you may encounter electronic toll roads around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Homestead, particularly if you use Florida’s Turnpike.
Most rental-car companies offer toll-payment programs, but these can add extra fees to your rental. Some charge a daily fee for an unlimited-toll package, while others charge administrative fees on days when you use toll roads. These fees vary by company, so it’s worth checking the details before booking.
How to avoid extra rental-car toll fees: One option is to create a Prepaid TOLL-BY-PLATE account through SunPass. This does not require purchasing a transponder. Instead, you register the rental vehicle’s license plate, enter your rental start and end dates, and pay for tolls through your prepaid account.
There is a minimum starting balance of $10, which goes toward paying tolls. You won’t receive the discounted SunPass toll rates, but you can avoid the $2.50 monthly invoice fee by maintaining a prepaid balance. This option works on eligible Florida toll facilities.
If you already own a SunPass or another transponder accepted in Florida, such as a compatible E-ZPass, you may be able to use that instead. SunPass customers receive discounted toll rates, averaging 25% less than TOLL-BY-PLATE.
Our advice: Before your trip, check your rental company’s toll policies and whether you can decline its toll program and use your own payment method. For occasional visitors who don’t already own a compatible transponder, a Prepaid TOLL-BY-PLATE account may be a convenient option. Just be sure to register the correct license plate and rental dates, remove the vehicle from your account when you return it, and confirm that your account covers the toll roads you plan to use.
For instructions and additional information, visit the official SunPass Rental Vehicles page.
Additional Costs for this Florida Keys Itinerary
In addition to the prices I listed above for activities in the Florida Keys, here are a few more items to budget for.
Rental Car: Rental car prices can range from $75 to $200 per day, depending on the time of year you visit, how far in advance you make your reservation, and the type of vehicle you plan to rent. If you are doing a point-to-point trip, you will also have a drop fee. This is typically several hundred dollars and in general, this fee is cheaper if you start in Key West and end in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.
Hotels: Key West has gotten to be quite expensive in recent years. A mid-range hotel at double occupancy can start at $400 to $500 per night. Prices are cheaper in Homestead, averaging about $250 per night for a mid-range hotel.
Food: Prices in Key West and along the Florida Keys are typical for other places in the USA, averaging about $10 to $18 per plate.
Florida Keys Itinerary FAQs
How many days do you need for a Florida Keys road trip?
We recommend 7 to 10 days if you want to explore the Florida Keys, spend a few days in Key West, and visit Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks. With 4 or 5 days, you can still have a fantastic trip, but we’d focus on the drive from Miami to Key West and spend more time enjoying the islands rather than trying to visit all three national parks.
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West?
The drive from Miami to Key West is approximately 160 miles and takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours without stops, depending on traffic and your starting location. However, we recommend setting aside a full day for the drive. There are many worthwhile stops along the Overseas Highway, including Robbie’s in Islamorada, Seven Mile Bridge, and Bahia Honda State Park.
Can you visit all three Florida national parks in one trip?
Yes, and that’s one of the things that makes this itinerary special! Everglades and Biscayne National Parks are located near Miami and Homestead, while Dry Tortugas National Park is reached by ferry or seaplane from Key West. We recommend dedicating one day to each park. You can visit all three in seven days, although a 10-day trip gives you more flexibility.
Is it better to drive from Miami to Key West or Key West to Miami?
Both directions are equally scenic, so we’d make this decision based on airfare and rental-car costs. One-way rental fees can vary significantly depending on where you pick up and drop off the car. If prices are similar, we prefer starting in Miami and ending in Key West. That way, you can finish your trip with a few relaxing days on the island.
What is the best time of year for a Florida Keys road trip?
December through April is our favorite time to visit the Florida Keys. Temperatures are generally pleasant, humidity is lower, and there is less rainfall than during the summer months. However, this is also a popular time to visit, so hotels can be expensive and tours may sell out. Summer brings hotter temperatures, higher humidity, and more frequent thunderstorms. Keep in mind that Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November.
Plan More of Your Florida Trip
Planning a trip to the Florida Keys and South Florida? Here are more of our guides to help you plan your visit.
- Looking for the best stops along the Overseas Highway? → Our Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys guide covers our favorite beaches, wildlife encounters, scenic stops, and waterfront restaurants from Key Largo to Big Pine Key.
- Spending a few days in Key West? → Discover the Best Things to Do in Key West, from historic landmarks and sunset celebrations to some of our favorite experiences on the island.
- Visiting Everglades National Park? → Follow our One Day in Everglades National Park Itinerary for the best sights, wildlife viewing opportunities, and tips on exploring the park.
- Planning a trip to Biscayne National Park? → Our Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park guide covers snorkeling, boat tours, island visits, and how to choose the right experience.
- Heading to Dry Tortugas National Park? → Read our Dry Tortugas National Park Guide for tips on choosing between the ferry and seaplane, visiting Fort Jefferson, and making the most of your day.
If you have any questions about this Florida Keys itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.
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