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Florida Keys Road Trip

There’s many ways to get to the Florida Keys but we think the BEST way is by car! This allows you to go at your own pace and take in all the exciting sights and stops. So pack up and let’s hit the road in our Florida Keys road trip.. first up, Key Largo!

KEY LARGO

Getting to Key Largo is a whole adventure on its own. The experience of entering the island chain and its tropical environment is something that every avid traveler should do at least once.

Taking US-1 all the way to the Keys is the most preferred route by travelers who want to enjoy the scenery and the change in the environment as you approach the southern tip of the Florida peninsula.

The first island in our Florida Keys Road Trip

Right after you pass Florida City you will reach a crossroad. There, you can either take the famous 20 mile stretch to Key Largo or the less known and wilder Card Sound Road. If you opt for the “stretch,” you will be in a 2 lane road for 26 miles and the first signs of civilization will be Gilbert’s Resort and Marina on Jewfish Creek. At that point, you will also have arrived at the first of the 42 bridges connecting the more of 100 islands that conform the Florida Keys and the first island in our Florida Keys road trip.

If you opt to take Card Sound Road, you will be able to enjoy your ride with views of the ocean and mangroves until you reach the Card Sound Road toll. At the first bridge you will be able to spot a large crowd of fishermen and diving tours on the water.

Just a few more miles down the road further south, you will encounter one of the most picturesque sites on this road: Downtown Card Sound Road and its very own Alabama Jacks. An iconic bar frequented by locals and tourists alike. This ‘hole-in-the-wall’ offers cheap yet delicious, local food and drinks, served daily! After your mandatory stop for the Alabama Jacks photo you’ll drive a few miles South through nothing but tropical foliage and you’ll get to Key Largo – ready to start your unforgettable trip through The Florida Keys! If you have the extra time, we recommend taking Card Sound Road for an ‘off the beaten path’ adventure!

Another must-stop in Key Largo is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. Famous for their Key Lime Pie and delicious home cooked meals, this iconic restaurant is a favorite stop for many passing through, and locals alike, since 1976.Try their world-famous homemade chili or a fresh coconut shrimp basket among many fantastic options and the best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys.

Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen Best Key Lime Pie in Key Largo

ISLAMORADA

After you’ve entered The Florida Keys and went trough Key Largo, you’ll get to Tavernier. This is where the famous pirate Jean Lafitte supposedly rested on Tavernier Key. Rumor has it that Tavernier got its name from the thirsty sailors on nearby Plantation Key.

After you pass Tavernier you will get to Plantation key, history has that this was a favorite hideout for Rum Runners, and now house the new building of the Coral Shores School.

After a short ride you will see The Theater of the Sea and the Holiday Isle Resort and Marina. It’s then you know you’ve arrived in Islamorada so get ready to have the best vacation of your life if this is your final destination!

A trip to Islamorada is not complete without a stop at Robbie’s Marina

This iconic restaurant and marina offers hands-on tarpon feeding, delicious open-air dining, sunset cruises, and daily fishing charters – they’ll even cook the fish you caught when you get back to the dock!

Sit back and relax on the waterside deck after a long day out on the ocean and enjoy the local seafood cuisine, speciality drinks, and tropical atmosphere.

You can also spend the afternoon strolling through the shops under the shaded trees for local artisan finds. It’s truly an all day experience, so plan ahead and spend a full day at this awesome spot in Islamorada.

Pelican at Robbie’s in Islamorada in the Florida Keys

Whether you’re just stopping for lunch or staying awhile, there are plenty of cheap yet fun options in Islamorada! Lazy Days restaurant is a must. The name speaks for itself – this casual oceanfront restaurant is a local favorite for its fantastic food and drinks. Try their coconut shrimp and a cold key lime mojito and you’re in for the perfect afternoon.

After lunch, check out Rain Barrel Village for cheap and inexpensive, local artisan gifts. And Betsy the giant lobster is perfect for a fun photo opp! This top Florida Keys destination features arts, crafts, resort wear, souvenir’s and more. It’s a great place to spend a hot afternoon in Islamorada!

Best Islamorada attraction on your Florida Keys Road Trip

If you’re looking for something to splurge on, head to Theatre of the Sea to see some exciting marine life. This iconic park is perfect for a family-friendly afternoon in the Keys and has an array of exciting animals. Visitors can swim with bottlenose dolphins and see other marine life like California sea lions, sting rays, sea turtles, and more. Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for kids ages 3-10. This is a great family-friendly activity!

As you can see there’s a lot of things to do in Islamorada, but that’s not all. Let’s hit the road and continue our journey down the Keys!

MARATHON

After a great tour of Islamorada, the next island you’ll hit is Marathon, located in the heart of The Florida Keys. Marathon is one of the more populated keys and has a lot to offer visitors.

For the perfect, casual and cheap lunch or dinner you must stop at the Keys Fisheries located at 502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL. This local restaurant and fish market features FRESH seafood (just caught!) and a variety of refreshing beers on tap. It’s a chill spot for conch fritters and other Keys specialties in an open-air fish house overlooking the bay. You just order at the counter and enjoy your meal at a casual picnic table overlooking the water.

After lunch, head to Sombrero Beach. This beautiful park features a gorgeous sandy beach and a shady area with restrooms, showers and picnic pavilions. Beach is open from Monday through Sunday. Hours are from 7:00am to Dusk. To get there turn South on Sombrero Beach Road and drive to the end of the road. You are there!

If you’re looking for an exciting family-friendly activity in Marathon, you must check out The Turtle Hospital. This small non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. Adult admission is $30, children (4-12 years old) are $15, and children under 4 are free. Education Center and Gift Shop is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm.

Now, let’s get back on the road and cross over the Seven Mile Bridge!

BIG PINE KEY & LOWER KEYS

Big Pine Key and The Lower Keys are located between Marathon (south end of Seven Mile Bridge) and Key West. Getting to this area is a whole adventure on its own.

As soon as you cross over the iconic bridge, you’ll see Bahia Honda State Park. This wonderful park is one of our favorites and a must-see when traveling through the lower Keys.

The Best Beach In the Florida Keys at Bahia Honda State Park

Spend the day hopping between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, both offering stunning, private beaches. Or enjoy the day kayaking or snorkeling with rentable gear available. Snacks, merchandise, and essentials like water and sunscreen are also available at the onsite store for your convenience.

If you’re spending the night at the Bahia Honda cabins or campground you’ll be able to enjoy the best stargazing in the Keys once night falls and dream about your next visit to this iconic Florida Keys location.

If you’re just staying for the day, let’s get back on the road and head to our final destination – Key West!

KEY WEST

Key West is located at the end of the overseas highway in The Florida Keys.

After you pass Big Pine Key, a short drive will lead you to Summerland Key and Cudjoe Key Most of these little islands have only residential homes. On Sugarloaf Key you will find Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Campground with full RV facilities.

Boca Chica Key is the next island with a Naval Air Base Station , and the next and last island before Key West is stock island. Congratulations, you’ve made it through the whole island chain, now you are a true Florida Keys expert!

The end of our Florida Keys Road Trip

Get to your hotel or campground, relax for a few and get ready to enjoy the town. You are in the southernmost city in the continental US., Key West is only 90 miles to Cuba (closer to Cuba than closer to Miami). Hit the town and get ready for that Duval Crawl.

Before dinner head Mallory Square for a free show in the sky. The sunsets here draw crowds from afar. Artists and jugglers gather to put on a show to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

For a delicious, casual, and cheap dining option head to Schooners Wharf in the Historic Seaport. This local bar and restaurant has ben serving locals and island visitors alike, for many years. Our favorite menu items are the coconut shrimp and conch fritters, the best on the island!

There is definitely no shortage on fun and cheap things to do in Key west, read more here. And if you are looking for the best hotel in Key West, look no further than The Gardens Hotel.

For our guide in Spanish read more here!

Key West Beach Weddings at Fort Zachary Taylor

How to Plan Your Key West Beach Wedding.

Warm ocean breezes and enchanting sunsets await you on your special day! If you are looking for the perfect location, look no further than Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, the best spot for amazing Key West Beach Weddings.

The park offers its own beach wedding event packages or you can hire outside vendors to create the perfect beach wedding of your dreams. Fort Zachary is a great spot for a cheap, budget-friendly elopement if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make your wedding dreams a reality. There are also several locations within the park that you can use for your ceremony and reception space.

A Budget-Friendly Beach Ceremony

For the most budget-friendly options, check out Key West Weddings To-Go. This local Key West company is dedicated to providing the best experience to its customers and offer. And most packages include pricing for up to 30 guests. We have personally used this wonderful company for our own beach wedding at Fort Zachary and we highly recommend their services.

Key West Beach Weddings To-Go made our planning process an absolute breeze and everything was beautiful on our big day. We chose the Fort Zachary Point Package and we were able to customize to our liking as well.

The location we chose for our ceremony was “The Point.” This stunning location in the park overlooks the open water and is perfect for a sunset ceremony. Our photos speak for themselves!

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married on the Beach in Key West?

Our wedding package included a photographer, online photo album, all decor, flowers including a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, and much more. Pricing for this package averages around $2,989, which includes the mandatory $650 park usage fee. We chose their most expensive package but they have options starting at just $299!

Many Locations in the Park to Choose From

Another location many couples choose is the actual Fort itself. This presents a gorgeous and absolutely unique backdrop for your big day.

Photo by Key West Weddings To-Go

Or if you prefer an even more private setting, try “The East Beach.” Nestled on white sand and tropical vegetation on the east side of the Park. This site is in the midst of Jamaican palms and lush sea grapes, which creates a secluded atmosphere for small or large groups.

Whatever you choose, there is a budget-friendly and inexpensive way to have your perfect beach wedding in Key West!

Attractions in the Florida Keys and Key West

From the upper to the lower keys, there’s plenty of exciting things to do and attractions in the Florida Keys with no shortage of fun in the sun! From the treasures of a shipwreck, to more than a dozen museums, the Florida Keys offer more than 100 miles of opportunities.

In addition to the water and sky views on both sides of the Overseas Highway, the scenic drive south from Miami to Key West (about three hours) also includes plenty of opportunities to learn about the history of this island chain.

Attractions in Islamorada

The History of Diving Museum is hard to miss when passing on the road as paintings of underwater sea creatures decorate the building in ocean blue colors along with an old diving helmet. The museum (mile marker 83 bayside) houses a large collection of diving helmets and artifacts, charting 4,000 years of diving history. Finds include a gallery on treasure hunter Art “Silver Bar” McKee; an exhibition of 45 historic diving helmets from 24 countries; nearly 2,500 books on underwater exploration; and free monthly seminars. Open daily (except holidays), 10 am-5 pm Adults, $15; kids 5-11, $7.

The Keys History and Discovery Center is located at the Islander Resort, Guy Harvey Outpost (mile marker 82 oceanside). Exhibit topics include the early inhabitants of the Florida Keys, shipwrecks and salvage, pioneer families in the island chain, offshore and sport fishing legends, and the Flagler Railroad. Open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $12; Children 13 and under enter free.

For some retail therapy and local artisan gifts, stop by the Village Square. This enchanting bohemian village features an open air, curated collection of island shops including homemade gifts and home decor at Boo Kee Sue Botanics, delicious burritos at Bad Boy Burrito, and much more. Perfect for a chill Islamorada afternoon.

Attractions in Marathon

Pigeon Key Foundation and Marine Science Center located on the old bridge parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge on a coral island used as a camp between 1908 and 1912 for the 400 workers working on the Henry Henry Florida Keys Overseas Railroad Flagler that spread from Miami to Key West. The island is home to quaint homes and a museum filled with old photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. Marine educational programs are held on the island, which is also a great place for picnicking and snorkeling. Adults, $15, children 5-13, $12. Ferries sail to the island from the Pigeon Key Visitor Center (mile marker 47, ocean side of the road), 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, mile marker 50 bayside, features nature trails, a butterfly garden, a children’s activity center, and a natural history museum . Artifacts in the museum’s collection include a 600-year-old canoe and the remains of pirate ships. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm; Sundays.

Attractions in Key West

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, 907 Whitehead St., offers guided tours of the house where he lived for most of the 1930s and wrote some of his most notable works, including “To Have and Have Not.” Between 40 and 50 cats have taken over the house and gardens, and many of them have an extra toe, just like a six-toed cat that Hemingway owned. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Adults, $17, children 6-12, $7, one of the most popular attractions in the Florida Keys and Key West.

Custom House Museum, 281 Front St., near Mallory Square, is a national landmark operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society. The four-story building was once home to the island’s customs office, post office, and district courts and now displays art and historical collections, among other artifacts related to the history and culture of the Florida Keys. Open daily (except Christmas), 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Adults $16; children 7 and over, $8. Pro tip: save $2 off admission if you purchase online!

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St., displays treasures from the 1622 Spanish galleons discovered by Fisher, an American treasure hunter known for his 1985 discovery of the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The museum includes a rich collection of 17th century maritime and shipwreck artifacts. Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9:30am-5pm Adults, $17.50, children 6-12, $8.50.

With 100 miles ready to be discovered, there are plenty of attractions in the Florida Keys!

Things to do in Key West

The sun, the sea and the sand make a multitude of tourists flock to Key West every year. Here, the sunsets are more spectacular and the water a little more spectacular, it’s hard to believe we’re not in the Caribbean!

This special island has a particular way of life for those who call it home and those who are lucky enough to visit. This Conch Republic offers a relaxed, slower pace and island vibe all its own.

Located at the southernmost point of the United States, surrounded on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the other by the Gulf of Mexico, this island town is second to none. Key West is a paradise that attracts anyone and everyone. How many wonderful things can be done here surrounded by so much beauty in one day?

Here are at least five things to do in Key West on your next visit. And you’ll easily see that this island paradise can be dangerously addictive because you may never want to leave!

1. The most beautiful sunsets in Key West

In Key West, sunsets are so beautiful that crowds turn out to watch them every day. The best place to see them is Mallory Square. The fall of the Sun in the middle of the sea together with artists, jugglers, food and drinks for all tastes provide a unique and unforgettable experience. A place for romantics, and bohemians to come together. Two hours before sunset people gather on the pier celebrating a unique sky that shines in a color palette of red, pink, and orange… like a painting in the sky.

As the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, an art festival springs into action. People from all over the world enjoy a gathering of street performers, food vendors and artists. There are musicians, magicians, clowns, jugglers, arts and crafts exhibitors, psychics and many more. Colorful and vibrant, this fusion of talents captivates everyone.

It’s really hard to describe the sunset at Mallory Square in words. The important thing is that this place is paradise and being here calls for such a big celebration that it has to happen every night! You have to experience it and that’s when you realize it’s so much more.

2. There is something for everyone to do in Key West.

Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Key West is a generous island. It’s all about selecting the right accommodations and there’s no reason why you can’t have it all. There is something for all tastes and for every budget.

Select a gem like Margaritaville Resort Marina. It is located along the waterfront of Old Town Key West, near the popular MallorySquare and Duval Street, the main street of Key West. There you stay in the heart of the city enjoying all the best that the destination offers.

Enjoy a cocktail at The Gardens, hotel with grounds so lush, so tropical, so inviting, that you won’t even want to leave to explore the rest of Key West!

Every morning, you can go out in search of the beach or the water sports that are offered to enjoy the warm sun and the fresh breeze or go shopping, eating and entertaining, with the endless opportunities.

Then, after a day of activity, it’s best to take a break in the spacious, modern and cozy rooms that feature magnificent views of the marina. Each offers great comfort, furnished in a contemporary style, with a natural color palette.

Amenities include luxury bedding, separate bathtub and premium bath products, Wi-Fi access, ceiling fan, balcony, jetted tub, sofa bed, and sitting area.

Aside from the beach, there’s an on-site pool, fitness center, spa, marina and water sports, and dining options. Really, what more could you ask for?

3. Food with a stunning view

As if the sights of nature weren’t enough, Key West also seduces visitors with delicious food in a magnificent setting. Bistro 245 is the place to dine, choose from Key West shrimp, exquisite Angus beef or fresh pasta to satisfy your cravings. Even the locals love this restaurant – which is to say how wonderful the place is.

This leads us to discover why Key West is also known as the Conch Republic. Here it is fished and it is sold in restaurants in different preparations and preparations, each one more delicious. Among the best places to find premium conch are Louie’s Backyard, Conch Republic Seafood Company, and Schooners Wharf.

Try Bahamian conch chowder with hot pepper sauce at Louie’s backyard, or you can try the fried conch at Conch Republic Seafood Company and Schooners Wharf to see which you like best. Very difficult decision since both are delicious.

Of course, all three restaurants offer beautiful views that allow you to appreciate your food amidst the stunning landscapes surrounding the island.

4. Experience the freedom of the ocean.

You can enjoy the magnificent waters of Key West in many ways. If you like the beach there are endless opportunities for you to relax. But if you want something more, Key West has it all too.

There are plenty of companies that offer sailing tours and cruises, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel over the coral reefs.

Probably the best part is the Florida Keys Coral Reef tour, the only living coral reef in North America. It is located seven miles off the coast of Key West and its shallow waters safely allow beginning snorkelers a hypnotic view of the richness of marine life. There is no age limit to enjoy this experience, from children to grandparents can find pleasure in it.

It is the ideal activity to do as a family.

5. Taste Cuba on American soil.

The closest distance between Cuba and Key West is only 103 miles. We can find in Key West the influence of Cuban culture. The most notable is the rum. During the time of prohibition, the rum trade flourished in Key West.

It can be said that the island was saved, thanks to Cuban rum. These days, Key West makes its own specialty rum for a perfect blend of Cuban and local influences.

We can say the same about Cuban cigars. Here, having a cigar is an experience. The tradition began in the mid-19th century when Cuban refugees flocked to its shores. It didn’t take long for Key West to become the Cigar Capital of the World.

Even now, you can still enjoy excellent Cuban-style cigars handcrafted from cured and aged tobacco leaves here. If you are a cigar connoisseur, this is definitely the place to be.