The Best Stops on the Drive to Key West

There’s flying to Key West, and then there’s driving to Key West — and the two are not the same trip. The Overseas Highway (US-1) runs roughly 113 miles from the Florida mainland to Mile Marker 0, hopping across 42 bridges and a string of islands where the water turns every shade of turquoise imaginable. It’s one of the great American road trips, and half the fun is everything you stop for along the way.

Here’s your mile-by-mile guide to the best stops on the drive down — plus a local’s welcome (and a deal for our Florida and Georgia neighbors) waiting at the end of the road.

Key Largo (MM 106–90): The Gateway to the Keys

The first island you’ll hit sets the tone — slow down, you’re on Keys time now.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5) is the first undersea park in the U.S. and the perfect leg-stretch: glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling trips, and easy swimming just off US-1. If it’s early and you need fuel, grab a Cuban coffee and a bite before you push south.

Don’t miss:

• Glass-bottom boat tour over the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
• A first, official “we’re in the Keys” photo

Road Trip Tip: Fill the tank and grab snacks in Key Largo. Gas stations thin out the farther south you go.

Islamorada (MM 90–74): The Sportfishing Capital

Islamorada is where the drive gets scenic and the seafood gets serious.

Robbie’s of Islamorada (MM 77.5) is the quintessential stop — hand-feed the massive tarpon off the dock, browse the open-air market, and grab lunch waterside. It’s touristy in the best possible way and a guaranteed hit with kids.

Nearby, Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5) offers up-close marine encounters, and Anne’s Beach (MM 73.5) is a lovely, shallow spot to dip your toes and let everyone reset.

Don’t miss:

• Feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s
• A sunset conch fritter if your timing’s right

Marathon (MM 60–47): The Heart of the Keys

Right in the middle of your drive, Marathon is made for a longer break.

The Turtle Hospital (MM 48.5) runs guided tours of its working sea turtle rescue and rehab center — genuinely moving and a great stretch for road-weary kids. Animal lovers can also stop at the Dolphin Research Center (MM 59, Grassy Key). Ready for sand? Sombrero Beach is one of the best free beaches in the Keys.

Halfway Tip: Marathon is your natural lunch-and-legs stop. You’re about an hour and a half from Key West from here.

The Seven Mile Bridge & Bahia Honda (MM 47–37): The Showstopper

This is the stretch you came for. The Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47–40) is the iconic, seemingly-endless span you’ve seen in a hundred photos — open water on both sides and the old Flagler railroad bridge running alongside. Just past it, Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37) is widely considered the most beautiful beach in the Keys, with soft sand, calm water, and a postcard view from the old bridge.

Don’t miss:

• The drive across Seven Mile Bridge (passenger’s got the camera)
• A quick swim at Calusa Beach in Bahia Honda

Big Pine Key to Key West (MM 30–0): The Home Stretch

On Big Pine Key (MM 30), the National Key Deer Refuge is home to the tiny, endangered Key deer — drive slowly and you may spot one. From there it’s an easy, breezy final push past the Saddlebunch and Sugarloaf Keys until the buildings appear and you’ve made it: Key West, Mile Marker 0.

Local Tip: As you roll into Key West on N Roosevelt Blvd, you’ll pass Blue Flamingo Resort before you even hit Old Town — the perfect place to drop the bags and trade the driver’s seat for a poolside lounge chair.

Your Reward for the Drive: A Local’s Welcome at Blue Flamingo

You made it to the end of the road — now the vacation begins. Blue Flamingo Resort sits right at the entrance to the island at 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd, minutes from Old Town, Duval Street, and the sunset at Mallory Square. Two pools, two poolside tiki bars, frozen cocktails at Rum Row, and a laid-back energy that feels like the island itself.

And because so many of our guests make the drive from home, we save something special for the neighbors.

Hey Neighbor — Florida & Georgia Residents Save

Come on over, order a drink, and stay a while. Florida and Georgia residents enjoy up to 20% off our Best Available Rate — just present a valid Florida or Georgia government-issued ID at check-in. Book directly and you’ll also skip the third-party sites and score complimentary parking, which every road-tripper appreciates.

Book the Florida & Georgia Resident Offer →

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving to Key West

How long is the drive to Key West?

From Miami, it’s about 113 miles down the Overseas Highway (US-1) — roughly 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. With the stops in this guide, plan for a full, scenic day.

What is the best stop on the drive to Key West?

The Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda State Park (around Mile Marker 40–37) are the scenic highlights, while Robbie’s of Islamorada (MM 77.5) and the Turtle Hospital in Marathon (MM 48.5) are the most-loved attraction stops.

Where should I stop for lunch driving to Key West?

Marathon (MM 60–47) sits at the halfway point and is the ideal lunch-and-stretch stop. Islamorada (MM 90–74) is a great choice earlier in the drive for waterfront seafood.

Where should I stay when I arrive in Key West?

Blue Flamingo Resort, at 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd, is the first resort you reach entering the island — with two pools, poolside tiki bars, and easy access to Old Town. Florida and Georgia residents save up to 20% with a valid ID.

Do I need to make stops, or can I drive straight through?

You can drive straight through in under four hours, but the Overseas Highway is the destination as much as Key West itself. Even one or two stops make the drive unforgettable.