Driving From Miami To Key West? Here's Where You Should Stop

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You're just a couple of hours away from this fantastic little island town where it’s always a great time, nobody's in a rush, and there's live music playing all around.

Heading straight down US-1, also known as the Overseas Highway is a two-lane road, with a top speed limit of 45 miles per hour for most of the way. This is a gentle reminder that you're now on island time. Over the next three and a half hours, you'll drive over 44 bridges and see approximately 42 different islands. Below are the best places to stop and explore on your road trip from Miami to Key West.

Tip

As you go, you'll notice small signs with numbers and green and white colors on the side of the road. These mile markers count backwards, starting from MM 0 in Key West. This is a simple way to track how far you have to the end point, and most addresses along this road will note the mile marker number, so it's really easy to find what you're looking for.

8. **The Carlton Reserve**: Brush up on local nature through fern and cypress-studded forests in Sarasota.

Start with Something Sweet

This roadside fruit stand has turned out to be a popular stop for people, especially for milkshakes and smoothies made from a huge variety of fresh fruits, in thousands of different combinations. Yeah, you can probably expect a wait, but once you've placed your order, take your time exploring around the shop, where you can find local jams, jellies, fruits, and other treats that make great presents or snacks for your hotel room.

Explore the first underwater park in the United States.

Off the coast of Key Largo, which is the first of the Keys you'll pass through on this trip, is the first underwater park in the United States. It's situated at mile marker 102.5 and covers an area of roughly 70 square nautical miles. It's a truly enchanting place for scuba diving and snorkeling.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is regarded as Florida's top spot for snorkeling.

Savor a Bite in Islamorada

For a mouthwatering ahi tuna nachos.

Pull Over for Animal Adventures and Animal Markets

At mile marker 48.5, a rehabilitation center cares for and houses a variety of sick and injured sea turtles until they are healed and fit to be set free.

Located on the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park claims one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. It has the Awesome visibility of 50-foot waters allowing snorkeling opportunities to see tropical marine life. Along with clear waters, the park contains excellent examples of old Florida copses and mangrove forests. Additionally, customers have access to two drilled beaches for swimming and excellent snorkeling and dining on-site boat launch ramp. The park's charge includes clean bathrooms, showers, storage device, BBQ pits and picnic tables for big groups.

At mile marker 37, it's a great spot to get some fresh air. It's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply walking along the shore. You can also catch a glimpse of an old and historic relic—an iron-framed bridge that was once part of the Overseas Railroad, which still stands over Bahia Honda Channel.

Celebrate Your Arrival

Check in and Relax

all over the island.

Head to Happy Hour

Every day, for two hours before the sun sets, a massive celebration is held on Wall Street. It's a pedestrian-only street that's filled with vendors, street performers, and live music. People gather there to enjoy the live entertainment and watch the sunset from one of the nation's most breathtaking locations.

Top 15 Activities to Enjoy on Duval Street in Key West

Fill up the Tank

Book your spot in advance because this dessert location is extremely popular - with an array of over-the-top rich desserts and chocolate-based drinks, it's no surprise that the menu is often fully booked.

Don't Miss the Pie

They serve some of their famous key lime pie at this popular shop. The key lime pie can be found in several forms, including frozen slices covered in chocolate on a stick, candies, jellies, cookies, and of course, the traditional version. They also have frozen pies available, making them ideal for taking home as a souvenir after your visit.

Wrap up Your Journey with Brunch

Enjoying a tasty meal directly on the water in Key Largo. If you plan your visit at the right moment, you might even witness the sunset.

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