THE FLORIDA KEYS ROAD TRIP
The drive from Miami to Key West is one of the most iconic road trips in the United States.
The 125-mile-long chain of islands are connected by the famous one-lane, overseas highway. The archipelago is a marvelous destination if you love water-sports: kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, diving or snorkeling in turquoise blue waters.
The Florida Keys are the perfect state side vacation spot. No passport required.
TRAVEL TO THE FLORIDA KEYS
I recommend starting this classic road-trip by flying into Miami International Airport and renting a car. Driving will allow you to see most of the islands along US1 and provide for the full road trip experience. There is only one way down (and back) which makes it easier to navigate and find stops by using mile markers!
Pro Tip: The method of transportation undoubtedly impacts your itinerary. Pick your starting point and method of travel before booking hotels.
FOOD
Part of the road trip experience is stopping for food! As you would imagine, cuisine specific to the Florida Keys is known for its diverse and local seafood. Fresh caught fish is a must along with tasting a few standouts:
Conch Fritters
The perfect appetizer to any meal) served at almost every restaurant.
Key Lime Pie
The official Florida State pie, is a perfect combination of sweet and tart. Aromatic Key Limes thrive in tropical sunny Florida. They are noticeably smaller with more seeds and thicker skin.
Cuban Coffee
With Key West’s proximity to Cuba, don’t forget to order a small but strong sweetened espresso shot.
JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK (MM 102.5)
One of the first pit stops recommended for your road trip. The park was established to protect a portion of the only living coral reef in the United Sates and has an established education and visitors center along with the perfect spots to picnic, fish, swim and snorkel.
ISLAMORADA
Spread across six-islands, Islamorada literally translates to “Village of Islands.” Just around 90 minutes from Miami, it is a centrally located home base for exploration. Considered the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World there is plenty to explore and experience.
FOOD & DRINK (in Islamorada)
MIDWAY CAFE AND COFFEE BAR (MM 80.4)
Standing half way between Miami and Key West, this eclectic spot in Islamorada can not be missed for a breakfast or casual lunch.
ROBBIES OF ISLAMORADA (MM 77.5)
This road trip staple is a combination stop: restaurant, open-air market, souvenir shop, and fishing dock. Robbie’s offers a little bit of everything; feeding tarpon, eco tours, sunset cruises, fishing charters, jet skis and a whole lot more!
ISLAMORADA BEER COMPANY (MM 82.9)
This brewery and distillery is a casual stop for local flavor and bright color. Try a flight of island beer or cocktails and sit outside and enjoy the beer garden.
Pro Tip: Islamorada Beer Company offers pre-packaged cocktails for purchase that are perfect for beaches or pools. No glass, and easy to transfer. The Lavender Lemonade was a personal favorite.
CAFE MOKA ISLAMORADA (MM 91.8)
Part of Village Square at the Trading Post, this cafe is nestled in lush and vibrant landscape. We enjoyed the full espresso bar paired with our fresh pastries.
MORADA BAY KEYS BEACH CAFE AND BAR (MM 81.6)
This beachfront, seafood restaurant is a popular location for tourists and locals alike. It sits on the west side of the island so it is a perfect spot for watching the sunset. (It shares a beach with its “sister property” Pierre’s Resturant) Fun Fact: Both these restaurants were filming locations for the Netflix series Bloodline!
Pro Tip: For busy and popular restaurants with limited seating, try planning for a week night and heading over an hour before sunset, to assure your best shot at beachfront seats!
WHERE TO STAY (in Islamorada)
There are many hotels in Islamorada, but only one waterfront lodge and spa stood out among the rest.
CHEECA LODGE
The established and award wining resort is both relaxed and refined. It personifies the Florida Keys ‘state of mind’ pairing old charm with modern amenities for a dynamic experience.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by helpful and friendly staff, followed by a room upgrade and welcome beverages! We walked through the canopy of palm trees to the tiki huts to listen to live music and watch the sunset.
Overflowing with vibrant lush foliage, the resort is a tropical retreat. The Florida Keys are not known for white sandy beaches, but Cheeca Lodge has created a private beachfront, and the grounds are beautiful and well kept.
Note: The resort fee covers a plethora of amenities (not all listed below). I highlighted my personal favorites!
To make the most of your visit, take full advantage of all the resort has to offer.
Rent a beach cruiser and explore the resort by bicycle.
Try a round of golf, at the 9-hole, par 3 course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Take advantage of the Atlantic ocean being steps away and enjoy all the water-sport activities! Cheeca Lodge has a full-service facility, and offers daily excursions. (We planned a private snorkel trip, but the free kayaks were a close runner up!)
Lounge in the sun at the family or adults only pools (If you are hungry or thirty- full poolside service is available.)
Watch the morning sunrise sitting at the end of the private 525 foot fishing pier.
MARATHON
One of the larger developed communities within the Florida Keys. Marathon is a perfect place to refuel. It is made up of around 10-miles of islands including Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key. We only spent a few hours here, but you could easily stay a few nights. If you look to extend your stay in Marathon, we were thinking of booking at the Isla Bella Beach Resort (MM 47). At first impression it looks like it could be in the middle of the Mediterranean, and is flagged for our next road trip!
FLORIDA KEYS TURTLE HOSPITAL
Dedicated to protecting the threatened sea turtle species. We booked a 90 minute tour learning about the ongoing see-turtle rescue and rehabilitation happening in Marathon and the surrounding Florida Keys.
MARATHON BAGEL CO
We stopped after our visit to the Turtle Hospital. This might have been one of the best bagels I have had since living in New York. Having the largest variety of bagels and “house-made specialty cream cheeses” Marathon Bagel Co was a surprising treat amongst the typical chain restaurants off US1.
7 MILE BRIDGE (MM 40-47)
After leaving Marathon, you immediately cross the famous Florida Keys’ 7- Mile Bridge. At this location you will see two bridges. The original bridge was constructed between 1908 and 1912 as a railway. As you drive over the modern bridge, you can see the original structure has been transformed and only open to the occasional fisherman and cyclist.
BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK (MM36.8)
Bahia Honda Key and Bahia Honda State Park are known for the natural rustic landscape covering almost 500 acres. If you enjoy camping and spending time outdoors, this is the spot to stop your car, and explore.
ProTip: FloridaStateParks.org has a wonderful map for download to reference all of the different experiences and amenities of Bahia Honda State Park.
The ending point of any Florida Keys Road Trip is the famous Key West. Arguably, most visitors consider Key West a state of mind. Relaxed, colorful and quirky. Be sure to check out my Key West Blog post for all my recommendations for the beautiful Conch Republic.
