The Overseas Highway runs about 165 miles from Miami to Key West, connecting a chain of islands by more than 40 bridges.
Florida Keys Road drive is mostly single-lane in each direction, with water visible on both sides for long stretches, particularly across the Seven Mile Bridge. Unlike the mountain and coastal routes elsewhere on this list, the pace here is intentionally slow, with the appeal centered on stopping rather than driving.
Each key has its own character, from Key Largo’s dive shops to Marathon’s fishing charters to Key West’s bars and sunset crowds. Most people spend 3 to 5 days working down the chain, splitting time between beaches, snorkeling trips, and small-town stops.
Route Details: Florida Keys Road Trip
Miami to Key Largo (60 miles)
The drive south from Miami passes through Homestead before crossing onto Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States, offers snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours over a section of living coral reef just offshore.
Key Largo to Islamorada (20 miles)
Islamorada bills itself as the sport fishing capital of the world, with charter boats running daily trips for sailfish and tarpon. The Islamorada Founders Park has a public beach and marina, and Robbie’s Marina, just south of town, lets visitors hand-feed large tarpon that gather at the docks.
Islamorada to Marathon (35 miles)
This stretch includes several small keys connected by short bridges before reaching Marathon, home to the Turtle Hospital, which rehabilitates injured sea turtles and offers tours. Just south of Marathon, the Seven Mile Bridge is the longest bridge on the route, with the old original bridge running parallel to the current highway, now used as a fishing pier and walking path.
Marathon to Bahia Honda (12 miles)
Bahia Honda State Park has one of the few sandy beaches in the Keys, since most of the islands are lined with rock and mangroves rather than sand. The old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, visible from the park, once carried Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad before it was converted for automobile use and later replaced.
Bahia Honda to Key West (38 miles)
The final stretch passes through the Lower Keys, including No Name Key, home to a small population of endangered Key deer, before reaching Key West. Duval Street runs through the center of town, lined with bars and shops, and Mallory Square draws crowds each evening for its sunset celebration. The Southernmost Point marker, a short walk from Duval Street, marks the end of the road and the southernmost point in the continental United States.
Use the trip planner to build a day-by-day road trip itinerary based on your available time and starting point.
