Miami to Key West Road Trip: Ultimate Guide to the Overseas Highway

The drive from Miami, FL to Key West, FL covers 160 miles of US-1, known as the Overseas Highway. This route was built atop the original Florida East Coast Railway, which was destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. It uses 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Driving time without stops is about 3.5 hours, but plan a full day to explore the string of islands known as the Florida Keys. This guide covers best stops Miami, FL to Key West, FL, including how long to drive, and answers is it worth driving Miami, FL to Key West, FL – yes, every mile.

The Overseas Highway begins just south of Miami on the Rickenbacker Causeway and follows US-1 all the way to the end. Along the way, you cross the Biscayne Bay, then hop across the Keys: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and finally Key West. The road itself is a historic achievement; it was designated an All-American Road and a Florida Scenic Highway. For deeper insight on how to discover stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Plan refueling stops because gas stations are spaced out, especially after Key Largo. Prices per gallon typically increase by 20-30 cents compared to mainland Florida. The total distance is 160 miles, but the road is two-lane for many stretches, so average speed is lower.

• Total driving time: 3.5-4 hours non-stop.
• Recommended fuel stops: Florida City, Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West.
• Tolls: Rickenbacker Causeway toll is $1.75 (SunPass or cash).
• Peak traffic: November to April (winter season) and weekends.

US-1 has many at-grade intersections with cross streets and one-lane bridges (especially the old Seven Mile Bridge, now a fishing pier). Speed limits are typically 35-55 mph. Wildlife includes small deer (Key deer) on the Big Pine Key – watch for signs.

• Emergency services: Dial 911; hospitals in Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West.
• Road conditions: Generally good, but occasional flooding during king tides (Sept-Nov).
• Family-friendly stops: Theater of the Sea in Islamorada (animal shows, pools).
• Pet-friendly: Most state parks allow leashed pets; many hotels and restaurants are pet-friendly.

Fatigue management: plan one major rest stop around mile marker 50 in Islamorada. There are numerous pull-offs with scenic views.

• Rest zones: Anne's Beach, Long Key State Park, Bahia Honda State Park.
• Hidden off-route spot: No Name Key (view Key deer up close, less crowded than Big Pine Key).

The Florida Keys are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo offers underwater glass-bottom boat tours. Islamorada is known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, with numerous charter companies. Marathon features the Turtle Hospital, a rescue facility for sea turtles.

• UNESCO Site: Everglades National Park (accessible from Homestead before the Keys).
• Local markets: Key West's Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, held daily before sunset.
• Calusa cultural sites: Key Marco excavations on Marco Island, but in the Keys, the Indian Key State Park on Islamorada preserves the site of a 19th-century settlement.

The culinary scene is dominated by fresh seafood – conch fritters, stone crab claws (in season Oct-May), and Key lime pie. The Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe in Key West is the most famous bakery. Along the route, roadside seafood shacks and dockside restaurants are common.

• Best cafes: Harriette's Restaurant in Key Largo, Lazy Days Islamorada.
• Local delicacies: Conch ceviche, lobster Reuben sandwich.