The Florida Keys, a timeless favourite among tourists of all ages, are a must-visit destination for any Florida road trip. The allure of these islands lies in their stunning beaches, spectacular sunsets, mouth-watering seafood, and rich cultural heritage. My own experience in the Florida Keys was nothing short of extraordinary. Having previously visited Florida, this trip was elevated by the warm hospitality of our hosts and the camaraderie shared with fellow travel companions.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys, a 125-mile long coral island archipelago situated near the southeastern tip of Florida, are connected by the Overseas Highway – affectionately known as US Route 1. This iconic stretch of highway transforms the typically quick 3-hour drive to Key West into an unforgettable adventure, begging you to slow down and savor the unique experiences the Keys have to offer. The Miami-to-Key-West road trip is a particularly popular and scenic route.
Florida Keys Quick Facts
The Florida Keys boast an impressive array of bridges, with a total of 42 connecting the islands. The most notable is the Seven-Mile Bridge, a renowned landmark stretching an astonishing 35,716 feet. At the other end of the spectrum lies Harris Gap, the shortest bridge at just 37 feet long. In fact, when driving along the Overseas Highway, a significant 15% of your journey time is spent crossing these iconic structures. The southernmost city in the continental US, Key West, is surprisingly closer to Havana, Cuba than Miami, Florida. The region’s unique ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. Mangroves, sea grasses, and coral reefs thrive beneath the surface, home to over 600 species of fish. For navigation purposes, the iconic green mile markers along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway descend from marker 113 at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line to marker 0 in Key West, providing a reliable locator for travelers.
Day 1 – Key Lago to Islamorada
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As we stepped off the plane in Fort Lauderdale, our hunger for authentic cuisine led us directly to The Fish House in Key Lago. This laid-back eatery embodied the carefree Keys vibe – a perfect spot to unwind and savor delicious flavors. With full bellies, we headed to Hadley House in Islamorada, where we spent the first part of our adventure. I must confess, it was a struggle to tear myself away from this incredible retreat! For those seeking assistance planning their next getaway, be sure to consult my travel resource guide.Located right on the Overseas Highway, the beach-themed Hadley House offered breathtaking views and easy access to nearby attractions. The Theatre of the Sea was just a 2-mile drive away, while the History of Diving Museum was a mere 5-minute stroll. With an abundance of activities at our fingertips, I didn’t need much convincing! Additionally, the hotel provided paddle boards and kayaks for guests to use at their leisure.For those who prefer alternative accommodations, there are numerous excellent AirBNB options in Key West to consider when planning your trip.As we wrapped up the day on a relaxed note, we headed to Ciao Hound for an unforgettable culinary experience infused with Tuscan-Keys flair and accompanied by classic Rack Pack tunes. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brendan Williams for joining me on this adventure and capturing its essence through his photography.
Day 2 – Feeding Tarpon & Parasailing
As we embarked on our adventure, our first stop was Robbie’s Marina, where we indulged in a unique experience – feeding massive tarpon directly from buckets of fish food. This thrilling encounter set the tone for the rest of the day, which just happened to coincide with lunch at The Hungry Tarpon restaurant. With an abundance of seafood options available in the Keys, it was only fitting that our own hunger be satiated with copious amounts of deliciousness.
Robbie’s Marina
With our tarpon-induced satiety momentarily satisfied, we traded waterways for the thrill of parasailing with Robbie’s Marina. As I drifted effortlessly above the open waters, I marveled at the breathtaking vistas unfolding before me – a seemingly endless expanse of natural beauty. The Indian Key, Everglades National Park, and Alligator Lighthouse came into view, their rugged profiles rising from the waves like giants. If you caught my Instagram story during this aerial adventure, you may have spotted me clutching my phone for dear life, capturing every moment of this unforgettable experience.
Florida Keys Aquarium
While flying high might be exhilarating, swimming low can be just as memorable. Our journey continued at the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, where we embarked on an extraordinary snorkeling adventure to explore the vibrant coral reef up close. To fully immerse ourselves in the local culture, we took a brief pause to sample some renowned Lobster Reubens from Keys Fisheries – their claim to fame is offering some of the freshest seafood in town, as they’re actually a major fish exporter right on the coast. The ‘just caught’ vibe was palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel like a true local.
All the Good Eats!
As our day drew to a close, we embarked on an exciting adventure – beer tasting at the Florida Keys Brewing Co., a local gem that’s been crafting delicious brews since 2015. Their passion for infusing their beers with fresh, local flavors really shone through during the tour and tasting.The evening concluded with an unforgettable dinner at Chef Michael’s, where we savored exquisite seafood dishes like hogfish and lionfish. I opted for the tuna, which was absolutely mouthwatering – I’m still raving about it! In fact, seafood dominated my culinary experience throughout the week, and I couldn’t get enough.This trip has left me itching to plan more sojourns in the southern United States. The region is teeming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered on future trips.
Key West Trip Vlog
Experience the tropical paradise of Key West through my latest vlog, available below or on YouTube in high definition. For more inspiring travel stories, explore related posts such as Key West Sustainable Boat Adventure with Honest Eco Tours, 6 Places To Visit On A Colorado Road Trip, or discover the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu.
Day 3 – Key West
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As we concluded our snack at Bob’s Bunz, the group was ready to take on Key West in style. The stunning views of The Perry Hotel Key West took my breath away, and I had to remind myself that we still had a packed day ahead. We started by renting those adorable aquamarine scooters, perfect for exploring the island.Next, I lived out my childhood dream at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Witnessing the majestic butterflies up close was truly magical, and learning about the conservation efforts left me in awe. The highlight of our day came with the Mallory Glow Tour, where we rode hydrobikes along the water’s edge. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter and adventure.After working up an appetite, we strolled down Shrimp Road (yes, that’s its name!) before enjoying a luxurious dinner at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen + Bar within The Perry Hotel. Their American coastal comfort foods did not disappoint.
Day 4 – Boat Tour & Helicopter Ride
On our first day in Key West, we were delighted to receive a scrumptious breakfast-to-go courtesy of Fisherman’s Cafe. This charming eatery offered an impressive array of options, including gluten-free choices that exceeded our expectations on this trip.
Honest Eco Tours
The highlight of our trip was finally taking part in the dolphin watching + snorkeling adventure, which left little time for us to fully appreciate the quaint atmosphere of the café. We joined Honest Eco’s tour, a name that reflects their commitment to eco-friendly dives and sea creature conservation. Our excitement for this Key West sustainable boat adventure with Honest Eco Tours only grew as we embarked on our journey.
Air Adventure Key West
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As our day came to a close, we indulged in an unforgettable doors-off helicopter flight with Air Adventure Key West, savoring the breathtaking views from above. It’s an experience I highly recommend if you ever find yourself in Key West. To cap off the evening on a high note, we treated ourselves to a Mojito-making lesson at the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, where we discovered that making our own cocktails can be just as enjoyable as sipping them. If you’re craving more than just a drink, I wholeheartedly endorse Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar for its mouthwatering coastal-inspired cuisine and surfer-themed cocktails. For those seeking to experience the island’s vibrant nightlife, Virgilio’s (located behind La Trattoria) or Sloppy Joe’s – a legendary haunt of Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s – are excellent choices.
Day 5 – Good-bye Florida Keys
As we left the Florida Keys, our departure breakfast at Blue Heaven was truly unforgettable. Located in a historic building with stunning views of the bluest water imaginable, this little slice of heaven felt like a nod to its past as a boxing venue once refereed by Ernest Hemingway himself. The energy was palpable, and it’s no wonder we left feeling grateful for the incredible experience.We departed from Key West Airport, which offered a seamless end to our trip. Looking back, it was an absolute love affair with the Florida Keys – I’m still craving those sunny beaches! But now, snuggled up at home with Beau, I’ve come to appreciate the comforts of being back in my own bed. It’s funny how quickly one can grow fond of the familiarity and warmth that comes with being home.
