Best Florida Keys Itinerary 7 Days (8 Days + Map)

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The Florida Keys is a beautiful destination on The Overseas Highway South of Miami with stunning stopovers. Though this drive is 113 Miles which can be covered in one day, many people prefer to do it in a week by taking a break at many places for scenic tropical beaches, Caribbean vibes, and world-famous scenic snorkeling and diving sites. Let’s read Florida Keys Itinerary 7 days with day-wise things to do and where to stay overnight.

Also Read: Ultimate Florida Itinerary 10 days – Best Of Florida Road trip (with Map + Key West)

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Florida Keys Itinerary 7 Days (Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary)

Read the Florida keys road trip itinerary 7 days to 8 days with great stopovers, overnight stays, and things to do. Take a scenic Miami to Key west drive with Florida Keys Map.

florida keys map - miami to keywest map — **Click here for Google Maps for a complete Florida road trip itinerary.**

Day 1: Miami to Key Largo

Start your Florida Keys adventure by driving from Miami to Key Largo, the first island of the Florida Keys. The drive will take about an hour, with a distance of 60 Miles. Check in at your hotel or resort and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the nearby attractions.

Things to do:

Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and take a glass-bottom boat tour or snorkeling trip to see the stunning coral reefs and marine life.
Take Beautiful nature trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Go fishing or kayaking in the calm waters of Florida Bay.

Where to stay overnight in Key Largo:

Day 2: Key Largo to Islamorada

After breakfast, drive to Islamorada, known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” Islamorada is world famous for its beautiful coral reefs and encompasses Florida’s 6 Keys. Check in at your hotel and spend the day exploring the island’s many attractions. The drive will take around 30 minutes.

Islamorada is in the middle of this Florida keys drive; hence, staying here will allow you to explore nearby islands (Florida keys) and small coastal towns.

Stopovers in between Key Largo to Islamorada

Between the drive from Key Largo to Islamorada, you can take a short stopover at Tavernier to explore the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Harry Harris Park, and some kayaking and snorkeling tours.

Things to do:

Visit Theater of the Sea, a marine park where you can swim with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays.
Explore the History of Diving Museum, which showcases the evolution of diving equipment and techniques.
Go on a fishing charter to catch some of the most sought-after game fish.

Where to stay overnight in Islamorada:

Day 3: Islamorada to Marathon

After breakfast, drive to Marathon, located in the middle of the Florida Keys. The drive will take around 45 minutes. Marathon has beautiful Sombrero Beach and one of the most beautiful coral reefs. Check in at your hotel and spend the day exploring the island’s many attractions.

Stopovers in between Islamorada to Marathon

Take a short stopover at Layton and Duck Key while driving from Islamorada to Marathon. These coastal towns are small community towns with beautiful beaches, plush resorts, and funky food bars.

Things to do:

Visit the Turtle Hospital and learn about the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles.
Explore the Crane Point Museum, Nature Center & Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the area’s natural and cultural history.
Go snorkeling or diving at Sombrero Reef, one of the most beautiful and accessible coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

Where to stay overnight in Marathon:

Day 4: Marathon

The city of Marathon encompasses 13 islands in the Middle Keys, so spending a whole day in Marathon, enjoying its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, is mainly recommended if you are going for Florida Keys road trip. Marathon has laidback beach vibes with fewer crowds than Key West and is known as the Heart of Florida Keys.

Things to do:

Relax on the Sombrero beach and soak up the sun.
Visit Curry Hammock, State Park, for mangrove and kayak tours.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters.
Visit the Dolphin Research Center and interact with these intelligent marine mammals. Also, you can visit Turtle Hospital to learn about turtle care.

Day 5: Marathon to Key West

Check out early after having breakfast from Marathon, and drive to Key West, the southernmost island of the Florida Keys. Before reaching Key West, there are many beautiful stopovers on this drive which are world-famous attractions of Florida keys. This drive will take around one hour and a half.

Stopovers in between Marathon to Key West

Seven Mile Bridge – The iconic seven-mile bridge connects Middle Keys to the Lower keys with a beautiful ocean view. This bridge is world-famous and known for its civil design skills. You can also walk, bike, or rollerblade the approximately 2.2 miles to Pigeon Key on the bridge and enjoy the fantastic views. The drive on this scenic bridge is only 10 minutes but worth it.
Big Pine Key – Big Pine Key has one of the best transparent reefs for snorkeling and diving in the Keys. At Big Pine Key, you can have a little long stopover to visit Bahia Honda State Park, which is famous for its marvelous beaches, National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center for looking out at the natural habitat of wonderful endangered deer and admire the compact lake in between the old limestone quarry – Blue Hole.

As you reach in the evening after doing stopovers on this Florida road trip, Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening exploring Key West’s stunning sunsets over the ocean and dine at funky bars and restaurants.

Things to do:

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote for over a decade.
Explore Old Town’s colorful and lively streets, which offer a mix of art, culture, and history.
Watch the sunset from Mallory Square, a popular gathering place for street performers and locals.

Where to stay overnight in Key West:

Day 6: Key West

Spend a full day in Key West, enjoying its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor activities.

Things to-do activities for Day 6 in Key West:

Take a conch tour train or a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour to see the island’s landmarks and attractions.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and stroll among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds in a lush tropical environment.
Go on a sunset sail or snorkeling excursion to explore the crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs around Key West.

Day 7: Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National park

Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses 7 islands with protected coral reefs and stunning beaches. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the best places to visit on your Florida Key road trip for its incredible natural beauty.

Explore Fort Jefferson

Day 8: Key West to Miami

On your last day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and drive back to Miami. The drive will take around four hours.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to stop at some attractions, such as the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters or the History of Diving Museum.

Where to stay overnight:

If you have a late flight, you can stay at a hotel near Miami International Airport, such as the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon or the Hyatt Regency Miami.
If you have more time, you can extend your stay in Miami and explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Art Deco Historic District, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or the Miami Beach Boardwalk.

I hope you plan your Florida Keys road trip after reading this Florida Keys itinerary 7 days. You can also read frequently asked questions about the Florida Keys below to clear your doubts before proceeding with this road trip.

Driving The Florida Keys – Miami To Key West

Which Highway takes you from Miami to Key West?

Iconic Overseas Highway with 42 scenic bridges takes you to the southernmost point of the Continental US. It is also known as US 1 highway and is no toll road.

What is the best time to Visit the Florida Keys?

Winter is the best time to visit the Florida keys, with lovely weather and temperature ranging from approximately 80 F.

Winter & Spring – Due to the warm winter, December to April is the peak season. Therefore, book your hotels in advance, as this season is pricey and fully booked.
Fall time: September to November is an off-peak season, and room rates are reduced to half due to rough weather.

TIP – Check hurricane warnings before planning a Florida Keys Road trip, as Florida is prone to hurricanes and sea storms.

How many days do you need for the Florida Keys?

To thoroughly enjoy the Florida keys with its national parks, beaches, water activities, coral reef & snorkeling tours, and with driving time included, you need 6 to 7 days for your Florida Keys road trip.

You can also make this trip within 3 to 4 days by covering significant attractions, which can be a little rushed but possible.

What is the must-do Florida Key?

Key Largo is the prettiest part of Florida Key and hence can’t be eliminated. Key West is a world-famous spot on your Florida Keys itinerary.

What are the best islands of Florida Keys?

Key West
Key Largo
Big Pine Key
Islamorada
Marathon

Which is better, Key Largo or Key West?

Both are worth visiting. Key Largo is big and has laid-back beaches. Key West has the southernmost point of the continental USA, with exciting nightlife and historical sites with natural beauty.

Can you swim in the ocean in the Florida Keys?

Yes, you can swim in the ocean of Florida keys

Which Key has the most excellent beach?

Marathon has the most excellent beach – Sombrero Beach, one of the best beaches in the US.

Which Key is safest?

Marathon is the safest Key and one of Florida’s best places to live.

This article helps in planning your Florida Keys Road trip 7-day tour with things to do, scenic stopovers in between, where to stay, activities, and other essential tips.

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Best Florida Keys Itinerary 7 Days (8 Days + Map)