If you like road trips, the Overseas Highway (US-1) has to be on your bucket list. Imagine driving 180 kilometers (113 miles) across 42 bridges, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. The water is turquoise blue, the air smells of salt and the vibe is 100% Caribbean.
Driving from Miami to Key West non-stop takes about 4 hours, but… don’t make that mistake! The magic of this trip is not the destination, it’s the stops. Here we put together the perfect itinerary to enjoy the road.
Stop 1: Key Largo (The underwater paradise)
Just an hour south of Miami, you enter the first large key.
The Plan: If you like the water, here’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It is the first underwater park in the USA.
Don’t miss: The snorkeling tour to see the famous “Christ of the Abyss” statue submerged in the sea. If you don’t want to get wet, take the glass bottom boat.
Stop 2: Islamorada (Lunch and Tarpon Fishing)
Keep driving until you reach the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”.
The Classic: You have to stop at Robbie’s Marina. For a few dollars you get a bucket of fish to feed the tarpons (tarpon), giant fish that jump out of the water to eat out of your hand (watch out for pelicans trying to steal your bait!).
Food: It’s time to try fresh fish. Look for any seaside restaurant and order some conch fritters or mahi-mahi sandwiches.
The Epic Moment: Seven Mile Bridge
Leaving Marathon, get ready. You’re about to cross the Seven Mile Bridge. It is one of the wonders of modern engineering.
The Feeling: For almost 11 kilometers you see no land, only endless blue water at your sides. Roll down the windows, turn up the music and enjoy. You’ll feel like you’re flying over the ocean.
Stop 3: Bahia Honda State Park
Just beyond the bridge, you will find what many consider to be the best beach in the Keys.
The Photo: Here you can see the old railroad bridge (which was broken decades ago) contrasting with the turquoise sea.
It is the perfect Instagram postcard. The beach is white sand and crystal clear, shallow water, ideal to rest for a while before the final stretch.
Final Destination: Key West (Key West)
You arrive at the southernmost point of the continental United States. Here time passes more slowly.
Mallory Square: You have to get there before sunset. The “Sunset Celebration” is a daily ritual with jugglers, musicians and street food as the sun sinks into the Gulf.
Duval Street: The main street full of bars, live music and party atmosphere.
Southernmost Point: The famous concrete buoy that says “90 miles to Cuba”. Tip 2026: Go very early in the morning (7:00 AM) if you don’t want to stand in line for 45 minutes under the sun for the photo.
Dessert: You can’t leave without having a slice of authentic Key Lime Pie (Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe is a guarantee).
Tips from Copilot 2026
SunPass: In Florida there are almost no cash toll booths anymore. Make sure your rental car has the SunPass activated or buy a temporary one at a supermarket.
Traffic: US-1 is one lane in many sections. Avoid returning to Miami on a Sunday afternoon or holiday, or you will spend hours in traffic.
Convertible? Yes. If there’s one place in the world to rent a Mustang convertible, this is it. It’s worth every extra penny.
Filed under: From Miami to Key West
