photo of Florida Keys

Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys (Florida Keys and Key West Tourism)

What to do in Florida Keys

by Matt Link

Ever wish you could just drive to the Caribbean? Well, you can—more or less. All you have to do is keep going past Miami and steer for the Florida Keys. The 150-mile string of islands feels a world apart from the rest of the state with its laid-back, Margaritaville vibe and top-tier snorkel and dive sites (among the best in the country)—and it's all accessible via the dramatic Overseas Highway. You'll cruise over stretches of bright ocean and touch down on low-lying islands until you eventually hit Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States.

Convenient for day trippers, the Upper Keys stretch from Key Largo, the largest of the islands and a major scuba destination, south to Islamorada. You'll pass funky shell shops and motels, and natural attractions like Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef...

Read more on Florida Keys Travel
  • Rate & Review
Your rating for Florida Keys
Tell others why (optional):
You have 850 characters left.

Compare Rates to Key West

Flights Hotels Rental Cars Packages

Traveler Reviews of Florida Keys

ProfileImg
Alistair rates Florida Keys
My wife and I drove through the Keys on the way to our honeymoon in Key West. At the time, given that we only had a four-day honeymoon, it felt like a mistake to be spending four hours in the car stop-starting between Miami and Mile Marker Zero. That said, I'm glad we we were able to experience driving off the mainland and journeying into what feels quite a unique part of the States. It wouldn't have been the same from the air! My favorite stop was at Bahia Honda State Park, where we got out to enjoy the short trails and quiet beach. If you're in a rush to get to Key West, I'd recommend you fly. Also, avoid weekends and holiday periods, as the Overseas Highway can be slooowww-going if you get stuck behind that inevitable line of RVs and open-top sports cars!
Submitted on
ProfileImg
Pete rates Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a big area, but there's plenty to do along the 2 and half hours of Route 1 from Florida City to Key West. If you're traveling down from Miami, I suggest you stop at "Robert is Here" fruit stand in Florida City before your adventure in the Keys. Robert, who often times is there, has the freshest most succulent fruit you'll ever come across. (I highly recommend the Mangos.) Key Largo, one of the first keys you'll encounter, has some great Dive Shops (Seadwellers being one of them) and the best access to the reef. Further down you can stop in Islamorada to hit one of the few sandy beaches in the Keys. There's plenty of resorts, hotels, and cheap motels along route 1 that you can find somewhere to stay. The Keys definitely get busy on holidays and weekends when people from Miami head down to get away.
Submitted on
My wife and I drove through the Keys on the way to our honeymoon in Key West. At the time, given that we only had a four-day honeymoon, it felt like a mistake to be spending four hours in the car stop-starting between Miami and Mile Marker Zero. That said, I'm glad we we were able to experience driving off the mainland and journeying into what feels quite a unique part of the States. It wouldn't have been the same from the air! My favorite stop was at Bahia Honda State Park, where we got out to enjoy the short trails and quiet beach. If you're in a rush to get to Key West, I'd recommend you fly. Also, avoid weekends and holiday periods, as the Overseas Highway can be slooowww-going if you get stuck behind that inevitable line of RVs and open-top sports cars!
3.5 Item Reviewed: Florida Keys
Rating range 1 - 5
Number of reviews 2
Number of rating 2

Package Trips:

See All Trips »

Related Videos

advertisement

Friends Who've Been Here

 

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa - A Noble House Resort

See all of Away.com's Best Resorts and Lodges »

advertisement