Key West is the Southernmost city in the United States and just a 4-hour drive from Miami on the scenic coastal Overseas Highway. The only way to experience this epic drive is behind the wheel of a convertible, be it a rugged Jeep Wrangler, a sleek Ferrari Portofino or a sophisticated Rolls-Royce Dawn. Drop the top and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime coastal drive. ROLZO has a full fleet of convertibles in Miami that will thrill all kinds of drivers.
The Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Gulf of Mexico on the other
The drive from Miami to Key West is a little over 150 miles with 42 bridges connecting 34 islands. The road takes you through a wonderland of mangrove trees, coral reefs, tropical savanna, quaint islands and historical sites. You’ll have the unique sensation of literally driving on water as you cruise over the bridges, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Many stretches of the highway are only two lanes wide, so you feel like you only have to stretch your hand out the window to touch the ocean.
As you drive on, watch out for the Shell Shack, a typical Florida conch house. It overflows with the most colorful Florida kitsch, which is made of shells, wood, beads, and much more. Everything’s for sale – a prime opportunity to bring an exotic souvenir or two back home.
Key Largo, Marathon and every keys in between
Starting your trip in Miami, the most popular stops along the way are Key Largo and Marathon, however time permitting, explore the lesser-known keys along the way ( there are 34!), each picturesque and unique. To name a few, just south of Key Largo lies charming Islamorada where you can get your first taste of hogfish and Key Lime Pie in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. Nearly halfway to Key West and just before driving over the famous Seven Mile Bridge, make a stop in the relaxed and lesser-known Duck Key and enjoy lush tropical vegetation and beaches.
The Seven Mile Bridge, driving over water for miles and miles
The Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon with Little Duck Key. It’s actually two parallel bridges, the older one built in 1919 as part of the Flagler Railroad and the new one, which you’ll drive over. The highlight of this section and possibly of the entire drive is the experience of literally driving for miles on end across two tremendous bodies of water: the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.
Almost there, 30 miles to Key West
Just after crossing the Seven Mile Bridge and only about 30 miles from your final destination, make a little detour to visit Big Pine Key. It’s rumored to have the best seafood in Florida. Make a final stop in Sugarloaf Key, the U-shaped island wraps around Sugarloaf Sound; a calm paradise for snorkelling, swimming, and fishing; it is also home to the American Shoal Lighthouse, one in a string of lighthouses erected to help ships navigate through the dangerous shoal, the distinctive red structure is visible with good binoculars from Sugarloaf Key.
If you take one selfie on this trip it has to be with the famous mile marker ”0 Mile”.
You will want to spend at least one night and one day in Key West to enjoy some of the many attractions in and around the hub of the city, Duval Street; head out for the daily sunset celebration in Mallory Square and adjust to Key West lifestyle.
The entire trip can be made in about four hours if you drive non-stop. But, what would be the point, you may ask? It is to fully experience this journey, taking on the local laid-back attitude, putting the top down and making plenty of stops along the way for an adventure of a lifetime.
Due to changing advisories and local COVID-19 regulations, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. The best time to go is between February and May. The temperatures are on average in the 70s Fahrenheit or 20s Celcius with little risk of rain. The hurricane season starting in September is to be avoided.
