The drive from Miami to Key West along the Overseas Highway (US-1) is one of the most iconic road trips in America. You'll cross 42 bridges over the open ocean, pass through quirky island towns, and end up at the southernmost point in the continental United States. Here's your complete guide.
📋 The Basics
📍 Mile Marker Guide
The Keys use mile markers (MM) instead of street addresses. They count down from MM 126 (Key Largo) to MM 0 (Key West).
🤿 Key Largo (MM 106-90) — First Stop
The "Diving Capital of the World." John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5) offers glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling trips to the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. Stop at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen (MM 99) for the best fish sandwich in the Upper Keys. Allow 1-2 hours.
🎣 Islamorada (MM 90-72) — Sportfishing Capital
This stretch is gorgeous. Stop at Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5) to feed massive tarpon by hand — it's a unique Florida experience. Midway Cafe serves excellent breakfast if you left Miami early. The Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5) is a small marine park great for families.
🐢 Marathon (MM 65-47) — The Heart of the Keys
Marathon is where you'll cross the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Pull over at the viewpoint on the Marathon side for photos. The Turtle Hospital (MM 48.5) offers guided tours where you can see rescued sea turtles — reservations recommended. Keys Fisheries at the Marathon marina serves the best lobster Reuben sandwich you'll ever eat.
🦌 Big Pine Key & Lower Keys (MM 40-9)
Stop at Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37), home to one of the best beaches in all of Florida — yes, even better than many Miami beaches. The crystal-clear water and natural sand are stunning. Big Pine Key is also where you'll spot tiny Key Deer, an endangered species found nowhere else on Earth.
🌴 Key West (MM 0) — The End of the Road
You made it. Key West is a world unto itself — part Caribbean, part Old South, part Margaritaville. Must-dos include:
💡 Tips
The Overseas Highway is truly one of the great American road trips. Take your time, stop often, and enjoy the ride — the journey is just as good as the destination.
Before you hit the road, check out our best beaches guide for more sand and surf closer to Miami.
