Experience the awe-inspiring ocean views from the Overseas Highway with a self-guided Miami to Key West driving tour. You can take in all the famous attractions and activities on your own accord as we guide you through the entire Miami to Key West tour. With more than 160 miles and 14 highlights, you’ll want a narrator with you to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
One of the USA’s most famous and classic road trips, the Overseas Highway, US1, jumps from Key to Key over 113 miles, either ending or beginning at Key West, just 90 miles from Cuba.
Along the journey, we’ll track the story of how a determined Henry Flagler fought engineering, financing, hurricanes and some ridicule to build an Overseas Railway. Those tracks forged the initial route and became the foundation on which the road was eventually built upon.
Hear how famous musicians, writers, adventurers and other characters have also been charmed by the Florida Keys and Key West’s unique location and way of life. They came to chase huge fighting fish, find buried treasure or just themselves.
Snorkel, scuba or take a glass bottom boat to get up close to the living coral reefs, fish and an old Spanish shipwreck, of the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
We’ll point out areas to keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Key Deer, the smallest of North American deer and visit the lovely beach at Bahia Honda for an up-close view of the old rail bridge.
As we loop Key West, appreciate the brightly coloured Key West style houses, including Ernest Hemingway’s, which open to visit. Grab a selfie at the striped buoy that represents the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA.
Take some time to wander Duval Street. You’ll quickly find yourself slowing to Key West pace.
South Beach, Downtown Miami, or Key West
It is possible to drive the Overseas Highway and return to Miami in a single day, but expect it to take 10-12 hours. It’s much more enjoyable to spend over a couple of days or a week staying in Key West, Marathon or other Keys along the route
Between Miami and Key West, it’s around 168 miles – expect 4 hours driving time depending on traffic
