Trip to Key West on the Highway over the Sea
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
If you are in Miami or its surroundings, take the opportunity for a lovely scenic trip on Highway 1 that reaches Key West. The road passes between small islands (22 in number), reefs, and capes connected by long bridges.
This route is also called the "Overseas Highway" and it is one of the most beautiful and unique roads in the USA.
Many miles of bridges over the water!
The drive time (without stops) to Key West, which is the last island in the chain, is about three and a half hours, but since a large part of the enjoyment and interest in this route is the road itself, it is definitely recommended to stop at some of the small islands, observe the views, spend time at the beaches and tour the small settlements scattered along the way. Near each of the impressive bridges connecting the islands, there is a parking bay which is highly recommended to stop at.
♥ Recommended hotels in Key West
♦ Westin Key West Resort & Marina - A 4-star resort with 178 rooms and suites, including 2-bedroom suites for up to 7 people. Located on the waterfront in a central location in Key West. The hotel has a marina, pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, and bar.
♦ Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West at The Keys Collection A 3-star hotel from the Marriott chain. Price includes breakfast. The hotel has a pool and gym. Free internet and parking.
♦ Truman Hotel - A 3-star boutique hotel with 35 modern rooms, each with a refrigerator. Some rooms have a balcony or garden. Free internet and parking.
Recommended hotels in Key Largo
It is recommended to stay in Key Largo, the largest town at the beginning of the scenic highway, which is a resort town full of beaches, hotels, restaurants, and activities. You can stay there for several nights and from there go on a day trip to Key West and back:
♦ Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort A recommended Marriott resort with a great beach and plenty of water sports and vacation activities. The hotel has a pool, restaurant, and spa. Free internet. Parking for an additional fee.
A 3-star hotel with 150 rooms, each with a refrigerator and microwave. The hotel has a private beach, swimming pool, and boat dock. Free breakfast, internet, and parking.
♦ Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
A luxury and modern spa resort by the Marriott chain (opened in early 2016) located on the waterfront with a private beach, large swimming pool, jacuzzi, and water sports. Bicycles for free loan. The hotel has 155 modern rooms each with a refrigerator. Free internet and parking.
♦ Order entrance tickets to Disney, Universal, Legoland, SeaWorld parks in Orlando:
Discounted tickets for several days, each day for a different park:
Great attractions in the island chain on the way between Key Largo and Key West:
Key Largo
Key Largo is the first settlement you reach and it is located in the north of the island chain on the island of the same name. Staying in Key Largo is generally cheaper on this itinerary and it is a wonderful destination for water sports, vacation, and watching marine animals.
Recommended tours and activities in Key Largo and its surroundings:
♦ Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys
A recommended 3.5-hour snorkeling at an amazing reef full of fish, turtles, rays, and many other sea creatures.
♦ Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour
Guided Kayak Eco Tour between mangroves with plenty of vegetation and many marine animals.
♦ Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat
One-hour cruise to watch dolphins and manatees.
Attractions to stop at on the way to Key West:
● At Mile Marker 86.7: A cute artisan village named Rain Barrel Artisan’s Village with a giant lobster statue in front.
● At Mile 77: Robbie's Marina. It has about 100 hungry tarpon fish (reaching 1.5-2.5 meters in length!!) and the main attraction is feeding them as they jump and leap quickly near the feeders.
● At Marathon at Mile Marker 48.5: The Turtle Hospital. Fascinating 1.5-hour guided tours take place between pools where turtles of various sizes injured by boats or other animals are undergoing rehabilitation at the site.
● Along the islands, there are several marine reserves suitable for diving enthusiasts; the two most famous reserves are:
"John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park", located in north Key Largo. In the reserve's visitor center, there are aquariums and films about life in the sea.
The second reserve is "Looe Key marine sanctuary" located south of the longest bridge: "Seven miles bridge". Even those who do not dive will enjoy the magnificent beaches with coconut trees and golden sand.
● For dolphin lovers who didn't get enough in Orlando, it is worth stopping on the way at Islamorada at "Theater of the Sea" and on Marathon island where dolphin shows take place.
Beaches in the Florida Keys
Along the island chain, there are many beaches. The recommended ones among them are in the following list:
● In Marathon, in the southwestern part of the island, a recommended sandy beach called Sombrero Beach:
Additional beaches:
● Calusa Beach is located on Pine Key inside a state park named Bahia Honda.
● In Key West: Smathers Beach is located in Key West on its southern side. Another beach in Key West called Zachary Taylor State Park Beach is located at the southwestern end of Key West island. Another beach located between these two beaches is called Higgs Beach.
Key West
Key West, which is the southernmost city in the USA, is a lovely resort town with a subtropical climate, featuring several historical sites such as: President Truman's vacation home, the home of the famous writer Hemingway, the lighthouse, and more.
It is recommended to go up the observation tower located in the Shipwreck Museum and see the view of the city:
View of Mallory Square and the nearby islands:
In the city, there are several marinas from which various types of cruises depart: fishing, diving, touring, glass-bottom boats, and cruises to watch the sunset, which is considered especially beautiful in the area. Key West visitor center address: Mallory Square, 402 Wall St.
In the port, there is a promenade called Harbour Walk where you can observe the many yachts in the port or sit for a good meal at one of the restaurants along it.
Recommended tours in Key West
♦ The best way to see the city is by a guided tour in the "Conch" trolley cars Key West Conch Tour Trains which depart (with high frequency) for a hour and a half tour through the old and new quarters of the city and among the important buildings.
Key West is famous for its sunsets. The best place in the city to see the sunset is at its western end near the cruise ship docks at Mallory Square.
Adjacent to Mallory Square is a sculpture garden with 36 famous figures who contributed to the folklore and culture of Key West, among them the writer Ernest Hemingway who lived here.
There is nothing like watching a wonderful sunset while on a romantic cruise. Many companies organize sunset viewing cruises in Key West. In some, the cruise is accompanied by a meal or alcoholic drinks, and often by music. There are ships of all sizes and types.
Several recommended cruise options with alcoholic drinks and more:
Key West is also known for its water sports and recreation: snorkeling, diving, cruises to watch marine animals like dolphins and sharks, parasailing, jet skis, kayaks and more. Recommended beaches in Key West were given in the previous paragraph.
♦ The recommended activities of the best companies:
♦ For those who prefer "land" activity, you are invited to join a 3-hour guided bicycle tour of Old Town Key West that covers all the city's points of interest:
Guided Bicycle Tour of Old Town Key West
The old broken road and the new road (on the left) to Key West