Essential Gear for a Miami to Key West Road Trip Powered by EcoFlow
- How to Plan Your Miami to Key West Road Trip
- What Is the Best Month To Travel From Miami to Key West?
- How Many Days Do You Need To Drive From Miami to Key West?
- Must-See Spots
- Hidden Gems From Miami to Key West
- What to Pack
- What Car is Best to Drive from Miami to Key West?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Sunny Florida skies blend with crystal blue waters throughout the entire trek from Miami to Key West. This stunning road trip is guaranteed to grant you views unlike anywhere else in the world, and we’re here to make sure you have a memorable adventure.
With so much to see and many places to stop along the way, it’s important you have everything you need for a seamless travel experience down to the southernmost point.
Below, we’ll dive into some of the most important planning tips you should follow to make the most of this tropical excursion. Let’s get started.
How to Plan Your Miami to Key West Road Trip
The first step is deciding how many days you have to enjoy this road trip. While you can easily travel from Miami to Key West in one day, we recommend allotting a larger timeframe to dive into the history and attractions.
Once you know how much time you have to explore, be sure to research and better understand all the sights you would like to see along the route. Book your accommodations as soon as possible, as this is a highly sought-after destination during peak travel seasons.
What Is the Best Month To Travel From Miami to Key West?
Florida weather is relatively unpredictable throughout the year, though there are certain periods during which it’s better to travel through the state's southern region.
In general, it’s best to avoid peak hurricane season, which tends to heighten around August to October. These months are also particularly hot and may not be as enjoyable for folks not used to the scorching Florida heat.
If you can, try to plan your trip from April to July. These months are typically warm and sunny, and while it may still rain, the likelihood of a hurricane hitting is smaller than later in the season.
You can also enjoy the Florida Keys during the winter months, though outdoor activities like snorkeling and swimming may not be enjoyable with the colder weather and water temperatures.
How Many Days Do You Need To Drive From Miami to Key West?
This drive is only 165 miles long, so it can be completed in one day. However, you may want to take your time, especially if you plan to stop at some of the spots listed below. To see all that the Florida Keys have to offer, we recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days slowing down and enjoying this beautiful paradise.
The Florida Keys comprise five main regions—Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, and Key West—and each region has so much to see. Don’t rush the journey and enjoy the slower pace of life here.
Must-See Spots
Robbie’s Marina
One of the most famous stops along the way is Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada. Here, you can feed the hungry tarpon with your hands and enjoy a nice meal on the water. This tropical oasis is a great destination to visit as a tourist and offers plenty of boat rentals or charter options if you wish to spend a day out on the water.
If you’re interested in diving into the tropical waters of Islamorada, this is a great spot. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, known for its famous underwater statue and reef, is the perfect spot for beginner and experienced snorkelers or divers to glimpse the diverse marine life celebrated in the Florida Keys.
You can even choose to spend a few days exploring the grounds, as there are tons of camping options available on-site. Be prepared for warm evenings and even warmer days in the hot Florida sun. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC unit to help you cool off at your campsite each evening.
Seven Mile Bridge
You’ll travel on the Overseas Highway as you’re nearing the end of your road trip. As the name suggests, the Seven Mile Bridge extends over 7 miles of open water and offers a spectacular horizon view. As you continue to drive south, you can glimpse the original bridge that’s still standing but no longer in active use.
Southernmost Point
You’ll officially reach your final destination once you’ve arrived at the Southernmost Point. This landmark signifies the southernmost coordinates in the United States and is only 90 miles away from Cuba. Make sure to snap plenty of photos and enjoy the rest of your day walking around to see the sights of Key West.
Hidden Gems From Miami to Key West
Pigeon Key
Driving over the Seven Mile Bridge, you may notice a little island a few miles down the road. Pigeon Key is the perfect destination for history and nature lovers alike and is a great stop along the way from Miami to Key West.
Here, you can tour the old buildings and learn more about how Henry Flagler used this island when the original bridge was built in 1912. There are so many amazing stories to be heard, and we highly recommend booking a guided tour if time allows.
No Name Pub
This place gives the saying “off the beaten path” a whole new meaning. Tucked deep within Big Pine Key is this historic restaurant. Here, you can sit down to enjoy a few drinks or munch on some of their more popular food items.
Leave your mark by stapling a decorated dollar up in the building, and make sure to snap a photo with the famous “No Name Pub - You Found It!” sign out front.
Getting to and from this destination without a proper navigation system can prove challenging for visitors from out of town. Be sure to have an EcoFlow’s RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Station ready to keep your devices charged and connected and keep you on track for your road trip.
The Turtle Hospital
The Keys are home to a diverse ecosystem of marine life, and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins, turtles, and even sharks swimming through the surrounding waterways. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Key is a rehabilitation facility for injured turtles typically rescued from nearby areas. Here, you can see how the facility helps the animals to heal and their plans for returning them to the wild.
What to Pack
Food and Water: While there are lots of great restaurants to stop at along the route, you should still have some basics ready in your car. EcoFlow’s Glacier Portable Refrigerator is a great cooler option to take on the go to ensure you have adequate snacks and drinks for the entirety of your trip.
Music and Audio Books: With approximately 165 miles to travel from Miami to Key West, you need to make sure you bring along some entertainment items to keep the party going. Typical traffic and busy seasons can make this drive take longer than the typical 3-4 hours, which is why it’s so important to bring along music, books, or even games for you and your travel crew to enjoy.
What Car is Best to Drive from Miami to Key West?
While any well-maintained car is equipped to handle the drive from Miami to Key West, we recommend you travel with comfort in mind. Mid-sized to large SUVs are the best types of cars for road trips, allowing you plenty of room to bring everything you need throughout your adventure.
You can rent a car or bring your own and upgrade it with some great additions. EcoFlow’s 800W Alternator Charger, for example, allows you to charge on the go, ensuring you can enjoy the journey and stay connected throughout the entire expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Part of Miami to Key West?
There are so many amazing sights to see on your drive from Miami to Key West, but the best would have to be seeing the sunset over Mallory Square. This famous destination is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets you can see anywhere in the world and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day on the road.
Final Thoughts
A road trip from Miami to Key West is truly one of the most picturesque driving experiences the entire country has to offer. The tropical wildlife is unique to the area and is so special to enjoy, especially if you’re traveling from out of state.
The Florida Keys offer a glimpse into true Florida history and make an excellent destination for car travel. If you’re ready to plan your trip, make sure you have everything you need to enjoy it. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is the perfect backup power solution for any of your road trip needs and will help make this a trip to remember.