Driving the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, the 113 mile stretch of road which connects mainland Florida and Key West, is one of the classic American road trips. Discover our top ten reasons why we think you should embark on this epic journey after your next Caribbean cruise from Miami.
1 – Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s
Robbie’s Marina on Islamorada is worth stopping at to refuel with some fresh seafood and crisp cocktails, however, many people choose to stop here to hand-feed the giant tarpons which call the waters around the marina home. Grab a bucket of fish which will cost you $4 and head down to the dock to hand feed these majestic creatures. Just be on the lookout for the prowling pelicans who will take any opportunity to snatch any unguarded baitfish.
2 – Have a slice of key lime pie
You can’t say you’ve visited the Florida Keys without having tasted a slice of key lime pie, a south Florida staple, which you’ll be sure to find on every menu up and down the Keys. What is said to make this dessert so special is the intensely flavoured tartness of the key lime, which, unlike traditional limes, is picked when green and then turns yellow when ripe.
3 – Visit a turtle hospital
Located in Marathon, The Turtle Hospital opened its doors in 1986 with the aim of rehabilitating injured sea turtles and returning them to their natural habitat as well as educating the public on these incredible but sadly endangered animals. You can visit and take one of the guided educational tours which will allow you to go behind the scenes of the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, as well as have the chance to feed some of the permanent residents.
4 – Sit back and enjoy another stunning sunset
Whilst exploring the Florida Keys you’ll soon realise that watching the sunsets is somewhat of a nightly ritual. Head to Mallory Square on Key West and join the crowds on what feels more like a community celebration. Enjoy the live music and street performers as you watch the sun slowly dip into the Gulf of Mexico. Alternatively, why not head out onto the water and watch this beautiful spectacle on a sunset cruise? You can book one through our partners at GetYourGuide through the links below.
5 – Walk, run or cycle on Seven Mile Bridge
If you’re looking to stretch your legs after some time in the car there’s no better place to do so than the recently renovated Old Seven Mile Bridge. Don’t worry we’re not suggesting you run a half marathon, only a 2.2 mile stretch of this historic bridge, which runs parallel to the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, is open for recreational use.
6 – Dive into the turquoise waters
The crystal clear, blue waters surrounding the Florida Keys are teeming with brightly coloured tropical fish, hard and soft corals, sea turtles and stingrays. This is thanks to the Florida Reef, the world’s third-largest coral barrier reef and sadly the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. One of the most iconic spots to grab a snorkel and dive into the turquoise waters is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you’ll even be able to swim down to the Christ of the Abyss statue, an 8.5-foot-tall replica of the bronze cast of Jesus Christ in the Mediterranean sea, which lies submerged in about 25 feet of water.
7 – Visit the southernmost point in the United States
Yes, this will be the most touristy thing you do during your Florida Keys road trip, however, snapping a photo next to the colourful buoy which marks the most southernmost point in the United States has to be on your to-do list whilst in Key West. If you’re looking to beat the crowds head there in the morning, the landmark is located at the intersection of Whitehead Street and South Street.
8 – Retrace Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps
One of Key West’s most notable former inhabitants has to be the legendary American writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived here between 1931 and 1939. His original house is in fact now a museum, The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and remains one of the most popular attractions in Key West. As you explore the house and gardens you’ll probably spot a few of the 60 or so polydactyl (six-toed) cats which live here, some of which are said to be descended from Hemingway’s six-toed cat Snow White which was given to him by a ship’s captain back in 1935.
9 – Enjoy the freedom and flexibility
Most transatlantic flights home from the USA will depart in the evening, flying you overnight back to the UK. The beauty of adding a post-cruise road trip means you’ll really be able to make real use of your final day away from home. Rather than having to spend extra hours at the airport or worry about finding luggage storage you can simply pack up the car and take the leisurely drive back north to Miami airport. Maybe stop off for one last key lime pie on the way or spend your final hours in the USA relaxing on the beach before the reality of having to go home abruptly sets in.
10 – Listen to your favourite songs as you drive
No road trip would be complete without an epic playlist to accompany you on your drive. Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work and compiled the perfect driving playlist to listen to as you cruise down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.
Ready to set sail?
If you’ve been inspired to take a drive down the incredible Florida Keys, all the way to Key West, this epic cruise and stay holiday is for you. You’ll begin with a-2 night stay in Miami Beach, before boarding Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady for a 5-night Caribbean cruise ahead of your Key West road-trip adventure. Flights, hotels and car hire are all included in this bucket-list package. To find out more click the button below.
