5 Things To See On A Miami To Key West Road Trip
What is the Miami to Key West Road Trip Most Famous For?
The Miami to Key West road trip is one of the most scenic and exciting drives in the USA, with plenty of things to see. Water sports enthusiasts can snorkel on vibrant reefs, enjoy open-water fishing or relax on sandy beaches. Lively marinas where you can hand-feed giant tarpon add to the fun.
History buffs will love exploring mysterious outdoor sculptures and a historic island that was once part of Florida’s original Overseas Railroad. Along the way, stop for great food and dive into the local arts scene. Read on to find out the best places to stop on a road trip from Miami to Key West.
1. John Pennekamp State Park
The only living coral reef in the United States
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura
The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo has over 80 km of natural mangrove wilderness. It’s a joy to explore by paddleboard or kayak, a tropical hammock forest full of wildlife and hiking trails and some of the best birdwatching in the Florida Keys. But the snorkelling tours to the only living coral reef in the continental USA are its main draw.
A half-hour boat ride takes you to the vibrant reef, home to over 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish. Some visitors also see turtles, dolphins and manatees. If conditions allow, visit the Christ of the Abyss underwater statue. If you prefer to stay dry, take the glass-bottom boat tour.
Localização: Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Telefone: +1 305-676-3777
John Pennekamp State Park
2. Coral Castle Museum and Sculpture Garden
Landmark hand-carved limestone sculpture garden
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
Coral Castle Museum and Sculpture Garden is a quirky pitstop on the Miami to Key West drive. It features sculptures carved by Edward Leedskalnin from over 900 tonnes of oolite, the native limestone bedrock. The mystery is how this 1.5-metre Latvian immigrant built the massive sculptures without human or mechanical assistance.
Now a National Historic Place, Coral Castle runs tours that explain Leedskalnin’s use of magnetism, electricity and physics in crafting the mind-bending monuments which include an over 8 tonne revolving boulder gate, 16-tonne carvings of Mars and Saturn and an almost 21-tonne crescent moon. Don’t miss the Polaris telescope sculpture, which aligns with celestial bodies. It’s especially impressive if you visit at dusk.
Localização: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, USA
Abre: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays)
Telefone: +1 305-248-6345
Coral Castle Museum and Sculpture Garden
3. Robbie’s of Islamorada
Marina with world-famous giant fish feeding
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura, Alimentação
Robbie’s of Islamorada is known for its thrilling giant tarpon fish feeding experience. These “silver kings” of the ocean can grow up to 2 metres long and may graze your hand as they snatch the bait, which is exhilarating but mostly harmless. Watch out for the pelicans, though. They can be aggressive in their attempts to steal your bait.
Open from breakfast until late, Robbie’s has a Key-style restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. You can also join the daily snorkelling tours or take one of the many fishing trips offered at “The Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” If you’re a fan of the Netflix series Bloodline, you’ll recognize some of the iconic dockside moorings from the show.
Localização: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
Abre: Daily 7 am to 9 pm
Telefone: +1 305-664-8070
Robbie’s of Islamorada
4. Rain Barrel Village
Local arts and crafts village with food trucks and cafe
Ideal para: Alimentação, Famílias, Compras
Betsy the giant lobster sculpture welcomes visitors into Rain Barrel Village, a garden with galleries and artsy souvenir shops located between Key Largo and Islamorada. You can sometimes watch the artists at work as you explore the lovely shady gardens and peruse the unique handcrafted mementos and gifts ranging from jewellery, paintings, ceramics and sculptures to home decor and blown glass pieces.
It’s a relaxing stop off with food trucks, a garden cafe and friendly hosts. Stop to refuel and refresh or just to take a selfie with anatomically correct Betsy out front.
Localização: 86700 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
Abre: Daily 9 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +1 305-521-2043
Rain Barrel Village
5. Pigeon Key
Historic island with snorkelling
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura, História
Pigeon Key is a small, historic island located between Marathon and Fred the Tree on the Overseas Highway. With clear waters and abundant marine life, it’s popular for swimming and snorkelling (take gear and water shoes for the rocky seabed). Access is by ferry, on foot or open-air tourist train over the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Daily tours recount the island’s history as a work camp for labourers building the Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. There are shaded picnic areas, a quiet beach and a saltwater pool with sharks, groupers and tarpon. You can catch the shark feeding after the 1 pm tour. Bring supplies as the only amenities are restrooms and water fountains.
Localização: 1090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Abre: Daily 9.30 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +1 305-743-5999
Pigeon Key
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