Three-Day Road Trip from Ft. Lauderdale / Miami to Key West

Grab your favorite coffee or morning fuel and get ready to hit the road. Opt for a convertible if you can! The full drive from Ft. Lauderdale is about four and a half hours, and four hours from Miami. But time flies as you have so many exciting stops to look forward to!

First, stop at Robert is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead, Florida, where you'll find fresh handmade smoothies, tons of exotic fruit and even a petting zoo out back! What better place to stock up on road trip snacks?

From there, head to John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo to visit the marine sanctuary, go snorkeling (there's a Spanish shipwreck AND a sunken statue), or just catch some rays on the beach.

Get back on the road for lunch at Robbie's Restaurant in Islamorada at Mile Marker 77, where you can feed wild tarpon and then feed yourselves some lunch.

Hop back in the car and make your way to Key West, making sure to take in the views when crossing the Seven Mile Bridge! If you feel like stretching your legs, there is a turn off to the right where you can walk along the old railroad bridge.

Arrive in Key West with plenty of time to catch the sunset, walk along Duval Street and soak in all the charm this place has to offer.

Note: The Overseas Highway is one lane most of the way and traffic can get backed up at certain times of the day/week/season. Please keep this in mind as you plan your road trip!

Start the day off right with a leisurely breakfast in the garden of Blue Heaven (just don't be surprised if a rooster tries to join you at your table!).

From there, stop in for a tour of the Hemingway House, where you might even catch a glimpse of the infamous six-toed cats.

If you're feeling adventurous, opt for a half-day snorkeling tour and spend the day exploring the Keys from the water. If you'd rather relax on the beach, check out Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, or head to Smathers Beach for a more secluded option.

Ring in the evening with the sunset at Mallory Square or Sunset Pier and follow it up with a romp down Duval Street where you'll find tons of bars and live music.

Don't forget to stop by Kermit's for some chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick!

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Key West and stop by Funky Rooster Coffee House & Wine Bar or Cuban Coffee Queen before hitting the road.

Make your way to Bahia Honda State Park (about an hour north of Key West). Spend the morning soaking in the crystal clear water, walking in the shadow of the old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge and snorkeling. The state park is full-service for rentals, food and even offers a one-and-a-half-hour excursion to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary!

Once you've had your fill of sun and sand, hop back in the car for a 20-minute drive to Marathon Key for lunch at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, or head an hour north to Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.

Make one last stop to check out the shops and say "hi" to Betsey, the Lobster at the Rain Barrel Artisans Village before making your way back home.