Our Story, Your Journey
Florida Keys Road Trip
An immersive guide through the Keys (December- January)
West palm Beach
Butterflys in the morning
The day was here; off we go!
We left West Palm Beach just after sunrise with that same feeling you had as a kid the night before Christmas—the butterflies, the excitement, and the anticipation of not knowing what was waiting around the next corner.
Before You Go
- 📍 Enter your accommodation into Google Maps.
- ☕ Leave early to avoid traffic.
- 📸 Leave time for scenic stops along the way.
From the moment you turn onto Highway 1, every bridge, beach, and hidden stop becomes part of the adventure.
The Florida Keys don’t start when you arrive—they start with the drive.
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The drive is part of the journey
Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
There aren’t many highways in the world where you’re surrounded by open ocean on both sides. From Key Largo to Key West, every mile offers another view worth remembering. Roll the windows down, stop whenever something catches your eye, and let the drive become one of the highlights of your trip.
Islamorada/long key
Beautiful stop through the keys
We stopped near ISLAMORADA driving back from Key west, stayed the night, grabbed some food, and enjoyed the ocean! It was a shorter drive to our flight home in west palm, versus leaving Key West early (Just FYI driving when its dark through the keys is a challenge , make sure your wide awake and ready)
LEFT THE EXCITMENT OF KEY WEST TO RELAX IN THE OASIS
Our accommodation in Long key near Islamorada
Where to stay in Islamorada? Well we spent one night here and had a great time
Boutique resort with lots of amenities
Lime Tree Bay Resort
Peaceful waterfront setting, complimentary water activities, and spectacular sunsets make it a great home base for exploring both Islamorada and Marathon at a slower pace.
Location is memorable , right at the waters edge, beautiful sunsets, and quiet! We spent one night but worth the longer stay as a home base. Well priced.
Dinner date on the water
Where to eat in Islamorada? Im sure there are many yummy places but the one gem we found was awesome !!
Lazy Days Restaurant
The oceanfront setting, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere perfectly capture what dining in Islamorada is all about.
- Fresh seafood
- Waterfront dining
- Sunset meals
- Relaxing after a day exploring Islamorada
We enjoyed and DEVOURED coconut shrimp with a savoury Florida Key salad
Half way to key west
Marathon, Florida Keys
Breathtaking accommodations, pristine beaches and excellent food
Best beach in the Florida KEYS
Sombrero Beach
Bring a chair, spend a few hours by the water, and enjoy one of Marathon’s most peaceful beaches. Its calm shoreline makes it an easy stop while driving through the Keys.
MUST SEE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Unlike many rocky shorelines found throughout the Keys, Sombrero Beach offers a broad stretch of sand, calm turquoise water, shaded picnic areas, volleyball courts, restrooms, and easy beach access.
We've been here Twice it was that good! Offers showers, shaded picnic areas and restrooms, volleyball courts and more (very well maintained). One year we were there there were free coconuts falling from the tree!
We stopped here TWICE in the last two years driving to and from Key West. We would love to stay near the beach next year, there are many rental homes and cool accommodations!
Our accommodation near marathon
Duck Key, Florida Keys
This quiet island oasis is home to Hawks Cay Resort, where waterfront accommodations, tropical scenery, and easy access to the best of Marathon create the perfect Florida Keys getaway.
HOME FOR ONE NIGHT. Great for relaxation, and families
HAWKS CAY RESORT
What we loved
✔️ Beautiful pools and tropical setting
✔️ Friendly and welcoming staff
✔️ Relaxing luxury resort atmosphere
✔️ Complimentary DOLPHIN SHOW!! (watch below)
Things to know
- Premium resort with higher prices for dining and amenities.
FREE DOLPHIN SHOW IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Watch Dolphins at Hawks Cay Resort
Every morning, Hawks Cay Resort offers a free dolphin presentation that’s open to guests and visitors. It’s a great family-friendly stop and one of our favorite experiences during our stay on Duck Key.
BEST LUNCH NEAR MARATHON, FLORIDA KEYS, FLORIDA
Havana Jack's Oceanside Restaurant and Bar
We stopped here for lunch before our swim at Sombrero Beach. Delicious food and mesmerizing views in an inspiring place called KEY COLONY. Check the views out in the pictures.
There are also two nice resorts by this place that would be worth checking out.
OUR LAST STOP BEFORE KEY WEST
Bahia Honda Key State Park
One of the most beautiful places in the entire Florida Keys.
A TROPICAL PARADISE
Where the Keys Feel Caribbean
If you didn’t know you were in Florida, you’d swear you had arrived on a Caribbean island. Calm turquoise water, swaying palms, and powdery beaches make Bahia Honda one of the most spectacular places along the Overseas Highway.
THINGS TO DO AT BAHIA HONDA KEY
How to Spend a Few Hours at Bahia Honda State Park
- Take your shoes off, walk the shoreline
- climb the historic bridge, snorkel the crystal-clear water, and simply enjoy one of the most peaceful beaches in the Florida Keys.
We came here for 2 hours, went for swim, and walked along the shoreline. I would recommend spending a few hours or half a day here as we didn't spend long enough!
Words dont describe this place , please feel free to browse the pictures + videos below;
Welcome to key West!
Your Florida Keys road trip is complete, but your vacation is just getting started. If you’re looking for the best beaches, restaurants, attractions, hidden gems, and local tips, our complete Key West Travel Guide has everything you need to make the most of your stay.
Take a Piece of the Keys Home
If this journey inspired you, browse our Florida Keys photography collection and bring a little piece of paradise into your home.