One of the most iconic road trips in the United States is traveling to the southernmost city in the United States, Key West. There are many things to do and see on the road while driving to Key West. Road trips are the perfect way to see more on your trip as you can make stops along the way. We are listing the 18 things you have to do and see on your road trip through the Florida Keys!
Not sure how to plan your trip? Read our post on how to plan your next trip.
Road trip to the upper Keys, Key Largo, Islamorada
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Make a stop on your Florida Keys road trip in Key Largo. You can visit the John Pennekamp state park and charter a tour that will take you scuba diving, snorkeling or ride on a glass bottom boat. The most iconic site to scuba dive is the Christ of the Deep statue. Afterwards, you can take a relaxing walk in the nearby Crocodile National Refuge. And yes, there are also crocodiles in Florida!
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
We always try to visit any non-profit organization that helps injured animals. The wild bird center helps wild birds recover and either releases them into the wild or cares for them long-term. The admission is free, but you can give a donation if you would like.
Feed Wild Tarpon in Islamorada
Stop at Robbie’s Boat Rental and enjoy one of the most unique and iconic things to do in the Florida Keys. Since 1976, this boat rental place has been keeping the tarpon happy and fat by offering visitors the opportunity to feed the minnows by hand. This task isn’t for the faint of heart as some of the tarpon can reach 100lbs. Don’t worry though, they won’t bite too hard.
Kayak to the Indian Key State Park
Indian Key State Park is a short distance off the coast. You will find an island that Native Americans inhabited for a few thousand years. A settlement was established in the early 1800s, but was destroyed by the local Native Americans. The island is now deserted, but you can visit the 11-acre island by renting a kayak. The entrance fee is $2.50 and you’ll be able to spend all day exploring the ancient ruins and wildlife.
Make sure to download the Florida Stories app and listen to the story of this island while you explore it.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
This is a hidden gem on your Florida Keys road trip. At Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological state park is where ancient coral reefs were mined in the early part of the 20th century to create the Florida East Coast Railroad. You can hike through the petrified reef and visit the old quarry. The park offers 2 miles of hiking trails and guided tours.
Road trip to Marathon & the Middle Keys
Dolphin Research Center
The center has many rescued dolphins, sea lions, birds, and much more. The admission is $30 and allows you to watch the wildlife, talk to researchers and learn about the amazing wildlife. Plan on spending at least 3 hours in the center.
The Dolphin Research Center is a non-profit organization that uses your admission costs to take care of the wildlife and educate the community on marine wildlife. They also fund a special manatee rescue program! You can feel good about spending money here.
The Turtle Hospital
We think the Turtle Hospital is the best thing to do in the Florida Keys! Take a tour of the facilities and learn about the rehabilitation and lives of the turtles. It is very interesting to learn about the role of humans in the sea turtle depopulation. The non-profit hospital releases any turtle that can be reintroduced to sea, but they also have full time residents as well. Try to find their oldest turtle, named Bubble Butt. The profit from the turtle hospital goes back to helping the turtles. This is a must do!
Cruise the 7 Mile Bridge
Before you arrive at the famous Key West, enjoy a slow drive over the famous 7 mile bridge. It offers one of the best views in the keys as you drive above the open ocean.
While you are driving, notice the older bridge right next to the bridge you are driving on. This is the old 7 mile bridge and was initially built as a railroad track. The bridge is expected to be open and renewed in 2021 for pedestrians and bikes.
Road trip to Key West & the Lower Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
At Bahia Honda State Park is where you can find some beaches to relax. We recommend the northside of Sandspur beach, as it recently reopened after being damaged by Hurricane Irma. There are plenty of activities to do, including cycling, birding, kayaking and hiking.
On top of the bridge, you are likely to see dolphins, turtles and stingrays. Do you even need to go further?
Stargazing at Bahia Honda State Park
There are only certain spots in the world where you can truly see the beauty of the night sky. Bahia Honda State Park is one of them. This is the most underrated part of the entire Florida Keys.
National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center for Key Deer
Make a stop on your Florida Keys road trip to see the miniature Key deer at the National Wildlife refuge. The animals are a subspecies of the white-tailed deer and can be seen swimming from island to island. Make sure not to feed them! This can lead to an early death for the deer. Also make sure to drive slowly through the Keys to preserve the deer.
The best place to find these animals is from the lookout toward the Blue Hole, the largest lake in the Keys.
Unique things to do in the Florida Keys
Get rid of the car
Park the car somewhere for the day (we found neighborhood parking) and trade it for a scooter or bicycle. We rented a bike for $12 each. Exploring Key West by bike gives the opportunity to see more of the town and its architecture. Some exercise won’t hurt as you are going to eat Key lime pie everyday.
Snuba diving
Snuba diving is the perfect combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, as you do not need a license. We explored a shipwreck and saw many fish and lobsters. A fun activity to do!
Butterfly Conservatory
We love organizations that attempt to educate people about nature and want to support such organizations. The conservatory is a great place for getting out of the Florida sun and seeing many different species of butterflies.
Mojitos and Sunsets at Mallory Square
If you are 90 (144 km) miles from Cuba, you might as well have a signature Cuban beverage and relax at the best place to see the sunset. Anything that needs to get done can happen mañana.
Duval Street & Dessert
Duval street is where it all happens. You can shop at boutique shops and watch the entertainment that fills the street. Try out the cookies at Mattheessens or Kermit’s Key Lime Pie shop for the signature dessert of the Keys.
Key West Island Bookstore
Visit this small bookstore for a relaxing read. They mostly specialize in Ernest Hemingway, mystery writers and local writers. They have this motto: “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book”.
Key West Historic Seaport
Watch yachts and fishing boats at the historic seaport. We rode our bikes here and spent some time at the deck.
The popular things to do in Key West
Some well known activities of Key West include the Ernest Hemingway House, taking a photo at the Southernmost point and viewing the architecture of Truman’s little White House. We skipped these because of the long lines. Besides, some famous attractions are overrated. Let us know if you agree!
Cruise ships can raise the prices and make the town filled with people. If you’re like us and you don’t like the crowds, we recommend planning your trip on days when cruise ships don’t dock.
Let yourself be heard!
What is your favorite thing to do in the Florida Keys? Let us know in the comment section below.
