Florida Keys Part 6: Road Trip to Key West

Though the island of Key West has an airport, many travelers opt to take a roadtrip from Miami, instead of flying in. After doing the road trip myself, I understand why. This drive is absolutely stunning and so unique.

Overseas Highway

To reach Key West from Miami, you could drive directly, which would take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

Key Largo Shoreline

If you have the time however, I suggest a few overnight stops along the way, including the city of Miami, and the islands of Key Largo and Islamorada.

You can also take a driving break, or grab a quick bite in other small towns like Marathon, ...

... or Layton. There's no shortage of beautiful views along the way.

To reach Key West by car, you would travel the Overseas Highway, a 113 mile stretch of U.S. Route 1.

The highway incorporates 42 bridges. The most iconic of these is the 7 Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world. There is something unique about this particular, uninterrupted, seven mile stretch of the Overseas Highway, where the road seems to continue endlessly into the horizon, suspended between sky and water.

There is open sea around you in every direction and then suddenly, a tiny island appears in the distance like a mirage, a brief interruption in the endless ocean before disappearing behind you again.

The experience truly felt dreamlike - more like floating across the ocean, than driving on a paved road. The sheer openness of the environment creates a strange and beautiful sense of isolation, making the bridge feel far longer than its name suggests.

Running beside the modern bridge is the haunting silhouette of the old Seven Mile Bridge, its weathered structure rising from the water like a relic from another era.

The original bridge was first completed in 1912 as part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad before later being converted for cars in 1938, after the railroad was damaged in the 1935 Labor Day hurricane.

Portions of the old structure are now disconnected, giving the old bridge a dramatic, abandoned look as it stretches out over the sea.

The current bridge was built between 1978 and 1982 and officially opened in 1982 as part of a major modernization of the Overseas Highway.

You may recognize it as the location of the dramatic bridge chase climax from the 1994 movie True Lies.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park

Just after crossing the bridge, I stopped for a break at Bahia Honda State Park.

Entering the park, it was nice to encounter some foliage ...

... and to hug the shore after driving on elevated roads.

Stepping out of the car, I immediately understood why Bahia Honda is often considered one of the prettiest parks in all of Florida.

Being here felt like stepping into a postcard, with powdery white sand beaches, shallow turquoise water, and swaying palms.

The park is famous for its panoramic views and is the perfect place to stop, ...

... have a picnic lunch ...

... and watch the wind surfers dancing on the water through the mangrove trees.

West Summerland Key

The final place I recommend for a memorable stop on your Key West road trip comes at West Summerland Key, where you can walk out onto a remote pier and take in the endless, surrounding water from a completely different perspective.

Ironically, standing out over the ocean with the wind whipping up the water and the sound of the waves, the world felt quiet and still.

Perhaps it is because the pier offers uninterrupted views of the sea stretching in every direction, with the exception of boats drifting in the distance, and the occasional seabird gliding overhead.

This is the type of road trip that makes you slow down and simply take in your surroundings. It reminds you that the journey itself is every bit as special as the destination.