Florida is a diverse state and is famous for its warm winter, gaining the nickname of the “Sunshine State”. With so much to explore, this Miami to Key West Travel Guide is focusing on the southernmost of the South Florida attractions. Going further south would actually reach Cuba! 

Miami to Key West Travel Guide

This Travel Guide is based on a 7-day itinerary from Miami to Key West, flying into Miami International Airport and renting a car.

• Day 1: Miami 
• Day 2: Miami Old Town & Beaches
• Day 3: Everglades Airboat Tour or Kayak
• Day 4: Drive along the Keys
• Day 5: Key West
• Day 6: Dry Tortugas National Park
• Day 7: Miami

Great Blue Heron on the Anhinga Trail, Everglades

Additional South Florida things to do can be easily added for a more relaxed South Florida 10-day itinerary

• Day 1: Miami 
• Day 2: Miami Old Town & Beaches
• Day 3: Big Cypress National Preserve Hike
• Day 4: Everglades Airboat Tour or Kayak
• Day 5: Drive along the Key
• Day 6: Key West scuba-diving
• Day 7: Sailing in the Florida Keys
• Day 8: Key West Old Town
• Day 9: Dry Tortugas National Park
• Day 10: Return to Miami with a stop a the Biscayne National Park

Public transportation is available with buses from Miami to Key West, but a car will give you more freedom to stop whenever you want and enjoy some of the stunning scenery the Florida Keys have to offer.

South Florida Attractions

Miami 

Known for its significant Cuban influence,  the city  features some highly recognizable attractions: the Miami Heat, the Miami tower, and the beautiful Art Deco district with its colorful houses across South Beach. Of course, don’t forget to relax at one of the numerous Miami beaches! 

Biscayne National Park

The park is located on the Atlantic coast of South Florida, and includes the northern Florida Keys’ mangrove forest, islets, and coral reefs. The Biscayne Bay lagoon is home to turtles, dolphins, and pelicans. Go to the Boca Chita Lighthouse on Boca Chita Key for awesome views of the ocean. Those interested in scuba-diving will want to check the shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is home to rare and endangered species including manatees, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, and several species of birds. The Anhinga Trail is a must-see, a self-guided trail where you can get close to anhingas, alligators, herons, turtles, and egrets. The swamps and water canals of the Everglades National Park give fantastic kayaking opportunities. Take a ranger-guided tour on a canoe experience. Or go on an overnight camping trip to Hell’s Trail, kayaking through mangroves and camping on a chickee. 

Florida Keys

The 120 miles stretch of the Florida islands sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Located at the southern tip of Florida, the Keys are popular for fishing snorkeling and diving. The main city is Key West, made famous by Ernest Hemingway, the lively bars of Duval Street, and the Southernmost Point Buoy. Make sure to visit the Key West Lighthouse, one of the several lighthouses in Florida that are open to the public. Ferries to the Dry Tortugas National Park departs from Key West.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Located 70 miles west of Key West, the seven islands that composed the Dry Tortugas National Park can only be reached by ferry, boat or seaplane. The 19th-century Fort Jefferson was built between 1846 and 1875 to protect access to the Gulf of Mexico. Walking through the old fort is really interesting. And the turquoise waters are a such a contrast with the red bricks of the old buildings. Snorkel is a popular activity on the island. There are limited amenities in the park so come prepared to be self-sufficient if you come camping there. Perfect to watch amazing sunsets!

Biscayne National Park

South of Miami on the Atlantic coast, Biscayne is known for its lagoon mangrove forest, islets, and coral reefs where turtles, dolphins, and pelicans can be seen regularly.

Dry Tortugas National Park – Fort Jefferson

South Florida Activities

• Kayak the swamps or hike the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades
• Hike in the swamps of the Big Cypress National Preserve
• Try scuba-diving in the Florida Keys
• Go on a sailing adventure from Key West
• Bike in the old streets of Key West

Kayaking Hell’s Bay Trail, Everglades National Park

Best time to Visit Southern Florida

Spring is the best time to visit Miami and Key West. The winter crowd is gone, and the temperatures haven’t reached their summer high. 

More details will come shortly to provide complete information about our trip, including travel tips and how to organize your South Florida Attractions & Itinerary Travel Guide.

For now, here are some Big Island photos that will make you want to pack and go right away to Hawaii!

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