Key West Day Trip with Hotel Pickup from Miami

The Overseas Highway and the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a chain of coral and limestone islands curving south-west from the tip of the mainland into the open sea. They are linked by the Overseas Highway, a road of more than 40 bridges that was built over the route of an old railway destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. Driving it feels like crossing the ocean, with shallow green water on one side and deep blue on the other.

From Miami, the drive to Key West takes about three and a half hours each way. You pass Key Largo, known for its coral reef park, the fishing villages of Islamorada and the town of Marathon in the middle Keys. Your guide explains the history of the islands, the wildlife of the mangroves and what to do once you arrive, so the journey itself is part of this Florida Keys tour.

The Seven Mile Bridge

Just after Marathon, the coach crosses the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the United States and the most spectacular stretch of the drive. For about eleven kilometres the road runs low above the water, and on a sunny day the sea below shines in shades of turquoise, jade and deep blue. Alongside it you can see the old railway bridge, now partly used as a path for pedestrians and anglers.

Sit on the right side of the coach on the way down for the best views of the open ocean, and keep your camera ready. The crossing is short but memorable, and many travellers say it is the moment they understand why the drive to Key West is famous. On the return in the late afternoon, the light over the water is often softer and golden.

Key West old town

Key West is the southernmost city of the continental United States, closer to Cuba than to Miami. Its old town is a grid of quiet lanes lined with wooden houses painted white, pink and mint green, with tin roofs, shady porches and gardens full of bougainvillea and palms. Free-roaming chickens wander the streets, a local tradition that delights visitors.

The coach drops you near the centre around 11:00, so you can explore on your own. Walk along the main street of the old town with its galleries and shops, visit the lighthouse and its small museum, or stop at the butterfly conservatory. Is Key West worth visiting on a day trip? With six hours, you have time for the main sights and a long lunch without feeling rushed.

The Southernmost Point and Mile Marker 0

One of the most photographed spots in Florida is the striped concrete buoy that marks the Southernmost Point of the continental United States, with a sign stating that Cuba lies just 90 miles away. Queues for photos can be long at midday, so go early in your free time or in the late afternoon.

Nearby, a green sign marks Mile Marker 0, the end of US Highway 1, which runs all the way from the Canadian border to Key West. The two landmarks are a short walk apart in the old town and make a fun pair of pictures. Your guide gives directions on the coach, so you know how to get to the Southernmost Point and back to the pickup point at 908 Caroline Street in good time.

Beaches, harbour and optional activities

Key West has small, calm beaches and a lively historic harbour where fishing boats and sailing ships tie up beside waterfront restaurants. The state park beach at the western tip of the island has clear water and shady picnic areas, while the public beach along the south shore is the longest stretch of sand. Bring swimwear and biodegradable sunscreen if you plan to swim.

If you prefer a guided activity, you can book optional extras in Key West, such as a snorkelling trip to the coral reef, a glass-bottom boat or a trolley ride around the island; these are paid separately. The best time to visit Key West is from November to May, when the air is warm but less humid. Summer days are hot, so plan shade and water breaks.