The Florida Keys is one of the best spring break destinations for families and can easily be explored by car. This drive covers about 150 miles, but the timing depends on your stops along the way. Take US-1 south, heading through historic Coconut Grove, past the University of Miami, and along either South Dixie Highway (US-1) or Ronald Reagan Turnpike (toll road). After passing the farms between Homestead and Florida City, continue on US-1 South, which turns into the Overseas Highway.
Look for mile marker 126 to help you count down the distance to Key West.
Key Largo will be the northernmost town of the Keys and possibly your first stop. Spend some time at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the country, which offers snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and more.
Islamorada is part of the Middle Keys, a favorite of fishing fans, and a great place to shop for souvenirs. Then, it’s onto Marathon Key, a city set on 13 islands, known for loggerhead turtles and its Dolphin Research Center. South of Marathon, US-1 crosses the Seven Mile Bridge which links Marathon with the Lower Keys.
Enjoy the view of the surrounding waters as drive across the bridge, and look over at the original railroad bridge, severely damaged in 1935’s hurricane season, commemorated in the Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada. On the other side of the bridge, the palm-fringed beaches of Bahia Honda State Park. You may want to stop and explore the wildlife at the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key before reaching your destination of Key West. Enjoy the laid-back ambience of this unique town, stroll along Duval Street, or visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
