Fort Lauderdale to Key West: Road Trip Stops, Tips & Hidden Gems

A Scenic Journey: Flying into Fort Lauderdale and Driving to Key West

Flying into Fort Lauderdale and driving all the way down to Key West turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips I've ever taken. From the moment we landed, everything about this trip felt like an adventure, and once we picked up that Jeep Wrangler, there was no looking back.

If you want to know exactly what I packed before hitting the road-CLICK HERE.

Arrival in Fort Lauderdale + Starting the Adventure

We landed in Fort Lauderdale, grabbed our bags, and headed straight to the rental counter, where we made what I can only describe as the best decision of the entire trip: renting a Jeep Wrangler.

At the time, it just felt like a fun, practical choice. By day two, with the top off and the Florida sun pouring down on us, I understood why people make this drive specifically so they can do it in an open-top vehicle. If you can swing a convertible or a Jeep, do it. You'll thank yourself later.

One thing that quietly saved us throughout the trip? A solid phone mount for the dashboard. The stretch from Fort Lauderdale through the Keys has some long, open sections where you don't want to be fumbling with your phone for directions. We used this Dashboard phone mount and it held up perfectly, even with the top off and wind whipping around.

First Stop: Key Largo, Our First Night

We didn't rush into the Keys on day one. Instead, we stopped in Key Largo for the night, and honestly? It was the perfect way to ease in.

We found a waterfront restaurant overlooking the marina for dinner, the kind of place where the food is fresh, the vibe is totally unhurried, and you look around mid-meal and think, okay, we're really doing this. That feeling? Priceless.

The next morning, before we hit the road, we stumbled onto something we hadn't fully planned for: the African Queen. Yes, that African Queen, the actual boat used in the 1951 classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. It's docked right in Key Largo, and you can get up close for a look (they even offer canal cruises on it, which we unfortunately didn't have time for). Being able to see a piece of Hollywood history in the middle of the Florida Keys was one of those unexpected moments that makes a trip feel extra special.

Day 2: The Top Comes Off, And the Real Trip Begins

Day two is when everything shifted. We pulled the top off the Jeep, pointed south, and just drove.

If you've never experienced the Florida Keys from an open-top vehicle, it's hard to explain what it does to you. The sun, the breeze, the smell of salt water, the way the light hits the water on both sides of the road, it's sensory overload in the best possible way. This is exactly how this drive is meant to be experienced.

Stop #1: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Our first official stop of the day was John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the United States, and absolutely worth the stop.

We walked trails through the mangrove swamps, spent time on the beach, and explored the visitor center's impressive saltwater aquarium. We had planned to do the glass-bottom boat tour (it's a must-do if conditions allow), but the wind had other ideas. No complaints though, we still spent a good chunk of time outside soaking it all in.

One thing I learned the hard way: the Florida sun is intense, even early in the morning. I underestimated it on day one. By Pennekamp, I was reapplying sunscreen every hour. If you're making this drive, pack reef-safe sunscreen and use it generously, we used Sun Bum Sunscreen & Lip Balm and it held up really well even in and around the water.

Stop #2: Robbie's, Feeding the Tarpon

If there's one stop on this entire route that I'd call non-negotiable, it's Robbie's of Islamorada.

For a few dollars, you buy a bucket of fish and feed the tarpon that gather under the dock. That description sounds simple. What it actually looks like is enormous, prehistoric-looking fish launching themselves out of the water inches from your hands. It's wild. It's a little terrifying. It is absolutely hilarious and you will love every second of it.

Fair warning: it gets splashy. Like, really splashy. I was glad I had a waterproof phone bag, if you don't have one, grab one before this stop. This one worked great it is what I use and it survived Robbie's with flying colors.

The Drive Through the Middle Keys

After Robbie's, we just drove. And this stretch of the trip is where the road itself becomes the attraction.

The water on both sides shifts between a dozen different shades of blue and green. You pass over bridges with ocean stretching as far as you can see in every direction. There are little roadside seafood shacks and bait shops and no-name beaches that look like postcards. It's impossible not to slow down and just look.

Between navigating, taking photos, and shooting videos, my phone was basically dead by mid-afternoon. A solar portable charger was a lifesaver here, I had this one in my bag and it kept everything topped up for the rest of the drive.

Stop #3: Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park might be the most visually stunning stop on the entire route, and that's saying something given the competition.

The water here is that impossible shade of turquoise you usually only see in Caribbean travel photos. We walked out on the old Bahia Honda Bridge, which gave us panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Keys that I still think about. It's also one of the best spots on the whole drive for photos, so don't put your camera away.

If you're planning to swim or snorkel, Bahia Honda has some of the clearest water in the Keys. Definitely build in more time than you think you'll need here, we stayed longer than planned and didn't regret it for a second.

Key West, Days 1 Through 4

After all of that, after the tarpon and the bridges and the open road and the turquoise water, we finally rolled into Key West. And it exceeded every expectation I had.

We stayed at Margaritaville, and the location alone made it worth it. It sits right across the street from Smathers Beach, which meant we could walk over whenever we felt like it, rent umbrellas and chairs right on the beach, and just decompress. They even had Hobie sailboats available to rent if you want to make a morning of it out on the water. And getting to Duval Street? A free shuttle runs regularly from the resort, just hop on and go. No parking, no stress.

Day 2 in Key West: The Dolphin Sandbar Cruise

If there's one experience in Key West I'd call an absolute must-do, it's the Dolphin Sandbar Cruise. We booked it for our second day and it was, without question, one of the highlights of the entire trip, not just Key West.

Getting out on the water, seeing dolphins up close in their natural environment, and stopping at a sandbar surrounded by impossibly clear water... it's the kind of thing you'll talk about for years. Book it early, it fills up fast, especially in peak season.

One practical note: bring a waterproof bag for your phone. You'll want to take photos and videos the whole time, and between the splashing, the sandbar, and just being on a boat, things will get wet. This waterproof bag is what I used, the same one I recommended for Robbie's, and it earned its place in my bag twice over.

Days 3 & 4: Exploring Key West

Key West rewards slow exploration, and days three and four gave us exactly that.

We visited the Southernmost Point, yes, you have to get the photo with the iconic buoy marker, and yes, there will be a line, but it's worth it. It's one of those landmarks that just feels significant when you're standing there.

From there, we made our way to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which was a genuinely magical experience. Walking through a climate-controlled dome with hundreds of free-flying butterflies landing on you and everyone around you is something you don't quite expect to be as peaceful and beautiful as it is. It's a great stop even if you're not typically a "butterfly person."

We also toured the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and it was absolutely worth it. The history of the house, the stories about Hemingway's life in Key West, and, let's be honest, the famous six-toed cats lounging everywhere make it one of the most charming and interesting tours on the island. Add it to your list.

Every evening, we made our way down Duval Street, the beating heart of Key West. Whether you're after a great dinner, live music, a cold drink on a rooftop, or just people-watching with the most colorful crowd you've ever seen, Duval delivers every single time. We walked it daily and found something new each time.

And the sunsets from Mallory Square? Show up early. They are every bit as breathtaking as you've heard.

Final Thoughts + Tips for Planning This Trip

This drive is one of those rare trips that's as good as it sounds. Here's what I'd tell anyone planning it:

🐢 Take Your Time
The stops are the trip, don't blow past them just to get to Key West faster. Leave room to linger.

🚙 Rent a Convertible or a Jeep
You'll experience this drive on a completely different level with the top off. Trust me on this one.

🏖️ Stay Near Smathers Beach
Waking up and walking across the street to the beach every morning never got old. Location matters in Key West.

🐬 Book the Dolphin Cruise Early
It fills up fast, especially in peak season. Don't wait until you get there, reserve it before you leave home.

☁️ Build in Flexibility
Weather changes quickly and some activities can get cancelled. Stay curious and always have a backup plan.

☀️ Protect Yourself from the Sun
It starts earlier and hits harder than you expect. Reapply constantly, no, seriously.

🔋 Charge Everything Every Night
Between maps, photos, and videos, your battery will be working overtime the entire trip. Don't learn this the hard way.

Before You Pack Your Bags

Heading on this trip? Don't miss my full packing guide where I break down exactly what I brought, what I'd leave behind, and what I wish I'd packed more of:

YOUR MUST HAVE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS-CLICK HERE!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, it helps keep this blog running, and I only recommend things I've actually used and loved.

What to Pack for Your Key West Vacation

Everything you need for the drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, tried, tested, and road trip approved.

Dashboard Phone Mount

Long open stretches through the Keys mean you need your navigation hands-free. This one held up perfectly, even with the Jeep top off.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Get those closeup's at Robbie's and the dolphin cruise but not soaked. Protect your phone, you'll want it for both.

Solar Portable Charger

Between maps, photos, and videos, your phone will die fast. This one kept everything topped up the whole drive.

Sun Bum Sunscreen & Lip Balm

Sunscreen, lip balm, and after-sun all in one travel-ready bag. Already linked on your site!

COLOR WOW Travel Kit

Humidity in the Keys is real. This kept my hair smooth the entire trip.

CHI Volumizer 4-in-1

Blowout Brush, Hair Dryer for Smooth, Silky & Shiny Hair, Four Interchangeable Attachments