Day trip?

Question

Hi! My husband and I will be in Florida for 8 days end of Feb. we are spending the first five night with my in laws in Cape Coral. We are then going to rent a car and spend our last three nights in Miami. Is it realistic to do a day trip from Miami to the keys? Could we drive the entire keys and back, with stops for sightseeing, or should we plan on just the upper keys?

Answer

Driving from Miami to the Florida Keys in a single day is possible, but it’s important to be realistic about the distance, sightseeing stops, and time constraints. The drive to Key West, the southernmost point, is about 160 miles one way, which takes roughly 3.5–4 hours without stops. With sightseeing, meals, and traffic, a full round trip could easily take 10–12 hours or more.

For a comfortable day trip, most people recommend focusing on the Upper Keys rather than trying to reach Key West. This allows time for scenic stops, beaches, and local attractions without feeling rushed.

Upper Keys option: Drive from Miami to Key Largo and Islamorada. Stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat tour, Robbie’s Marina to feed the tarpon, and explore local seafood restaurants. Round trip can be done in a long day, leaving some time for leisure.
Middle/Lower Keys option: If you really want to reach Key West, consider leaving very early (around 6 am) and returning late at night. Expect limited sightseeing and short stops. Key West itself deserves at least a night to fully enjoy the historic Old Town, Duval Street, and sunsets at Mallory Square.

Other tips for a day trip:

Start early in the morning to maximize daylight and sightseeing opportunities.
Plan your stops ahead, prioritizing a few key attractions to avoid feeling rushed.
Be aware that traffic on US-1, especially near Key Largo and Key West, can add significant travel time.
Bring snacks, water, and sunscreen, and consider the weather since late February is generally pleasant but variable.

In summary, for a day trip from Miami, focusing on the Upper Keys is the most practical option. Driving the entire length to Key West and back in one day is possible but would be a very long and tiring day with limited time to enjoy the islands.