Miami to Key West in a convertible: the overseas highway, stop by stop

The drive from Miami to Key West is the most requested road trip at our counter, and for good reason. US-1 hops from island to island across 42 bridges, the water changes from green to turquoise to deep blue within a single mile, and there is always somewhere to pull over for fish tacos. It is also a drive that goes wrong in predictable ways: leaving too late, fighting Homestead traffic, and arriving in Key West after sunset with nowhere to park.

Here is how our crew plans it for friends and family, with realistic timing, the stops worth your time, and what to know about the car before you go.

Pick the right car and start early

A convertible makes this drive, but it also means sun exposure for five or more hours. The Mustang Convertible is our most booked car for the Keys, and the BMW 430i is the quieter choice if you want to keep the top up on the stretch through Florida City. If you are traveling with four adults and luggage, the Jeep Wrangler with its front roof panels removed gives you open sky with a real trunk.

Leave Miami by 8 am. The Turnpike Extension south of Kendall backs up after 9 on weekends, and you want to cross the Seven Mile Bridge in late morning light, not in the 3 pm glare. Pick up at our Coral Gables spot and you will reach US-1 in about 10 minutes, skipping downtown entirely.

The stops worth making

Key Largo, mile marker 100

Grab coffee and a Cuban pastry, then walk the short boardwalk at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you are not snorkeling, the visitor center aquarium is a 20 minute stop that gives kids a preview of what is under the bridges ahead.

Islamorada, mile marker 82

Robbie's Marina lets you hand-feed tarpon from the dock for a few dollars, and the open-air restaurants along the water are perfect for an early lunch. This is also a good moment to put the top back up for 20 minutes and reapply sunscreen.

Marathon and the Seven Mile Bridge, mile marker 47

Marathon is your practical stop: gas, restrooms and the last big grocery store. Then comes the Seven Mile Bridge. Keep both hands on the wheel, stay in your lane, and let your passenger take the photos. The old bridge running beside you is closed to cars, but Pigeon Key tours leave from the Marathon side if you want to walk part of it.

Bahia Honda State Park, mile marker 37

Bahia Honda has the best beach in the Keys, with calm, clear water and a picnic area under the palms. Budget an hour. Park entry is per vehicle, so bring a card.

Arriving in Key West

Book a hotel with parking. Street parking in Old Town is scarce and meters run late. Once you arrive, leave the car parked and walk or bike to Mallory Square for sunset. Convertible tops should go up overnight, since Key West gets quick rain showers even in the dry season.

Rule of thumb from our crew: plan 5 hours of driving time and 3 hours of stops. Anything less and you will spend the Seven Mile Bridge checking the clock.

Tolls, fuel and charging

The Keys stretch of US-1 has no tolls, but the Turnpike and Card Sound Road do. Your SunPass transponder covers them at cost. Gas cars should fill up in Florida City or Marathon, where prices run 20 to 40 cents lower than in Key West. EV drivers will find Superchargers in Florida City, Key Largo, Marathon and Key West, and our Model Y comfortably covers the trip with one short top-up.

What to pack in the car

• A hat that stays on at 55 mph, or a hair tie
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle per person
• A small cooler, or add our beach kit for $12 a day
• Snorkel masks if you plan to stop at Bahia Honda
• A printed hotel confirmation, since cell service drops near Seven Mile Bridge

Returning the car

Most guests spend two nights in Key West and drive back on a weekday afternoon. If you would rather fly home from Key West, ask about our partner drop-off at Key West International. It adds a one-way fee, but saves you the second drive. Either way, the car can come back to any of our Miami spots at no extra charge.