10-Day Florida Keys Itinerary

Drive from Miami to Key Largo

Pick up a rental car and drive about 1-1.5 hours south on US-1, crossing onto the Overseas Highway at Florida City.

Snorkel trip at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Take a boat out to the living reef for parrotfish, sea fans and possibly sea turtles.

Mangrove kayak trail

Paddle the park's quiet mangrove tunnels or relax on Cannon Beach.

Sunset and seafood in Key Largo

Watch the sun set over Florida Bay from a waterfront spot and try conch fritters.

Feed the tarpon at Robbie's in Islamorada

Watch giant tarpon leap for fish at this long-running dockside stop, and browse the craft stalls.

History of Diving Museum or Anne's Beach

Learn about diving history, or wade in the shallow water at Anne's Beach.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Take a guided tour of this rescue center that treats injured sea turtles. Reservations recommended.

Sunset at Sombrero Beach

Swim at Marathon's palm-lined public beach, then grab fresh fish for dinner.

Walk the Old Seven Mile Bridge

Walk or bike part of the 2.2-mile historic bridge before driving across the modern span.

Bahia Honda State Park

Swim at Sandspur Beach and climb the old railroad bridge for views of the turquoise channel.

Drive to Key West

Continue about 40 minutes to Key West, check in and park the car for the rest of your stay.

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Join the nightly crowd of street performers and food carts as the sun drops into the Gulf.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Tour the author's house and gardens and meet the famous six-toed cats.

Southernmost Point buoy and Old Town

Snap a photo at the buoy and wander streets lined with conch houses.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Swim, snorkel and tour the Civil War-era fort at Key West's best beach.

Sunset and Duval Street

Watch sunset at Fort Zach or Mallory Square, then stroll Duval Street and finish with key lime pie.

Ferry to Dry Tortugas

Board the morning ferry around 7:30 AM for the 2-2.5 hour crossing; breakfast is included.

Explore Fort Jefferson

Join a ranger or guided tour of the enormous brick fort and its moat.

Snorkel the moat wall and beaches

Snorkel along the fort's moat wall for coral, reef fish and possibly nurse sharks.

Return to Key West and dinner

Arrive back around 5:00 PM and celebrate with a fresh fish dinner.

Bike around the island

Rent a bike and loop past Higgs Beach, the White Street Pier and quiet lanes.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Walk among hundreds of butterflies and tropical birds.

Pool time or a snorkel trip

Relax at your hotel or take an afternoon reef snorkel trip.

Sunset sail from the harbor

Sail out of Key West Bight for an evening view of the Mallory Square crowds from the water.

National Key Deer Refuge and Blue Hole

Look for endangered Key deer and alligators at the Blue Hole; obey the strict speed limits.

Snorkel trip to Looe Key Reef

Take a boat to this protected reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Afternoon at Bahia Honda

Spend a lazy afternoon back at Bahia Honda's beaches.

Overnight in Marathon

Check in to Marathon and dine on the water.

Pigeon Key ferry tour

Take the ferry to the historic railroad camp beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

Crane Point Museum and Nature Center

Walk trails through tropical hardwood hammock to Florida Bay.

Kayak or paddleboard in the mangroves

Rent a kayak for a calm paddle through Marathon's backcountry.

Waterfront dinner in Marathon

Order hogfish or stone crab in season.

Half-day fishing charter

Book a backcountry or reef charter for snapper, mahi-mahi or catch-and-release tarpon.

Islamorada art galleries and shops

Browse local galleries and boutiques along the Overseas Highway.

Founders Park or Anne's Beach

Swim and picnic at Islamorada's calm public beaches.

Have your catch cooked for dinner

Many local restaurants will cook your fish; ask your captain where to go.

Morning glass-bottom boat at Pennekamp

See the reef one more time without getting wet.

Key lime pie stop

Grab a final slice of key lime pie for the road.

Drive back to Miami

Allow 1.5-2 hours to Miami International Airport, more on weekends.

Fly home from Miami (MIA)

Return your rental car and allow 2-3 hours before your flight.