5-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.