RoadAtlas
Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States — Scenic
North America

Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys

United States

Point-to-point
Key Largo Key West

In short: Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys is a 177 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 2 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon.

Distance
177 km
Duration
2 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway, a prestigious All-American Road, is Jimmy Buffett's country. Hemingway lived here, Tennessee Williams wrote here, and Thomas McGuane caroused here. The drive hops one bridge at a time through a magnificent seascape to Key West's Margaritaville.

Practical notes
US 1 is paved but often slow. Check live capacity notices before entering Bahia Honda or other state parks because gates can close when parking fills. In National Key Deer Refuge, obey reduced speeds, never feed deer, watch closely at dawn and dusk, and avoid stopping in traffic; tropical weather can close the highway.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Key Largo to Islamorada and Marathon

Dolphin Research Center · Pigeon Key · Mrs. Mac's Kitchen

Day 2Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key, and Key West

Bahia Honda State Park · National Key Deer Refuge · Blue Heaven

Stops along the route

Key Largo — Departure — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Departure
Key Largo
Gateway to the Keys. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park holds the only living barrier reef in the continental US.
Hotels
Islamorada — City — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
City
Islamorada
The Village of Islands, where Buffett played early tiki-bar gigs. World-class tarpon and bonefish fishing year-round.
Hotels
Marathon — City — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
City
Marathon
Heart of the Keys, home to Sombrero Beach and the Turtle Hospital. The Seven Mile Bridge begins just west of town.
Hotels
Key West — Arrival — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Arrival
Key West
Hemingway's house, Williams' cottage, Buffett's Margaritaville on Duval Street. Mallory Square at sunset draws every soul on the island.
Hotels

Things to Do

Seven Mile Bridge — Landmark — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Landmark
Seven Mile Bridge
Spanning open ocean for 11 km, this is the drive's most dramatic moment. Flagler's old rail bridge runs alongside as a fishing pier.
Bahia Honda State Park — Nature — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Nature
Bahia Honda State Park
Rated one of Florida's finest beaches, with turquoise shallows on both Atlantic and Gulf sides. The crumbling Flagler bridge arch frames perfect photos.
National Key Deer Refuge — Nature — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Nature
National Key Deer Refuge
Home to the Key deer, a white-tailed subspecies standing just 60 cm tall. Speed limits drop to 35 mph at dawn and dusk to protect them.
Dolphin Research Center — Wildlife Sanctuary — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Wildlife Sanctuary
Dolphin Research Center
An educational facility in Marathon where visitors can interact with dolphins and learn about marine conservation.
Pigeon Key — Historic Site — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Historic Site
Pigeon Key
A small island accessible via the Old Seven Mile Bridge, offering tours of historic buildings from the early 1900s.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum — Museum — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Explore the former residence of the famed author in Key West, now a museum showcasing his life and work.

Where to Eat

Mrs. Mac's Kitchen — Seafood — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Seafood
Mrs. Mac's Kitchen
A beloved Key Largo spot known for its fresh seafood and award-winning key lime pie.
Lazy Days Restaurant — Seafood — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Seafood
Lazy Days Restaurant
Offers oceanfront dining in Islamorada with a diverse menu and stunning sunset views.
The Fish House — Seafood — Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys — United States
Seafood
The Fish House
A Key Largo institution serving fresh catches in a casual, nautical-themed setting.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys drive?

The Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys covers 177 km from start to finish.

How long does the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys?

The recommended season for the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys is Nov–Apr.

Where does the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys start and end?

The Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys runs from Key Largo to Key West.

What are the main stops on the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys?

The Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys passes through Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon.

How difficult is the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys to drive?

The Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys in a regular car?

Yes — the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys EV friendly?

Yes — the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys safe to drive?

US 1 is paved but often slow. Check live capacity notices before entering Bahia Honda or other state parks because gates can close when parking fills. In National Key Deer Refuge, obey reduced speeds, never feed deer, watch closely at dawn and dusk, and avoid stopping in traffic; tropical weather can close the highway.

What scenic tier is the Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys?

The Jimmy Buffett's Florida Keys is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.