Miami to Key West Day Trip: The Complete One-Day Itinerary
The southernmost point in the continental US is closer than you think — a scenic ride down the Overseas Highway from Miami, past 42 bridges and the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. Here is how to make the most of one day in Key West, from reef snorkeling to dolphin sails and Old Town's pastel streets, with the best-rated day trips to book.
At a glance
- 1Drive the Overseas Highway
- 2Explore Old Town Key West
- 3Snorkel the coral reef
- 4Dolphin watch & sunset sail
The drive down the Overseas Highway
Key West sits about 160 miles south of Miami, and the journey along US-1 is half the adventure. The Overseas Highway leaps island to island across the Seven Mile Bridge, with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf on the other. Most visitors book a round-trip day trip with comfortable coach transport, which handles the roughly 3.5-hour drive each way and leaves you free to soak up the views. Departures leave Miami early to maximise time on the island.
Snorkeling the coral reef
The Florida Keys shelter the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and a snorkel trip is the highlight for many day-trippers. Boats head out to shallow patch reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea fans and the occasional sea turtle, with gear and instruction included. Half-day reef tours from Key West often add mimosas or an open bar on the sail back. If you'd rather stay dry, a glass-bottom boat offers the same underwater world without getting wet.
Dolphins, sunset and Old Town
Save the afternoon for a dolphin-watch cruise into the calm backcountry waters, where wild bottlenose dolphins are spotted year-round and many trips pair the sighting with a snorkel stop. Back on land, wander Old Town's pastel conch houses, Duval Street and the Southernmost Point buoy. If your return leaves late enough, a sunset sail from Mallory Square is the classic Key West send-off before the ride back to Miami.
Book the experiences in this itinerary
Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Miami — prices per person.
