5 days in the Florida Keys
- Length
- 5 days
- Base
- Key Largo → Marathon → Key West
- Best time
- Apr–May · Dec–Mar
- Stops
- 15
The Overseas Highway strings 42 bridges between the islands from Key Largo to Key West, and most visitors drive it in one rushed afternoon. Five days lets you do it properly: a reef snorkel at the top, a lazy middle in Islamorada and Marathon, two nights in Key West and the boat out to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.
Hour by hour
Day 1 · Miami to Key Largo
Morning
Drive south
About 1 h 30 from Miami; the Keys start after the long causeway over the mangroves. Stop at a supermarket in Florida City.
Afternoon
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
A snorkel or glass-bottom boat trip on the reef; book the boat in the morning at the park.
Sunset
Bayside dinner
Key Largo faces Florida Bay to the west: sunset over the water.
Sleep: Key Largo
Day 2 · Islamorada and Marathon
Morning
Islamorada
The sportfishing capital: feed the tarpon at Robbie’s, kayak in the mangroves.
Afternoon
The Turtle Hospital, Marathon
A rescue center for injured sea turtles, visited by guided tour (book ahead).
Evening
Sunset at Sombrero Beach
One of the few real sand beaches in the Middle Keys.
Sleep: Marathon
Day 3 · Seven Mile Bridge to Key West
Morning
Seven Mile Bridge
The longest bridge on the route, beside the old 1912 railway bridge. The restored old bridge to Pigeon Key is open to walkers and cyclists.
Midday
Bahia Honda State Park
Swim at the best beach in the Keys, and climb to the old rail bridge viewpoint.
Late afternoon
Arrive in Key West
Drop the car at the hotel and walk: Duval Street, the Southernmost Point buoy, sunset at Mallory Square.
Sleep: Key West
Day 4 · Dry Tortugas National Park
7:30
Ferry or seaplane
About 70 miles west of Key West: the park’s authorized ferry leaves early in the morning (about 2 h 15 each way), or a seaplane gets you there in about 40 minutes. Both sell out — book months ahead.
Late morning
Fort Jefferson
A huge 19th-century brick fort on a tiny island, ringed by a moat and turquoise water. Snorkel along the moat wall.
Evening
Back in Key West
Dinner in Bahama Village, a drink at a Duval Street bar. See our Dry Tortugas guide.
Sleep: Key West
Day 5 · Key West, then back to Miami
Morning
Hemingway Home and Museum
The writer’s house and its six-toed cats, then the lighthouse across the street.
Midday
Fort Zachary Taylor
A last swim at Key West’s best beach.
Afternoon
Drive back
About 3 h 30–4 h to Miami without stops — longer on Sunday afternoons. Or fly out of Key West.
If you only have one day
A day trip from Miami to Key West is possible but means 7–8 hours in the car. Better: drive to Islamorada and Marathon (2 h), cross the Seven Mile Bridge, swim at Bahia Honda, and drive back at sunset — or take the ferry from Fort Myers or Marco Island straight to Key West.
The stops on a map
Where to sleep
Key Largo
Dive resorts and motels on the bay side, closest to Miami and the reef park.
Hotels in Key Largo partner linkIslamorada & Marathon
The quiet middle: fishing lodges, family resorts, better value than Key West.
Hotels in Islamorada & Marathon partner linkKey West
Old Town guesthouses in wooden conch houses, walkable to everything; expensive in winter.
Hotels in Key West partner link
Budget, roughly
No made-up totals: prices move with the season and the day. Here is what costs what, from $ (cheap) to $$$$ (splurge), and where you can save. Our USA budget guide has typical ranges.
Lodging
$$$$
Key West is one of the priciest places to sleep in Florida, especially December–April. The Middle Keys are cheaper.
Dry Tortugas
$$$$
The ferry or seaplane is the big ticket of the trip; check what the fare includes when you book.
Car
$$$$
One-way rental Miami–Key West often carries a drop-off fee: compare with a return.
Snorkel & boat trips
$$$$
Reef trips from Key Largo or Key West.
Food
$$$$
Fish shacks and conch fritters are cheap; waterfront restaurants are not.
Keys in 5 days: your questions
How many days do you need in the Florida Keys?
Four to five days lets you see Key Largo, the Middle Keys and Key West without rushing. Add one for Dry Tortugas.
Is Dry Tortugas worth it?
Yes if you like snorkeling, history and remote places: a fort in the middle of the sea. It is a long, early day and must be booked well ahead.
When is the best time to visit the Keys?
Mid-April to May, then December to March. See when to visit the Florida Keys.
Do you need a car in the Florida Keys?
To travel between the islands, yes. In Key West itself, walk or bike and leave the car at the hotel.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Times are indicative; opening hours change with the season.