15 Epic Stops on a Florida Keys Road Trip (You’ll Want to Save This)

Driving the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys is one of the most beautiful road trips in America. You’ll cruise over turquoise water, spot wildlife you won’t see anywhere else, and discover beaches that look like postcards.

Whether you’re planning your first Keys adventure or coming back for more, these 15 stops will help you experience the best of this tropical paradise without missing the hidden gems along the way.

1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)

America’s first underwater park sits right at the start of your Keys adventure. The coral reefs here are bursting with tropical fish, and you don’t need to be a serious diver to enjoy them.

Glass-bottom boat tours let you peer down at the underwater world without getting wet, while snorkel trips take you right into the action. The park’s famous Christ of the Abyss statue sits 25 feet underwater and makes for an unforgettable snorkeling destination.

Book your tour early in the day when the water is calmest and clearest. The park also has kayak rentals and nature trails if you want to explore above the waterline too.

2. Key Largo Waterfront Sunset Stop

Finding a waterfront spot as the sun starts to drop is the easiest way to feel like you’re doing the Keys right. Key Largo has dozens of bayside bars and restaurants where you can grab a cold drink and watch the sky turn every shade of orange and pink.

The best part? You don’t need reservations or a plan. Just pull over when you see a promising spot around golden hour.

3. Islamorada Walk-Around Day

Islamorada earns its nickname as the “Village of Islands” with good reason. This stretch of the Keys has a slower, sweeter vibe than the busier spots, making it perfect for an unstructured afternoon of wandering.

Pop into local art galleries, browse quirky gift shops, and stop for fresh Key lime pie whenever the mood strikes. The ocean views peek through between buildings, reminding you you’re in paradise.

There’s no must-see checklist here, and that’s exactly the point. Just park your car, walk around, and let the island rhythm slow you down for a few hours before getting back on the road.

4. Robbie’s of Islamorada

Hand-feeding massive tarpon from a dock sounds wild, but it’s exactly what happens at Robbie’s every single day. These silver giants gather by the dozens, and for just a few bucks, you can toss them fish and watch them leap right out of the water.

Kids absolutely love this experience, and honestly, adults do too. The tarpon are shockingly huge—some weigh over 100 pounds—and they’re surprisingly gentle when they take food from your hand.

Get there early if you want the dock less crowded, but even during busy times, the chaos is part of the fun.

5. Founders Park Beach (Islamorada)

When you need a break from all the scheduled activities and just want to plant yourself on the sand, Founders Park delivers. This public beach feels more like a neighborhood park, which means it’s quieter and way more chill than the tourist-heavy spots.

The water is shallow and calm, making it ideal for younger kids or anyone who just wants to wade and relax. There’s a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here.

Pack some snacks, bring a beach blanket, and let everyone decompress. Sometimes the best vacation moments happen when you’re not rushing to the next thing on your list.

6. Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key)

Meeting dolphins up close is magical, but doing it at a place that’s actually helping them makes it even better. The Dolphin Research Center rescues and cares for dolphins and sea lions while teaching visitors about marine life conservation.

You can watch training sessions, attend educational presentations, or even book a more interactive experience where you get in the water with them. The staff clearly loves what they do, and their passion is contagious.

Plan for about two hours here, and definitely check their schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss the best programs.

7. Sombrero Beach (Marathon)

Sombrero Beach is what you picture when you think of “Florida Keys beach.” The sand is soft, the water is impossibly clear, and the vibe is exactly as relaxed as you hoped it would be.

Unlike some Keys beaches that are rocky or narrow, this one gives you plenty of space to spread out. The water stays shallow for a long way out, so it’s great for swimming without worrying about sudden drop-offs.

There’s free parking, clean bathrooms, and shaded picnic areas, which makes it super easy to spend half a day here.

8. The Turtle Hospital (Marathon)

Visiting the Turtle Hospital is one of those experiences that sticks with you long after vacation ends. This small facility rescues injured sea turtles, nurses them back to health, and releases them when they’re ready—or provides permanent care for those who can’t survive in the wild.

The guided tours are personal and educational, and you’ll meet individual turtles by name while learning their rescue stories. Some were hit by boats, others swallowed fishing hooks, and each one has a second chance thanks to this dedicated team.

Tours book up fast, so reserve your spot online before you arrive. It’s a short visit but a meaningful one that’ll make you care even more about protecting ocean life.

9. Seven Mile Bridge Viewpoint

Driving over the Seven Mile Bridge is one of those moments where you feel like you’re floating above the ocean. The views stretch endlessly in every direction, and for a few minutes, there’s nothing but you, the road, and the bluest water you’ve ever seen.

Pull over at the viewpoint on the Marathon side to take photos and really appreciate the engineering marvel beneath your feet. The old bridge runs parallel to the new one, adding a cool historical layer to the scene.

10. Pigeon Key (via the Old Seven Mile Bridge/Tram)

Pigeon Key is a tiny island with a big history, and getting there is half the fun. You’ll ride a tram or bike across part of the old Seven Mile Bridge to reach this five-acre slice of the past.

Once you arrive, explore the restored buildings that housed railroad workers back when Henry Flagler was constructing the Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. The views from the island are stunning, and it feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

It’s a quick stop—maybe an hour or two—but it offers a unique glimpse into how the Keys were built. Plus, the bridge walk itself is a highlight you won’t get anywhere else on the trip.

11. Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda has the kind of water that makes you question if you’re still in Florida. The colors shift from pale turquoise to deep sapphire, and the sand is softer and whiter than almost anywhere else in the Keys.

Sandspur Beach is the star attraction, offering postcard-perfect views and excellent snorkeling right off the shore. There are also nature trails, picnic areas, and even campsites if you want to extend your stay.

Once you’re here, you’ll understand why locals and visitors alike consider this one of the best beach stops in the entire island chain.

12. National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key)

Key deer are about the size of a large dog, and they’re one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Spotting these miniature deer in their natural habitat feels like discovering a secret the Keys have been keeping.

The refuge has several easy walking trails where you can look for deer, especially around dawn and dusk when they’re most active. Remember to keep your distance and never feed them—it’s illegal and harmful to their health.

13. Blue Hole (Big Pine Key)

A freshwater pond in the middle of the salty Keys might sound unusual, and that’s exactly what makes Blue Hole so interesting. This old quarry is now home to alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds you can spot from a safe viewing platform.

The gators are usually sunbathing on the banks or floating lazily in the water, and it’s surprisingly thrilling to see them this close. The whole stop takes maybe 20 minutes, but it’s a fun wildlife detour that breaks up the beach routine.

14. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Key West)

Fort Zachary Taylor gives you two great experiences in one spot: a fascinating Civil War-era fort and one of Key West’s best beaches. Start by exploring the fort itself, where you can walk through old brick corridors and see historic cannons still pointing toward the sea.

Then head down to the beach, where the water is clearer than most spots in Key West and the snorkeling is genuinely excellent. The rocky areas near the shore attract tons of colorful fish, and you don’t have to swim far to see them.

Pack snorkel gear, sunscreen, and water shoes since the shore can be rocky in places. It’s a perfect last big stop before you hit the craziness of downtown Key West.

15. Dry Tortugas National Park (Day Trip from Key West)

Dry Tortugas is the ultimate bucket-list addition to your Keys trip, but you’ll need to plan ahead. This remote island park sits 70 miles west of Key West and requires a ferry ride or seaplane flight to reach.

Once you arrive, you’ll find Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress, surrounded by some of the clearest water you’ll ever snorkel in. The marine life here is incredible because the park is so protected and far from crowds.

The ferry takes about two hours each way, so it’s a full-day commitment, but every traveler who makes the trip says it’s worth it.