The Florida Keys are a true paradise and a road trip down Highway 1 is a bucket list experience for many! In January 2022, I flew into Fort Lauderdale and make the trip down to Key West. I had been planning this trip for quite some so driving the Overseas Highway and being surrounded by bright blue water was a dream come true. Here are 5 tips for road tripping through the Florida Keys!
Fill the tank in the Upper Keys
It probably won’t surprise you when I tell you that the further you go down through the keys, the more expensive things are. This includes gas! I was shocked to see that gas was a full dollar more expensive in Key West than in Key Largo! Definitely take advantage of filling up the tank as close to mainland Florida as you can. The drive down the keys is about 120 miles each way, so it’s entirely possible to do a roundtrip drive on a single tank.
Speed limits
The speed limits vary along Highway 1 as you trek between towns and islands. Typically, it’s around 30 or 35 mph, but can reach up to 45 in some areas. If you are driving during the night, you’ll want to pay extra attention because the limits vary from day to night. Many signs will list the main speed limit (to observe during the day), and also have a night speed limit, which is a few miles per hour less. Police are also everywhere here. I passed so many along the drive, and there were a lot of cars pulled over by police issuing tickets. Watch that odometer!
Drive during the day
This drive is beautiful. Like, stupid beautiful. You’ll be driving over countless bridges across lush keys and you’ll want to take in as much as you can. Driving in the dark would be a waste! Try to maximize your daytime by doing the drive while the sun is up. If you can, make it down to Key West by sunset for their nightly Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square!
Read More: How to Spend One Day in Key West, Florida
Watch for deer
Deer? In South Florida? You better believe it! Key Deer live in the lower keys and are an endangered and protected species there. Big Pine Key will have plenty of warning signs encouraging you to stay alert, but they are found throughout several other keys, from Bahia Honda all the way down to Sugarloaf. Fun fact- the deer can actually swim between islands!
Take it slow
At the end of the day, remember that this is paradise! And people are running on island time. Take your drive slow and take it all in. This drive is ridiculously beautiful and there are tons of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. If something catches your eye, don’t be afraid to pull the car over and explore. Don’t be in a hurry and just roll your windows down and cruise.
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