Tampa → Downtown Tampa Waterfront
Downtown Tampa Waterfront
The Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, Channelside and a relaxed stretch of the Riverwalk.
Best: All year; best mid-October–May
$4 USD
Weekend getaway · Florida
Florida Keys weekend
Florida Keys Weekend
A two-night drive down the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West. Friday is the reef at John Pennekamp from a glass-bottom boat or with a snorkel, tarpon at Robbie's and a bayside sunset in Islamorada, then a night in Marathon. Saturday walks the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key, visits the Turtle Hospital, swims at Bahia Honda and ends with sunset at Mallory Square. Sunday is a Key West morning, then the long drive home.
- Time
- 2-night weekend
- Driving
- About 7–8 hours of driving in all: roughly 160 miles each way between Miami and Key West, split into short hops
- Best time
- December to April
- Updated
$5 USD
One-time purchase. You own your guide forever and can return for the latest update any time.
Suggested times, not bookings
Your weekend at a glance
- Fri 9:30 amLeave Miami
- Fri 11:00 amJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Fri 3:30 pmRobbie's of Islamorada
- Fri 5:30 pmSunset dinner in Islamorada
- Fri 8:00 pmCheck in, Marathon
- Sat 8:15 amOld Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key
- Sat 11:30 amThe Turtle Hospital
- Sat 1:00 pmLunch in Marathon
- Sat 2:15 pmSeven Mile Bridge to Bahia Honda State Park
- Sat 4:45 pmCheck in, Key West
- Sat 5:30 pmSunset at Mallory Square
- Sun 9:00 amErnest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Sun 10:15 amSouthernmost Point and Duval Street
- Sun 11:15 amFort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Sun 1:30 pmDrive home to Miami
Highlights
Worth the trip
- The reef at John Pennekamp from a glass-bottom boat or in the water
- A morning walk on the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key
- Sunset at Mallory Square and a slow Key West Sunday
What’s in the guide
Detailed stop guidance, rules, practical pitfalls, a route map, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps links and weather alternatives. Read it online any time, or keep it offline in the Greg’s Guides app for iPhone and iPad. See an example guide →
Plan for the conditions
Expected seasonal weather
From December through April, the Keys are usually sunny and dry, with highs in the 70s to low 80s °F, lows in the 60s to low 70s and little rain. Cold fronts every week or two can bring a day or two of cooler, gray, windy weather, rough seas and canceled boat trips. The sun is strong even on mild days. By May it's hotter and more humid, and June to November brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms and the hurricane season, with the peak usually from August to October. These are seasonal expectations, not a forecast for your travel dates. Check the NWS Key West forecast before you go and each morning.
Admission and parking are separate. Check current conditions before departure.
Another good day
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