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If driving from Miami to Key West you have an opportunity for one of the most iconic road trips of all time. Once you leave the main land there are 42 bridges to cross until you hit Key West and the trip is measured by the Mile Markers “MM”. Take your time and get into Island Time as the speed limit is mostly 45MPH and the road is mostly one lane. Let your senses take in the sky and the water. If you look close you will note the blue of the Atlantic and the Green of the Gulf even though they meet under the bridge you cross. Noted here are some of the fun things to do on the trip:
Places to Eat
MM 106.5 BUZZARD’S ROOST
Entering the Keys feeling hungry and need to get to the slow lane, find one of our favorite joints BUZZARD’S ROOST open for Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch Or Refreshing Cocktails at mile marker 106.5 in Key Largo! Come and dine at the waterfront location, where they offer the best of steaks, seafood, homemade desserts, a great wine selection and a full service bar. We have seen manatees swim right up to the restaurant. Must try the Conch.
MM 84 Islamorada Wahoo’s on the Atlantic
Seafood Restaurant casual ocean side restaurant with the best views in Islamorada! Super food, overlooking the Atlantic and an active fishing port. You and start to lay back quite easily in this place. One of our favorite stops on the road trip.
MM 79.8 Lazy Days
One of our favorite road trip restaurants. Sitting on the beach relaxing Atlantic dining with the Alligator light house in the distance. Lazy Days offers fresh seafood, seafood pastas, vegetarian pastas, sandwiches, steaks and chicken at reasonable prices. We also cook your catch! Fabulous desserts, kids’ menu and full-service bar available.
MM 53 Fish Tales Awesome Shack in Marathon
Fish Tales Market & Eatery is the oldest Fish Market and Restaurant in Marathon. Located in the “Heart of the Florida Keys”, Fish Tales is not only a full service fish house, offering fresh fish, shrimp, stone crab, lobster and other local seafood, but hand cut aged choice and prime steaks as well. Homemade Bratwurst and Italian Sausage, cheeses, salsa and spreads are also available. Stop by to have a meal or to fill up your cooler for the rest of the week.
MM27 Boondocks
Almost to Key West but need a stop. Boondocks is a tiki bar and it’s a music hub! Jam to live music most evenings, cheer for your favorite teams on over 21 TVs, and challenge friends to 18 holes of mini-golf, Keys style, crispy salads, hearty burgers, and more! Pair your meal with signature cocktails, local brews, or premium wine from a full-service bar.
Good stop for food and to get on Island Time.
MM 20 MANGROVE MAMA’s
Your getting close to Key West but hit by the hungries and a need to kick back and get on Island time. Relax, enjoy some great food on Sugarloaf Key, Mangrove Mama’s is a joint with a capital “J”. For over 40 years, Mangrove Mama’s has been a hidden Gem with a reputation for serving fresh local seafood. With live music most evenings and a tropical vibe, you can enjoy your dining and drinks indoors or on the outdoor patio lined with palm trees. We stop in for lunch or dinner we always have a great time. But don’t blink or you will drive right by it, doesn’t look like much from the outside but but we have enjoyed every minute we have spent there.
https://www.mangrovemamas20.com/
Fun Places to visit
MM 86.7 Rain Barrel Village
Need to Stretch your legs and get into Island time. Take a stop at the Rain Barrel Village
Rain Barrel Village has been recognized in many national and local publications as one of the top places to visit in the Florida Keys. Take a selfie with Betsy the Lobster! Then, stroll through shaded paths in the beautiful gardens and step into the intimate studios to browse the best in handmade crafts, contemporary artwork, beachwear, home goods and Florida Keys-inspired souvenirs.
Discover one-of-a-kind creations from artisans and renowned artists including sculptures, paintings, collages, jewelry, home decor and more!
And visit the mini food court for lobster rolls and more
MM 59 Dolphin Research Center
The bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions presently living here provide a range of personalities and backgrounds. Over half of the family was born at the Center, while the other members have either come from other facilities or were rescued, rehabilitated and deemed un-releasable back into the wild by the Government and now have a forever home at Dolphin Research Center.
One of the best stops in the Keys
MM48.5 The Sea Turtle Hospital
Getting into Marathon, got to stop at the turtle hospital. The Turtle Hospital (Hidden Harbor Marine Environmental Project, INC.) is a 501 (c)3 charitable corporation. The Hidden Harbor Motel provides buildings and space needed to house and care for the sea turtles. The Turtle Hospital offers Guided Educational Programs to the public 7 days-a-week. Please call 305-743-2552 for further information regarding reservations or click the link provided. https://theturtlehospital.checkfront.com/reserve
The Turtle Hospital on any given day has a hundred turtles in their tanks. they rescue and heal and hope to get them back to the ocean but many can’t go back to the wild. There are 5 species of sea turtles in the Keys and a stop here will educate you about all of them.
