Miami to Key West Itinerary for Food Lovers
The journey from Miami to Key West is a classic American road trip filled with sun-drenched landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and endless culinary delights. For food lovers, this 160-mile drive on the iconic Overseas Highway (US Route 1) is more than just a scenic adventure—it's a moveable feast. From the flavors of Cuban coffee in Miami to the tangy key lime pie in Key West, this itinerary showcases the best bites and hidden gems along the way. Whether you're craving seafood, Caribbean flavors, tropical fruits, or gourmet fusion dishes, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of taste and travel.
Day 1: Starting in Miami – A Multicultural Culinary Capital
Morning – Breakfast in Little Havana
Begin your food-centric road trip in Miami with a hearty breakfast in Little Havana. Head to Versailles Restaurant, the city's most iconic Cuban eatery. Order café con leche and Cuban toast, or go big with huevos habaneros (eggs with tomato sauce, onions, and spices). For a sweet start, grab a pastelito (guava pastry) from La Carreta or Yisell Bakery nearby.
Midday – Exploring Wynwood’s Food Scene
Before leaving Miami, stop by Wynwood. Beyond its vibrant street art, it’s home to food trucks and trendy eateries. Try Kush by Lokal for locally sourced burgers and craft beers, or go light with a tropical poke bowl at Ono Poke Shop.
Afternoon Snack – Coral Gables
As you head south, detour slightly to Coral Gables and enjoy a scoop of artisanal gelato at Bianco Gelato, or sample empanadas from Panna—a Venezuelan treat perfect for the road.
Day 2: Miami to Key Largo – Ocean Breezes and Fresh Seafood
Drive Time: 1.5 hours (70 miles)
Lunch – Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Café
Arriving in Key Largo, stop at this local favorite for unbeatable freshness. Try the blackened grouper sandwich, conch ceviche, or grilled lobster tail. Their fish dip is a fan favorite and pairs beautifully with an icy beer.
Afternoon – Sweet Stop at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
No trip through the Keys is complete without a slice of key lime pie—and Mrs. Mac’s in Key Largo is one of the best places to try it. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly chilled, it sets the tone for the treats ahead.
Dinner – Snook’s Bayside Restaurant
With tiki lights, live music, and waterfront views, this is a quintessential Keys dinner spot. The coconut shrimp, cracked conch, and mango-glazed mahi-mahi highlight tropical flavors with a Floridian twist.
Day 3: Key Largo to Islamorada – Sipping and Savoring
Drive Time: 40 minutes (20 miles)
Breakfast – Harriette’s Restaurant
Before hitting the road again, stop at Harriette’s for legendary muffins—especially the key lime variety. Their omelets and biscuits are satisfying and perfect for a day of exploring.
Midday – Florida Keys Brewing Company
Islamorada is home to this charming, colorful brewery. Take a break with a flight of their small-batch tropical ales, like the Key Lime Hibiscus Ale or the Sandbar Sunday wheat beer.
Lunch – Lazy Days Restaurant
Overlooking the water, Lazy Days serves freshly caught fish, prepared your way—grilled, blackened, jerked, or panko-crusted. The hogfish sandwich and sesame-seared tuna are standouts.
Dessert – Sweet Savannah’s Bake Shop
Their cupcakes and ice cream make for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. Flavors rotate daily, but the coconut rum cupcake is a top pick for a boozy bite.
Day 4: Islamorada to Marathon – Fishing Town Feasts
Drive Time: 45 minutes (30 miles)
Breakfast – Midway Café
This quaint café in Islamorada offers great coffee and healthy breakfast options like acai bowls, banana bread French toast, and smoothies. It's a great spot to fuel up before driving to Marathon.
Lunch – Keys Fisheries, Marathon
Located right on the docks, Keys Fisheries is a casual spot that serves lobster Reubens, fish tacos, and crab-stuffed shrimp. Sit outdoors and enjoy the view of boats bringing in the day’s catch.
Mid-Afternoon – Sweet Treats
Cool down with tropical fruit smoothies or locally made ice cream from Leigh Ann’s Coffee House. They also serve some of the best cold brew in the Keys.
Dinner – The Island Fish Co.
Watch the sunset as you dig into plates of yellowtail snapper, steamed clams, or spicy tuna nachos. Their cocktail list includes tropical staples like mojitos and piña coladas, perfect for unwinding.
Day 5: Marathon to Key West – Grand Finale for Foodies
Drive Time: 1.5 hours (50 miles)
Morning – Seven Mile Bridge & Photo Stop
Grab a Cuban coffee-to-go from Café Moka before crossing the scenic Seven Mile Bridge. The photo ops and ocean views are breathtaking, and you'll want to stop for a few Instagram-worthy shots.
Brunch – Blue Heaven (Key West)
Once in Key West, head to Blue Heaven, a laid-back, eclectic eatery famous for its brunch. Their lobster eggs Benedict, homemade banana pancakes, and bloody marys set the perfect tone for island dining.
Midday Snack – Conch Fritters at Eaton Street Seafood Market
This takeout seafood shack is great for trying local favorites like conch fritters, stone crab claws, and shrimp salad.
Dinner – Louie’s Backyard
Celebrate the final night of your foodie adventure with dinner at this elegant oceanfront restaurant. The menu changes seasonally but expect Caribbean-fusion dishes like jerked chicken with mango salsa or pan-seared scallops with plantain mash.
Dessert – Key Lime Pie at Kermit’s
Round off your trip with one last key lime pie—this time at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, where the pie is perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. For something different, try the frozen key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate.
Bonus Tips for Food Lovers
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Pack a cooler for storing leftovers or perishable goodies like fish dip or tropical fruit.
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Book food tours in Key West to discover hidden gems and local legends.
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Try the local rum, especially in Key West—there are tasting rooms like Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery.
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Respect the environment by supporting sustainable seafood spots and using reusable containers.
Conclusion
The road trip from Miami to Key West is a paradise for food lovers, offering a unique blend of coastal flavors, Caribbean influences, and tropical treats. From sipping Cuban espresso in Little Havana to savoring grilled mahi-mahi in the Keys, every stop brings a new taste and story. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, craft beers, or legendary desserts, this itinerary ensures your appetite stays as satisfied as your wanderlust.
So fuel up your car—and your stomach—and hit the road. The Florida Keys are calling, and they’re serving up something delicious at every mile.
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