If you’re planning a trip to South Florida, you might be wondering about the distance between Miami and Key Largo. Located just a short drive from one another, Miami and Key Largo offers a diverse range of attractions, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that are sure to captivate any traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore the colorful neighborhoods of Miami, soak up the sun on the beaches, or discover the marine life of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a destination you won’t want to miss. In this blog post, we’ll explore the distance between Key Largo and Miami, the best ways to travel between the two cities, and the top attractions to visit along the way.
Overview of Key Largo and Miami
When it comes to Miami and Key Largo, it’s hard to know where to start. Miami is a world-famous city that has it all: beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and stunning art deco architecture. Known for its Latin-American influence, Miami is a hub of culture and creativity, with a thriving arts scene, vibrant music scene, and exciting festivals and events throughout the year.
Key Largo, on the other hand, is the first and northernmost island in the Florida Keys archipelago. It’s a laid-back, beachy town with a slower pace of life, and it’s known for its beautiful natural scenery, including some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. It’s a haven for divers and snorkelers, with crystal clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, and it’s also a great spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports.
Despite their differences, Miami and Key Largo share a few similarities. Both cities are located in Miami-Dade County, and they are both popular tourist destinations for visitors to South Florida. They also offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly motels and hostels.
Distance between Key Largo and Miami
The distance between Key Largo and Miami is approximately 62 miles, which is roughly a 1.5-hour drive under normal traffic conditions. However, the exact distance and travel time can vary depending on the route you take, as well as the time of day and day of the week.
If you’re flying into the Miami International Airport, it’s about a 1-hour and 20-minute drive to Key Largo, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle or bus service from the airport, which will take you directly to Key Largo, or you can rent a car and drive yourself.
If you’re driving from Miami to Key Largo, the most direct route is via the Florida Turnpike and then the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, also known as US Highway 1. This is a scenic route that takes you across a series of bridges and causeways, through the heart of the Florida Keys, and it’s the only road that connects the islands to the mainland.
Driving from Miami to Key Largo
Driving from Miami to Key Largo is a great way to experience the natural beauty of South Florida, and there are plenty of things to see and do along the way. The drive takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of the state, including the Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
To get to Key Largo from Miami, you’ll need to head south on the Florida Turnpike, which will take you through some of the state’s most beautiful wetlands and marshes. From there, you’ll take the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, which runs across a series of bridges and causeways that connect the islands to the mainland.
Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most iconic parts of the Florida Keys, including Islamorada, Marathon, and Big Pine Key. Each of these towns has its own unique character and attractions, ranging from historic sites and museums to restaurants and boutiques.
One of the highlights of the drive is the Seven Mile Bridge, a historic landmark that spans the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. Built-in the early 1900s, the bridge is an engineering marvel that offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. There are several rest areas and scenic overlooks along the way, where you can stop to take photos and stretch your legs.
As you approach Key Largo, you’ll see the iconic sign that marks the entrance to the town, and you’ll know that you’ve arrived at your destination. Key Largo is a paradise for nature lovers, with a variety of outdoor activities and attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, diving, fishing, or kayaking, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful town.
Public Transportation from Miami to Key Largo
If you’re looking to travel from Miami to Key Largo without a car, there are several options available to you. One of the most popular is the shuttle service offered by Miami International Airport, which provides daily transportation to Key Largo and other destinations in the Florida Keys. The shuttle service is affordable and convenient, with several departure times throughout the day.
Another option is the public bus service provided by Miami-Dade Transit. The Route 301 bus runs from Miami to Key Largo and makes several stops along the way, including at major attractions and landmarks. Bus service is a great option for those looking to save money on transportation, but it can be time-consuming and may not be as convenient as other options.
Air Travel from Miami to Key Largo
If you’re looking to travel from Miami to Key Largo quickly and conveniently, air travel is your best bet. Key Largo has its own airport, the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, which is located about 40 minutes south of Key Largo. The airport offers daily flights to and from Miami, as well as other destinations in Florida and the Bahamas.
Another option is to fly into Miami International Airport and then take a connecting flight to the Florida Keys. Several airlines offer daily flights from Miami to Key West and Marathon, which are both within easy driving distance of Key Largo. This option is more expensive than taking a shuttle or bus, but it’s the quickest and most convenient way to travel.
Popular Attractions in Key Largo
Key Largo is a paradise for nature lovers, with a variety of attractions and activities to explore. One of the most popular is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the reefs or take a glass-bottom boat tour for a more relaxed experience.
Another popular attraction is the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned birds. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility and learn about the different types of birds that call the Florida Keys home.
For those looking for a more laid-back experience, Key Largo has plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. Some of the most popular include Cannon Beach and Harry Harris Park, both of which offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Finally, no trip to Key Largo would be complete without a visit to the famous African Queen, the steamboat made famous by the 1951 film of the same name. The African Queen is now a floating museum that offers guided tours and a chance to step back in time to the golden age of steamboats.
Accommodations in Key Largo
Key Largo has a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and motels. For those looking for a luxurious stay, there are several high-end resorts that offer world-class amenities, including private beaches, swimming pools, and spa services. Some of the most popular resorts in Key Largo include the Hilton Key Largo Resort, the Playa Largo Resort & Spa, and the Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo.
For those looking for a more affordable stay, there are several budget-friendly hotels and motels in Key Largo. Some of the most popular options include the Bayside Inn Key Largo, the Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort, and the Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo.
There are also several vacation rentals available in Key Largo, ranging from cozy apartments to large beachfront villas. Vacation rentals are a great option for families or groups of friends looking for a more private and personalized experience.
Dining in Key Largo and Miami
Key Largo and Miami are both home to a vibrant culinary scene, with a range of restaurants and eateries to suit every taste and budget. Key Largo is known for its fresh seafood, with several restaurants specializing in locally caught fish and shellfish. Some of the most popular seafood restaurants in Key Largo include The Fish House, The Pilot House, and Snappers Key Largo.
Miami, on the other hand, is known for its fusion of Latin American, Caribbean, and American cuisines, with a range of restaurants and food trucks offering a unique and diverse culinary experience. Some of the most popular restaurants in Miami include Joe’s Stone Crab, Versailles, and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar.
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, both Key Largo and Miami offer several food trucks and street vendors that serve up delicious and affordable meals. Some of the most popular food trucks in Key Largo include the Garbo’s Grill, the Lobster Mobster, and the Key Largo Conch Shack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distance between Key Largo and Miami is relatively short, and it’s easy to travel between the two cities by car, shuttle, or bus. The drive from Miami to Key Largo is a scenic journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of South Florida, and there are plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore along the way. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the beaches, explore the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, or discover the cultural richness of Miami, there’s something for everyone in these two amazing destinations. So why not plan a trip to Key Largo and Miami today, and discover all that South Florida has to offer?