Travel from the Everglades to Key West visiting all three of Florida's national parks on this epic Florida road trip!
Florida is an amazing state to travel through. Endless miles of coastline create epic road trips, and tons of beachy towns and islands mean there is always a new and exciting destination to explore. This Florida road trip takes you to all three of Florida’s national parks, through the Florida Keys, and to two of Florida’s most popular state parks.
Everything we’ve listed is family-friendly so it makes the perfect spring break trip with kids. Whether you are starting in Orlando, Miami, or from further north, this one week itinerary is the best way to see the beauty of south Florida and the Florida Keys.
Florida National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, Day One: Drive from Orlando to Everglades National Park
Begin your Florida national parks road trip early to avoid any traffic. This gives you time to stop at Robert Is Here before reaching the Everglades, an iconic roadside fruit stand and small farm. Robert Is Here is well-known by locals and by travelers coming through Homestead.
Here you will find fresh fruit smoothies, key lime pie, tropical and exotic fruits, house-made guacamole and pico de gallo, and even some things on the odd side such as ostrich eggs.
It’s a great place to get out of the car, walk around a bit to stretch your legs, and enjoy an ice cold smoothie.
After your quick stop, head on into the Everglades via the Ernest F. Coe entrance and visitor center. Everglades is the third largest national park in the continental United States, so we opted to spend two nights here in order to check out as much of the park as possible. With 1.5 million acres of wetlands, cypress and mahogany hammocks, thick walls of mangroves and fields of lush grass, you could easily spend several days in this park.
Where to Stay in the Everglades
The Long Pine Key Campground is located 7 miles from the park entrance in Homestead. It is large, with 108 drive-up sites for tents and RV’s. Each site has a fire pit and there are public restrooms, but there are no electric hookups at this campground.
Until the Flamingo Lodge is completed, there is no lodging other than the two campgrounds currently inside the park. The most central place to stay if you aren’t staying inside the park is in Homestead.
We chose to stay at the Flamingo Campground due to the electric hookups that are available (only on the T-Loop so check before reserving). The sites were large, not many were shaded though.
This was not a problem in the winter, but it could become an issue in the hot summer months. There is a potable water filling station near the public restroom area for your fresh water tanks if you have an RV.
Day Two: Everglades National Park
We spent our second day of our Florida road trip on the water. Flamingo Adventures offers boat tours, kayak trips, and powerboat rentals through the mangrove-lined waters and out into the Florida Bay.
To really immerse yourself in this park, you need to explore the waterways! We rented 2 tandem kayaks to kick off our second morning in the Everglades, and got on the water right from the marina.
On this trip especially, we were super excited to have our America the Beautiful National Park pass. We visited four national parks so the pass paid for itself on one trip. If you are planning on visiting more than two parks a year, the pass is definitely worth the investment.
Highlights of the Everglades
- The Anhinga Trail was our favorite walkway in the Everglades National Park. This is where we saw the most wildlife, and the kids loved meandering along the boardwalks trying to spot fish, turtles, tropical birds, and- of course- alligators.
- Renting kayaks and enjoying the day on the bay was a great way to explore the Everglades as a family.
- Spending time on the Florida Bay and watching the sunset was a completely unexpected highlight our our trip. There was no one else around and it felt like we had the entire southern tip of Florida all to ourselves.
Day Three: Key Largo
The morning of our third day we packed up and headed to Key Largo. Driving from the Everglades to Key Largo takes less than an hour, but it took us an hour and a half since we were staying at the southern part of the park in the Flamingo area and pulling a camper. Key Largo is the largest section of the keys, and marks the very beginning of the 800 keys that make up the Florida Keys.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Once on Key Largo we headed to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This is a very popular park in the keys, offering boat rentals, kayaking, fishing areas, glass bottom boat tours, and sandy beach areas for swimming. The main attraction however is snorkeling the gorgeous coral reef.
Part of the Florida Reef, the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continental U.S. and the third largest in the world, the park encompasses the densest section of reefs and has the highest water clarity- great for snorkeling.
Tip: If you are traveling with a boat or camper, there are longer parking spots by the marina once you get into the park marked for boat and RV parking.
Key Largo Highlights
- Snorkeling at Pennekamp State Park was a highlight of our afternoon. If you have time, take a boat tour out to the Christ of the Deep statue and to snorkel around some of the various sunken ships in the area.
- For great seafood, waterfront seating, and live music, have dinner at Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant on Key Largo. The tropical cocktails and steel drum music will remind you that you are now on island time!
Where to Stay in Key Largo
Unlike some of the smaller keys, Key Largo has many hotel options, bed and breakfasts, and waterfront resorts to choose from. We camped at the Key Largo Kampground and Marina, which was in a great location with sites right on the water.
Some sites also include a boat slip if you choose to bring your own boat down to the Florida Keys. Luxury “glamping” at its finest, the kids enjoyed the heated pool and the adults liked having coffee on our private dock.
Day Four: Key West
The drive from Key Largo to Key West takes about two hours. Driving in the Keys can be slightly different as they go by a mile marker system. The 113-mile long Overseas Highway runs through the entirety of the keys with most addresses being listed as mile markers, beginning at MM 126 north of Key Largo and ending at MM 0 in Key West.
After leaving Key Largo on day four, we headed right to Bahia Honda State Park on the way to Key West. We planned on spending the day here, and even though we arrived very early the park was already at capacity. So we headed straight to our campground which ended up being a great idea, keep reading to see why!
Note: If you can get in to the park on this day, great! If not, there will be more time to return later on this trip… you don’t want to miss seeing this park.
Travel tip: If you need to stock up on any “island supplies” such as sandals, water shirts, hats, or sunscreen, your best bet is to find a shop in Key Largo or on Islamorada. Some of the smaller keys don’t have as many options, and once you arrive in Key West you will find items are priced a little higher since it is more touristy area.
Where to Stay in Key West
We opted to stay on Sugarloaf Key, just a short drive to Key West but away from the crowds. The Sugarloaf Key KOA is really a resort, with tons of amenities for all ages. We definitely enjoyed the live music by the pool, shaded hammocks, and full bar built out of an old Airstream camper.
If you prefer to stay on Key West, Boyd’s Key West Campground is another camping option also known for waterfront sites and a resort-style vibe. The Eden House is in a central location and is the oldest hotel in Key West. The Southernmost Beach Resort is a luxurious hotel with ocean views located right off of Duval Street.
Travel Day Highlights
- I have to admit, we were bummed when we couldn’t get into the state park. But then we found this parking area with a section of tide pools just over the bridge after Bahia Honda Key that the kids loved exploring, and it ended up being a great lunch spot with a view.
- Our “campground” (if we can even call it that) has more amenities than most hotels. With a beach and watersports area, kayak and paddleboard launch, snorkeling section, and huge heated pool and hot tub, we never wanted to leave!
Day Five: Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park
On day five the rooster crowed mighty early. Literally, there are roosters all over the Florida Keys. We needed to get up early to get to the Key West Ferry Terminal and board the ferry to the Dry Tortugas National Park.
The Dry Tortugas are located in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles west off the coast of Key West. 99% of the park is underwater, and the only ways to get here are by air or by sea. This park was indescribably beautiful, and is definitely worth a visit during a road trip to the Florida Keys.
The ferry brings guests back to the terminal around 5PM, the perfect time to grab a bite to eat in Key West. This was an early, long day so after dinner and a drink we headed back to the campground. If I had to pick my favorite day so far of this trip, it would be our day at Dry Tortugas.
Highlights
- Snorkeling in the Dry Tortugas was definitely worth the trip out there. The water was clear and flat as glass, and we saw so many conchs, different corals and sea sponges, and tropical fish.
- Learning the history of Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas was also very entertaining, and walking the fort shows visitors glimpses of the turquoise gulf waters framed by the old brick structure.
- When we arrived back in Key West it was actually St. Paddy’s Day, so the town was in full celebratory mode. Walking around Duval Street when all the nightlife was just starting to ramp up was a great way to end the day.
Day Six: Key West
For our last morning in the Florida Keys, we split our time between exploring Bahia Honda State Park in the morning and then spending an evening in Key West. If you didn’t get to enjoy the state park earlier, today is your day!
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park sits in the lower part of the Florida Keys at MM 37, between Marathon and Key West. Bahia Honda (pronounced BAY-ah HON-da) means “deep bay” in Spanish, because the channel on the island’s western side is one of the deepest natural channels in the Florida Keys. The deep water creates gorgeous turquoise water, perfect for snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Key West
Key West is the southernmost city in the contiguous U.S., and a must-see on any Florida Keys road trip. Key West has boutique stores, art galleries, kitschy gift shops, live music, unique bars, “Old Florida” Victorian homes, ice cream shops, and really good food.
Highlights of Key West
- Lounging on the beach at Bahia Honda State Park was the perfect way to relax after an action-packed week. Plus, we still had one more national park to visit the next day!
- Fresh conch fritters from The Conch Shack while walking around Duval Street really hit the spot.
- Watching the sun go down at the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is a nightly highlight of any Key West visitor!
Day Seven: Biscayne National Park
Biscayne was our last stop on this Florida national parks road trip. The majority of this national park is underwater, and Biscayne is the largest marine sanctuary in the National Park Service. The park offers boat tours taking guests to one of the largest coral reefs in the world, and miles of mangrove forests to kayak and paddle through.
Biscayne was just under the halfway point of our drive from Key West to Orlando, so it was a great place to stop and break up the trip. We spent half a day in the park on our paddleboards exploring the islands, had lunch overlooking the water at one of the shaded picnic areas, then headed home. It was a great end to an amazing Florida national parks road trip.
Highlights of Biscayne National Park
- Paddleboarding in the bay was the highlight of the day, especially when we stopped at some of the smaller mangrove islands and spotted dozens of large iguanas scatter through the trees.
- Lunch in the park sure beats lunch on the road! There are several places to have a picnic right by the waters edge in the park.
Where to Stay near Biscayne National Park
What to Pack for a Florida Road Trip
- Bring a waterproof camera such as a GoPro, there is so much marine life to see and capture in underwater photos.
- If you will be taking your phone to the beach, use this waterproof phone case for protection.
- Wear sunscreen, pack it with you, and remember to reapply. The sun is super strong down in south Florida. We love this one because it is reef friendly and zinc based- no more chemicals. And don’t forget your lips, they need protection too.
- UPF clothing is super functional on fishing charters. Most likely you will spend all day in the sun and you need to protect your skin.
- These sunglasses are lightweight and polarized, and they come in several colors.
- In the late summer the mosquitoes can be awful, so bring good bug spray. Also citronella candles or tiki torches are helpful if you are camping.
- A great item to travel with is a portable GPS navigation, we bring ours on every road trip. This one is affordable and easy to pack.
- We brought our own snorkel gear because it is fitted just how we like it, but if you don’t have any most snorkel trips can provide daily rentals.
- Don’t forget to drink your water! This is our favorite travel mug, it keeps drinks cold for hours in the car and fits in most cupholders.
- If you are planning on spending even a few hours at one of the beaches, you should bring some sort of shade. This canopy sets up in under a minute and has been great for traveling.
- Allow extra time when driving through the Keys on the Overseas Highway. Holiday weekends can bring traffic, there are a lot of stop lights when going through the towns in the larger keys, and in some places the speed limit goes down to 35MPH.
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Where are Florida's National Parks?
Did you know that Florida has three national parks? What makes this road trip simple is that all three parks are located in the southernmost parts of Florida. Although the parks are not too far apart from one another, they couldn’t be more different. Everglades National Park is one of the largest national parks in the U.S. 95% of Biscayne National Park is actually located underwater. And Dry Tortugas National Park is anything but dry; situated off the coast of Key West, these islands make up a snorkeler’s paradise!
Where to Begin the Perfect Florida Keys Road Trip
Orlando is a great starting point for this Florida national parks road trip because there is so much to do in the “City Beautiful”. Not only does Central Florida have some of the best theme parks in the world, but there are tons of beautiful state parks and gorgeous beaches in the area. The Orlando International Airport is right in the heart of Central Florida and is a four hour drive to the entrance of Everglades National Park. And there are so many things to do in Orlando at night!
Alternatively, Miami is less than an hour drive to the Everglades and is 45 minutes from Biscayne National Park, the last stop on our road trip itinerary. Miami has beaches, museums, great food, and so much nightlife. Either city creates the perfect jumping off point for an amazing road trip to the Florida Keys.
When is the best time to visit South Florida and Florida's national parks?
Historically, late fall and early spring have the best weather in southern Florida, hands down. The nights are cooler, there is a breeze to keep bugs away, and the humidity drops. It is still warm enough to participate in all of the amazing outdoor activities we recommend. Summer is hot and humid with lots of rain. Also, hurricane season runs from June to November, and kids are out of school so places become more crowded.
Note: Our trip was during spring break and the weather was absolutely phenomenal. No bugs, a nice breeze at night, calm seas. Perfection!
How many days do you need to visit Florida's national parks and the Florida Keys?
Minimally you will need one day for each of the three parks, plus a few extra days for exploring the Florida Keys. Having a week to complete this Florida road trip is ideal, so you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on any of the highlights.
Happy Travels!
Wowza! What a fabulous, nature filled adventure! This part of Florida looks incredible, especially Dry Tortugas National Park (those gorgeous blue seas!?) and Everglades (I have never seen scenery like that!)
This road trip looks brilliant.
What an epic road trip! These National Parks in Florida look absolutely stunning! I’d especially love to visit Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park one day – that blue water is incredible! Thanks for the great guide!
What a comprehensive guide! Thanks for sharing – the packing list is especially helpful for someone who hasn’t visited before (like me)
This looks like the perfect road trip! There is so much to see in Florida!
Great recs! I have family in South Florida and can attest to many of these spots being must visit!
This is such a great itinerary! I’ve been wanting to start exploring more road trips as the airlines have become very unreliable recently. Thanks so much for the tips. Definitely saving this for later.
What a great one-week itinerary! I’m so impressed by your photos, wouldn’t mind jumping on a plane and visiting the Everglades National Park and the Dry Tortugas National Park this same weekend 🙂
Loved reading all about this road trip! I’ve been to Florida plenty of times and I still haven’t visited Key West as of yet. I’ll definitely keep your post in mind for my next visit.
Love this road trip! I have been to Everglades many years ago and enjoyed it. I would like to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park. The waters are so blue! 🙂