Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into EYW, drive to Florida Keys
40 min drive20 milesReservations: moderate
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- EYW
Airport drive- 40 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 4–6 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- A standard car is ideal for the narrow streets of Key West; RVs face significant parking restrictions and limited turnaround points in the Lower Keys.
Your route
EYW
Key West International Airport
Florida Keys
About 40 min · 20 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to EYW
Compare fares into Key West International Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at EYW
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Florida Keys. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at EYW
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Florida Keys
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Overseas Highway Access and Reef Protection
State park entry for John Pennekamp or Bahia Honda is separate from boat tour bookings, which often sell out weeks in advance. Individual island accommodations vary widely in policy; travelers must verify specific dockage or parking rules with their provider. Visit the official Florida State Parks website to check current capacity limits for beach access.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
December – April
Your route
Day 1 · Upper Keys Ecosystems
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park → Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Day 2 · The Middle Keys Transit
Sombrero Beach → Old Seven Mile Bridge
Day 3 · Lower Keys and Key West
Bahia Honda State Park → Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Viator
Tours & experiences near Florida Keys
Explore guided activities around Florida Keys. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Florida Keys
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Florida Keys?
Key West International Airport (EYW) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from EYW to Florida Keys?
Roughly 40 min (about 20 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Florida Keys?
State park entry for John Pennekamp or Bahia Honda is separate from boat tour bookings, which often sell out weeks in advance. Individual island accommodations vary widely in policy; travelers must verify specific dockage or parking rules with their provider. Visit the official Florida State Parks website to check current capacity limits for beach access.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Florida Keys
Also reachable from EYW
More Florida Keys guides
Florida Keys: full trip plan No reservation? Entry rules & backup plans By RV: campgrounds & RV parks Airport road trip: Florida Tropical & Keys Loop from Miami Road trip: Everglades & Florida Keys Loop Florida Keys: Best time to visit Florida Keys: Things to do Florida Keys: Itinerary Florida Keys: Glamping