Miami, the heart of Florida, is a place that elicits a strong curiosity among travelers, perhaps because it brings to mind the glamour and excitement of South Beach. Brooksville, a city in the middle of Florida, and Key West, situated at the southernmost part of the United States, are perhaps two of Florida's lesser-known tourist destinations, but they still hold their own charm. The drive from Brooksville to Key West is a beautiful one that will take you through quintessentially Floridian scenery, from the sugarcane fields of the Everglades to the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. We recommend taking a break halfway through, at Everglades City, where you can experience a slice of the Everglades before continuing on to the southernmost point in the country.
Top Five Popular Attractions to See Between Brooksville, FL and Key West, FL
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Ernest Hemingway, one of the finest writers of the 20th century, was an avid traveler and a lover of Key West; in fact, he lived there for over a decade. His former residence is now a museum and a sanctuary for cats with six toes. The museum has preserved his house exactly as it was, with the same furnishings and decor. His study has been preserved, and you can still see his desk and typewriter. If you’re a Hemingway fan or simply interested in literature, this is a must-visit destination on your trip.
- Dry Tortugas National Park
Located 70 miles from Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park is a protected area that includes a cluster of small islands. The islands' main attraction is the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, which is one of the largest masonry structures in the Western Hemisphere. The fort was originally built to protect the U.S. from invasion, and it never saw any military action. Today, visitors can explore the fort, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the secluded beaches.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States. It includes over 70 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. Visitors can take guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours to see the diverse marine life that calls this area home, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
- Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park, located just south of Miami, is a vast marine preserve that includes over 170,000 acres of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and pristine waters. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the park's underwater world, where they will see an array of marine life, including sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking.
- Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park, located in the Florida Keys, is a destination that has it all — white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and kayak in the park's crystal-clear waters, or hike along the nature trails to see the native flora and fauna. The park also offers beachside campsites, allowing visitors to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
In conclusion, the drive from Brooksville to Key West offers an exciting journey through the nature and culture of Florida. Our recommended stops along the way will give you the opportunity to experience this stunning state to the fullest. The best route for this trip will take you through the scenic U.S. Route 41 to Miami, where you can take the Overseas Highway to Key West, stopping at Everglades City and our top five popular attractions along the way.