Driving from Miami to Key West? Here's what to see, eat and do.

This pretty insane collection of outdoor sculptures and structures were all allegedly carved in the ‘20s by a heartbroken Latvian fellow named Ed. It's worth the trip if only because Ed worked awfully hard on all these carvings and his story is actually quite incredible and slightly unbelievable. You can learn all about it at the museum for an admission of $18 for adults.

Mostly everyone in Miami knows about this immensely popular farm and bakery selling tasty, local and fresh treats. You can pick your own strawberries to snack on during the trip too. Though the farm is only open for part of the year (roughly November through April) Knaus Berry’s cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend. People talk about those rolls like the apostles talked about Jesus. Pro tip: it’s cash-only!

Interested to try some avocado wine? This local winery (with a restaurant and brewery also on the property) makes some pretty unorthodox wines from local fruits like avocados and lychees. Schnebly is also huge—with lush walkable grounds perfect for sipping and strolling. You’ve probably never had wines like this before. And, if you like what you try, you can take home a few bottles for your collection. 

Here's a very worthy member of Homestead’s legendary repertoire of Mexican food. Taqueria Morelia often finds itself in the conversation of the area’s best Mexican joints. Authentic, delicious and cheap—Taqueria Morelia is a perfect place to fuel up before strapping in for the last couple hours of your drive.

Robert's is a delightful throwback Florida fruit stand where you can buy fresh-as-it-gets produce as well as other local products and treats. The other reason to venture here: the milkshakes! If you go here and don’t get one of the thick, famous shakes (made with fresh fruit and soft-serve) then we are officially no longer friends. But if you bring us a strawberry key lime pie shake then we are officially best friends again.

This state park that draws in hundreds per day with its gorgeous reefs, which you can see via snorkel, scuba or glass-bottom boat. The daily snorkeling tours are one of Pennekamp’s most popular attractions. You’ll get about an hour and a half in the water and the chance to observe wildlife and the famous underwater Christ of the Deep statue.

The Fish House is a beloved seafood joint with all the salty Florida kitsch you could hope for. They do the classics here and they do them damn well. The smoked fish dip, the fried conch, the snapper and especially the key lime pie, which is an essential dessert here. You should probably get one to-go too. You know, just in case.

The best dive bar in all of Key Largo, featuring a lively cast of all the lovable misfits who find themselves down in this area of South Florida. It’ll put you in the Keys mood for sure. Because you’re a dive bar connoisseur. If you prefer your bar with a little more elegance, maybe this ain’t for you.

The African Queen is the original vessel from the Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn film of the same name. This vintage piece of movie history was built in 1912 and is a registered National Historic site. Not only can you look at it, but the African Queen is available for private cruises. Do some sightseeing or take a dinner cruise to the Pilot House Marina. 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo.

This tiny animal park will put you up close with dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles and more fish and marine mammals. Theater of the Sea’s animal interaction packages give you a good chance to get much closer to the wildlife than you’d expect. Swim with dolphins, chill with a sea lion or pet a ray.

Tired of driving? Need a break? Stop at this very pretty beach/park in Marathon. There are bathrooms, picnic tables and volleyball courts there as well. Stretch your legs, use the restroom and maybe your four-legged friend does too (Sombrero Beach is pet-friendly). Get a little beach time in before you head into the final half of your Key West trip. Located at Sombrero Beach Rd and Corte Del Brisas.

Islamorada's premier taproom is full of Keys charm. The patio/beer garden—with blue and pink furniture—is a lovely place to spend an hour working your way through a flight of beer. Stop here because you need to fill up on beer for your trip and you might as well drink local. Sample a few, pick one you like and throw a 12-pack in the car.

The Seven Mile Bridge is an impressively large bridge linking Marathon Key to Key West. It was first completed in 1912 but has—thankfully—been updated since. Well, it’s not like you can avoid it. It’s the only way you’re getting to Key West via car. But you should still take a moment to appreciate it and soak in the view. This is when it pays to be a passenger.