Key Largo & the Florida Keys

From the hotel, US-1 crosses the mangrove flats and lands you in Key Largo, the self-styled Dive Capital of the World: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Christ of the Abyss statue, glass-bottom boats, and the African Queen (yes, the one from the movie) are all clustered within a few mile markers.

Beyond Key Largo the Overseas Highway keeps going — Islamorada’s fishing charters and sandbars, Marathon’s Turtle Hospital and the Seven Mile Bridge, and eventually Key West, about 2.5 to 3 hours from our parking lot. Many guests stay with us the night before, leave early, and beat the day-trip traffic both ways.

Tips from our front desk

• Leave by 8 AM — the 18-Mile Stretch and Upper Keys traffic build fast on weekends and in season.
• Key West in a day is doable but long (5–6 hours of driving round-trip). Our honest advice: make Islamorada or Marathon the day-trip turnaround, or stay a night down there.
• Snorkel trips out of Pennekamp are the easiest reef access in the Keys — book a morning departure for calmer water.
• Heading down with a full car? Top up on gas and groceries in Florida City — everything costs more once you’re on the islands.

Getting there from Travelog Inn

We're at 409 SE 1st Ave in Florida City — about 35 minutes from Key Largo / Keys by car, with free parking in front of your room when you get back. Open directions in Google Maps. For hours and tickets, check the official site.

Common questions

How far is Travelog Inn from the Florida Keys?

Key Largo is about a 35-minute drive south on US-1. Travelog Inn is in Florida City, the last mainland stop before the Keys.

Is Travelog Inn a good base the night before driving to Key West?

That’s one of the most common stays we host. Sleep here, take the complimentary hot breakfast at 6:30 AM, and you’re on the Overseas Highway ahead of the day-trip crowd — Key West is about 2.5–3 hours away.

Can I visit the Keys as a day trip from the hotel?

Easily, for the Upper Keys: Key Largo and Islamorada make a relaxed day with time to snorkel and eat well. Key West as a day trip is possible but means 5–6 hours in the car.