Cincinnati, OH to Key West, FL Road Trip

Day 1: Cincinnati → Nashville

Morning: Depart Cincinnati via I-71 S and I-65 S, stopping at Louisville Waterfront Park for a quick coffee and river views.

Afternoon: Continue to Nashville, exploring the lively Broadway Historic District and grabbing a famous hot chicken lunch.

Evening: Check into a downtown hotel and enjoy live music at the iconic Grand Ole Opry before resting for the next leg.

Day 2: Nashville → Atlanta → Orlando

Morning: Head east on I-24 and I-40, pausing at the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a short hike and photo ops.

Afternoon: Drive through Atlanta, visiting the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and grabbing a quick bite at Ponce City Market.

Evening: Arrive in Orlando, settle into a resort near International Drive, and unwind with a stroll through ICON Park for evening entertainment.

Day 3: Orlando → Key West

Morning: Depart early, taking I-75 S (Alligator Alley) across the Everglades, with a brief stop at the Big Cypress National Preserve for wildlife spotting.

Afternoon: Cross the stunning Seven Mile Bridge on US-1, enjoying breathtaking ocean vistas before reaching the Florida Keys.

Evening: Arrive in Key West, check into a historic inn on Duval Street, and celebrate the journey with sunset at the famous Mallory Square.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Louisville Waterfront Park – 0.5 hr – $0
• Broadway Historic District – 2 hr – $10 (food & drinks)
• Grand Ole Opry – 2 hr – $85 (show ticket)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 2 hr – $0 (park entry)
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – 1.5 hr – $0
• Ponce City Market – 1 hr – $15 (meal)
• ICON Park – 2 hr – $30 (entertainment)
• Big Cypress National Preserve – 1 hr – $0
• Seven Mile Bridge – 0.5 hr – $0
• Mallory Square – 2 hr – $0 (sunset view)
• Accommodation (3 nights) – – – $600
• Fuel (≈ 1,500 miles) – – – $250
• Food & Miscellaneous – – – $200
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,200

Tips

To extend the adventure, add a day in the Florida Keys to explore Key Largo and enjoy snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the Atlanta stop and drive straight from the Smokies to Orlando, saving a day while still experiencing the highlights.