tamiipr

I'm planning a trip from Orlando to Key West in July. My plan is drive from Orlando to Miami very early in the morning, site see and go to the Miami Aquarium, and stay in Miami. Next day drive from Miami to Key west (early in the morning). Site see in Keywest and then go back to Miami and stay the night. Next day we go back to Orlando.

Is this plan really possible or should I add an extra day? The day I planned on going to Key west should I stay in the Keys closer to Miami or just stay in Miami like I planned? Anybody know any really cheap hotels in Key West or Miami ($100 or less), not really interested in comodities just interested in sleeping? Thanks in Advance!!

amcc

I think it will be a lot of driving and very little time. The drive from Orlando to Miami is close to 4 hours, could be more if you catch rush hour into Miami. The drive to Key West is 3 hours on a good day, and of course, 3 hours back. I would add a day to key west or Miami. If the Seaquarium is the only thing you are interested in Miami, then one afternoon in Miami will suffice. I think that one of the biggest attractions of Key West is its relaxed laid-back vibe, and half a day will not be enough.

In July, hotel prices are close to their lowest in the Keys (unless it is 4th of July). All the chains (like Days Inn, Hampton Inn) should have prices that meet your budget. Maybe someone knows of a bed and breakfast for $100. Otherwise, check on orbitz or expedia. Since you will have a car (and taxis are cheap), staying away from Old Town won't be much of a problem.

stumpworks73

I recommend adding the day. Lots of things you should do during the drive down the Keys. Feed the tarpon at Robbies, just across the Indian Key Channel from Islamorada on the N side. Walk the pedestrian bridge out to Pigeon Key off Seven Mile bridge. Eat at either the Lorelei in Islamorada or the Fish Market in Marathon for waterfront, keys quality casual dining. All the tourist stuff in KW is fun if you are a once in a life time visitor, and you don't want to just drive there, get in the car and drive back.

Ralphie

I'd add the extra day to stay in Key West. I think you'd be spending too much of a proportion of your vacation in your car otherwise.

GoTravel

I recommend adding a day and skipping Miami.

Drive right to Key West from Orlando.

Key West is such a unique town and the drive in is really spectacular.

I love Miami but I'd skip it this trip because I think Key West would be much more fun.

GoTravel

amcc, July is no longer off season for South Florida and the keys. It is considered 'Family Season' or 'Summer Season'.

$100 will be hard to find.

amcc

I agree that $100 will be hard to find in any of the old town bed and breakfast, although the two I've stayed at (simonton court and island city house) do consider june-july-august their low season. But the rates are about $150 for the most basic room. One other I've heard of, Almond Tree Inn, does seem to have higher rates in July, so there doesn't seem to be a uniform definition of "season".

A quick search of random (not 4th of july) dates for the days inn is about $99. There is no way around the fact that key west is definitely expensive although it is the price you pay for visiting and staying on these quirky unique islands.

If all you want to do in Miami is see the aquarium, I would say go to Sea World while in Orlando and do as GoTravel says and skip Miami. The Seaquarium has seen better days and it is not really an aquarium, more like an outdoor sea life attraction.

JAGIRL

I agree with GoT. I'd skip Miami and spend the time in the Keys. So much to do and see there.
I once did something along the lines of what you are planning- drove down from Fort Lauderdale, stopped in Miami and then went to Key West for an afternoon. Too short. We only had time to walk a small portion of Duval Street before it was time to head back into Miami.

Whatever you do, try to make sure to hit the seven mile bridge in full daylight. It is a spectacular drive indeed.

SAnParis

Couple of questions 1) Do you reside in Orlando ? If not, why is that the starting point ? Skip Miami. Mia - EYW is more like 4 hours on a good day. The Gods must be w/you to make it in 3.

floridakathleen

Don't know what you are looking for but there is a youth hostel/seashell motel in Key West believe it or not. Check out
http://www.keywesthostel.com/info.html for all the info. Should be the cheapest in town!
I also agree that Key West needs more than an afternoon!

SusanCS

Wow, I think I'd shy away from the youth hostel, which I've heard is awful! I do think, though, that I'd avoid trying to drive down to Key West from Miami and back in one day. We've done that drive any number of times and it's never taken less than 4 hours. It's mostly a two-lane road, so with an accident along the way you could be stuck much longer. For less expensive accommodation options in Key West, check out keywestinns.com. Have you priced the Best Western Hibiscus? It's normally a good less expensive option.

Dottee

I live in the Key Largo and go to Miami for shopping and Key West for pleasure. I would never EVER go from Miami to Key West and back to Miami. First of all, you will do nothing but drive day and night and not see anything. You have to choose your priorities. Miami has big city stuff; South Beach for the glamour and shopping and theaters etc. as well as gorgeous beaches with rolling waves. The Keys are a whole different life style: small towns with the laid back lifestyle and most of the water activities are on the reef so you have to go by boat to dive, snorkel or fish. Key West has more night time activity but you are at least four hours (one way) from Miami depending on the Miami traffic. One option you might consider is John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo. It is the only underwater State Park in the United States and they have scuba trips and snorkel trips and glass bottom boat trips and an aquarium and nature trails. Key Largo is only an hour from Miami and you can easily do this in one day.

I, of course, detest going to Miami, but that is me. I'm a Keys kid. But then again I smacked a two inch scorpion with a broom today and last night I watched a water spout take the bimini off my boat which has also been my home for the past twenty years. I guess the Keys are what you'd call an acquired taste.

hills27

The Seaquarium is awful. I suggest going swimming with the dolphins or snorkeling in the Keys instead.