I will be traveling by car from Coral Gables to Islamorada on a Wednesday, probably leaving early afternoon. I do not want to get stuck in Miami traffic. Will it be a problem this time of day or should I avoid it by doing something like SW 8th St in Coral Gables, West, to 997 and South to the 1?

Also is it faster to take the 1 or at Florida City is it better to take the Card Sound Road?

Thanks in advance for your great advice as always!

Joni

Unfortunately, rush hour traffic in the afternoon is southbound and westbound, and both US-1 and the Turnpike will be heavily congested after about 3:30-4:00. The Turnpike would probably be better, but to get to it, you have to go west from the Gables. If you can leave by 3:30, get to the Turnpike (either on SW 40th St. or SW 8th St. or 836 expressway) , then Turnpike to Florida City. I think that in terms of time, Card Sound and US-1 are about even, maybe a 10-15 min. difference quicker on US-1 unless there is an accident. Card Sound Road does have a beautiful view from their main bridge, and there is Alabama Jack's if traffic was worse than you hoped, and you need a break (or just a break - it's a great spot to start getting into the Keys frame of mind).

#1 leave as early as possible.

#2 take Le Jeune which is 42 ave north toward the airport and take the 836 west to the Turpike South.
Take the Turpike to Us-1 to the Keys.

I don't mind the one lane street but that's just me.

You need to check the status of construction on U.S. 1. Sounds like you will drive through by the end of the work day. If not, some of the delays have been extensive and the Card Sound alternative is defintely faster.

Take Bird (SW 40th) or 8th Street to the turnpike, depending on what's faster. I have not had a problem staying on the "stretch" from Florida City to the Keys. Will you have time to stop in the Everglades on the way to the Keys?

I do want to go to the Everglades but I am worried about having all my stuff in the car. I am thinking that will need to be saved for another day. Leave real early am from Islamorada to the Everglades. I am a bird watcher so I am used to getting up super early, so I am sure I will beat the traffic going back up and if I get out of there early afternoon sounds like I should be ok going back. (Or do you think my concerns about leaving my stuff in the car is unfounded?)

Joni

If you are in the Southern Portion of Coral Gables (near US1) you are better of taking US1 south to 878 (Snapper Creek Exp) and follow the signs for the turnpike. Mapquest your starting point and see if this gets you to the turnpike faster than the 836, 40th street, ot 8th street. Either way, if you leave before 3:30 you shouldn't have a nightmare drive. And it is pretty much a wash regarding Card Sound or US1 to the keys. There is a lot of construction on the 18 mile stretch but they only have traffic stoppages (flagmen, etc) during the nighttime. However, they have reduced the spped limit for about 10 miles so it isn't quite as fast as it used to be.

I would hate to be wrong about leaving stuff in your car. If it is in a trunk, I wouldn't worry but if it is in the open then maybe a concern.
I am sure there are birding websites for the Everglades. I usually tell people to go to the Anhinga Trail, which is the first stop inside the park and is very cool. You, however, should push further into the park. Eco Pond in Flamingo comes to mind. Flamingo is the settlement at the end of the road in the park. It was badly damaged by the Hurricanes a few years ago but I understand the little convenience store at the marina has re-opened.