We are staying in Fort Lauderdale next week and would like to take a drive one day to the Florida keys. Is this an easy day trip or too far? Worth seeing?

All the way to Key West will only be
3 1/2 hours for you. I would recommend that you stay overnight, if possible.
I think the Keys, especially Key West is worth it as long as you can spend the night. It's a little too far for a day trip.

If you get to Key West from Ft. Lauderdale in 3 1/2 hours, you're driving WAY too fast. Miami to Key West is around 4 hours, and it'll be an additional 30 minutes to Ft. Lauderdale. Most of the highway is 2-lane with no passing and a minor accident along the road can hold up traffic for a long time. Unless you don't mind spending 9 hours in the car, I wouldn't consider it for a day trip.

Wow. I'd aim halfway between egret and Susan timewise.

But unless your goal is just taking a scenic drive I'd forget going to Key West. The good news is that this time of year, the kind of traffic that Susan menions shouldn't be a problem -- especially if during the week. (Actually your worst traffic would probably be between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.)

On the other hand, a couple hours down to Key Largo and maybe some snorkeling or diving could be well worth it, and just about half the time involved in going to Key West.

Thanks for your responses. We can't stay overnight but Key Largo sounds like a great option!