Drive from Miami to Florida Keys
 

Am considering a day trip from Miami to Florida Keys. Is this reasonable? If so where do you suggest we go in the Keys. Howlong is the drive?

well i will add a not very well educated comment. "the keys" are a big area which, as you know, end in key west. i think you get to the first part of the keys in a few hours. but i think going all the way to key west would take 4-5. so, it depends where you want to go and how long you want to hang out there...

If you leave at 6 a.m. you will be in Key West by 10a.m. You can stop on the way down for breakfast at the stuffed pig in marathon.When you arrive in key west walk around Duval street and have a few drinks and oysters!! Take the conch train around the island.. Have a lite dinner and be sure NOT to miss the sunset at Mallory Square !!!Keep the speed limit.

Islamorada is a good stopping place... you can grab some decent seafood at the Islamorada Seafood Company, or some drinks at their Tiki Bar... theres also an Outdoor Sportsman if you need a quick walkaround break or a souvenier... have fun... take your time, enjoy the ride, count the manatee and dolphin mailboxes... key west sunsets are fun...

If you are talking Key West, no. If you are lucky, it will only yake 4 hours each way. Key Largo or someplace similar, certainly.

I think its way doable if you start in the morning, get to Key West in the early afternoon, stay until sunset and drive back in the dark... We've done it a dozen times and had great adventures!

Even in the best of circumstances, you'll spend more time in the car (8-10 hours) than you will in Key West. I fail to see the point.

Why not check out Key Largo. Its only an hour from Miami and you get some of the Keys flavor. You can check out John Pennekamp for snorkeling or a glass bottom boat ride. Sundowners has some nice and fresh fish sandwiches. Alabama Jacks is also a legend in the area.

The fun of the journey is lost on some people...

Not at all, & that is exactly my point. If you choose to drive from Miami to EYW there are tons of things to do & see, en route. The preferred way to do that trip is to meander, not to try & fly out & fly back in one day.

It is not a good idea no matter how you look at it. Stay overnight at least.