driving to key west
 

Hopefully I'm not repeating old questions, but I haven't found this answered anywhere, so here goes...

I am renting a convertible (always wanted to drive one, this seems like a good stretch of road for it) to drive from Miami to Key West. I arrive in Miami at 2:50pm on a Monday in July, and am thinking it makes the most sense to get the car then and drive down to Key West that night, having arranged a late arrival with the hostal there. As I'm dumping the car as soon as I get to Key West, I'd also really like to stop at Bahia Honda on the way down, even if it's just a short stop to stretch and see/smell/feel the beach and ocean. This is really the only stop on the way down I feel I must make, as I would like to spend most of my time snorkelling/boating/exploring Key West, and, from what I've read, for a first-time snorkeller, Key West is as good as anywhere else in the Keys.

What I am wondering is, with a sunset time of 8:18, will I miss the most scenic part of the drive because it's too dark to see anything while driving? Should I spend the night in Miami and drive out the next day instead? This is the first time I'll be driving this road, I'd hate to be unable to appreciate it!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Count on a little more than 3.5 hours down to Key West IF the traffic is moving. One thing to consider is that Bahia Honda is a state park and I'm pretty sure it closes at dusk...also last time we were there they limit the number of cars allowed in so if you arrive late in the day that might be an issue, although I don't know how busy it is down there in the summer...you might want to inquire. I think I'd stay over and start out early the next day...the Overseas Highway is two lanes most of the way down and so you never know how fast the trip will be. IF you have a whole day to travel down, you might want to investigate John Pennekamp Coral Reef State park (Key Largo area). The Keys are awesome. Enjoy!

While the sunset says 8:18 PM, it will really be dusk until at least 9PM.

Don't worry, you'll just be chasing the sunset to Key West!

Remember to wear good sunblock in the convertable or you'll start your vacation with one nasty sunburn. You will not feel the heat because of the wind.

Do the drive. You will see some amazing views because of the sun setting as you are driving. Bahia Honda does close at dusk but you still might make it. Mondays are not busy there. Keep your camara ready because you will want to pull off to the side of the road and capture that beautiful sun as its setting!

good thoughts re seeing the sun set...we've driven many times to Marathon during those times and it is beautiful to watch the sky change as the sun begins to set...even if it is in your eyes! LOL ditto on the sun screen!

I want to offer a different take on this. It will cost a little more, but I say get to Miami, get the car and drive to Islamorada. Stay overnight there. The Hampton Inn would be an option for just a single night. Then, next morning, drive on down, taking your time and enjoying the islands.

To me, the Keys part of the Florida Keys really begins at Islamorada. Driving into the sunset won't be as pretty as advertised and it surely won't provide a good view of the beauty of the Keys. As you travel, you are moving almost exactly west - right into the sun.
Just another idea - I hope that it is helpful.

I've done this drive hundreds of time, at various times of the day. It seems to get longer each time I do it.
Personally, I'd spend the night in Islamorada. To me, it makes for a less hectic drive and gives you a chance to savor the Keys as you drive through. There are some good restaurants in the Islamorda area.
If you decided to drive through the night, be aware that the speed limit drops a lot around Big Pine Key. Too many Key Deer were getting killed on the road at night. The reduced speed limit is vigorously enforced.

Thanks for all the great opinions!

Being a prairie girl, one of my favourite times of day to drive is late afternoon/early evening when the sunset does magical things with the scenery. That said, once it starts to get dark here, it gets really dark fairly quickly. If those Key Deer are anything like the ones here, I can totally understand the speed limit!

Staying over in one of the other keys wasn't something I'd considered due to budget (the convertible is my splurge, I'm usually a hostal, $30 or less a night if possible, kind of girl), and anything I've heard/read about between Florida City and Key West seems to be at least quadruple that. I won't rule it out just yet, but I'm leaning towards doing the evening drive.

Oh, and sunscreen advise duly noted :)

Pennekamp will be by far nicer snorkling than Key West. But if you choose not to do it and head to Key West that day you can play the traffic by ear. The slowest part of the drive lately has been the stretch from Miami to Key Largo (the first key) because of contruction. But right before you start on the road down as you are leaving Florida City there is an alternate road called Card Sound, it is much quicker and you'll go over high bridges that will give you great views. It is a toll road for very little $.

Regardless, the worst time I have made is 5 hours and that is in horrible holiday weekend travel. You will make it!

The last time we did the drive in a convertible during the summer, we stopped about half way to put the top up and the AC on. We were cooked, and we live in Florida. Whenever you stop in traffic -- and you will -- the heat becomes unbearable. Just so you know. It actually sounds better than it is. Now if you were doing it THIS week, it would be glorious with the top down.

I did the Mimai to Key West drive last July and had no real issue. I started around noon and found easy traffic, just over 3 hours driving time. I enjoyed it immensely. I think you will get great views driving at either time.

My one major tip is to try snorkeling and boating in Key Largo (John Pennekamp). I did both, Key West and Key Largo. Snorkeling on Pennekamp was far, far more satisfying. Healthier coral, more abundant sea life, more variety. Key West was not bad and I did enjoy it, but going out from Key Largo was much better. I did a 3 hour trip with Keys Diver which included the Christ of the Abyss statue and the snorkeling exceeded my expectations. If you ahve the time and opportunity, and snorkeling is high on your list, do not miss the opportunity to see Pennekamp. You will not regret it because I believe it really is the best in the keys, hands down.

There is a hostel in Florida City. I can't vouch for it but here's the website. www.evergladeshostel.com
You could see the everglades on the afternooon of your arrival. Then head to the Keys the next morning and have a glorious drive.