Florida Keys trip advice
 

Hello!
I've been reading all kinds of great advice on the Keys on this board - its been very helpful!
But just a few specific questions on my trip. My husband has a business trip in Key West, so we are going a few days early and making a long weekend out of it. We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale and for the first night I have booked the Holiday Inn in Key Largo. Our flight gets in at noon, and I was wondering if we got to the Everglades by about 3pm that day, would that be enough time to enjoy it? Or should we save that for a whole day? We wouldn't snorkle or bike, but would like to do the tram and see as many animals as we could.

My original plan was to get to the Everglades for the first day, spend the night in Key Largo then get up and start our drive to Key West the following day, maybe stop at Islamoranda on our way to Key West. We are staying at the Hyatt Resort and Marina on Key West for 4 days.

Thanks in advance for your help!

When will this trip be? That will make a difference in the advice you get.

Hi there - we are going Feb 9th-14th. Thanks!

What part of the everglades?? if you are talking about travelling from FT Lauderdale to Key LArgo and then from Key Largo to the Alligator Alley area of the Everglades north of Miami...there is no way you want to be combating traffic that way.

I would then do the Ft Lauderdale to Everglades then to Key Largo then Key West.

Remember....Miami traffic is OUTRAGEOUS!

I believe we did the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades on our way to Key Largo. It is a short but very interesting boardwalk filled with alligators and Anhinga birds. The trail only takes a few hours.

Hi....You are traveling south into the Keys on a Friday which is good. Try to get south of Miami before rush hour. Be sure to take the Florida Turnpike which is immediately adjacent to FLL and to AVOID I-95 south. If you can get to the Everglades by 3PM, that would be good.

You can travel southwest into the Everglades from the entrance near Homestead, FL. As you travel, stop to take one of the short walks on the catwalk.

Be sure to get back to the Anhenga Trail just before sunset and do the trail at that time. It is feeding time and the best time each day to visit. I won't go into detail and spoil your adventure except to say be sure and bring your camera. The tram is OK - so is walking, and after that long flight you might enjoy the exercise.
Don't do the Anhenga Trail on the way into the park - save it for just before sunset.

As it gets dark you will still have plenty of time to make Key Largo. Advise them you'll be checking in a little late.

In Islamorada, stop to visit the Sportsman. It is unusal store on the right side traveling south. The folks at the Holiday Inn will help you find it. If it is time for lunch, the 'Fish Company' is just behind it. These two places will get you into the mood of the Keys.

Thank you all for the great advice!

My plan was to hit the park before going to Key Largo and checking into the hotel - so GBC and cd your posts were especially helpful. That trail sounds perfect for what we were looking to do. I will definitely wait until sunset! Thank you so much!

Don't forget to eat some Key Lime Pie while you're down there. I've never had better!! If you're looking for a nice restaurant we had a fabulous dinner at Cafe Marquesa in Key West :)