We are heading to Key West for a short weekend in the beginning of October. I thought it might be nice to fly into Ft. Lauderdale and drive to Key West.

Is it a nice/scenic drive or should we just fly into Key West?

Ei, I've made that drive way too many times. Once you get to Key Largo, the drive becomes nice, with lots of scenery and some nice restaurants along the way for lunch. The drive from Ft L to Key Largo, though, is a bear. For some reason, the people on the interstates down there drive like maniacs. The drive - start to finish - takes about 4 hours, depending on trraffic in the Keys (which can really bog down). I think next time, I'm going to fly into Key West. I like the upper Keys, and I find Islamorda a real relaxing place, but THAT DRIVE . . .

I take the exact opposite view of the Captain, probably because I haven't made the drive that often. I say rent yourself a convertible and do the drive. On a sunny day the post-Key Largo portion of the trip is one of the nicest drives you'll probably ever take, at least on the east coast. The Captain is right -- the first part of the trip is rather tedious and the drive will probably take about 4 hours, but if you've never done it, it's totally worth it.

I have done that drive and it took about 4 hours each way. Once you get down into the Keys, parts of the drive are scenic (especially if it is a sunny day and you've got that pretty water on both sides of you). However, a major part of the drive is not scenic at all. Also, that road is bumper to bumper traffic at times which sort of detracts from the experience. I'm glad I did it once, but if I were going again I'd price airfares directly into Key West and see if the difference in price was offset by the price of the rental car (you don't really need a car on Key West anyway).

Watch your speed limit around Big Pine Key, they are really strict because of the Key Deer. The first time the drive is nice and pretty, but after you have been down there a couple of times it's a pain in the rump.

I did the drive this March and it was a very lovely drive, we drove from Key West to Key Largo and back. But if you are only going for the weekend, I would fly into Key West, as I am sure it is packed on fall weekends. You didn't say if you had been to Key West before, but if this is you first trip, I say fly into Key West. Go another time when you have more time and do the drive. Al said rent a convertible and do the drive, and if you do beware, we rented a covertible in March and got a really bad sunburn ennven though we had put the top up long before we got to Key Largo.

Lisa, Sandy and Don all raise very valid points. The drive is definitely not scenic the entire way -- figure about 1 hour of 'ooos and ahhs', 1 hour of above average scenery, 1 hour of quietly cursing under your breath and 1 hour of saying "Maybe we should've flown." And yes, the time element is something to take into consideration. Maybe it would be wiser to fly and then drive down when you have more time.

Thanks everyone for your valuable information. Maybe we'll just fly into Key West and if we find the time (& the weather permits), rent a convertible and drive up and down the Keys.

Now, let's just hope a hurricane doesn't hit.

Thanks again.
Safe travels.
Ei

All depends...we did it last year...nice drive once you are out of Miami...very confusing...

If you've never done it before it's interesting but it is boring after awhile...

Doesn't seem like a long distance...all in all, we'd do it again.

The only planes that fly into KW are the smaller ones, too. My daugher flew on one and didn't mind it, but I don't know if I would like it

Hello we just got back from doing this trip from Marco Island, Florida to Key West, it was raining and there was hardly anything between marco island and homestead, florida. long drive bumper to bumper out of homestead to key west on a two land highway. pretty scenic though. I think next time we will fly or take the boat shuttle.

If by short weekend you mean two or three days, I'd opt to fly into KW. But the "Overseas Highway" is one of my favorite drives (Fort Lauderdale to Homestead is typical expressway), and I go several times a year.

It's not pristine, but it is unique. Nothing beats looking out at the blue ocean and then turning your head an seeing the bright green gulf. Too many Eckerds and Burger Kings, but still plenty of locally owned restaurants and bars.

Rent a convertible, get a Jimmy Buffet tape, and let your cares melt away (just keep you eyes open for oncoming traffic).