Flying into Miami, and planned to spend 6 nights at Hawks Cay in Marathon. We have thought about perhaps a couple of nights, either at the beginning or end of the trip, to visit FLL - see the swimming hall of fame,and hit the beaches. Is 2 nights in FLL and 4 in Marathon too much to do, too much driving?

FLL to Marathon will be about 3 1/2 hours easily each way for what it's worth. Depending on the time of day, it could vary, but I would avoid from FLL to Marathon on a Fri or Sat and the reverse on a Sunday.

Traffic is bad going through Miami, and most parts of I-95. Also, taking US-1 down to the keys is either 1 or 2 lanes both ways, something to consider traffic wise if there's an accident. You can pull it off, but the driving time is something you may want to think about. If you do decide to do it, you can check into Lauderdale By The Sea, just north of Lauderdale which IMHO is nicer and more laid back than FLL.

I largely agree with the above poster...
but I think it's totally "do-able". From the Miami airport to the heart of Ft. Lauderdale is around 45 mins... and yeah, try to avoid rush hour (4pm to around 6:30 or so). I personally wouldn't worry too much about the weekend traffic... I'm in it every time I go down to the keys. I've never had too much trouble.

As far as worrying about it being too much driving, put it this way: I live just south of Ft. Lauderdale and I often jump in my car on a Friday night or Saturday morning, drive to Key West (about an hour further than Marathon) and come home Sunday night. I guess it depends on personal preference, but I don't think much of the drive. You'll have a blast either way!

It is not too much driving. If you can, avoid doing the drive during Saturday or Sunday. Driving to the Keys on a Friday will also be no problem as long as you depart the Fort Lauderdale area in the morning areas.

Opps, that should have been "morning hours".

I have a question for jbellz:

What dates & times are you flying in and out?

This will help with figuring whether you should go to FLL first or last.

Ideally, I'd suggest going to Marathon first, and then heading up to FLL via the Turnpike Extension & I-75, bypassing I-95 all together (YAY!!!) I can give you good directions, as I'm sure CarolM can, too.

Heartburn3... good point!
That's why they pay you the big bucks, right?

(why didn't i think of that...)

RE: Heartburn3, thanks for the help. We fly into Miami around 3pm on friday, and out of miami at around 3pm on a thursday.

I'd suggest heading to Marathon first. My theory is that you will be stuck in bad traffic whether you are heading to the Keys, or heading to Lauderdale, so you may as well head south.

Then got to Lauderdale on Monday, arriving in the early afternoon so you can have a nice lunch before checking in to your hotel.

On Thursday, have a nice big breakfast in the middle of the morning and then head to MIA in plenty of time to be frisked and grab a snack before the plane trip home.

How does that sound, CarolM??? Did I do good? If yes, I want a raise!!

Heartburn3, thanks a bunch! Based on the feedback, I am leaning towards heading to the Keys (Hawks Cay) on Friday (unfortunately around 3:30). My original plan was 4 nights in the Keys, which would send us up to FLL on Tuesday for 2 nights (Swimming Hall of Fame, and better beaches). Does that seem reasonable, or not enough time in one place? Thanks again. FYI, it is snowing again in Boston! All responses welcome.

Do not, under any circumstances, get on I-95. If you do, that three hour trip will turn into an eight hour trip.

Take 595 to the Turnpike and head south. Keep quarters on hand for the tolls.

I like Heartburn3's idea of heading down to Marathon first, because that gives you time in Ft. Lauderdale during the weekdays (beaches less crowded)... unless you want to be in the middle of more "action" (perhaps more choices of stuff to do at night, clubs, live music), then maybe that's your plan. You will, however be doing some of that drive down to Marathon while it's getting dark... not a big deal, though, and you'll get to see the nice drive during daylight when heading back up to Lauderdale.

From Ft. Ldle to Miami, still leave plenty of time even though you'll be driving mid-afternoon on a Thursday. Traffic can be nuts at any time of day.

Btw, what draws you to the Swimming Hall of Fame? Are you a swimmer or diver? I haven't been there since I was a kid, but don't know if there's a ton to see there... but plenty to do in the area in any case.

Okay Heartburn3, you get a raise (if not only for the "frisked" comment

CarolM, you can both get a raise. My 14 year old daughter is a big swimmer, which I is why I thought it would make some sense. Also, I understand there are better beaches in FLL (plus some friends to visit). Nightlife is not an issue. Would you not spilt up your trip? Is a split of 4 nights at Hawks Cay, and 2 in FLL seem ok? Thanks for the help.

Splitting the trip sounds good to me. You can do boating and other water activities in Marathon and the Keys; then enjoy the beautiful beach in FLL. If you do your drive heading to FLL from Marathon in the morning, arriving early afternoon (9:30am-1:00pm) you'll get into FLL in time to enjoy a nice lunch or a visit with your friends, before check-in time.

What's wrong, CarolM, you didn't like my "frisk" comment??? LOL!!! I guess I'm remembering my plane trip from Key West to FLL (one-way ticket, and they totally searched me! However, "biker boy" got through with no problems!! I'm so clean I squeak when I walk...LOL)

Your plan sounds great! Consider a stop in the Everglades as you go to or from the Keys. You'll add 2 or 3 hours to your drive but will see some amazing things. You'll enter the Everglades National Park from Florida City (the last/first city on the mainland). As you drive from Florida City to ENP, you'll pass the Robert is Here fruit stand. Be sure to stop for milkshakes. Stop again at the main visitor's center in ENP (about 20 min). Then go to Royal Palm Visitor Center and walk the Anhingua Trail. Check the ENP website and see if you can time your arrival with a Ranger led walk. Also, there is a great swimming facility in Islamorada (Founder's Park) - complete with diving well. It's about 45 min from Marathon.

Heartburn3, you got me wrong! I loved the frisk comment... which is WHY you're getting the big bucks

jbellz, your plan sounds good. You'll enjoy yourself splitting up the trip, and yes, you'd want to go somewhere other than the Keys for the nicest beaches.

Follow everything Heartburn3 says to do

jbellz, if you like nature, you can definitely do the Everglades trip. And yes, the milkshakes at Robert is Here are fantastic! You can also pick up some fruit/veggies for your trip if you want. The Everglades trip will take a while, and you should leave much earlier in the day to allow plenty of time to enjoy the Park. You'll also get into FLL later in the day. If you come up the turnpike to I-75 and then to I-595, you'll run into rush hour traffic that can be a pain when you don't know where you are going. If you hate rush hour traffic, you'll need to decide if you want to get to FLL or see the Everglades. It's your call. Just allow plenty of time to get to FLL. Once you get onto I-595, you'll be going in the opposite direction of the rush hour traffic, so it won't be as bad as I-75.

CarolM. sorry I took the frisking comment the wrong way. It was worded where it could have gone either way. The frisk comment was a good stab at humorous reality!