We're thinking of a long weekend in the Florida Keys for the 4th of July holiday. I'm sure no one else has had this idea, so we'll probably have the entire island chain to ourselves.

But seriously, I need a reality check on our plans. At first we'd planned to just go to Key Largo and do a day trip to Key West, but then we thought spending a night in Key West would let us enjoy some sunset cocktails without having to worry about driving. So we were thinking of flying into FLL on Friday, July 4, arriving as early as possible that day and driving straight to Key West. Since we'd be doing this drive on the actual holiday, might the traffic be manageable, under the assumption that most people would already be at their destination? (with the bad end-of-work-week traffic being on Thursday instead of Friday) Or will Friday just be bad traffic all around?

The alternative would be to start out in Key Largo and go down to Key West later in our stay, but on the other hand, we thought Key West would be a lot more fun for 4th of July celebrations than Key Largo.

Related question: Does anyone have firsthand experience with the Holiday Inn in Key West? I know it's not walking distance to the main hangouts, but it suits our needs by not having a 2-night minimum. We'd prefer something walking distance, but don't mind taking a taxi after our night out. Or, please share any leads on better lodging that doesn't have a 2-night minimum.

Thanks!

Mike
Travel blog: www.stricklandia.com

There are mostly good reviews for the Holiday Inn here...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...s_Florida.html

If you make it to Key West on the 4th, one good place to watch fireworks is from the White Street Pier which juts out from Higgs Beach, about 2 miles west from the Inn.

hth
Pjk

You know, some forums are more active for certain destintations than others. For Key West, www.tripadvisor.com has a VERY active Key West forum. There are several resident experts that post there daily.

A better hotel choice would be the Intercontinental on Duval St...It used to be a Holiday Inn and the few extra dollars would be worth the perfect location...it also has a great view off the roof bar!!!

Intercontinental on Duval? We've been regulars in Key West for over 10 years and don't remember an Intercontinental. There is, however, Holiday Inn on Duval and it has a great rooftop!

More specifically, it's now a Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza - the La Concha. I'd be surprised, though, if they didn't have a minimum stay of longer than two nights over a holiday.

sorry... brainfreeze... Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental are the same Chain... I got my Crowne mixed with my IC... maybe too much Crown Royal... It's CROWNE Plaza

More specifically its ONLY a Crowne Plaza -La Concha...NO Holiday Inn... as a regular in Key West for over 25 years its important to not give false info on the hotel and apologize for mispostings...

mea culpa.

As far as driving to Key West on Friday the 4th, I think it would be much better than a normal Friday going through the Miami portion which is always backed up. Sounds like a perfect plan. Figure on about 4 hours. The 18 mile stretch from Florida City to Key Largo is coming along well, lots of construction but doesn't affect the traffic flow. We were there this last weekend and there were no delays, but it is a two lane road that can get backed up if there is an accident. Good luck!