Flying into FLL mid December, arriving around 12:30 p.m. . We are thinking about renting a car and heading straight to Key West. Would love to stop at a few places along the way, but would like to make the trip while there is daylight. So thinking of driving straight there, spending that night, and the next full day and night in KW, going back to Lauderdale area on day 3 for a few days of R&R on the beach. I'm thinking of taking a slower, more leisurely ride to Lauderdale with some stops that we won't make on the way to Key West.

Is two nights, one full day enough time to get a feel for KW itself? Again, would take a leisurely drive back from there to get a little feel of the drive and what there is along the way. A few days on the beach afterward is definitely needed and the reason for such a short jaunt to KW. Of course, we can save KW for another trip in the future.

Thanks for your thoughts!!!

You can do it in four hours. Stop along the way and call it five. I would do it. Two nights and a full day will be ok but bet you will wish you had another day to explore Key West.

I would also head for the Keys straight away... Even with a stop in Islamorada along the way, you could make Key West in time for checkin and Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square... Then a late dinner along Duval or the bight, and then wander back toward the hotel...

I hope you are planning to stay in Old Town or you will miss the charm of KW and its small Inns and hotels... We can also help you pick the right place to stay....

PS... Relaxing in Key West is much better than Ft Lauderdale... Once you are there, you will NOT want to leave so reconsider the shorter KW stay.... Especially since December in Lauderdale could be chilly... Whereas Key West is much more tropical....

Why not fly from FT. Lauderdale and rent car in KW?

I would agree with garyt22....you'll get more R&R in the Keys than Fort Lauderdale. If you want to relax, spend time at the beach and get a feel for Key West just spend more time there and less in Fort Lauderdale.

To the OP: be very aware that Key West is NOT the place to go to "relax on the beach" since there are few beaches in that place. Relaxing by the pool would be more like it.

I agree with staying in Old Town.

And since I am biased and live in Fort Lauderdale a lot depends on just what kind of R+R you are looking for.

Thanks, all. I will definitely stay in Old Town. I know it's not the place to go for beaches. I LOVE the beach and it would be hard for me to be in the State of Florida without spending some time on one.

We stay just north of Ft. Lauderdale in Lauderdale by the Sea. It's our favorite place to hang out and soak up the sun. So laid back and fun. No need for a car even.

Husband in serious need of relaxation. I'll give it some more thought and see what he thinks as well.

Thank you!

I would consider more time in Key West also. While the beaches are not grand, there are beaches. The sun and a wonderful pool are also relaxing. Look at the Garden Hotel if budget is not tight. It is the definition of relaxing, just one block off Duval, but a world away.

Also the Marquesa Hotel... Same feel...

Casa Marina has little beach.

<To the OP: be very aware that Key West is NOT the place to go to "relax on the beach" since there are few beaches in that place.>

How many beaches does one need to relax?

Umm. Casa Marina has A little beach.