Miami to Key West
 

The hubby and I are flying from Austin to Miami and then heading down to Key West for Fantasy Fest in October. What's the best way to get to Key West from Miami and give us some ideas on what to do once we get there. We are thinking of renting a car. We NEVER travel so I want this trip to be special. Hook me up people! Give me some hot spots to hit if we drive or if theres a better way to get to Key West, let me know......flying is way to expensive from Miami.

You should drive it... during Fantasy Fest the island is consumed in Party... its only a 4 hour drive so I'm a bit confused... do you want to stop overnight? are you just looking for a place to eat or drink? what do you mean by hot spot along the way?...

we plan on driving to key west and staying there for a week. I thought you go thru other islands to get to key west? Might just hit some hot spots if there are any on the drive down to Key West.
Just would like to know some cool things to do while there for the week and we are going to stay in Miami for a couple of days too.

Drive or fly. They are both nice options. Here are some suggestions:

Driving suggestion: If you've never made the drive from Miami to Key West on the U.S. 1 Overseas Hwy down the Florida Keys, it's definitely worth the trip. The drive can be made in 3.5 to 4 hours, but it's best to do if you have an entire day to spend and stop to see a few highlights. Here's some ideas for a few stops to catch some highlights that won't take you too far off track to your Key West destination.

At the top of the Keys, stop in Key Largo at John Pennekamp Underwater State Park at around mile marker (mm 103). The park has great little trails where you can learn about the mangroves and the coral reefs, and you can kayak or snorkel. Next, stop in Islamorada for lunch at Morado Bay Beach Cafe in Islamorada at approximately mm 80.Now you're refreshed and the landscape is very tropical.

Drive through Marathon (midpoint of the Florida Keys) and then you'll cross the 7 mile Bridge called the ‘8th Wonder of the World.’ On the other side you find Bahia Honda State Park at approximately mm 37. Great place to stop for a walk and swim. It feels like you're in the Bahamas. Now you're ready to drive into Key West. It's only about another 40 minutes from Bahia Honda.

Flying suggestion: Fly in on American Eagle from Miami Airport or charter a seaplane on Tropic Ocean Airway, flytropic.com.

In Key West - The island is tiny - only 3 miles by 5 miles and parking is an issue. It's best to forget about a car and enjoy walking and bicycling. Consider renting a golf cart, or when you need a ride, take a cab, when on Key West.
http://vacationhomesofkeywest.com

Will you be posting photographs here?

Stay in Old Town Key West! What kind of accomodations do you want?

My daughter and I drove from Miami to Key West and back in December. You might be interested in my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

Ackislander - in your dreams :)