Intrepid1

It is a "great drive" UNTIL you get stuck in traffic!

offlady

I wouldn't go to Key West just for the day. It is a lot of driving. Also, it has become quite touristy in the 25 years and you may be expecting something different from what it is today.

garyt22

I thought this was a TRAVEL site... travel means to "make a journey"... many of the negative nellys would rather not take the risks of driving along one of the worlds most beautiful sightseeing highways with its funky shops, restaurants, and deep blue ocean.

Those who choose to stay put and watch the clouds blow by must be looking for a TRAVAIL site, defined by Webster's as "a labor...agony".

Take it from a stage 4 Cancer survivor... don't pass on what ifs and maybe next times... even if there's a car wreck delay..get out and smell the ocean air... enjoy the keys!!!

SusanCS

Gary - Baloney! This is NOT one of the world's most beautiful sightseeing highways. We've driven between Key West and Miami countless times and it's okay, but nothing special.

Would I advise someone to drive down to Key West for a day? Absolutely not!

Stephanie

I believe alot of these people will not be happy until Jayneann does what they want. She asked for suggestions not to be bossed around.

TC

Gotta agree with Susan. Its not that beautiful. There are much better drives for seeing gorgeous water views.

snealfleeba

I just returned from the Keys (Islamorada) for a week and drove to KW twice, both times for the day. No real traffic problems and some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Stop for breakfast at the Midway Cafe in Islamorada. And be sure to stop at Bahai Honda state park just past the 7 mile bridge. Even if you don't go all the way to KW, I'd strongly recommend a drive over the 7 mile bridge which is not only beautiful but an engineering.
marvel. I think there is a ferry somewhere on the west coast of Florida to KW--maybe you could do that instead of the drive to (and stay in) Key Largo?

aliska

Two years ago we drove from Boca Raton to Key Largo for the day. My daughter was doing a project on coraf reef destruction and we had an appt. at the NOAA govt marine facility to speak with some marine biologists and tour Pennecamp park. Big recommend! Point, though, is that it took us close to 3 hours just to make it to Key Largo. Smart of Jayneann to ask whether this is worthwhile - that is what this forum is for, divergent opinions good and bad. You, the poster, get to choose whether to use or ignore the information and recommendations you receive.

Jayneann

Everyone, thanks so much for all the feedback!!!! Just this morning, my son's girlfriend drove this route from West Palm Beach to KW in 5 hours to meet up with my son, who's Coast Guard boat is pulling into KW today!! I talked to her as she was driving, said it was a beautiful drive and WARM (we are New Englander's)! Of course, she encountered NO traffic and left WPB at 5 AM!!!

She thinks it would be worth a day drive, but then again, she is 23!!! So, I guess we'll just wait to decide when we get there!! Promise to post when we get back.

Jayneann

Oh, one more thing! She said there is a sign that said it is a very dangerous road and so far, 18 people have been killed this year, and it's only January!!!

One too many margaritas in Margaritaville?? Yikes!!!!!!

GoTravel

Yes. The road is that dangerous. People constantly try and pass on the two lane road and in many places, there is no shoulder.

Drive the speed limit and pay attention at all times.

US1 in the Florida Keys is probably the most deadly road in the US.

They post the number of deaths in order to scare the beegeezuz out of you.

Jayneann

Well, I certainly got the beegeezuz scared out of me when I heard those statistics!!!!

keysmom

US 1 has its challenges -- but the 18 people is a holdover from last year. We haven't lost that many in one month!

Jayneann

OH! Thank God, I would have been so paranoid as we began the drive! Less than two weeks, can't wait!!!

dhuszai

Hi Jayne, it's Diane from the Costa Rica forum. Thought I would add my two cents. We try to get to Key West at least once a year, but stay in Tavernier and drive to Key West for the day. Key West is my favorite Florida place for people watching. It's a one of a kind. Although Pennekamp is a very nice park, Key Largo to me is doesn't really have the "Keys" feel to me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's too big, or too built up, or something. Another possible option you could have had should you not have already made your plans would be to take a boat from Ft. Meyers (I believe) to Key West. This is something that supposedly just started not too long ago and I don't think the cost was that much. Really cuts down on the drive time. My co-worker was scheduled to take the boat down there one weekend, but he ended up getting blown out (there must have been a storm in the Gulf at the time, I just don't recall) and he ended up driving. Anyway, whatever you decide, I'm sure you will have a good time...you will be seeing your son!

Pura Vida!

Jayneann

Diane,
How are you? Thanks for responding!!!
Well, I decided to take your advice and just booked a place in Tavernier overlooking the Bay! Sounds really nice and I talked the receptionist into letting us stay for one night only.

How long does it take to drive from the Tampa area to Tavernier? I was thinking about 6 hours. Is that right?

Also, I'm starting to wonder if we should have even booked 2 nights in South Beach. I'm more of a flip flop girl, not a stiletto one. I do love a beautiful beach though! Any thoughts?

When are you leaving for CR? Did you figure out your plan for Arenal?
Jayne

dhuszai

Hi Jayne -- Just curious. Where are you staying on Tavernier? We usually stay at the Bay Breeze (overlooking the Bay). Florida Bay is nice and worth bringing your snorkling gear. We've spent hours snorkling at Bay Breeze. You're about right with the travel time...it may be a little less. We don't usually take the interstate or turnpike though. We take Alligator Alley and get off at 27 and then go to 997 (which is Krome Avenue -- where the detention center is). We have saved a lot of time going that way. Sometimes you end up behind some slow moving truck -- there is a lot of agriculture in that area, but we still make better time going that way. The only time I was to South Beach (which was quite a long time ago), it was raining, so I can't really give you a suggestion there. I would think it would be worth visiting at least once. (I'm not a stiletto person either)

As far as Arenal, we decided to rent Oscar for another day. He was only going to charge $100 for the day which I thought was reasonable and he will take us wherever we want to go. Keeping my fingers crossed as far as a clear shot of the volcano while we're there. We leave on May 22nd. I hope I'm not to psyched that I end up disappointed.

Jayneann

Diane,
The place is called Coconut Palm Inn. Have you heard of it? I first called the Island Bay Resort, but they were booked, so they told me to try CPI. It got good reviews on Tripadvisor! We were staying at the Holiday Inn before this. More money now, but hey, I'll just go shake the money tree out in the backyard and we'll be good to go!!!!

You'll love CR! Just remember, it's probably not going to be a luxurious vacation, but it will be very unique and beautiful experience that will stay with you a long time! I would go back in a heartbeat!!

dhuszai

Jayne -- Just took a look at their site. Looks like a very nice place. It's so peaceful on the Bay. Please let me know how you like it. I would consider it for our next trip.

Have a great time!

Tandoori_Girl

Jayneann, you should spend your time with your son. What kind of mother are you anyway?