Key West: Fly and Drive Do’s and Don’ts

For me, the best place to hang out in Florida is Key West (map), a town perched at the end of the Florida keys, a long drive south off the tip of Florida – if you could keep going, Cuba wouldn’t be too far away!

Key West has its own airport, with planes flying in right over a beach and a main road.  It makes for a convenient trip into town, and a good spot if you like planes potting.  But for me, part of the fun is getting there.  The drive along Route 1, as it winds its way across massive bridges, narrow strips of land and keys that are home to beaches and party life, is what I think makes the Key West experience so special.

I’ve done the Fly and Drive, and would absolutely do it again.  Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts that we encountered along the way.

Choosing an Airport

West Palm Beach (map):  quite a bit north of Miami, but still the drive south from here is enjoyable.  Small airport, so it’s quick in/out compared to Miami.You might be quick to assume that the Miami airport (map) is your best choice for getting into the area.   Don’t limit yourself, though – if you’re driving you have several airports to choose from.  On our trip, the four of us all flew into a couple of different airports, so I say pick whichever airport is most convenient for you.  The main airport options besides Miami:

• Fort Lauderdale (map): just 20 miles north of Miami, and also a small and easy to navigate airport.  Lots of visitors like to come to Fort Lauderdale itself, so this might be a great place to spend the night on arrival/before departure.

You could go to an airport a little further north, but then you’re talking about an awfully long drive down and back.

Idea:  If you aren’t a huge fan of driving and want to avoid the long drive back, you could choose to fly into the mainland and then fly back out of the Key West airport.  Or, vice versa.   If that’s your cup of tea, be sure to compare the prices and book well ahead of time to make sure you can get everything all lined up as this may increase car rental charges or airline ticket costs.

About Route 1

Once you’re in Florida and have your rental car (I hope you reserved a convertible – it’s worth the extra charge!), pop in that iPod or a CD to get some tunes jamming, and point yourself south.  There’s only one way in and out of the Keys, Route 1.

Key West was a lonely outpost, only accessible by boat until 1912 when a railway line was built to connect the mainland and the keys.  In 1935, a hurricane destroyed the railroad, and during the next three years the government built a road to replace the railroad.  At times the highway goes over where existing track was, and other times you’ll notice strange spurts of rail line that seem to start and stop randomly alongside the road.  (A few scenic stop points are placed so you’ll have an opportunity for a photo stop – don’t stop in the middle of the road, since often there’s no way for another vehicle to get around you.)

You’ll also note many bridges that look quite new – most of the road was rebuilt in the 80′s given its extensive use and tourism draw of the Keys.  This refurbishment included a brand new “Seven Mile Bridge” – you’ll know it when you’re on it, that’s it way up above in the first picture – which takes a slightly different route than the old one did.  Otherwise not much has changed, and on some of the keys it does feel a bit like time has stood still, apart from a few newer hotels here and there.

Along the Way

Do NOT make the mistake of rushing to get to Key West.  You will become frustrated at the slow pace, since you have to slow down in the towns on each key, and passing other vehicles is a luxury.  So just chill out – Route 1 will force you to – and enjoy the beautiful blue ocean that goes on for miles and miles on either side, and underneath.

I suggest you find a hotel midway and spend the night.  No rush.  Take that extra day so you can really enjoy this drive, as it is a stunner.  Here are a couple of sights you might to check out along the way.

• Key Largo (map):  Hearing the name might have you picturing the Beach Boys, but this key is very scenic.  There’s a state park here where you can go snorkeling or see the reefs in a glass bottom boat, and several hotels and restaurants make it a good point to stop-over during the drive.
• Islamorada (map):They call this the sport fishing capital of the world.  If you want a tour or to do some fishing, the first stop should be the Chamber of Commerce, though if you are a serious fisher I would of course suggest making a reservation with a tour guide before you leave home.
• Marathon (map):  This is the only large town between Miami and Key West, so it’s another place to stop as it has plenty of stores, restaurants, and hotels.

Photo Credit: milan.boers