Florida Keys

[10ClarionSt]

Has anyone been to the Florida Keys? We're hoping to go to Key Largo next year. We've been to Florida before, Orlando, Clearwater, Sarasota etc but not to the Keys.

If you have, I was wondering how you made the trip. Did you drive down from Miami or catch a transfer flight from another airport? Any help or advce appreciated. Thanks.

[Clanad]

Sure... pretty laid back and can be touristy, but lotsa sand and blue water...I'd avoid the hurricane months if you could (September through mid-November), but most storm tracks have been south of there for quite a while.

Check here:

http://www.keywest.com/

[Clanad]

Ooops... just read the rest of your query... Not a whole lot in the way of air transportation other than to Key West. The airlines that do fly there (it's 120 miles from Miami) use smaller Beechcraft 1900 turboprob airplanes. There a good, dependable airplane, but have only 19 seats and no flight attendant or rest rooms on board. You'd have to rent a car in Key West anyway and the best deals are in Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. (Rent a convertible if you can) You could, for a fee, drive to Key West, drop the car and fly back.
It's an all day affair if you drive all the way to Key West. But there's lots of stops along the way.
If you're into scuba diving or would like to learn, this is an excellent opportunity. Same thing goes if you're a sailor and would like to get liscensed for blue water.

Check these site for helpfull information:

http://www.fla-keys.com/gettinghere.htm#land
http://www.pubclub.com/keywest/keys.htm

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Florida/Key_West-763140/Transportation-Key_West-Drive_To-BR-1.html

Welcome, by the way! Drive safely...

[lou 26]

Hi 10cs, long time no speak, hope youre doing ok.

We went to the keys and had an absolutely fab time. its a gorgeous place to go to although more expensive down there than the rest of Florida, probably about the same as youd expect to pay in England, but its well worth it. When its cold and bleak in New York they all tend to go down there on holiday so that may be a good time to avoid it, only because of the price increases and its soooo busy. We went in April time and it was great then. We were on a fly drive and so drove all the way down from Orlando stopping overnight on the way. But the scenery is spectacular so make sure you take your camera!!! But my honest opinion is thats it is well worth the journey. Go for it, you wont regret it and i hope you have as good a time as we did, xx

[nickmo]

Been to Key Largo and Key West, on drive around S.Florida. Really rate it as a a good holiday place.

John Pennekamp Park at Key Largo http://www.pennekamppark.com/ worth a stop - sailing tours and nice beaches, snorkelling, diving. Also http://www.bahiahondapark.com/ well worth for the beach.

Lots of small places to stay at K.Largo with private facilities that make it nice and flexible. Wouldn't say you need to book - just drive down and see what takes your fancy. Oh and the KFC serve chicken gravy with mashed potatoes as a side.......

Loads of quality small places to stay in Key West too, but avoid the main streets - go 1 or 2 back - cheaper and better value for money - and also as a tip, don't take a room facing the street - aim for coutyard facing if poss. as noise can be a problem at some places. NB Some places are 'all welcome' policy - nude sunbathing, gay and lesbian couples, plus the 'normal' guest, so if offended, check first.

The drive down Highway 1 takes you into the Keys onto the Overseas Highway - stunning drive over high bridges over tropical blue green sea. This is where milemarkers are used, so if you do pre-book accommodation, they will give you a milemarker address after Key Largo. Easy to follow this as quite clearly marked.

Key West is about 160 miles from Miami by the way, so plan a leisurely drive and enjoy the trip!! You can fly but as above limited to airstrip in Key West.

[admarlow]

definatly drive down as you get to see all the keys then!