Orlando to Key West

[Hlkwd1]

Hi all,

Me and my boyfriend will be over in Florida for Christmas and New Years. We were hoping to road trip from Orlando to Key West in between the two (giving us roughly a week) in a rental car then fly home from Key West Airport. So far, we have a rough idea to stop at Anna Maria Island, the Everglades, Miami and the Keys. Does anyone have any other suggestions for stops along the way, and suggested stopover times in each place? We were thinking of also maybe spending New Years in Key West, does anyone know if this is worth doing? What's the vibe like?
Thanks!

[DonnaR57]

Welcome to RTA!

I would definitely get reservations for the overnights along your journey. The winter holidays in Florida can get very busy.

Also, you didn't mention if you are on a budget or not, but you might want to look into that idea of dropping your rental car off in Key West. You may be in for a VERY hefty one-way drop-off fee.


Donna

[travelingman]

WHY NOT GO FURTHER THAN KEY WEST?

The Florida Keys continue out to sea and include one of our newest National Parks.
If you have a day and $170 per person, board the ferry in Key West and have an adventure.

http://www.nps.gov/media/video/view....040E90173D72CF

The snorkeling can be fabulous. During your vacation the water will be cooler and the seas could be rough, so check the weather forecasts.

If you are REALLY adventurous, you can stay and rough camp several nights.

[Lifemagician]

The overseas highway, which takes you over the Keys can be driven in about 2 hours. However, if you take your time you will find there is lots to see along the way, and explore. There is the Wild Bird Sanctuary on Marathon Key. Self guided tours will take you past all the averies where injured birds are treated. If you walk all the way through the sanctuary, it will take you to the northern side of the Key, where an abundance of birdlife usually gathers. Entry is by donation.

On Pine Key and No Name Key you have the opportunity to see the smallest of all deer species, the highly endangered Key Deer. Speeds are slow for their preservation, and also to actually get to see them. They are very shy.

There are also many places where you can still see the damage from Hurrican Wilma, more than a decade ago. This damage is also clear in the Everglades NP where the buildings and mangroves have still not recovered.

I am sure your specific interests will find many more places to explore.

Florida has an excellent free State map which shows all the State's attractions. Well worth getting from the tourism authorities.

Lifey

[travelingman]

And don't forget to hand feed hundreds of Tarpon at Robbie's in Islamorada! Great fun!