Driving from Ft. Meyers to Key West

There are 6 adults and 5 teenagers. We are driving to the Keys and are wondering should we stop for the night at Isamorada and check things out there or drive straight through to Key West. We were thinking if we spent the night the Cheeca lodge would be a good choice. In Key West we were thinking about the Marquesa Hotel or Island City. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The guys like to check out the local pubs and us girls like the beach and shopping of course. The kids well they would like shopping and the beach. We are only going to take 3 days and 2 nights since we have accomadations in Cape Corral for 10 days already. We just really do not want to miss the Keys. The other option we were thinking about was to take the ferry from ft. myers to Key West. I think the cost would be very high for all of us and much cheaper to drive. I think we would see alot more of the local scenery also. Please Help!! Thanks.

Char

Driving from Ft. Meyers to Key West

Drive straight through. It%26#39;s about 5 hours. Stop at Gusto%26#39;s in Florida City after you get off the turnpike for lunch and gas. For your short stay it would be a shame to stop short. I used to go Rt 41, but it%26#39;s bumpy and full of cops. Rt 75 is 80mph the whole way, then turnpike south at exit 5 onto turnpike extention (Key West, Florida City exit) then Card Sound Road into the Keys.

Driving from Ft. Meyers to Key West

Cheeca Lodge is nice but expensive for only one night %26amp; not having time to enjoy the resort. I agree with Taxi, drive straight thru and enjoy Key West. There are a few shops in Islamorada %26amp; some good places to eat so you may want to make a lunch stop there. My personal fav is the Lor e Lei. If you research the keys forums you will find lots of good suggestions for stops along the way.

My vote would be NOT to stop over night, but to make afew stops along the way. I%26#39;d go I75. KWtaxi is right about the 80 mph, I%26#39;d bet you will get passed if you are going 80.

Places to stop - MANY MANY. Lor-E-Lei is a favorite of the lovely buffettgal and me as well.

The drive is a good 5 hours, depending upon where you start in Fort Myers. My parents live in Fort Myers - on the river. The last time we made the trip it was about 4 hours to Marathon, and its another hour to Key West.

Do you want places to stop along the way? If you don%26#39;t - stop reading here ;-0

A neat stop is Robert is Here in Florida City. They always have some fruits that I%26#39;ve never seen before. Good veggies and good smoothies as well.

There is the World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada (all kinds of fishing stuff, clothes, treats, sunglasses, shoes - you name it), with the Islamorada Fish Market next door. IFM used to be a fav restaurant of ours, but got replaced by Lor-E-Lei.

Another stop the the teenagers may like is Robbies in Islamorada. It%26#39;s only abot 5 miles from Lor-E-Lei and World Wide SPortsman, but a worthy stop as well.

From Islamorada you are 1 1/2 hours from Key West.

Well looks like the vote is in. We are driving straight through. Now just reaching what do to do on the way and along with where to stay and what to do when we get to the Keys. Thank you all so much!!!

Hi Char - I agree with all others that you should drive and enjoy the experience! I absolutely love Key West (try to go every year!) but since you mentioned liking the beach, please note that Key West is not a big beach location. Depending on where you stay in Key West, the beach may not be nearby. There is really only one decent beach and its on the east side of the key away from the action (Mallory Square) and major clubs of Duval Street (like Sloppy Joe%26#39;s). Just wanted to mention this in case you are still thinking about places to stay. It%26#39;s all about where you want to stay and what kind of atmosphere you want. When I talk to many people about Key West, I often hear, ';there%26#39;s really no beach'; and that%26#39;s why I wanted to mention this to you as you plan your trip. In my opinion, Key West is a magical place because of it%26#39;s laid-back, island-time mode -- don%26#39;t miss it!! (In case you are wondering, I stay at the Almond Tree Inn. And, the first time I went to Key West, I stayed at the Southernmost Motel which wasn%26#39;t too far from the beach area.)

6 adults and 5 teenagers... What kind of bus are you driving?

I agree... Drive right through... Remember to bring plenty of batteries for the iPods, video games, DVD players, laptops, cell phones and other items required when traveling with teens. Kids today travel with more technology than the space shuttle.

No kidding. Well we are going to have two big cars, lol To bad the teens can not drive themselves and the adults in another car but not quite old enough for that:) Besides I am not sure my nerves would allow me to even watch them follow us!!!