For some people, the phrase “road trip” creates a sense of excitement. For me, however, that’s definitely not the case. It conjures up memories of childhood road trips when motion sickness was an unwelcome companion.
Vehicles travel the Florida Keys’ iconic Overseas Highway, acclaimed as one of the world’s leading road trip experiences. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)
While that’s a thing of the past, I’m still happy I can walk or bike everywhere in Key West. Plus there’s an airport only a mile from my home (where passengers might occasionally find a drag queen checking them in for their flights — only in Key West!).
No matter what mode of transportation you prefer, we’ve got you covered. You can reach the Florida Keys via land, air, and sea. My favorite methods are car-free, but I always recommend that a first-time traveler to the Keys experience the drive through the island chain at least once.
That’s because the 127-mile road trip from mainland Florida to Key West via U.S. Highway 1 is absolutely breathtaking. In fact, U.S. 1 is also known as the Overseas Highway due to its 42 bridges over water linking the Keys.
A glistening Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico surround you with gorgeous colors ranging from turquoise to blue to deep green as you travel south to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S.
While winding through the captivating island chain, definitely stop at one of our funky waterfront dining venues to savor some incredibly fresh seafood — served up to please even the most discerning palette.
The Keys’ underwater wonders are particularly spectacular along the coral reef tract near Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — America’s first undersea preserve. (Photo by Frazier Nivens, Florida Keys News Bureau)
There are also many amazing off-the-beaten-path beaches and parks, and boutiques and galleries carrying one-of-a-kind Keys-crafted offerings to satisfy your inner shopper.
One of my favorite stops is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, that offers fantastic snorkeling, scuba, and various watersports to enjoy.
Flying to Key West International Airport is a breeze (no pun intended!) via connections or direct flights from a host of Florida cities including Fort Lauderdale and Miami, as well as nonstop from Atlanta.
During the winter months, you can also fly nonstop to Key West from Chicago, New Jersey’s Newark, and Washington DC.
The airport houses several car rental agencies, and local buses and taxis are located curbside at the terminal.
If you’re the seafaring type, the Key West Express offers ferry service from Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island to Key West, with trips lasting approximately 3.5 hours.
Transportation via the Duval Loop is free and the route features 16 stops near island attractions, hotels, museums, boutiques and eateries. (Photo by Rob O’Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)
I love the ferry, which features a full-service bar, food, TVs and sundecks for soaking up our warm South Florida sunshine. As a bonus, you’re likely to meet a new “family” member or two to chat with.
Once you reach Key West (a.k.a. my little slice of gay heaven), the best method of transportation is by bike or on foot. However, for those that like more pampered (and air-conditioned) transport, the island city now offers the Duval Loop bus service.
The complimentary hop-on, hop-off ride provides a convenient way to get around the Historic Seaport and downtown districts without using a car (yes, there seems to be a continuing theme here).
This winter, particularly as cold temperatures and snow blanket much of the U.S., why not treat yourself to an escape to the subtropical Florida Keys? Chances are, you’ll discover that getting here is part of the fun.
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