Everglades National Park

JoeH wrote:
Since you haven't been to the keys before, I suggest that after you go to Everglades National Park ... Shark Valley is pretty good for a 1/2 day view, then maybe hit Biscayne National Park for the other 1/2 day. Stay at any of the national chain motels in Homestead/Florida City for the night. Get an early start in the a.m. and start driving to Key West. As I mentioned before, it's a bit over 100 miles, so the distance isn't great, but traffic can be slow. There are lots of tourist things to see on the way to KW... just pick and choose some on your way down, and save a few for your way back. Some thoughts... ( MM is mile marker, that's how you get directions on US 1 in the Keys) for interesting art work by locals, check out Rain Barrel at mm 87, Robbies to check out the tarpon ( MM 77.5) is interesting, Pigeon Key to get some history on the overseas railroad (mm 47) Big Pine Key and the deer ( mm 30) , the old bat tower on Sugarloaf ( mm 17) .. then hang out in Key West for as long as you want or can. For a first timer, I suggest you take the touristy Conch Train... you'll get a good overview of Key West. For a place to stay, try Island City House.... it's in old town and is B&B with roomy accommodations for the price ( everything is pricey in KW). All kinds of cool things to do in KW, depends on your likes. PM me if you want specifics on activities or restaurants.

Good post, but: Biscayne National Park is 99 percent water, and unless someone wants to take a tour boat over to Elliot Key or is a paddler, it would be a complete waste of time to go there.
The only thing to see would be the small visitor center

jack L

Since you haven't been to the keys before, I suggest that after you go to Everglades National Park ... Shark Valley is pretty good for a 1/2 day view, then maybe hit Biscayne National Park for the other 1/2 day. Stay at any of the national chain motels in Homestead/Florida City for the night. Get an early start in the a.m. and start driving to Key West. As I mentioned before, it's a bit over 100 miles, so the distance isn't great, but traffic can be slow. There are lots of tourist things to see on the way to KW... just pick and choose some on your way down, and save a few for your way back. Some thoughts... ( MM is mile marker, that's how you get directions on US 1 in the Keys) for interesting art work by locals, check out Rain Barrel at mm 87, Robbies to check out the tarpon ( MM 77.5) is interesting, Pigeon Key to get some history on the overseas railroad (mm 47) Big Pine Key and the deer ( mm 30) , the old bat tower on Sugarloaf ( mm 17) .. then hang out in Key West for as long as you want or can. For a first timer, I suggest you take the touristy Conch Train... you'll get a good overview of Key West. For a place to stay, try Island City House.... it's in old town and is B&B with roomy accommodations for the price ( everything is pricey in KW). All kinds of cool things to do in KW, depends on your likes. PM me if you want specifics on activities or restaurants.

Key West is a must. Spent the last four winters there and love it. Hotels, if you can get one, will be around $300 a night and up. Lots of good restaurants, just take your pick.

Air boat rides are not in the national park. Lots of them off US41 headed toward Naples.

Take an air-boat ride. You'll find several available. We found a great hidden (?) beach on Marathon heading south, turn left at the Publix, and go to the end. Camp on!

some good info- not sure where in the keys as we have never been.

Where in the Keys do you plan to go ? You've got a bit over 100 miles between Key Largo and key West.

If you are a nature lover:

In the Everglades NP off The Tamiami Trail (RT 41) you can take the tram or walk around "Shark Valley". It is a loop that getds you out into the glades.
At the Southern end just go in about five miles and walk the short "Annhinga trail" It is a must. You will get up close to all the shore birds as well as gators turtles and gar fish.
Unless you are a fisherman or a kayaker, don't go all the way to Flamingo. It is a long drive, and when you get there, you only have the boat basin to look at.
In the Keys when you get to Big Pine Key, seeing the rare miniature Key deer is a must. To be guaranteed to see one; heading south go right at the only traffic light and then immediately bear left on to Key Deer Blvd. Go about three miles and take a left on Gulf Blvd, (there is a large green concrete utility box on the corner. Just drive slow, and before you get to the end of the road you should see some in the peoples yars or in the middle of the road.

Bahia Honda State park has the best beaches on the Keys

Don't be fooled by the Name "John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park".
The only way you can see the reef from there is to take a dive or tour boat

I could list all the tourist traps, and eateries, but others will do that.

Jack L