South Florida Routes to the Keys

[3_for_the_road]

Heading to the Keys late December. Will be traveling from Naples via I 75 east. Looking for best route south of I 75 to the keys. Currently looking at a couple routes; 1) US 27 south to hwy 997 to US 1, 2) US 27 south to hwy 281 to US 1. Would appreciate pros and cons on these two options as well as suggestions on other routes. We need to make it from Naples to the Key West area in one day. Thanks in advance.

[gradygal]

We were in Curry Hammock State Park last week. We took 41 to 997 to US1 for the first time. Previous trips took us across Alligator Alley (75). 41 was a MUCH nicer ride, fewer miles with interesting stops along the way and no tolls.

We filled up at the Pilot at the intersection of 41 and 997 (Krome Ave)on the way down and then again on the way home. $2.99 per gallon. It was a little difficult getting in and out but certainly doable.

[LarryJM]

dcason wrote:
We noticed last year that gasbuddy.com pointed us to a cheaper place in the keys to get gas as opposed to 997 (which used to be cheapr than keys)...so check out gasbuddy to see what the latest/greatest is on cheapest gas.

I believe that is Owens at 2106 N Roosevelt Blvd and I got my diesel there at a good price last May when we were in Key West. Pump is off to the side of the gas pumps, but still was the best price AFAIK in Key West for diesel.

You can fill up there with a trailer in tow tho.

Larry

[dcason]

We noticed last year that gasbuddy.com pointed us to a cheaper place in the keys to get gas as opposed to 997 (which used to be cheapr than keys)...so check out gasbuddy to see what the latest/greatest is on cheapest gas.

[3_for_the_road]

Thanks to all for the replies. Sounds like US 41 is the best and will take it. Thanks also for the info on the Pilot. Was looking at that as a fill up point.

[fla-gypsy]

3_for_the_road wrote:
I 75 looked faster, being an interstate, thanks for the US 41 input will look at it. Is it considered a faster route than I 75 across the Everglades? Thanks.

Slow down, enjoy the ride and the beauty of the glades. What's the hurry? Everything moves at a nice slow pace there.

[lj2654]

Krome avenue is ok...a little slow but it worked for me....41 to 997 to US 1 is good.

[Parrothead_Mike]

fla-gypsy wrote:
Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) to 997 to US 1

X 3 or 4. We went this way a couple of years ago and it was a nice ride. Taking 997 (Krome Ave) is a 2-lane, but not a bad ride. There are some fruit/veggie stands along the way if you're interested.

PS: Don't fuel up at the Pilot gas station right at US41 & 997. It's difficult to get in & out and their prices are too high. At least they were when we went through there in 2013. You can find something a bit further south.

[dockmasterdave]

From Naples to the Keys? YUP
You can skip Chrome ave and all the traffic. Just stay on 41 to the signs for the turnpike and the keys.
Adds a couple miles, probably the same on time. Less hassle, by far.

[3_for_the_road]

I 75 looked faster, being an interstate, thanks for the US 41 input will look at it. Is it considered a faster route than I 75 across the Everglades? Thanks.

[dockmasterdave]

From Naples, and I live there, why do you want to go 75?
Went to the keys a month ago.
Take 41 to the turnpike and your done.
We stayed on big pine key, just north of key west.
Key deer were cool, they came within 10 feet of us sitting in our chairs under the awning.
You might want to look at Breezy Pines rv park.
Hope they have an opening for you. It's a small place. We had a site right next to the pool.
Try the pizza place next to the key deer sanctuary. AWESOME.

[Yaj]

fla-gypsy wrote:
Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) to 997 to US 1

X2, We're sitting in the keys even as I type this. HWY 41 is the way to go.

[fla-gypsy]

Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) to 997 to US 1