Unless you really like stop lights there are much better routes than US 1 & A1A. I’d look at US 17 – US 301 – US 27 – SR 997 (Krome Ave) to US 1 at Florida City but there are some folks from north FL who might have a better grip on that end.

Unless you are getting here on a Friday evening or a Saturday skip Card Sound Road on the way in, there is a new bridge over Jew Fish Creek that is elevated and affords a nice view. Just keep in mind the State Troopers like to set up laser radar on both sides of that bridge. When you leave take Card Sound Road, Alabama Jacks makes for a good lunch stop on the way out.

Think about staying in Marathon, most motels are less expensive then what you will find in Key West and the 1 – 1 ½ hour trip to Duval Street is enjoyable and, on the day you leave, you will wake up that much closer to home.

If you plan to drink more than a couple and have to stay in Key West keep in mind that most of the Guest Houses and B&B’s are very gay friendly. Even if you don’t think this will bother you keep in mind that they can be very obvious about it on the grounds of the resort. When you make a reservation ask; if the web site says anything about clothing optional anywhere on the grounds try somewhere else, unless you are gay you won’t see anything you want to see.

 

You should post this in the Florida Crew sub forum under Regional Events. One of those guys will map you a route and you may even find some offering to join you on the ride.

Ride Safe and enjoy the sunshine. It is suppose to be post card weather this week.

 

A1A or 1 got lots of traffic lights for the most part as I do not know if you got the time to cruise from Jax to Miami.

Would suggest you to ride from Jax to Ocala National Forest (17, 19) then hop on 27 which will lead you towards to Miami and Key West. Inland some areas are boring, but it's nice to keep you away from all the crazy traffic by shifting and stopping so much especially those cottonheads.

Thorey

 

I and two of my sons are headed from Illinois to Key West in mid August. I wanted earlier but it was my oldest son's turn to plan our adventure ride this year.

Good luck on your ride.

 

I took A1A last year, it's a nice ride, but lots of lights and traffic. Least it was last year...

I guess I would do it again.

lp

 

Thanks for all the great info; I knew I could count on you guys.

 

Enjoy your trip from another Western North Carolina rider..

 

Id say just get there and enjoy the keys. It will take you a day to get to Homestead on the interstate stay the night and then enjoy the causeway fully rested. The keys are in a class to themselves compared to daytona and what not. Spend time at traffic lights or get there and ride with nothing but water on both sides on the causeway. A1A is mostly stop and go its all flat no real curves unless you just want to sight see in a comercialised florida type way.

 

If you follow the A-1-A/US 1 route once you get down around Palm Beach South into about Fort Lauderdale watch your noise and speed. Some of those old fogey towns don't take kindly to loud pipes and bikers and the police aren't afraid to lighten your wallet.

 

This is the way I would do it and lived in FL 60 years ... While some beach scenery is nice like being able to go more than 5 miles without a red light ..