Everybodys different but, I would visit the Everglades NP, lots of things ( creatures) to see. We enjoyed camping at Flamingo key which is as far south as can be on the mainland. I enjoyed the airboat ride too.

 

1. Alabama Jacks on Card Sound Rd just south of Homestead
2. No Name Pub on Big Pine Key

 

1. Alabama Jacks on Card Sound Rd just south of Homestead
2. No Name Pub on Big Pine Key
3. Green Parrot Bar US1 Key West a block away from MM0

 

YES YES YES!!!! And the best Key Lime Pie!

 

[QUOTE=flhxkiller;9277366]KD,s on Big Pine burnt down..Hog fish bar and grill on Stock island good eat,s
El Siboney very good cuban food in Key West..I spent 33 years in the lower key,s..If ya have any questions send me a PM..

 

What? Say it isnt so

 

This is what I have done in the past and NEVER speed in the keys many , many drop downs in speed:
If starting from Miami Airport you can stay on the 836 west/Dolphin which becomes the turnpike as you head west and eventually turns south..two choices #1 (faster) continue going south on turnpike until it ends at US1 at the start of keys or #2 (slower & about 40 minutes more/ for daylight only) get off at Kendall Drive (88 street) and go west to (997) krome south (this is a farming area) to the end were it will merge with US1 at the very beginning of keys. It will spit you out very close to the last chance saloon ”biker bar” and card sound road entrance. *Miami Dade County is toll by plate(bill you later) once on the turnpike. Broward is cash..
Consider using the Free Google Earth download on your computer to see a real satellite image of the route and to "virtually" drive the area/route.
Then :
Two more choices at the start of Keys and both spit you out at the same spot: #1 Turn left onto Card Sound Road(much less traffic, more scenic and relaxing but about 20 minutes longer) or #2 Just stay on US1 (US1 has been greatly improved and now has divided barriers) but it is a high speed race and the passing lanes can get hairy at rush hours.
Places:
Alabama Jack's, Card Sound Rd., On card sound road just before/right next to toll $1 ?(Toll is old school dude in a box )…Alabama Jacks is Place to snack and have a beer. This is the only place to eat/drink on card sound road. mangrove/water in back.
Key Largo : east side of road.. The African Queen ”bogart movie little boat ” - is on view at the Holiday Inn Key Largo Marina..”FREE” it is dry docked and the termites have done a number on it…(P.O.S) can see it(shrug shoulders) and leave with-out getting off bike…on west side of road: A local bar “kinda dumpy”, the Caribbean Club-(i do not think it ever closes) good view from the back and was supposedly used for Bogart movie…Maybe get a beer in a bottle and enjoy view of the water in back.
World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada MM # 82 - ultimate tackle store (now part of the Bass Pro Shop chain) but store has some fake replica history that includes Zane Grey and Papa Hemingway. Good place to eat next door on water at isla morada fish company….use bathrooms at the Big World Wide Sports store next door..(back right corner) by the aquarium…store is kinda cool and has nice free view of water...worth the stop for bathrooms and a break even if you do not eat next door.
Islamorada MM#79 :Cool place.. Hand feed tarpons at Robbies..really easy to miss...just past bridge..west side of road.. I think it is $3 for bucket of fish and $1 dollar per person? nice 15-20 minute stop and they have cold glass bottle cokes to cool down.http://www.robbies.com/tarpon.htm
Island Fish company MM #54 is a nice place on the water to eat,drink or snack.
Seven Mile Bridge MM# 47: used in several movies. Notice old bridge on west side.
Many people cross it and are in such a relaxed state that they miss "seeing it"
No Name Pub MM# 31---NOT on the water but you WILL see the famous and protected wild Key Deer. The bar is different with a ton of dollar bills stapled to walls, roof etc...pizza, wings, beer type of place...very hidden.
KEY DEER BLVD/CR-940 stay straight on WILDER RD./ AVENUE A to dead end (1.2 miles)Turn LEFT onto POINCIANA RD/POINCIANNA RD. (0.1miles) then Turn RIGHT onto AVENUE B. (0.2 miles)AVENUE B becomes FL-4A/WATSON BLVD. go over bridge (0.8 miles)…bar on left.
key west: Mallory Square,Hemingway House
Best fish sandwich : BO's fishwagon (not on the water), fresh everyday, on caroline and William..dump at corner of intersection..park bikes a few feet away(meter)..do internet search
http://www.keywesttravelguide.com/bos-fish-wagon.html.
Definitely get your picture taken at the Southernmost Point., Consider a sunset sail cruise and/or a Bi-plane ride(cool).
Schooner Wharf Bar Key West on William Street- on the water (food in a basket).
The parking meter maids do not play..make sure to pay for parking in Key West (meter/public/whatever).

 

Photo op at the southern marker in Key West.

Catching the festivities of a sunset at Mallory Square is a must do at Key West.

If you like treasure hunting stop in the Mel Fisher museum at Key West and check out the booty from the wreck of the Atocha and other wrecks.

Hobo's restaurant at Key Largo used to be really good but have not been there for several years. new location is mm 101.7

 

WOW, many thanks for all the hot spots so far. The list is growing fast. FT

 

I've made that run wholly and in parts several times. You have good advice on the stops.

About your Saddle Sore attempt. I see you are from NW LA. Knockout the IBA part of the ride before you ever get to Miami. Once you get off the turnpike and enter the keys, the trip will take you twice as long as you are planning. Depending on the day of the week you are coming through and the season of the year and even time of the day it can be brutal on A1A. I would hate to be on the clock and trying to finish my ride in Key West.

If you are looking for/needing a witness to sign for your completion in S. Florida, drop me a note and I will be proud to sign for you. We can work out a place and time to meet on your route.

Between New Orleans and Miami you can avoid all the traffic very easily until you reach S. Fl. Just don't hit Mobile during rush hour (it isn't horrible, but can be).

If you have any specific questions, post them up or send me a note. From New Orleans over I know the route like the back of my hand.