Leaving Charleston SC on Sat. 10-11 heading for Key West, Instead of 95 any alternative routes . Kinda wanted a direct route though not interstate all the way ...thanks

 

bump...

 

Take Florida's turnpike south to the end. Rather than going straight south on US1 take the Card Sound road and stop at Alabama Jacks. This is at the top of the Florida Keys leg. If you would like a few more places to visit along the way or chow in Key West I know of a couple more stops.

 

Pick up US 301 SW of Savannah. Follow 301 to US 27 at Ocala, Florida. Stay on 27 to Miami where you get on US 1 to the Keys. Not as congested as the coastal highways, not as quick as interstate, but a good ride.

 

Eat with the roosters! Starting the day in Key West, the place to stop for breakfast is Blue Heaven.

Lunch at BO's Fish Wagon for a fish sandwich

While in Key West don't miss the clothing optional beaches, pools and bars.

www.ginasgems.com

 

Thank you.....Thank you...Thank you......Getting excited about trip...looks like the first leg might be a rainy one...Good thing for frog toggs.....

 

Merlin, I live in Ft. Lauderdale so I can go both ways up/down. When going to Leesburg (beginning of the FL Turnpike) I take US 27 and go around the lake. Parts of it (the last 120 miles to Griffin Road than the rest to SW 8th st) are all on the edge of the Everglades.

Add 1 or so hours to the Turnpike alternative. When going south to the Keys (which we can do lots)

I go west to US 27 in place of the Turnpike entrence which is 1/4 mile away. I than take US 27 south to "The Last Chance Saloon" (add 1/2 hour) than either go US 1 or Card Sound Road for the last 27 miles.

No choice on the rest. I personally like the ride and sites because you can never see it the same in the future so enjoy it while you can. The wildlife and the smells, never the same.

In conclusion, it is time against the ride. All what you like.

 

Key West is great, Wife and I took the bikes with brother & sister in-law. Stayed in Islemorada first night then rode down to the keys next day. Great ride - 7 mile bridge was incredible on a bike. The impact in a cage would not have been anywhere near as spectacular. Watch the on street parking in Key West - especially downtown. When they say no parking - they really mean no parking (have parking ticket to prove it).

If you ride around the everglades, the south side across FLA is beautiful (old alligator alley). Wife counted 22 gaters and 1 American eagle on the ride across. The east side however is desolate. I mean end of the world nothing is alive as far as the eye can see desolate (never seen such a depressing sight). Other than that we had an incredible time and can't wait to get back to the keys. Next time we may skip the visit with the family in Sarasota and just go straight to the keys.

 

I go to the Keys several times a year. If you want an enjoyable ride and spend some time off the interstates, I would take 17 out of Charleston to 95 to 295 to 10 to 301. Take 301 down to Bushnell, Fl to 75. Take 75 to Naples and pick up 41, 41 will take you through the Everglades to the Homestead area. Pick up the turnpike to 1 to Florida City and the rest is just thought the Keys. It is a nice ride down 41 compared to Alligator Alley thought Broward and Dade Counties.

 

Ditto on that with the exception of getting off 27 at 997 before you get to miami. 997 goes into the backside of homestead where you pick up us 1 very nice ride and you can stop at the Indian casino for a break.