Take 41 out of Tampa down to 275 ( south of skyway) to 75 all the way to Naples and get back on 41 and take a right on Khrome Ave right by the casino and head south from there. 41 sucks between Bradenton and Ft. Myers unless you are into redlights. I would overnight in Key Largo and explore and get a fresh start the next morning for the 100 miles of hell the rest of the way. Can take 4 hours somedays. Have a great trip and welcome to the Florida Crew. I live in Port Richey if you want to ride sometime.

On the return trip run 27 to just south of Sebring and hang a left on 66 to 17 in Zolfo Springs and 17 to 60. Sebring and Frostproof are eat up with red lights as well.

 

Yep Dave, suggest leave KL early to get the sunrise pic on the bridge, one of the best rides I have ever done.

 

+1 for this - the Tamiami trail run across the 'glades is much, much nicer than the superslab across.

 

Ditto on the Tamiami Trail (41). I-75 is so boring. There really isn't much traffic after you get out of Naples on 41, and the scenery is far superior.

I used to live in Key West. Not much there to see besides tourists and tourist traps. Couldn't wait to get out.

 

Just keep your eye out on 41..Years ago a guy in a van hit a Gator right in front of me..It was quite the mess..

 

Hey,
Just yesterday, I rode 41 East from Naples. It's all good till you get into Micosukee territory. They built a casino at krome ave, the road is under construction. It will never be the same...

 

thanks for all the advice! first trip down on a bike, probably just run 75. pretty excited - wife is too!

 

I've made the trip to Key West from Clearwater at least 20 times in a car. However, this past Monday, my gf and I just got back from the same long weekend you are planning,this time on the bikes. We took 75 down to Naples, then 41 across to Krome Av. to the Keys. Probably spent about 8 hours each way in the saddle. Stopped for breakfast and lunch both ways, plus plenty of gas-bathroom breaks. Left about 7 AM, was in Key West by 5. The weather was gorgeous the whole way down, and the whole time we were in Key West. However, we came back last Monday when that front rolled through. We were good all the way back up to Port Charlotte, and then we rode in rain the rest of the way home. The Skyway was a blast in that crap! lol
Have fun, we always do down there. Bring your rain gear in case. Enjoy!

 

+1 on the old 41 across. just my suggestion, from what i have heard is DO NOT do that road at night time. gators gators gators.