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Old 08-25-2015, 03:56 PM   #1
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Question Florida Keys Trip - Anything about the roads I should know about?

I received my SunPass in the mail for our upcoming Florida trip, yay! I already put together our route and made all the needed reservations for stops we'll make along the way to our destinations and on the way back home.

Since I'm completely unfamiliar with Florida, I'm curious if there are any roads or areas that we need to pay particular caution or even avoid altogether. We'll be using I-10 going in and out of Florida although we would also like to use US-98 on the way in from Pensacola and spend an afternoon around Destin or somewhere along the coast around there. Of course, we will also be using Florida's tollroads I-75 and I-95 as we make our way to and from the Keys. Since I know which days of the week will be travel days, I also plan to use Google maps to determine what the traffic is like at different points along the route hour by hour so I can try and get an idea for the best time to get started to try and avoid traffic as much as possible. Yes, I'm a planner

I can't believe the trip is almost upon us! Been waiting on this all year long, I just hope we don't get side railed by a hurricane!
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Old 08-25-2015, 04:14 PM   #2
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Mrs Evans, I-75 is a decent road, however I-95 is not. I would travel on the turnpike south as far as you can. Once your off the mainland, there's only one way in and out of the keys. If traffic gets bad pull over if you can, there's plenty of tiki huts and places to stop and see.
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Old 08-25-2015, 04:22 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by captainperry View Post
Mrs Evans, I-75 is a decent road, however I-95 is not. I would travel on the turnpike south as far as you can. Once your off the mainland, there's only one way in and out of the keys. If traffic gets bad pull over if you can, there's plenty of tiki huts and places to stop and see.
Thank you Is this what you mean?
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Old 08-25-2015, 06:40 PM   #4
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Take 75 down to the Turnpike, take it through Miami. There are gas stations at service islands on the Turnpike but better to gas up above the Turnpike. Watch the signs in the Miami area. You will be looking to pick up US 1 at some point. But there is one exit that is confusing and you can end up in downtown Miami instead on 1 if not careful.

Plan on averaging 45 mph down US 1 through the Keys. Cops will nail you for speeding. Also, very few passing zones so just chill and enjoy the trip. Be especially careful in the Key Deer area. I recommend stopping at Robby's Marina on Islamarado and feedin the tarpon. Really neat seeing these huge fish right there at the dock.
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Old 08-25-2015, 06:55 PM   #5
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I recommend the Green Turtle inn (Islamorada) for some great Conch Chowder, the 7 mile grill (Marathon) for the best Key Lime Pie.
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:03 PM   #6
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^^^ what he said... the turnpike is really a nice way to go but U.S. 1 down the Keys backs up really quickly if there's an accident or other problem. Its almost all one lane each direction and there can be nowhere to pull off for miles.

P.S. Since you got a Sunpass maybe it doesn't apply, but we still haven't got any 'Bill-by-plate' invoice. Maybe that only works for U.S. plates and us Canucks finally catch a break (or maybe there'll be a warrant on me next time I'm down there )
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:04 PM   #7
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the 7 mile grill (Marathon) for the best Key Lime Pie.
Blasphemy! Kermit's in Key West (and try the frozen Key Lime Pie on a stick... to die for)!
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:13 PM   #8
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What they said , but , that way ain't Florida . From the Destin area stay on 98 and hug the Gulf Coast for awhile ! Lot nicer than I-75 . Wander around Lake Okeechobee , watch the cattlemen work on highway 27 , get away from the tourist traps .
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:20 PM   #9
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What they said , but , that way ain't Florida . From the Destin area stay on 98 and hug the Gulf Coast for awhile ! Lot nicer than I-75 . Wander around Lake Okeechobee , watch the cattlemen work on highway 27 , get away from the tourist traps .
I would! Except we're going to Wekiwa from Destin
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:24 PM   #10
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Thanks everyone for the recommendations so far! I can't wait to get this trip started

And I don't mind eating key lime pie more than once either, lol!

Conch chowder sounds yummy!!!
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:42 PM   #11
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98 is very relaxing coming south to go over to Orlando area then to go further south Take I 75 south (far better than 95) or even 17 /35 (slow & scenic) to 75S ... fill up for gas prior to Naples south ($$$) then head down to 41 to go across the state thru the everglades (we have never gotten caught behind anyone for anytime on this road) then 997 (turn at the casino) to head south (we have gotten caught on this road behind a slowpoke ...but you are heading for relaxation in the keys!)


We go to the keys from Tampa every November ... where are you staying down there (don't miss Square Grouper if you get the chance)
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:44 PM   #12
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A few suggestions for your trip...
just east of Destin you must eat at the Donut Hole Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Fl right on Hwy 98.

You can take 98 all the way to Apalachicola, FL if you have the time and want to get off the interstate... you can still make time as you will cutoff scores of miles from traveling to and from I-10.

There will be some traffic lights, and some areas you can go 55 (especially as you continue closer to Apalachicola), unless you WANT to travel on I-10 to the north.

When in Apalachicola, lots of places to eat, but about 10 miles further down the road, east of Eastpoint, FL, just past the Big Top Supermarket, find a dive called LYNN'S Oysters... great place to eat fresh seafood, or take home fresh seafood... small place and a real dive, but excellent... SEE attached image of Lynn's... best to see them from noon to 5.
TIP... last year they were talking about new oyster fishing restrictions that limit the harvest on the weekends... early in the week is best for purchasing oysters


Continue on Hwy 98 to Perry, then take Rt 27 to north of Gainesville and pick up I-75 south.

From this junction you can pick up the turnpike a little down the road to I-95, or continue down I-75 all the way to Naples.

Get off I-75 just after the big 90 degree turn (last exit before alligator alley), find your way to the Tamiami Trail and take old Rt 41 across the Everglades (55MPH). Stop at one of the several tourist or National Park info places along the road and ask about the way to the 26 mile (12 miles dirt and 14 miles paved) long Loop Road (Rt 94) through alligator and wildlife infested swamps. Half of this route is a narrow 2 lanes in most places, but also not very crowded... about 25 MPH max, and will take a couple of hours to complete, but a worth while drive if you are not in a hurry. Lots of places to stop and snap pictures of the wildlife and alligators without having to pay for a tour.

This road takes you back to 41, further east and continue to travel east to Rt 997 and south to meet up with Rt 1 into the Keys.

While in Key Largo, look up Key Largo Fisheries on Ocean Bay Drive... stop and eat there or buy fresh seafood, outdoor dining next to the docks... you won't be disappointed.

I have taken this trip from Destin twice now in the last two years... stopping for camping time along the way. Actually I have spent lots of time in the panhandle area for the last 5 years.

These are a few of the best places I have experienced down there... I hope you can take some time and do the same.

have fun
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:47 PM   #13
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I agree with Donut Hole & Lynn's ...have to try loop road someday & is that Key Largo place on the right side of road when you are heading back north ....seems to always be closed when I want to stop & buy fresh fish for the ride home ....
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:51 PM   #14
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If you are talking about Wekiwa Springs SP, great place to stay. Nice CG & good swimming in 72d degree water. Also had a recent accident in Wekiwa River. Lady swimming about 1 mile down river from park attacked by alligator & lost 1 arm above the elbow. Be warned, gators are real & can be dangerous. With that said, be careful & enjoy your trip.
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Old 08-25-2015, 08:30 PM   #15
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A few suggestions for your trip...
Thank you! Definitely going to check out the good eats recommendations
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Old 08-25-2015, 08:32 PM   #16
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If you are talking about Wekiwa Springs SP, great place to stay. Nice CG & good swimming in 72d degree water. Also had a recent accident in Wekiwa River. Lady swimming about 1 mile down river from park attacked by alligator & lost 1 arm above the elbow. Be warned, gators are real & can be dangerous. With that said, be careful & enjoy your trip.
Oh dear! That's terrible! I will definitely be on guard

EDIT: I decided to read up on the incident and it says that: "To evade the crowded waters near Wekiva Island, [the woman] swam to a remote, wooded part of the river and that’s when she felt the alligator pull her under"

Well, that is something I would NEVER do, "swim to a remote, wooded" area where alligators are known to be - my goodness! Common sense would of been helpful here. Still, I feel bad for her
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Old 08-26-2015, 04:28 AM   #17
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Mrs Evans, the map you posted is correct, but since I don't know your plans, of course there are other ways to go. Just avoid 95 like the plague. I also prefer "easier " routes. I 2nd Robbie's Marina. It's right past Worldwide Sportsman in Islamarada. Like others have said be patient once off the mainland....have fun and enjoy....
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Old 08-26-2015, 09:46 AM   #18
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Frank Gannon state park is a convenient place to stay while in Destin. Go there every other year for Thanksgiving.
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Old 08-26-2015, 09:54 AM   #19
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What they said , but , that way ain't Florida . From the Destin area stay on 98 and hug the Gulf Coast for awhile ! Lot nicer than I-75 . Wander around Lake Okeechobee , watch the cattlemen work on highway 27 , get away from the tourist traps .
THAT is the only real part of South Florida left!!!
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Old 08-26-2015, 09:55 AM   #20
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Hope you all have a good trip. Looks like hurricanes are picking up. Stay alert. Later RJD
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