Fort Myers to Key West

[Damn Yankee]

Leaving for the Florida Keys tomorrow morning and need info on the best road to take. I have two choices, US-41 or I-75. US-41 looks like a good choice since their is no tolls, few towns and it avoids Miami. Has anyone drove this route? What is the he roads condition and any must sees along 41? or should we stick to I-75.

[FloridaCliff]

I always take US-41 going down to the Keys.

Not a lot of places to stop, but a very peaceful drive.

Check out all the Aggrivators in the canal on the North side.

Also, take US-41 to the Turnpike and then South....avoid Homestead as it is stop and go and tight through the downtown.   Been there...done that.

Cliff

[Tom Y]

There is a tram ride into the everglades on 41. We ride our bikes there, I think a 12 mile ride. My oldest girl was maybe 12 as she passed me I tell her watch for the gator on the road. She goes up and spikes her brakes, says she thought it was a tire not a 8 foot gator. Lots of gators and birds. We parked the Rv outside the gate on the road berm, not sure if there is room for you bus in there.  Tom Y

[cody]

Just a note of unknown interest, US41 ends north of us at copper harbor, it turns back in a small whirligig onto itself about a half mile from the water.

[paul102a3]

It all depends on what you are looking for. I travel the route from Tampa to S. Miami on a regular basis and for many years did the Tampa to Marathon (the middle keys) at least once a month. I only take US 41 under duress (I-75 is closed due to fires, etc). Don't get me wrong, it a scenic drive but much of the road is rough and it can be narrow in spots.

You might want to consider I-75 (Alligator Alley) and exit the alley onto US-27 South (first exit after the west bound toll booth). US-27 will dump you onto the turnpike and then it is a straight shot to the Keys.

The nice thing about this route is it is all cruise control driving (read wide four lane) and you can enjoy the scenery rather than concentrating on keeping the bus on a narrow two lane. The Alley sports two nice rest stops plus numerous spots to park and enjoy the area.

Paul

[niles500]

Take the Tamiami trail - stop in Everglades City - Go to Grimms and get 10 lbs of fresh Stone Crab (w/mustard dip) - Go down the causeway to Chokoloskee - stop at a turn out and eat your Crab and have a beer (or just stop @ Lebo's in EC) - You can park overnight in front of the Visitors Center - Have fun

[roadrunnertex]

Before any of the interstates highway's were built in Florida I am sort of telling how old I am by doing this.
US-41 was the way to go to Miami from Ft Myers and points south you drove on US-1 to the Florida Keys.
Tamiami Trailways and Greyhound lines were the bus lines to and from Miami to points north along the Tamiami Trail (US-41).
If you are not in a hurry drive the old Tamiami Trail and enjoy the Everglades.
Don't worry Trailways and Greyhound ran their equipment over the Tamiami Trail with out any problems for may years.
jlv

[niles500]

Oh Yea! Forgot to tell you to KEEP IT OUT OF THE DITCHES ...... the locals will eat you for driving on their (river of) Grass