I am planning a trip to the Keys this summer and need some advice. I will be leaving from Homsassa, FL, which is 50 miles north of Tampa and would like a route that avoided Interstates as much as possible. I know I will have to ride through some of Miami, but would like to avoid as much of that as possible.
Also, I'll be on something of a budget so would like advice on cheap accommodations while in Key West.
Thanks,
Marsh

 

Take RT 41 South all the way to Homestead then get on RT1 South to KW. In Summer cheaper accomodations should be easy to find. Check the Hyatt timeshares for rental rates plus find a local rental agent as things are really slow in Summer. When you get past Marco Island on 41 watch for critters crossing the road. BTW, don't forget to stop for gas right before you get past the Marco Island turnoff. There are no gas stations on 41 until Homestead. Check the route on your roadmap.

 

27 all the way to 997 then south to us 1 in homstead once you get past sebring the traffic is light to none. Go online and look for rooms

 

Unfortunately, 41 doesn't go into Homestead. You will want to turn off of 41 onto SR 997, aka Krome Ave. aka SW 177th. Ave. That will take you into Homestead, bypassing the Miami traffic, along the edge of the Everglades.

 

if ya get lost and someone advises ya ta head east ,(or West) about 50 miles,,,
I dont think I'd trust him!!!

 

I rode from Tampa to Key West last spring. I took 41 to 997, then hit 1 at Homestead all the way to Key West. Stayed at the Best Western on the Ocean Side. I had the end room with a ocean view.

 

I stay here http://www.keywestharborside.com/

 

Be prepared to deal with the constant crosswinds...:>)

 

Likes this route from North FL ...Main thing is catch 997 and avoid Miami..

 

Ive been multiple times, twice on the bike. We stayed at the Southernmost Hotel. It was reasonably priced (for KW) ...close to Duval Street....and plenty of parking in a well lit parking lot. Everytime Ive been there (whether on the bike or not) it's always seems to have quite a few riders staying there.

http://www.southernmostresorts.com/