In a couple of weeks I will be touring through Florida. I would like to ask from Those that have been a few questions. First off, trying to figure out reasonable travel times. Especially Daytona to Key West. Would like to do it in one day. The miles is not a problem, just don't know what to expect for travel times. Second what to expect in tolls. I plan on spending a couple days in Key West, then heading north up the west side. I will be in Florida around 8/13/18. Any input appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

From Daytona take 95 S to Jupiter - then switch to the Turnpike,( they are close together there) & run it to the end @ Florida City. We always left real early to avoid the morning rush as much as possible - just hammer it until the end of the Turnpike. I don't know what the tolls are - I use a Sun Pass - Go on the Fla Turnpike site and you can find out.
Just south of Fla City take Card Sound Road on the left. That is the scenic route. Stop at Alabama Jack's if it hasn't blown away yet. That will take you to the Keys -
Have fun
Be very careful overserving the speed limit on Big Pine Key - They are very protective of the Key Deer & will get you for +2 mph

 

We just went to the Keys. We took Card Sound Road on the way down. Alabama Jacks is still there. Had a beer and some shrimp. This road is a longer route, runs through the mangroves, or at least that is what I would call it. There was very little traffic on it and I let it roll. We stopped for the night in Key Largo, but we could have easily made KW that evening. The Fish House is an outstanding restaurant if it is time to eat. Get the Yellowtail Snapper Mecumbe.

Stop at Robbie's and feed the tarpon. That tickled the crap out of me. It was a blast.

On our way north out of the Keys, I think it only took us about two hours. I was following some traffic that was cheating the speed limit a little. I was somewhat disappointed in the Everglades. Not sure what I expected. Maybe we should have taken one of the airboat tours to really see the Everglades.

 

South Florida in August...??
Let's see..oh yea, it's gonna rain everyday. The good news is that the daily rain is usually accompanied by the hottest temperatures of the day which makes it a good choice to be inside someplace cool that serves good food and drinks.
Tolls ??...well pard, please don't take this wrong but if tolls are a concern, you won't like Key West. ($$$$$)
I agree with EastcoastJim. From Daytona, take I-95 to exit 129 @ Ft. Pierce. That's the closest access to the Turnpike from the Interstate. Get on the Turnpike to Florida City. I-95 will get you there too, but things get kinda crazy from West Palm Beach on South. Watch your gas. If you take the Interstate, plan your gas so you WON'T need to get off in Miami and find some. Miami has neighborhoods the cops don't go in.
Glad to hear Jack's is still there. Thanks for the update Grandslam.
Don't know if you can make the timing work either going in or coming out of the Keys, but one of the most beautiful rides I've ever made in over 400,000 mi. on 2 wheels was riding the Keys highway as the sun was rising out of the ocean.
Coming back out of the Keys and going West is a great idea. To see some of "Old Florida", take the mostly 2-lane Tamiami Trail (hwy 41) instead of "Alligator Alley" (I-75).
One note about the Trail is to watch for ONcoming traffic. When you see a line of cars coming towards you, you might want to think about flashing your high beam a few times, ESPECIALLY if you see one pulling out to pass. It's not uncommon for some hotshot to whip out around the car(s) ahead of him/her and engage a bike (...OMG officer, I didn't see the motorcycle coming at me..!!!) in a headon collision. If you do take the Trail, stop at the Shark River Overlook for a good elevated view of the "Sea of Grass".
ENJOY..!!!
Both the Keys and the Glades are incredibly unique. Take in as much of them as you can while you're down here.

 

Pretty much this^^^----Leave early from Daytona---I would cut over to Khrome road from FT Lauderdale and make my way down from there
traffic from Key Largo to Key West averages 35 mph don,t believe what google maps or your gps tells you for time
Stay on the quiet end of Duval St near the Southern most point marker and walk your way to Mallory Square ---you,ll enjoy
And yes-you will get nailed with rain everyday around 2 or 3 in afternoon

Let,s see pics when you return

 

Can't help with travel times as when we go to The Keys, it's with a travel trailer in tow.

I can tell you a couple must go places for some local flavor.

Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island - http://www.hogfishbar.com/

Burdines Waterfront - http://www.burdineswaterfront.com/

Blue Heaven - http://www.blueheavenkw.com/

Half Shell Raw Bar (1/2 Price Appetizers during happy hour) - https://www.halfshellrawbar.com/

The Aquarium Encounter was very entertaining. The Dive Museum is interesting. The wife loved the Butterfly Museum.

 

Thanks for all the input guido4198. The cost of tolls is not an issue. Just what to expect, like : Someone told Me they take change only, not paper or plastic. You probably saved Me some grief ( Stopped planed for Miami ) Switched it to Ft Lauderdale instead. And thanks for suggesting 41, I was wanting to take it. As it stands for now, My Florida stops are : Jacksonville, Ft Lauderdale, Key West, Fort Myers, Tallehasse. Unless I get warnings or better suggestions in the general areas.

 

I'm in Clearwater if you need anything or want to stop drop me a PM.

 

I don't know if this is possible in Florida but here is what we did in Oklahoma. We called the turnpike dept. or what ever you call it and got a sticker that charges it to your account. No stopping. They did initially charge like $40 and won't recharge your credit card until it hits zero. May not work for you, but it is an option.

 

Hurry and your toll might be free. The vender that handles all Florida tolls has had a glitch in their software for awhile. Nobodies being charged.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...1YNJGse55UIm5W