im, nicely done. Sounds as if you have done this a few times. You got me hooked. What's the different north/south experience on the air boat rides?

 

For Key west just search forums for "key west" but this is a copy and paste to help you decide.


On the way down consider taking (997) krome south to the end were it will merge with (US1) at the very beginning of keys. It will spit you out very close to the last chance saloon ”biker bar” and card sound road entrance. Big gas station on your left so get gas.

The alternative is the Turnpike.
US1 to start of Keys is NOT recommended unless you are really really close to start of Keys due to traffic and multiple traffic lights.

Make sure to take Card Sound Road on way in or out or BOTH...much more relaxing then high speed route. Toll road about $1.50 or $2.00

Alabama Jack's, Card Sound Rd., On card sound road just before/right next to toll…Place to eat or snack on water. This is the only place to eat/drink on card sound road.

Key Largo : east side of road.. The African Queen ”bogart movie little boat ” - is on view sometimes across the road at Marina..” A local bar “Dumpy”, the Caribbean Club-good view from the back and was supposedly used for Bogart movie…Get a beer in a bottle and enjoy view of water in back.

Directions in the keys are ussualy based on Mile Marker and Ocean (atlantic) or bay side.

mm 81? World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada - ultimate tackle store (now part of the Bass Pro Shop chain) but store has a history that includes Zane Grey and Papa Hemingway. Good place to eat next door at isla morada fish company…Do not eat under roof “hot” eat at table with umbrella….eat next to water...use bathrooms at the big world wide sports store next door..(back right corner) by the aquarium. This is a very nice stop, nice store, nice views, easy to sit at store and look at water, spend no money or have food and drinks next door. Or walk next door (north) to Morada bay to see their place..It is like 3 stops in one.

mm79 ? Islamorada :Hand feed tarpons at Robbies..really easy to miss...just past bridge..west side of road.. I think it is $3 for bucket of fish and $1 dollar per person? nice 15-20-30 minute stop and they have cold glass bottle cokes to cool down.http://www.robbies.com/tarpon.htm


Seven Mile Bridge: used in several movies. Notice old bridge on west side.

The NO NAME bar in big pine key is about 25 to 30 miles prior to reaching Key West mile marker 0 is worth a one time side trip to see the famous key deer..maybe share a snack or drink.

key west

Try to stay within walking distance (0.25 miles) of anyplace near Duval street..extended parking is difficult any place near Duval.

See : FREE visit to Mallory Square to see performers at sunset and maybe Hemingway House about $15 if important to you.

Supposed best fish sandwich : BO's fishwagon, fresh everyday, on caroline and William..dump at corner of intersection..park bikes a few feet away..do internet search http://www.keywesttravelguide.com/bos-fish-wagon.html

Definitely get your picture taken at the Southernmost Point.

 

Done it a few times.
Most really like the mix of things on route.
Do not want to ruin experience but:
North appears to be Indian controlled territory. They function differently and also took you to one of their hidden islands in the everglades.
The one closest to Value Jet memorial was very good.
Miccosukee are the indian tribe in that area.

 

Flamingo is a one way dead end turn round and come back. I was there a few times. Great place to go if your into birds and photography.
There is one area that provides tarps as Turkey vultures love rubber. Seen them all over an uncovered car pecking at the windshield wiper and roof antenna. I am sure they would like to add a motorcycle to their menu. This Eastern lubber grasshopper was walking along a fence.

 

Tamiami Trail. Not mentioned is Shark Valley stop along the trail. Although there are no sharks there are a lot of alligators. You can take a 15 mile tram ride which loops about 7 miles into the Everglades, you get off and walk along a tall spiral structure to get a nice view of the Everglades. The tour driver also provides interesting facts about the area. They also rent bikes you can use for the loop but I would not recommend it as they are old and hard to pedal. Locals bring their own bike. If you go there you can also walk a bit where the tram begins. Along the path there are alligators usually sitting on the banks.

True story, first time there wife says the alligators are not real as they are not moving. She says they are put there for tourists. OK, so I say stand next to it and i will take a picture. She gets right next to it and the alligator stands up and walks into the water. They are real.

 

Lots of good suggestions, here's a few more...
Caribbean Club in Key Largo. Dive bar where they filmed Bogart's Key Largo
Key Lime Inn in Key West. Comfortable, nice location, reasonably priced, part of the Key West Hotel group. Easy walk to Duval St and Mallory Square for sunset.
Parasailing in Key Largo. Take off from the back of the boat on a 1000 foot line, just a spectacular view. Get reeled back in and you never get wet. Unless you want to

 

Wow !!! Thank you all for the great advice on where to go & stop & see in Florida!!