Recommended Route - Atlanta to Homestead (Gateway Key West)

[Woton]

BikerGirl and I will be making this run on the bikes in early October, where we'll leave afterward toward Key West.

We'll probably make this portion of the ride over two days so we'll overnight somewhere in central FL.

Suggestions on best route, best spot to overnight, best spot to stay at the end to get us toward US1 and the Keys afterward would be MUCH appreciated!  Don't mind tolls if it is the best route. Best here means fast - the Keys are the goal here.

And, I saw a 2012 post on various hotels along the Keys route - any good 2016 recommendations?

Thanks!

[Oss]

go to Bahia Honda Beach
its on the left about halfway down  Terrific shallow water you can lie on the sand in the water while you tan

There is an open air restaurant on Islemorada  its on the left coming back up north
Gorgeous sunset while you have a burger and a drink

Cant give you recommendation on key west, to be honest I didnt really care for it

[Patrick]

I'm thinking the quickest way is Rt75 from Atlanta to Miami, then the Expressway to Florida City. Some folks would rather take a slower ride down the center of the state, 301, 27 etc. Once in Florida City you have to use Rt1 thru the keys. Thats a nice ride.
There are many places thru the Keys to stop and take in some sites and refreshments.

Bahia Honda is a very nice park and worth a stop. Its at MM37.5

I don't know what you're looking for in Key West. I may be able to help more. But if you like Guest Houses that are within walking distance of most places in the tourist [ Old Town] section, then Angelina's Guest House [ on Angelina St] is nice and its fairly reasonable for Key West. A reservation should had for staying anywhere in that town though. There are many nice guest homes in that town. I'd shy away from the major hotels, I don't like paying 3-400/night.

One place that most folks need to stop at is the world famous 'No Name Pub' on the north end of Big Pine Key right at the bridge to No Name Key. The atmosphere is nice/dark and they claim to have the best pizza in the universe. They are so popular they don't believe in happy hours. The inside is much like that of 'Capt Tony's' on Greene St in Key West [ The original Sloppy Joe's]. The place we prefer is 'Springer's' which is just as you enter Big Pine from the east, but, I digress as usual.

We have spent 16 winters in Key West and might be able to tell you about the town.
There a number of web sites to help with other lodging and if you have a question just let me know if I can be of some help.


I took a quick look at Google and they would have you on Rt75 to Orlando then the Expressway to Florida City. Thats probably the fastest [ 700 miles]. But there is not much to do or places to get off at. On Rt75 down the west coast stop offs are fairly close to the highway and there are places of interest along the way and its still a fast road.

[F-six]

Have fun in Key West! When you are at MM 28 at lunchtime, get a burger at Boondocks, that place has a nice atmosphere.

  

[Woton]

Here's a "Thanks For The Replies" bump...

Checking into a stay at Angelinas and another place or two right now.  We like the Guest House or B&B idea very much.  Other than the obligatory motorcycle photo at the "Southernmost Point" we will likely park the bikes for the duration of the Key West stay and maybe rent bicycles or a scooter.  So, parking security is important.

Looks like either the I-75 route or the Turnpike route would suit our purposes - with tolls on the Turnpike.  Since we have to loop we might go one way and return another.  We plan to overnight on one Key on the way to KW and stay in another during the return trip.  Trying to keep the whole trip just over two weeks.

Other ideas are appreciated!

[3fan4life]

I rode to Key West with my brother in 2012.

We took the middle route to avoid interstates one advantage of that was not getting anywhere near Miami.

You could run down I-75 and still take the road that we took to avoid Miami,

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/26.1494894,-80.7035788/25.4868863,-80.4769858/@25.695585,-80.8752401,10z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-80.4824425!2d25.8186949!3s0x88d995c0c858445f:0x471b0bb1c50ef885!1m0!3e0?hl=en

It was an easy route and drops you right onto US 1 in Homestead.

We stayed on Marathon Key at a hotel whose rooms were old houseboats.

I'm planning a trip to the Keys with some friends for next fall.

There are some decent deals on rental houses and such, if your heart isn't set on staying in Key West itself you can save some $$$$ by staying on a different Key.


Oss is right about Bahia Honda State Park:

[_Sheffjs_]

Post on FL Board   We can all chime in. 

[Woton]

Thank you...will post there - just didn't want to impose on your forum.

The wife and I have about decided to stay in Islamorada on the way down and Marathon on the way back.  Both are short hops, hopefully with time to play in the area, and then simple overnights - at least at this stage of the planning.  But we are having some difficulties finding lodging not rather overpriced.  Only criteria for these overnight lodging places is safe for the bikes (and us!) and hopefully within walking distance of a restaurant/pub which sells adult beverages.

I do like the look of that Miami bypass off I-75...

[Woton]

And, hopefully the bridge on the above photo is NOT on that Miami bypass 

[3fan4life]

And, hopefully the bridge on the above photo is NOT on that Miami bypass 

You don't have to worry about the old bridge, but I can't promise that you won't meet any of these guys:

   

[..]

Watch your speed when you leave the mainland and DO NOT hit a Keys deer or whatever they are called.

[hubcapsc]

The wife and I have about decided to stay in Islamorada

We went to the keys a few years ago. Met some friends there,
and rented an "ocean front" house in Islamorada.

I'm from South Carolina. The beach is a place where there's a
strip of dunes and then a strip of sand that reaches as far as
you can see in both directions, and waves to try and body
surf in. The Ocean at Islamorada is like glass and about 2
inches deep. We ate good, though. Me and Carolyn got
key lime pie at each different restaurant, and it was always
different. We spent one night at key west, and took the tour boat
out a couple of hours to the Dry Tortugas...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Tortugas

They're "dry" because there's no potable water on the
islands. There's a fort like Fort Sumter there, but no war,
so it is not blown to pieces, it is pretty cool. The best thing
is the pearly white sand and the clear sky blue ocean water.
A awesome place to swim.

-Mike

[RP#62]

The wife and I have about decided to stay in Islamorada

We went to the keys a few years ago. Met some friends there,
and rented an "ocean front" house in Islamorada.

I'm from South Carolina. The beach is a place where there's a
strip of dunes and then a strip of sand that reaches as far as
you can see in both directions, and waves to try and body
surf in. The Ocean at Islamorada is like glass and about 2
inches deep. We ate good, though. Me and Carolyn got
key lime pie at each different restaurant, and it was always
different. We spent one night at key west, and took the tour boat
out a couple of hours to the Dry Tortugas...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Tortugas

They're "dry" because there's no potable water on the
islands. There's a fort like Fort Sumter there, but no war,
so it is not blown to pieces, it is pretty cool. The best thing
is the pearly white sand and the clear sky blue ocean water.
A awesome place to swim.

-Mike

Several years back, I used to maintain a sea plane in the keys (185 on floats) that took tourists out to the Dry Tortugas.  My wife and I used to ride out when there were empty seats so I've been through the tour several times.  When it was built, Ft Jefferson was the largest masonry structure in the western hemisphere.  It cost the US government a dollar a brick to transport all the bricks out there.  The fort was completed before the civil war broke out.  They used smooth bore cannon in the fort but unfortunately, just after it was completed, ships began using rifled cannon which had a greater range and consequently made the fort obsolete. As a result, they instead used the fort as a prison.  It was where they kept Dr Mudd - the physician that set John Wilkes Booth's leg when he was trying to escape after assassinating Lincoln.  The snorkling around the fort is awesome.


-RP

[billyjakester]

If you're looking to cover miles quickly, I'd pay the tolls and use the Florida Turnpike.  Most points are now photo pay, so you won't be stopping as much as the old days.

Great place to eat =  Alabama Jacks......especially if you like Conch.  They're at the top of the Keys and require you to leave US 1 and parallel it.  Afterwards you can continue south on the same road, very desolate, and it brings you back out onto US 1 so you can continue south.

Google Alabama Jacks -  you'll see photos, address, etc.
bill

[Woton]

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions to this point.  More are welcome - especially on lodging in KW, Marathon, and Islamorada.  Am working on Angelina's Guest House for KW, but unfortunately I gave her the wrong dates  so I'm having to reconnect.

Have also posted to the Florida board.

[Willow]

Mama and I stayed in, I believe, a Days Inn on Islamorada.  The parking was directly under the rooms and the motel overlooked the water.  There was a really good place to eat just a very short walk down the beach.

[henry 008]

back in the late '70s I would work on a drift boat (Miss Tradewinds) out of the Chesapeake docks, in Islamorada. my friend and I would stay at the Islander motel. it was more like little cabins than a motel. had a little kitchenette and sitting area, and it was right on the ocean. albeit it was a long stroll to get there, but the pier was nice to go out on in the cool of the evening. it went 100-150' out in the ocean, but was still very shallow that far out. the docks had a restaurant there, and you could bring your catch to it, and for reasonable fee, they would cook your fish and serve you a baked potato and a salad. pretty cool.

[Patrick]

I can't help with much east of Big Pine. Maybe just a little in Marathon.

But, any questions I can help with let me know.

Lodging is expensive and Angelina's seems about the most reasonable with nice accommodations, but, if you find some other place let me know. I'll tell you what I can.

There are a couple campgrounds in the area, but, they get $100 a night.

[Woton]

(Also posted on Florida Board)

Progress!  Thanks to ALL for their suggestions!

At this point we are booked at the Sands on Islamorada and Banana Bay in Marathon. 

Angelina's Guest House in Key West could not accommodate us for all three nights of our stay without changing rooms to a shared bath on Day 3.  We have booked what appears to be a nice room at the Jasmine House near Duval pretty much in the center of things.

We are going to be visiting friends in Kissimmee after our trip to the Keys, but we would be interested in the non-interstate route back to NC from there if the logistics work out.

We will be in Key West October 6-8, and will be leaving Kissimmee for home on October 14 - probably an overnight to get back to NC.

Thanks again!

[Patrick]

Sounds like you should have a great time.

[Jersey mike]

If you're looking for a nice dinner outside of KW, try Mangrove Mama's in Sugarloaf, about MM 17 or so. My wife and I love the atmosphere and their food was always very good....and their Key Lime pie is original homemade and is the true version of Key Lime pie.


http://www.mangrovemamasrestaurant.com/home

[Woton]

If you're looking for a nice dinner outside of KW, try Mangrove Mama's in Sugarloaf, about MM 17 or so. My wife and I love the atmosphere and their food was always very good....and their Key Lime pie is original homemade and is the true version of Key Lime pie.


http://www.mangrovemamasrestaurant.com/home

Wow, just the photos on that website make me wish I was at that restauarant right now!!

Really appreciate all the dining/nightspot recommendations, guys - trying new places and eating local cuisine are always a highlight of our trips.  We don't drink and ride, so no alcohol until the evenings after the bikes are parked at the hotel.  Good ol' ice tea works for lunch spots!

[Patrick]

Mangrove Mamas at MM18 is a good place.  Last time we were there it was bombarded with flies from the dumpster, they were relentless. I'm sure that problem has been fixed.

Boondocks at MM27 is also good.  They make one of the best fish [ hogfish or snapper] sandwiches in the area. And everyone makes a good fish sandwich.

Springers in Big Pine at MM 32 is also good.

I mentioned No Name Pub previously and its usually a 'must see' place if you can find it.

But, then, Key West is full of good places. Some can be hard to find without knowing the town.

[Woton]

Have noted all of these places and will have locations nailed before the trip.

You have been very helpful, Patrick.   Thanks so much!

Getting pretty excited - but with the hot/rainy NC weather right now  we're glad we'll be into autumn for this trip.

[Atl-Jerry]

Looks like you've got all your logistics worked out, just one recommendation on your route down.  I would stay on I-75 all the way to MM-0 and not get on the turnpike.  You'll have less congestion and it should be faster than the turnpike.  When you get to the end of I-75, jump on 826 S to Homestead where you can pick up US-1.  Keep an eye on your rear view mirror when you're crossing alligator alley, lots of folks crank it up out there.  Ride safe.
   

[Bighead]

Just keep going South


Sorry couldn't stop myself ???

[Woton]

Yep, as long as my brakes work in Key West to get me stopped everything else should be fine 

[Bighead]

I rode from Huntsville Alabama to key west and back home in Feburary In 2012 in 4 days. Yep it was a quick and 1/2 COLD trip but would do it again tomorrow! it was in the 30's here when I left and 85+ in Key west,I came home with a sunburn on my face and you could see my raccoon eyes from goggles very well and every one kept asking where the Hell have you been

[Jersey mike]

If you're looking for a nice dinner outside of KW, try Mangrove Mama's in Sugarloaf, about MM 17 or so. My wife and I love the atmosphere and their food was always very good....and their Key Lime pie is original homemade and is the true version of Key Lime pie.


http://www.mangrovemamasrestaurant.com/home

Wow, just the photos on that website make me wish I was at that restauarant right now!!

Really appreciate all the dining/nightspot recommendations, guys - trying new places and eating local cuisine are always a highlight of our trips.  We don't drink and ride, so no alcohol until the evenings after the bikes are parked at the hotel.  Good ol' ice tea works for lunch spots!

I hope you have a great time, Key West is...well it's Key West, something to experience. Bring comfortable shoes to walk around in there's lots to see and do. Glass bottom boat rides, The Conch Train which is a tour of Old Town KW and historic places. You have to go to Mallory Square for sunset, you'll want to go back every night and if it's clear every sunset you ever see after you leave you'll end up comparing to the sunsets there. If you can swing it try the sunset cruise, it's a nice time.

Finally don't be afraid to try the Grouper or the Conch Fritters.

Rice safe and enjoy, it's though not to get sucked into what's called "the Keys disease" kick back relax and do nothing.

[Woton]

Ride safe and enjoy, it's tough not to get sucked into what's called "the Keys disease" kick back relax and do nothing.

That's actually the plan - Thanks!

[Rams]

My only advice would be to look at a map and pick out roads you like that head north until you hit cooler weather and wait until fall to go back south.   

[Woton]

Nah, BikerGirl and I do a lot of traveling this time of year on the bikes to miss the rains.  Would rather ride warm than wet.

We typically take a long summer bike trip - tying it with Inzane if location calls for it.  This year we kept the Inzane trip to just the event with anticipation of the Keys trip later.  Next year Inzane XVII will be our long trip for the year.

BikerGirl is a "50 degree plus" rider, so our summer travel strategy keeps everyone happy!

[Rams]

Nah, BikerGirl and I do a lot of traveling this time of year on the bikes to miss the rains.  Would rather ride warm than wet.

We typically take a long summer bike trip - tying it with Inzane if location calls for it.  This year we kept the Inzane trip to just the event with anticipation of the Keys trip later.  Next year Inzane XVII will be our long trip for the year.

BikerGirl is a "50 degree plus" rider, so our summer travel strategy keeps everyone happy!

Understood and I'm not knocking it.   The "heat" really wears me out so, I'm not nearly as much of a hot weather rider as many of my friends.   I'll take a cool ride any day over riding in the heat.   But, that's just me.    Enjoy the ride.   

[Woton]

As long as I'm moving I seem to be able to handle the heat.  

Have heard horror stories from friends riding in bumper to bumper traffic for hours in the summer heat, and admittedly we did have the classic LA Freeway experience a few years ago.  Had we not been willing to lane split we would still be in LA...

My bike made the cover of the 2015 VRCC calendar.  That ride through the salt flats in Texas in late July was one of the hottest in our memory.  Stripping the bike of luggage, etc to take the photos in that heat is something I'm still trying to forget.

My avatar is that photo.