Exploring Florida’s Scenic Route to the Florida Keys
If you’re looking for a perfect road trip destination, then Florida’s scenic route to the Florida Keys is something you shouldn’t miss. It’s a journey that takes you from the bustling cityscape of Orlando all the way down to the southernmost point of the United States in Key West. In this article, we’ll take you through the experience of traveling through this iconic road trip destination, and give you a sneak peek of what you can expect along the way.
The Journey Begins – Orlando to the Florida Keys
We begin our journey on a sunny day, as we set out from Orlando to embark on this exciting road trip adventure. Our first stop was the Disney Car Care Center, where we had pre-booked a rental car. From there, we hit the Florida Turnpike, which would take us all the way down to the Florida Keys.
As we set out on our journey, we couldn’t help but notice the construction work going on near the entrance of Magic Kingdom. But as we continued on, we saw a lot of beautiful landscapes, tall pine trees, wetlands and lots of interesting birds on either side as far as the eye could see.
The Florida Turnpike was lined with service plazas offering various services such as gas, food, and restrooms. This made the journey more convenient and enjoyable as we didn’t have to go looking for these facilities.
After a few hours of driving, we made our first pit stop – a rest station to get some fuel, use the restroom, and throw away any trash we had accumulated. This was also an excellent time to wipe down the windshield if necessary, and a chance to grab some Starbucks coffee before getting back on the road.
As we continued on, we passed the Yeehaw Junction exit. This is an old stop-off point that many travelers still remember fondly from their trip down to the Florida Keys. Continuing on the highway, we passed more service plazas and various rest areas.
Driving down the highway, we saw many vacationers traveling in recreational vehicles, trailers, campers, and more. This gave the journey a holiday feel and helped to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Entering the Florida Keys
After about five hours of driving, we finally made it to the exit on the Florida Turnpike, which led to the Florida Keys. The moment we entered the Keys, we were struck by the beauty of the place. The blue water on either side of the road was a breathtaking sight to behold. We had finally arrived in paradise.
From the turnpike exit, we continued driving down to the southernmost point of the United States in Key West. From here, it was still a three-hour drive, but the journey was spectacular. The Overseas Highway that connects the Keys is a beautiful drive with stunning views of the water on either side of the road.
The old seven-mile bridge, which runs parallel to the new bridge, is a popular attraction that tourists love to visit. We even got to see an abandoned section of the old bridge where trees and shrubs had overgrown.
Driving on the highway, we came across several key landmarks like the Wild Deer Sanctuary, famous gift shops, and restaurants like “Two Friends Patio” to grab a bite and rest our feet.
Finally, we reached our destination – Key West. Our hotel was the Fairfield Inn Suites belonging to Marriott, situated in the heart of Key West. The hotel was perfect for our budget, offering all the amenities we needed. The room was clean, had a fridge, and a clean bathroom, equipped with a blow dryer, and we got some extra towels upon request.
Conclusion
The road trip to the Florida Keys is an unforgettable experience and a must-do for anyone headed to Florida. While the drive can be long and tiring, the beautiful scenery along the way will make you forget all about the hours on the road. The Florida Turnpike and Overseas Highway offer plenty of amenities and rest stops. As long as you have a fantastic playlist and a good travel companion, this journey is sure to be a memorable one.