I found that when flying down from Ohio the most cost effective location was into the Fort Lauderdale Airport (an hour north of the Miami Airport). We took a full vacation in that area and drove to Key West in a rental car. The drive is about 4-5 hours (from Fort Lauderdale) and remember there is only one road in and out of the Keys so is there is an accident, excessive traffic, etc. this may be a far longer trip. Plan you time at less ‘peak’ times and you will be much happier!!!

The drive down the Keys is really a beautiful drive. There are various areas along the way you can stop to further enjoy the outstanding views.

One of the most interesting aspects is seven-mile bridge. The Seven Mile Bridge is located just south of Marathon about 50 miles north of Key West. While it falls a bit short of seven miles (I had looked that fact up prior to going - -knowing it would be the first question asked by the grandchildren) this amazing span bridges the Middle and Lower Keys and has nearly 40 expansion joints.

As you cross the bridge, the Gulf of Mexico on the north side (Bay side) and the Atlantic Ocean on the south (Ocean side). My pre-trip research reflected that seven mile bridge is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Drive is really spectacular!!! Even the children have to notice how long you have been on a bridge. It is a truly unique experience because odds are the children haven’t been on a bridge this long!!!