Although we didn’t drive on our own but hired a car that came with a driver from Keys Transportation, we were lucky because Dave was super friendly and knowledgeable. He knew his way around, the history, including what time was best to leave to avoid traffic, and exciting places to visit in the keys. Dave also went the extra mile by taking us to some of the exciting places, as well as stopping at Winn Dixie for us to do some grocery shopping!
For the record, we didn’t drive straight from Miami to Key West but stayed in some places before reaching Key West. However, on our way back, we drove straight from Key West to Miami, only stopping for lunch and a quick grab of some Cuban coffee in Key Largo. The whole drive, which was about 177km took about four hours.
South Beach to Key Largo
We first started our journey from South Beach. Dave came to get us from Hotel Victor, where we stayed for three nights. The drive was smooth and easy, driving past the bridge overlooking Downtown Miami, and the big cruise docking by the bay.
Before reaching our destination in Key Largo, where we stayed for three nights, Dave told us to look at the swampland and told us about Alligator on the left side, and Crocodile on the other side. But we didn’t see the creatures though. He also told us about a bird who’s nesting on top of a pole, but I couldn’t remember much about the story, sorry Dave!
Key Largo to Islamorada
The drive from Key Largo to Islamorada was short, and only took less than thirty minutes. On the way, Dave stopped by the Hurricane monument, which we didn’t get to see because while we were in Islamorada, staying in Hadley house with a beautiful sea view from our balcony, we couldn’t be bothered to go out exploring. While we only stopped for a brief moment next to the monument, we stayed for longer at the wild bird sanctuary and also took pictures next to the big lobster.
The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary – Overseas Hwy, Tavernier MM 93.6
This seven-acre bird sanctuary is free to enter, and it’s a place to rehabilitate birds that are inadequate to return to the wild.
When we were there, we saw Leopard Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Barn Owl, Broad Winged Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Harris’s Hawk, Crandon, Pelican, shorebird, Songbird, and most importantly, the star of the place, Fred the Parrot.
The love and efforts they invested in this sanctuary were admirable; you can see they made a grave for one of their beloved white bird named Pickles.
Betsy the Lobster – Rain Barrel Artesian Village MM 86.7
This work of art of a massive lobster did look like a real lobster, and it was a must-stop for a photo on your way to Key West! If it were real, how much butter do you think you need to cook this giant lobster?
Hurricane Monument – Oceanside Islamorada MM 81.6
This hurricane monument was about 25 feet long; built for the remembrance of the tragic hurricane in the 1930s.
Islamorada to Key West
The longest drive with Dave was from Islamorada to Key West. On our way, Dave took us to feed the tarpon, searched for deer, went to the Blue Hole to look for alligators and before driving back to the main road, he drove past the No Name pub.
Robbie’s Tarpon – Islamorada MM 77.5
Dangling a fish while waiting for the Tarpon to snatch it from your hand was one of the most exciting activities along our drive to Key West. It was exhilarating and fun, and I won’t forget the experience!
Be careful though, don’t let the fish swallow your hand with its huge mouth! Thankfully mine was only a little scratch.
You could buy the fish from the counter, and it costs $4 for a bucket of 10 fish. Besides feeding the fish, you could also buy souvenirs from this place. There were many stalls selling art, shirts, key chains, fridge magnets, etc. The wall was also painted with a story about the Scarface, not sure if it was real though.
Blue Hole – National Key Deer Refuge – Big Pine Key MM 31
The blue hole was an abandoned rock quarry, but over time, the rainwater filled up the void and turned it into a lake. Now, it’s the only freshwater lake in the Florida Keys. I was not sure why they called this lake a blue hole, because it wasn’t blue.
This place was beautiful and serene, but we didn’t get to see the Alligator. However, we saw a doe grazing the grass on the roadside close to this place.
No Name Pub – Big Pine Key MM 31
We didn’t go inside the pub, just drove past it. But from the review, it sounded like a cool pub!
“Best casual dining experience in the Florida Keys.” They went on to say, if you can find it you’ll be rewarded with the best pizza anywhere, chili, smoked fish dip and sandwiches served on paper plates in a real old rustic bar plastered with autographed dollar bills; those in the know say this Big Pine Key haunt is “worth the drive.” – Source: the official website
The drive with Dave was informative, and we learned a lot from him on the history and what only locals knew about such as the story of the old bridge, the purple roof house, the extent of hurricane damages, the place where they trained flipper the dolphin and his burial place, and also about the little girl bicycle monument.
When we reached in Key West, Dave also offered to drive us around while waiting for our hotel – Parrot Key to be ready, however, we declined his offer.
We couldn’t praise Dave enough for the service offered, he was the right person to go with, and we totally recommend him for your convenience and relaxing journey to the Keys. Dave could be contacted via his website or call him at 305 395 0299.
Lona drove us from Key West back to Miami, and during the journey, we stopped for lunch at Mangrove Mike’s.
Mangrove Mike’s – Islamorada MM 82.2
It’s a pretty café, and the food was delicious. The wall on the café adorned with many photos framing the fishing moments, and on the other side, the wall was painted with various fish along with name records of the pioneers and legends. Besides food, the café also sells souvenirs, which was convenient in case you forgot to get one.
Travel Date: July & August 2019