South Florida ( Key West)

[buckeyes]

Betty and I are traveling to Pompano Beach to see our granddaughter next month. Neither of us has been to Key West or any of the other stops south of Miami. We are in a 38' motorhome and would like to leave it as far south as possible then drive the toad to Key West. Has anyone got advise on where to stay near Miami as driving the coach across the causeway doesn't sound fun to me. Also information about Key West visits would be nice. Thanks to all,and have a great day.

[buckeyes]

Betty and I are traveling to Pompano Beach to see our granddaughter next month. Neither of us has been to Key West or any of the other stops south of Miami. We are in a 38' motorhome and would like to leave it as far south as possible then drive the toad to Key West. Has anyone got advise on where to stay near Miami as driving the coach across the causeway doesn't sound fun to me. Also information about Key West visits would be nice. Thanks to all,and have a great day.

[nhgeezer]

The new causway is not a bad drive. There is pleanty of room for two way traffic. The old one was a horror show as when passing a trailer truck or another camper you were about mirror to mirror. We go into Key west and stay in a campground right in town. There it is fun to roam the streets on foot (that is Lucy is on foot I am on my three wheel scooter) Don't forget the sundown feastival each night in the city park on the waterfront. By the way, do not get all upset when the chickens that roam free in the city are picking up crumbs under your dinner table. Have fun.

Brad & Lucy aka the Geezer & The Hedgehog
1990 Foretravel 38' DP
Kitty Kat: Earl
Whitey Ford the Explorer riding the car trailer
Navigation: CoPilot 9 on a lap top
ASE Master Technician
SAE

[indiana journey]

I would not hesitate to drive your motorhome to Key West. We have done that several times.
We always stay at the SugarLoaf Key KOA. Their staff is friendly and the campground is very clean. I think your only option south of Miami might be Homestead. We have never stayed there.
Don't miss sunset at Mallory dock and shopping and people watching on Duval. And at Mile Marker 20 is a restaurant with wonderful food.
The name is Mangrove MaMA'S. Don't let the outside scare you. We almost made that mistake!
Wish I was going with you!! Have a great time.

[nhgeezer]

Mangrove Mama's, YUM YUM

Brad & Lucy aka the Geezer & The Hedgehog
1990 Foretravel 38' DP
Kitty Kat: Earl
Whitey Ford the Explorer riding the car trailer
Navigation: CoPilot 9 on a lap top
ASE Master Technician
SAE

[GaryKD]

I'll join the previous posters in recommending you drive the coach to the Keys. There are many choices for CGs. It is a fun trip. With most of the speed on Rt1 at 45 MPH, take your time and enjoy.

[JavaJelly]

Been going to Key West at least once every year for 20 years. Have taken a coach there the last 6 years. As said, driving is no problem. All that is written so far is right on.

There are many places to stay. The best is Bluewater Key, next best is Sugarloaf KOA. Bluewater is 14 miles from Key West and KOA is 22 miles from Key West. You have a better shot at a site on the water at Bluewater.

As mentioned, Mangrove MaMa's is close to both and has really good food. If you want a true locals bar outside of Key West, go to Geiger Key on Friday night. Yankee Jack plays there and it is a true Keys experience.

I am happy to tell you a lot more. Feel free to PM me.

[JoeH]

To answer your original quesation, if you want to park on the mainland, try either Southern Comfort in Homestead or the city run campground in Florida City. Both have storage areas and will let you leave the coach there and are the last campgrounds before you hit the 18 mile stretch. I assume you would take a couple of days ( at least) down and back)
If driving the coach down, Bluewater Key would be the nicest and since you have a toad , the 13 miles into KW isn't a problem. The CG in KW ( Jabour's) has been closed for awhile. Boyd's on Stock Island is conveinent. Geiger Key ( see the other post) also has campsites. If you do plan to tat the MH, book now -- if there is anything available. This applies to either a campsite or a hotel room.

[buckeyes]

Thank you for the responses about the visit to key west. Betty does not like it when we drive over high bridges. Is the causeway low to the water or is it full of high bridges to let the boats go under? Also, about how far of a drive is it. Ya'll have been great, thanks again.

[hondo122]

As Scott says Blue Water Key is very nice and Yankee Jack is a must see. Bought his CD's on the last night we were down in March and listened and laughed all the way home. This was our first trip in the MH and no problems on the causeway, I would definitely drive all the way down if I were you.

[ncbounder]

Whenever you get to KW, be sure to have lunch at B.O.s Fish Wagon on Caroline Street!

[Jestme13]

are there any CG's down there that are less then $100 a night ?

[Allegro Happy]

Blue Water if it is not Jan, Feb, or March, They have a nice heated pool, laundry. clubhouse. Gated community too. Best one down there

[76dc]

They have several bridges in the keys, all of the keys have bridges going from one to the other, couple of them at high enough for the boats to go under, one that I know of stops traffic and is raised by a bridge tender.