Road Trip Guide: Fort Lauderdale to Key West
I grew up on the water. I spent summers rarely knowing where to find my shoes. Me, my siblings and my neighborhood friends only needed bathing suits to take on the day. Our parents let us roam free, as they should have. My hair was always golden, kissed by the sun. I moved to a city sliced by the James River, and I visit it weekly. It was fate that a road trip along the shores of southern Florida was in my future. After my experience, I suggest taking a budget-friendly road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West.
Spirit Airlines invited me to take advantage of the Richmond-to-Fort Lauderdale flight opportunity. Key West has been on my travel bucket list for some time, so this was my shot. I really wanted to explore the yacht-lined Fort Lauderdale, and Miami always holds a special place in my crazy-ass heart. I put them all on the road trip itinerary.
The Plan
The best way to make it to Key West and see all the other good stuff in South Florida is by car. I set up a rental car we could hop in upon arrival at the Fort Lauderdale airport. The car rental was by far the largest expense of the trip, but it allowed us to move with ease and freedom wherever we wanted. Spirit Airlines keeps the flight cost low, so you can afford these kinds of perks.
We both reached out to friends and contacts in Florida to get a plan started with their recommendations. We filled in the blanks by meeting locals and letting them show us around their favorite haunts. Here’s how it all went down:
Fort Lauderdale
What a gorgeous city! Fort Lauderdale is roughly the same size as Richmond, VA, both with populations around 200,000. We felt right at home. We stayed in a quaint Airbnb just five to ten minutes from downtown. There are plenty of incredible hotels to rest your bones, too. To get around easily in the city to the best bars, boutiques, and beaches, you want to make sure you’re near Las Olas Boulevard.
Fort Lauderdale Food
For grub, we made our way around to a few yummy spots. Warsaw Coffee was perfect for both mornings. We had healthy smoothies and great coffee. We got down on the food at Tap 42, Pizza Craft (while sitting next door at the Apothecary 330), and ROK BRGR. For drinks, we had a lot of fun and found good company at El Camino, Apothecary 330, Fat Cats, and Rocco’s Tacos–all three recommended by locals. They also looked like they had excellent food menus.
Fort Lauderdale Fun
For adventure, there were simply too many options. Paddleboarding, airboat rides, Flamingo Gardens, and, of course, the beach were all on the table. We made it to Sunrise Paddleboards for a two-hour journey through the “Venice of America.” We both really enjoyed the workout, the views, and the gregarious staff. We also kicked it on the beach, which was downright breathtaking. The water is so blue, and the palm trees just wouldn’t quit making us smile. I wonder if the locals get jaded?
Next time, I plan to head out to the Everglades, which are about an hour away. Billie Swamp Safari came highly recommended. The Flamingo Gardens are not too far away and were also recommended by locals. Sounded like a fun spot for photos.
Miami
After two days in Fort Lauderdale, we were off in our rental to Miami, which is just a 30-minute drive south. Before we hit our hostel, we went to the Wynwood neighborhood to check out all the murals. We did this by car, so we could see as much as possible. Once it started raining, we found seats in Wynwood Yard, a trendy watering hole with food trucks, string lights, and great bartenders. Once the rain settled, we headed to our hostel.
Where to Stay in Miami
We arrived at the Rock Hostel a little after lunch. We chose the hostel because it had the best reviews and one of the lowest rates. It was a great choice. Our room was quiet, clean, and had everything we needed, including a kitchen. I like staying in hostels when I can because it’s a no-fuss way to meet people, and they often have tours, bar crawls, and other activities to see the area up close and personal. If you want to level up, try The Freehand, which was recommended by a friend. It’s a higher-end hostel with a chic, boho aesthetic. We made our way there later on for food and drinks.
Another highly recommended stop we made was 1 Hotel. We slipped in on our way to Key West. We grabbed a coffee and walked around. I could see how it would be a great night spot and an amazing splurge for lodging during your visit. Either way, you have to step in and enjoy the interior design, accentuated by a distinct and purposeful fragrance. The whole place was fresh as hell.
After a big ol nap, we got dressed and hit the beach for some sunset views and people watching. The sky was a Pantone dream of light blues and pale pinks. They morphed and changed as the calm waves rolled in and out like long barrels. We waited here for our friends to be ready for dinner and then hopped in our Uber to 27 Restaurant, located inside The Freehand. This was probably the best meal of the whole trip. We hung out for hours upstairs in a lounge area, noshing on small plates and drinking wine. We moved outside to the pool and bar area and sipped on more drinks over good conversation. It couldn’t have been a better spot for us. Afterwards, we had high hopes to visit Sugar, a night club recommended by three different Florida locals. We were just too toasted and wanted to save up for Key West. Next time, Miami, next time.
Key West Road Trip Adventures
We landed in Key West in the afternoon. It was hot, we were sweaty, but so very ready to get out and see this wild and free peninsula I’d heard so much about. After a quick change, we were headed to the harbor for a sunset ride. We hopped on board of the Appledore for a champagne cruise. We could not have had more fun. The crew kept champagne coming, satisfying food circulating, and the good conversation rolling. We spent part of our time in awe of all the work it took for the gentlemen to get that thing up and running and out into the ocean. Once we were out, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset of my life. There were two rainbows, a bright orange glow on the horizon and white sails dotted all along the water. We met some great company and got recommendations for food and nightlife.
Where to Eat in Key West
Throughout our stay in Key West, we ate at A & B, Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, Conch Republic, and smoothies stands dotted along the streets. I really enjoyed the waitress’s recommendation for fresh fried conch at Conch Republic. For drinks, we went to Bobby’s Monkey (lively, diverse, LGBTQ friendly), The Green Room (laidback live music) and Dante’s (big outdoor party bar with a pool). I’d like go back and spend a day at Dante’s.
For adventure, we booked a snorkeling trip with Fury. This was really fun. We chose one of the smaller ships, which allowed for more breathing room during the 45-minute trip out to the reefs. Some of the larger ships looked a little too packed for my liking. We did the “Double Dip” option, which shuttled us to see two different reefs. The staff were really fun, helpful and shared a lot of great insight into the area. Fury also offers parasailing, sunset cruises, and eco tours. Shannon and I both want to try parasailing.
We also paid a necessary visit to one of the literary greats, Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway made his home in Key West. He built a stylish spot from which to create, to love, and to relax. We toured the home with other travelers and also helped ourselves to discover our own favorite corners and artifacts. There are more than 50 cats on site, so if you’re a cat lover, plan to stay a while get to know all of them. I really enjoyed this short and educational drop-in.
The Journey Home from Key West
We spent two days and two nights in Key West. I have a lot more to say about its beauty, its people and its energy. I believe I will save that for drinks and coffees with friends, or perhaps after my next visit. After our time was up, we had to make our way back to Fort Lauderdale to catch our Spirit flight, which was about a four-hour drive. We didn’t mind the haul, because we were surrounded by water on both sides all the way until we made it to Fort Lauderdale.
Spirit Airlines got us home safe, sound, and on time. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to escape with ease. Shannon and I both fell in love with new sunsets, new people and I think most of all, ourselves.
