The Highway at Sea
-- US1 from Miami to Key West

This is a drive I have done three times, and will probably do again soon! If you have never been to a Caribbean Island, then here is one that you can get to by driving! It is a beautiful drive of about 160 miles from Miami to the end of the road in Key West. The water is turquoise blue, the weather is warm, the food is great, and there is always plenty to drink. If you have never been there, then make the "train" tour of the island the first thing you do. It will give you plenty of ideas and show you the whole island.

My grandmother lives in Sarasota, so I had been there many times to visit. The first time I went down to Key West, I was amazed because the water around Sarasota and Tampa is sort of gray and dark colored. Once you are out in the lower keys, however, the water is the most beautiful turquoise color! And they say that the temperature never gets below 62 or above 93 degrees! That is my kind of weather!

At Key West, there are many things to do. For history buffs, there are two very old forts. Fort Taylor is on the island, and you can drive there. Fort Jefferson is about 70 miles west of Key West and there are planes that can take you out there. There is also the home of Hemingway, and the old lighthouse across the street. There are also many fantastic restaurants. If you are looking for beach, there isn't much since the island is made out of coral, but there is some along the south side. I'm told that the Atlantic Shores Resort has a topless or nude beach.