Paradise Found – Miami to Key West Road Trip

Miami to Key West & Florida Keys Road Trip kellyelko.com

The kids were away so the parents did play.

We hopped on a jet plane and headed down to a place where the sun shines all day.

 

It’s an epic Miami to Key West road trip and it was unforgettable.  Here’s my itinerary with favorite places and things to do if you ever get a chance to make your own road trip to paradise.

Raleigh Hotel South Beach Pool kellyelko.com

South Beach – The Scene

2 nights in South Beach – We flew into the Miami airport, hopped into our Chevy Tahoe (I need one of these!) and started phase one of operation sunshine.

What our old school, art deco hotel lacked in room size (the bathroom and shower were tiny), it made up for with …

Hotel Raleigh

Pool – what can I say – even Esther Williams has dunked her toes in this massive pool.

Beachfront – a brief stroll out the back door of the hotel leads right to the sandy beach with a beach attendant setting up lounge chairs for us (they’re free but the umbrellas aren’t).

History – since 1941, old Hollywood has stayed here and the photos line the lobby walls.

The Raleigh South Beach kellyelko.com

South Beach Highlights

Beach, the food, the scene.  When you’re done relaxing in the turquoise ocean water by day, get ready for some amazing food and the scene to go with it.  Club goers are ready to party and the less clothes the better seems to be the motto here (needless to say, I had on about 80% too much clothes) but the people watching is definitely entertaining.

Stroll down the pedestrian only Lincoln Road mall to shop, dine and party the day and night away.  Ocean Drive (the main drag) has tons of hotels (many art deco), restaurants and shops to entertain.

Raleigh South Beach - love the banyan tree in the poolside restaurant kellyelko.com

South Beach Restaurants

Juvia (we went for pre-dinner cocktails on this rooftop restaurant and watched the gorgeous sun set)

Yardbird Southern Table – my hubby didn’t seem to happy when I told him we were going for Southern food but he quickly changed his tune when the comfort food arrived.  Amazing fried chicken – don’t miss it plus the decor was perfection (rolling pin door handles, mason jar lights).

The Bazaar – hip spot for amazing tapas in the lobby of the SLS Hotel plus the people watching from the club goers strutting through the lobby is priceless (you might want to cover the kids eyes)

The Raleigh South Beach kellyelko.com

Let’s hop into the GMC Yukon and take the scenic drive through paradise and over 42 bridges to the southern most point in the continental U.S.

With each passing mile marker, palm tree and egret, life gets a little more relaxed.

Next stop … the Hyatt Key West.

Hyatt Key West - what a beautiful property! kellyelko.com

Key West – Party

3 nights in Key West.  We bid adieu to South Beach as we hopped = into our GMC Yukon for the scenic drive down the the southern most point in the continental U.S. – Key West (only 90 miles from Cuba).  They keys are the exposed parts of an ancient coral reef. The lifestyle is all about fishing, boating and taking it easy.

Overseas Highway is a straight shot from South Beach and takes about 4 hours if traffic is light.  We went over many bridges including the famous 7 mile bridge with water in every direction as far as the eye can see.

Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa

Hyatt Key West - loved our huge room with balcony and view! kellyelko.com

The room was bright, enormous and that bathroom!

Hyatt Key West - the bathroom is amazing! kellyelko.com

Best part of course was this view from our balcony.

Hyatt Key West - a room with an amazing view! kellyelko.com

Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa

What our South Beach hotel lacked in size and comfort, the Hyatt Key West made up for in spades.  We were greeted by the resident hotel parrot and family of turtles that share the property.

The Room – Huge with an equally enormous bathroom and glass tiled shower as well as a cozy place to relax on the balcony overlooking the pool and water (where sailboats floated by as if on cue).

Location – can’t be beat at the end of Duval Street and a short stroll to the pier where nightly sunset parties are held

Other – with an amazing restaurant with even more amazing sunset views, fitness center, gorgeous spa, pool and poolside bar, the Hyatt had everything we could ask for and then some.  Want to go on a sunset cruise or take a jet ski tour? There’s a sailboat docked right at the Hyatt as well as a row of jet skis available to rent or for tours.

Every night on our pillows appeared yummy key lime treats.

The Hyatt has plenty of secluded places to lounge.

Lounge at the Hyatt Key West kellyelko.com

Or lounging while floating.

Hyatt Key West sandy beach and floating dock kellyelko.com

Best sunset view (and food!) in Key West is at the Hyatt restaurant, Shor.

Beautiful sunset at the Hyatt Key West kellyelko.com

Key West History

Between drag shows and key lime martinis, we made time for a little history.

The Hemingway House – meet the 6-toed cats that still roam the property of Ernest Hemingway’s house and peek into his studio.  The guided tour was entertaining and the property is beautiful plus you’ll learn all kinds of fun facts about this man that had four wives and led quite the adventurous life.

Truman Little White House – Harry S. Truman spent many happy days out of the spotlight at this house that once belonged to the Navy.  It’s now a museum that’s a time warp to 1950’s decorating including the custom poker table (with ashtrays for everyone).

Southernmost Point – no trip to Key West is complete without stopping by the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S.  Key West is a mere 90 miles from Cuba and this spot is the perfect place to snap a souvenir pic (get there early to avoid lines).

Hemingway House in Key West - what an amazing property! kellyelko.com

Only a short 90 mile swim to Cuba.

Southernmost point Key West - just 90 miles to Cuba kellyelko.com

Key West Restaurants

Shor – the restaurant on the water of the Key West Hyatt is amazing plus it’s the perfect place to watch the sun set.  Hands down the best key lime pie ever (no wonder it won a taste test competition)!

Santiago’s Bodega – off the beaten path lies a fabulous tapas restaurant that was the perfect lunch spot in the middle of a hot day of sightseeing. A pitcher of sangria cooled us off and what we couldn’t finish they poured into traveler cups (I love Key West)!

Island Dogs Bar – we popped in for pre-dinner beers and a fun night of trivia

I was especially fond of the key lime martinis all over Key West!

Key Lime Martini kellyelko.com

Key West Nightlife

Start your evening at Sunset Pier where every night (yes, every single night), street performers take over the pier and perform for the crowds as the sun sets over the water.  Then head over to Duval Street which is the main drag filled with bars, restaurants and shops.  People are there to party so be prepared to party right along with them.  Forget heels and wear your finest flip flops – dress code is super casual.

 

Farewell Key West. Let’s hop back into the GMC Yukon (I am officially spoiled from getting to ride in this vehicle and dream about getting one of my very own!) and head to Islamorada.

Of course, we took our sweet time and made lots of pit stops to take in the stunning views at every turn.

GMC Yukon kellyelko.com

Islamorada – Relax

2 nights Islamorada.  Half way between Key West and the Miami airport is Islamorada which makes it the perfect stop before you head back home.

Casa Morada hotel is paradise in the Florida Keys! kellyelko.com

Casa Morada

Heavenly is the best word to describe this former fishing village turned boutique hotel with beautifully decorated rooms, (we stayed in the Jungles Suite).

It’s laid back and cool with a very Caribbean feel as can be seen from the rattan swing that greeted us when we checked in.

Love this rattan egg chair kellyelko.com

The Room – 16 suites most with balconies, some with jacuzzis or outdoor showers and all with access to the most amazing pool that’s on it’s own island (cross over a charming white bridge to get there).

Our Jungles Suite at Casa Morada was enormous with a separate sitting room, huge king size bed, river rock shower floor in the bathroom, jacuzzi tub, and giant balcony with lounge chairs.

Sitting room with tv…

Casa Morada Jungles Suite - gorgeous boutique hotel! kellyelko.com

bedroom with another tv …

Casa Morada in Florida Keys - what a room! kellyelko.com

bathroom with river rock shower and a separate jacuzzi tub with a view…

Casa Morada boutique hotel suites are enormous and beautiful kellyelko.com

and the view from our own private balcony.

Balcony view in a Casa Morada boutique hotel suite - Islamorada Florida kellyelko.com

Amenities – keep your wallet in your room because you won’t need it here.  Paddle boards, kayaks and bikes are all complimentary.  Our room was stocked with books (take one home if you don’t finish it there!) plus a bocce ball court under the palms, backgammon and checkers all lend themselves to the relaxing vibe of the place.  Want more – take a guided eco tour or a sunset cruise on one of their boats docked right at the hotel.

Bocce ball court at Casa Morada boutique hotel in Islamorada Florida kellyelko.com

Pool – situated on it’s own little island, cross a little bridge to arrive at pool overlooking the breezy bay.  The pool house attendant will bring you whatever you need including towels, cocktails and lunch so you never have to leave.

Casa Morada Pool - it's amazing and what a view - in Islamorada Florida Keys kellyelko.com

Lots of places to relax and take in the view.

Relax at Casa Morada boutique hotel in the Florida keys kellyelko.com

Islamorada Restaurants

Cafe Morada – we lunched by the pool from the menu that offers delicious options including fresh sandwiches and a beautiful fruit and cheese platter

Salt Fusion – a newer restaurant with amazing food, the crowds were thin so we sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender who mixed up a mean blood orange margarita.

Morada Bay Beach Cafe – beautiful place with outdoor seating on the sand.  Go here for the scenery and the sunset – the food is average

Casa Morada sailboat kellyelko.com

We had such an amazing escape and it was fun to stay in three different places during one vacation.  Equally fun was getting to visit my friend Karah who lives in Key West (lucky girl).

Palm tree sunset in the Florida Keys kellyelko.com

It was a road trip that we’ll never forget but it’s not goodbye.

Until we meet again magical sunsets, turquoise water and key lime martinis …

 

Thanks to the amazing Hyatt Key West and Casa Morada for putting us up and letting us relax in style.  Thanks GMC for the ride of my life!

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23 Comments

  1. You are making me want to hit the road! Here in missouri we are having terrible thunder storms and I could use one of those key lime martinis, sounds interesting! If it is anything like the pies, I am all in! Our kids won’t be here for Christmas so a warmer clime sounds like the perfect present to ourselves! Thanks for all the info. I had actually heard about the Raleigh. Is key west any prettier than Anna Maria? I do love it so!

  2. Ahhh those were the days! We lived only a short ride to Miami and Mike and I would go there for weekend getaways often and leave the kids with my in-laws. Let’s just say we partied like rock stars and it was fabulous. Never been to the keys though if you can believe that after living in South Florida for 9 years.

  3. I was a teenager the last time I visited Key West. I would LOVE to return and your pictures convened me of that! If I ever visit Islamorada…I want to find the HGTV dream home that was built there….one of my favorites! So glad you had a wonderful time….the pictures are gorgeous and I am sure don’t do it justice!!!!!

  4. Gorgeous photos ! I would love to know what camera you used. My husband and I are hoping to visit Key West one day. Thanks for describing each place you visited.

  5. I am so envious of your dream trip, so gorgeous. Never been to Miami or any of beach areas in Florida. Sure looks like heaven (except for those darn hurricanes). Great that you got to see Karah. Bet her house is adorable. Seen some photos on here of all the work they’ve done on their house. Will have to look her up again. Used to talk to her often when they lived in Caracoa.
    Good to get to have time alone with hubs on such breath taking places, happy for you but envious also. Shoot me. I’d have a real hard time being able to leave those places, would have to drag me kicking. Find me a place on the beach to settle down. lol Ah well fun to dream.

  6. Wow. I felt more relaxed just reading this post. I have always wanted to do this same route. Would love to make my way down to Key West. I bet you thought they had removed your bones after you were finished with your trip, you were so relaxed. I know I would be. Sigh.

  7. I am reading your post from a hotel balcony in Panama City Beach Florida. My son married the love of his life yesterday. We flew from California to Florida Sunday. Has a wedding on the beach and a fun time at the reception in a new restaurant on the beach Runaway Island. They catered to us so well. And the prime rib sandwiches as part of the appetizers were the best. More humidity than us Californians are used to but to see my son cry when he saw his bride walk down the sandy aisle was worth it. Tomorrow we will all get together and take family photos on the beach at sunset. We will spend 8 more days here. My oldest son and his wife live in PCB too so I am spending some serious mom n son time. Also picking the thrift stores and the antique shops for great finds for my etsy shop. Next year we will all go to the Keys…Unless grandbabies come our way 🙂
    Someday maybe I’ll write a blog from the beaches of Florida
    Barbara Ann
    http://Www.Etsy.com/shop/barbaraannscreations

  8. We’ll be heading that way soon..sounds like you folks had a great time!
    We only have a day to spend in KeyWest but we’ll make the most of it.

  9. We will be there in exactly one month from cold, snowy Buffalo. Hubby has never been so planning our adventures! We will be staying in Marathon and wondered if you stopped there on your drive to Key West? Supposed to be just as beautiful but a little less pricey! We will do a day trip to Duval tho! I went one year during Fantasy Fest & people are crazy lol!!

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