The drive down US1 towards Key West has to be one of America's most scenic, especially if you hire a convertible on a sunny day, and you're the passenger. The bridges over the water afford you some spectacular views.
You can do Key West and back in a day from Miami, but it's a long day.
If you've more time, make a day or two of it in Key West (see separate posting) and if you don't, you can get a flavour of what the laid-back Keys are all about (fishing, diving, snorkelling, seafood etc) by heading for Key Largo and/or Islamoroda towards the top of the island chain.
The John Pennekamp State Park on Key Largo has many facilities, including a glass-bottom boat tour if you don't fancy getting wet.
Follow the US1 south from Miami, it runs all the way down to Key West (160 miles away). Key Largo is 58 miles from Miami, Islamoroda 76 miles; Telephone 305-451-6300 for boat tour reservations, 305-451-1202 general information; www.pennekamppark.com
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