Quaint towns, colorful flora, and disparate wildlife dot the roadway. From Miami, the trip takes about four hours, but more time should be allowed to truly savor the trip. The island's climate is surprisingly temperate. Situated between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, cooling breezes sweep off the ocean waves. The daytime high temperature averages near 82 degrees, with evening temperatures averaging 73 degrees.
Winter brings day after day of clear blue skies.
In the summer, the rains come. Once in Key West, there's little use for a car. Though the Keys' most populous city, Key West measures a mere three and one-half miles by one mile in size. By far the easiest and cheapest way to get around town is by bicycle. Most hotels and many of the inns on the island rent bicycles, or there are several rental businesses in town.