Are you planning to hit the road and travel in your RV to the Florida Keys?
We have several times, and we’ve rounded up 10 things you should know before you go.
So, buckle up, and let’s dive right in.
RVing to the Florida Keys
The Keys are absolutely beautiful. The turquoise waters, sunsets, and food are something to behold. If you’ve never been, there’s just nothing like coming to the Keys, especially if you bring your RV so you can stay for a while.
1. Research, Plan, and Reserve
The Keys are a highly sought-after destination, especially in the peak seasons. Make your campground reservations well in advance as they will fill up quickly, sometimes a year in advance. You also need to research what type of RV park you want to go to. Would you like to have a resort-style with amenities and pools and things, or would you like to have a more secluded spot closer to nature?
There are many campgrounds down in the Keys, and a good way to find your spot is to use RV Life Trip Wizard (part of the RV Life Pro family). RV Life Trip Wizard allows us to plan all our trips as we travel across the country, and it will give you reviews, ratings, and contact information for each campground and area that you’re looking at.
2. Complete RV or Tow Vehicle Maintenance
It’s a long ride down to the Keys. You need to make sure that your RV, your tow vehicle, or whatever you’re riding in is in good shape. You need to make sure that your tires, brakes, electrical system, and your hitches are all in good working order. There are roadside services in the Keys, but sometimes, it can take several hours to get to you.
3. Get Ready for a Unique Driving Experience
Speaking of the road, prepare yourself for some unique driving experiences. The Overseas Highway is 113 miles long and is connected through a series of 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
4. Check the Weather
Always check the weather before planning your route and heading out. Hurricanes and thunderstorms are frequent down in the Keys. During the changing of the seasons in spring and fall, the wind can become quite strong. So be weather aware.
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5. Come up With a Plan
Make sure that you’ve got a good plan before you get down to the Keys. With the Key stretching over 100 miles, each island has its own unique charm. Key Largo is more for your diving enthusiasts. Then you’ve got Marathon and Islamorada. The fishing there is world-class. And who can forget Key West for the history, more adventurous and partygoers? So be sure to take your time and enjoy each of the island’s unique charms.
6. Expect Crowds
Expect peak season crowds. The Florida Keys attract tourists from all over the world, especially during the winter season. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the offseason. There are fewer crowds, and usually, the prices are a little more budget-friendly as well.
7. Protect the Environment
The Keys are known for their fragile ecosystem with coral reefs and mangroves that support the diverse marine life. Respect the environment by disposing of your trash properly using reef-safe sunscreen, and be sure to avoid damaging our fragile coral reefs.
8. Don’t Skip Key West
And you can’t miss Key West. This vibrant and lively city is the southernmost point of the continental United States, and it’s a must-see while exploring the Keys. But keep in mind that parking can be quite challenging. Consider renting a golf cart or a moped, or bring along your bicycles to get around while you’re exploring Key West.
Key West parking is a beast and challenging, without a doubt. You can find parking lots, and sometimes you can get into them or, sometimes, not. We drive our big dually truck, and she has wide hips, making it even more challenging for us.
9. Stop by Mallory Square
Mallory Square and the sunset is almost a rite of passage in the Keys. Take your time to enjoy the people, vendors, and entertainers along the square and raise a toast to the sunset.
10. Savor the Local Flavors
Don’t forget to savor the local flavors. The Keys are known for their fresh seafood, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in the conch fritters, the Cuban food, the Key lime pie, and a variety of other mouth-watering dishes that can make your taste buds sing. Check out some local places as you pass across the islands.
Embrace Island Time
You just won’t get a better ride than the Keys. As you travel south from the mainland, you hit Key Largo. Roll the windows down, enjoy the salt air, stop being in a hurry, and just enjoy being on island time. It is a long ride from the mainland all the way to Key West. There is only one road so there is no big hurry.
It’s nice just to embrace the laid-back lifestyle. The Keys are all about relaxing and soaking in the sun. So, take it slow, unwind at the beach, have a sundowner, watch the sunset, and allow yourself to immerse in the island lifestyle where time seems like it stands still.
We hope these tips will give you the upper hand in planning your RV trip to the Florida Keys!
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We can be found on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram at Coddiwomple Travelers. |
We are John & Donna Scarborough. We have been living and traveling full-time with our dog, Jack, in our Keystone Montana since 2020. We have enjoyed traveling through our amazing country, meeting people, and seeing what our nation has to offer.
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