Sometimes, the perfect vacation destination is closer than you think. For a vacation within your vacation, skip the airport and set off on a memorable road trip. However, this journey doesn’t have to be days long. For anyone who calls the Fort Lauderdale area home, pack up your car and head out on an adventure to Key West and Southernmost Inn.

What to Do on Your Road Trip from Fort Lauderdale

The drive from Fort Lauderdale to our adults-only hotel in Key West is just over four hours. This means you have plenty of time to stop and explore attractions along the way. Of course, no road trip is complete without snacks and the perfect playlist. Once you’ve covered the essentials, including money for toll booths, you’re ready to set off and see what fun you can find. 

You can certainly drive with no pre-determined places to stop. However, if you’re someone who likes to plan, we’ve made a list of some of our favorite spots to visit on the drive.

  1. As you head out of town, stop by a coffee shop like Sofi’s Cafe or Wells Coffee Tarpoon River for some much-needed caffeine. 
  2. Make a slight detour from the route to visit Zoo Miami. The zoological garden is home to several species of animals waiting for you to say hello.
  3. When you enter the Keys, stretch your legs at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Go for a hike along the short trails, or reserve your spot on a glass-bottom boat tour.
  4. See what unique gifts you can find at Rain Barrel Village. Located in Islamorada, the funky shop has been a must-visit spot in the Florida Keys for over four decades.
  5. If you time your drive right, you can catch one of the aquatic animal shows at Theater of the Sea. Daily shows include fish feeding and a sea lion show.

Of course, there are countless other stores, restaurants, and attractions to discover. Don’t worry, though. Anything you missed on the way down will be there on your return journey home.

Unwind in Comfort at Southernmost Inn

A guestroom in a Key West hotel to relax in after making the drive from Fort Lauderdale to Key West.Whether making the journey from Fort Lauderdale to Key West for the Songwriters Festival or a little R&R, there’s plenty of fun to be had on your drive. When you arrive at Southernmost Inn, soak in our hot tub before turning in for the night.

Each of our 38 newly renovated rooms comes with lush bedding, tranquil en-suites, and plenty of space to unwind. Our team is here to help you decide which of our six room types works best for your stay. To learn more about our Key West hotel near Duval Street or special offers, call 888-525-0037.