No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without driving through them particularly if it’s your first visit. Flights into Fort Lauderdale or Miami are relatively reasonable on Southwest Airlines or AirTran. Some prefer to hop on a puddle jumper into Key West but for me, the drive is like a huge welcoming mat that gradually brings you into a Key West state of mind. Besides, there are plenty of great things to see along the way and places to stop, eat and have a responsible libation or two. Driving Directions from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Should you decide to drive, rent a convertible. At first, the drive doesn't seem like any big deal (even less of a big deal if you head to the Keys straight from Lauderdale) until after you go over the causeway outside of Miami Beach and see all of the beautiful homes and emerald waters...before long you are on the Florida Turnpike. About 45 minutes into your drive you will hit Florida City. That's where what I call "the t...