Is driving in Miami safe for Tourists? (Tampa, Largo: crime, construction)

[go-getta-J]

No, try to avoid passing through here if possible; Miami is a third-world favela banana republic with roving brown-people gangs in their machine-gun mounted pick-up trucks, driving side by side with the wealthy 1% and their exotic super-cars, courtesy of Fed-fueled funny money and the Miami narco-bubble economy.

Expect to get pulled over if you look Gringo and are forced to bribe the corrupt cop. They don't speak a lick of English either, and don't expect a "How are you, this morning" and "Please drive safe" (even in Spanish) after paying the bribe......so rude!

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by go-getta-J

No, try to avoid passing through here if possible; Miami is a third-world favela banana republic with roving brown-people gangs in their machine-gun mounted pick-up trucks, driving side by side with the wealthy 1% and their exotic super-cars, courtesy of Fed-fueled funny money and the Miami narco-bubble economy.

Expect to get pulled over if you look Gringo and are forced to bribe the corrupt cop. They don't speak a lick of English either, and don't expect a "How are you, this morning" and "Please drive safe" (even in Spanish) after paying the bribe......so rude!

Hahaha!! Funny!

Seriously, OP you will not be driving in Miami if you are headed directly to the keys. You'll immediately exit the airport towards the Turnpike and be in Homestead/Florida City directly.

You'll be fine.

[ace587]

Originally Posted by go-getta-J

No, try to avoid passing through here if possible; Miami is a third-world favela banana republic with roving brown-people gangs in their machine-gun mounted pick-up trucks, driving side by side with the wealthy 1% and their exotic super-cars, courtesy of Fed-fueled funny money and the Miami narco-bubble economy.

Expect to get pulled over if you look Gringo and are forced to bribe the corrupt cop. They don't speak a lick of English either, and don't expect a "How are you, this morning" and "Please drive safe" (even in Spanish) after paying the bribe......so rude!

seriously?

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by Northanna_2001

Husband and I are seriously thinking about flying into Miami and driving south to perhaps Key West. We are in our 50s and have never been to Miami though we've been on vacation to Tampa. Any insights to being safe and smart in Miami? Is the Miami airport easy to find and exit to main expressway?

We'd appreciate any insights you have.

The airport is located on a large expressway, 836 which is connected to the Florida Turnpike expressway which you'll take to the end and then onto to US1 down to Key West. So you'll avoid all the bad areas. If you do stop for some reason, use big city mentality, don't leave your purse in the car even when you are just pumping gas.

[Cubanchic]

Originally Posted by popcorn247

Why? The drive down the Keys is beautiful. Lots of great places to eat, interesting places to shop. I would include The Rain Barrel, in the Plantation Key area, The Green Turtle for a meal, and Bass Pro Outlet at Worldwide Sportsman in Islamorada. Don't forget to try Key Lime Pie and the local's favorite Conch.

I have picked up relatives from Jersey and that whole mess on the palmetto is just asking for a multi car accident. Yeah try switching four lanes to go south on a highway, what idiot thought of that one!

If the Op goes towards the turnpike and avoids the palmetto they SHOULD be fine but being a 50 year old as well I kinda of understand thier hesitation.

Op if staying in Miami then choose turnpike down to south and yea the drive is super nice once you get into the Keys and I would visit spots.

If Key West is the only concern then I would suggest the route I gave in Previous post, but you would love ALL of the keys if you just want to relax.

Whenever I house sit my Sister's two properties in Marathon, I disconnect completely.

[bhamoutlook]

I think you would be safe driving in Miami traffic... It can be bad but not worse than similar sized cities. You just have to stay alert, don't drive too fast, don't drive too slow, and pay attention to signs in advance so you aren't switching a lot of lanes at the last minute.

As previous posters mentioned, from the airport, you should be past most of the worst parts. So, if you want to avoid this, just head straight to the keys and don't get too adventurous. (Although I personally recommend looking around Miami first.)

If you are afraid of all of this, there are other options. There are shuttles that operate daily and can take you straight from the airport to the keys. You still get to take in the scenic drive but not be behind the wheel. It's probably even more relaxing. I can find that info for you if you aren't able to. I have also heard of people taking a ferry or private charter but I'm not sure about the specifics of that. It's probably a lot more expensive but could be a fun little trip as well.

[obuma]

One of the scenic wonders of the world, is the drive from marathon to key west..also stop and enjoy the seven mile bridge, the part you can walk on the marathon side....

[Fl1150]

I think you will be fine you just have to adjust to way people drive around here.

[unquiltom]

When I lived in California and came to visit the Keys, I always flew in and out of Ft. Lauderdale. It about a 30 mile further drive, but the airfare into FLL was always cheaper than Miami and it was easy to get to the turnpike from there. The one time I flew out of Miami, I got stuck in traffic trying to get to the airport (on a Saturday afternoon) and was too late getting to check in to make my flight. I was forced to stay a night in Miami and fly out the next day, getting crammed into a center section seat, instead of the window seat I had on my original flight. The airline also lost my luggage on top of that.

[doggiebus]

Today there isn't a huge difference in pricing between MIA and FLL. I prefer FLL, its just a much easier airport compared to MIA.