I am so excited to finally share the recap of our epic summer road trip down to the Florida Keys. If you followed along with my birthday trip to Mexico, you know I love capturing these memories with a few favorite photos and keeping it completely real with you all.
This trip was extra special because we took our mobile home away from home. A couple of years ago, we did something kind of wild—we bought a camper! Neither Gabe nor I, nor anyone in our families, had ever owned a camper before. We genuinely had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but wow, has it been an adventure. The highs are incredibly high, and the learning curves are real, but we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
We are actually among the very first to own the Polydrops P21! It’s this incredibly aerodynamic, dynamic spaceship of a trailer that is specially designed to work perfectly with an electric vehicle.
The Long Journey South
Getting from Chicago down to the very end of Florida is no joke—very ambitious, it took us a long time, but the drive itself was part of the memories. We watched the landscape shift as we clocked miles through Indiana, coasted down through Georgia, and finally crossed into sunny Florida.
Once we made it down to the Keys, we were completely blown away. The campgrounds down there don’t look like your average parking lots—they feel like actual, lush, tropical jungles!
Here is a quick look at the incredible places we called home during the trip:
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: This was an absolutely beautiful stop on our way down. The wide-open scenery and natural beauty were breathtaking.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Sleeping surrounded by the trees and being right next to the beautiful water was pure magic.
- Curry Hammock State Park: Total paradise. The ocean breeze and the tropical canopy made it hard to ever want to pack up and leave.
- The Upper Stamp Campground: Another fantastic, cozy spot that let us just unplug and enjoy the nature around us.
Boats, Turtles, and Good Eats: Our Keys Highlights
We didn’t just sit by the campfire, though! We got out on the water and really explored what makes the Keys so special.
If you are planning a trip down there, you absolutely have to check out these incredible local spots:
Shoutout to Back Country Boat Rentals! We rented a boat from them, and it was easily one of the absolute best days of the whole trip. Being out on the water with the freedom to explore the coastline on our own was unforgettable.
- The Turtle Hospital: This was such a heartwarming and educational stop. Getting to see the incredible work they do rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles is a must-see for anyone visiting Marathon.
- Eerie Islands: We stopped by for a bite, and it was the perfect flavor of the Keys. We loved checking out all the little local restaurants and shops that give the islands so much character!
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
We actually camped right here in the middle of what felt like a total, lush jungle! After we set up camp, we drove down to a part of the preserve where you can go out and look for wildlife. That’s where we spotted the wild alligators right out in the open. It was honestly pretty scary seeing them so close, but it was very, very cool—definitely an unforgettable start to the trip!
Every road trip has its “positive and negative” moments—especially when you’re navigating electric charging, towing a trailer for the first time, and driving thousands of miles. But looking back at these photos, all we see is an unforgettable family adventure.
Have you ever been to the Keys, or are you tempted to try out the camper life? Let me know in the comments!
I’m a photographer in the Chicagoland area who believes getting away is part of a good life — and a healthy business. Follow along for the next adventure, or reach out if you’re a fellow business owner trying to build a little more balance into yours. Get in touch · Instagram
Want to see more of our off-the-grid adventures and behind-the-scenes moments? Follow our travel journey on Instagram @twocreativetravelers! 🌿✨
