re: Best way to get from Miami to Key West?

Is driving down your only option? Have you ever done the drive before? If not, it's probably worth doing as there are a lot of pretty views mixed in with the traffic. If you go with a group, you might want to look into booking a limo or bus. Just remember, you've got to get back to Miami too, and believe me, the ride back up is not nearly as fun as the ride down. Would look into moving your flight into EYW if at all possible. If you do have to fly into Miami, I would put renting a car as a last option. You would have to drop it at the airport there anyway as there really isn't any practical use for it on the island due to lack of parking.