Anyone vacationed on the Florida Keys? Tips?

[JJZMgailey]

We're heading out in a few days to drive down to the Florida Keys. We're planning on spending our first night in Key Largo then heading toward Key West the next morning.

A friend recommended that we stop in Marathon and have lunch at Key Fisheries on the way to Key West - she said it's amazing! Other than that, I'm not sure if we're just going to take it all in and take lots of pics or if we should do any of the 'touristy' stuff.

Who has been? What is your MUST-DO?

 

[Topper]

You should stop in Islamorada and feed the tarpon at Robbie's:
http://www.robbies.com/tarpon.htm

 

[JJZMgailey]

You should stop in Islamorada and feed the tarpon at Robbie's:
http://www.robbies.com/tarpon.htm

Oh my gosh! That looks like a fun stop my teenagers would really get a kick out of! Putting that on the list of stops, thanks!!

 

[loves to dive]

We have been a number of times but we go down for the diving so I can tell you good diver operators and bars. Just enjoy the drive and keep your eyes open for those off beat little restaurants. They are all up and down the coast and most of them are pretty good.

 

[weluvdisneyx4]

Replying to join in on this thread. We are heading to the Everglades and Keys in a couple of weeks. We are staying in Florida City for 2 nights to tour the Everglades and then will be staying in Islamorada.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I have only been once, and I want to go back. Thank you for the link that looks like fun. Go to point of florida and take your picture. The bridge was a little nerve ending to drive over, but we got through it.

 

[JJZMgailey]

We're excited about that stop to feed the tarpon! What a kick and inexpensive too! The kids said that fish is "nothing but mouth"!

 

[usnuzuloose]

We're excited about that stop to feed the tarpon! What a kick and inexpensive too! The kids said that fish is "nothing but mouth"!

They better behave, or you will feed them to the fish..

 

[JJZMgailey]

They better behave, or you will feed them to the fish..

You've got that right!!!

 

[phinz]

My favorites before getting to The Rock:

Alabama Jack's on Card Sound Road. I *never* drive into the Keys without stopping here for conch chowder, conch fritters (amazing), conch salad and a Red Stripe. http://alabamajacks.com/
Dolphins Plus in Key Largo. I've been here to swim with the dolphins three times and it's always amazing. http://www.dolphinsplus.com/
Islamorada Fish Company at World Wide Sportsman. I stop here for a beer often. It used to be better when it was independent, but it's still worth a stop, especially if traffic slows you down and you need a beer. http://restaurants.basspro.com/FishCompany/
Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe for a sandwich. http://www.keylargofisheries.com/cafe_menu.shtml
Robbies to feed the tarpon.
No Name Pub for pizza.

Shell World (the one between the highways, not the one closer to the 18-Mile Stretch) for souvenir shopping and a picture in the giant shark jaws. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rida_Keys-Key_Largo_Florida_Keys_Florida.html

I won't even get into Key West unless you want me to. I spend a lot of time there and have quite a few favorites.

 

[JJZMgailey]

I won't even get into Key West unless you want me to. I spend a lot of time there and have quite a few favorites.

Oooooo, I'd LOVE it! We think we're going to spend at least 2 days in Key West alone so I'd sure love to know your favorites!

I can hardly wait!!

Thank you SO much for all of the goodies along the drive! My hubby is a big craft beer and wing guy so he's going to be in his glory from the sounds of it.

I'm totally loving how the power went out at No Name Pub and no one even cared! LOL!

 

[Kenny1113]

Islamorada Fish Company at World Wide Sportsman. I stop here for a beer often. It used to be better when it was independent, but it's still worth a stop, especially if traffic slows you down and you need a beer.

I agree the quality and service has gone down and prices have gone up.



Our family had fun at the turtle hospital in marathon. DSs really enjoyed it.

You have to have key lime pie. Some rave about blonde giraffe- personally I think it is the worst. I really like one that I pick up at one of the little stores in key largo - looks like a multicolored house I can never remember which one.

The boardwalk area in key west is fun at night with the street entertainers (like the ones that can be found at the boardwalk at WDW resort).

 

[phinz]

Blonde Giraffe is no longer on The Rock. They moved to Pigeon Forge, TN, after they had some issues and have now moved to Tavernier, but I've not heard much about them since that move. I, for one, prefer the pie at Blue Heaven or at Fausto's (when they have it in stock). There is Key Lime Tree in Key Largo. http://www.keylimeproducts.com/ They have anything and everything key lime. That's probably where you're talking about. Just north of MM 95 on the Atlantic side.

I think the "boardwalk" you're talking about is actually the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. http://www.sunsetcelebration.org/ I've never seen performers on The Bight/Historic Seaport boardwalk. http://www.keywestseaport.com/

 

[phinz]

I'll give Key West suggestions tomorrow. I have to get up early in the morning, so I'm off to bed.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Don't skip the hole in the walls and seafood shacks.

 

[izzy]

I'm headed to Key West in a few weeks, so I'd also love to hear your suggestions! In addition to things to do, do you have any recommendations for places to stay in Key West? Everything I'm seeing is very pricy and I would love to find something less than $200 a night.

 

[phinz]

Key West is running almost 100% capacity right now, which is unusual for this time of year but it's happening. $200 a night can be done, but you may have to look into a little more unconventional booking, like http://www.vrbo.com or http://www.airbnb.com I've stayed at condos in Truman Annex for about $1500 for a week. If you're not averse to a hostel, there is one in Key West that is reasonable. I've not stayed there, but friends who did said it was OK, by hostel standards. http://www.keywesthostel.com/motel_rooms.html Their regular hotel rooms (I'm not sure of the quality) are about $135 a night, give or take, for mid-August. I've rented houses, cottages, B&B rooms, hotel rooms and condos. Each has had their own appeal and merits.

To really enjoy much of what Key West has to offer while still being within decent walking distance you'll want to stay in Old Town. Depending on what you want to do primarily you should choose either closer to Upper or Lower Duval. Upper is quieter. Lower is where more bars, restaurants, shops, museums, etc. are located.

I tend to avoid Duval like the plague, but if you must then you must. Of the places on Duval I like, there is:

Butterfly Conservatory - http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/
San Carlos Institute - http://www.institutosancarlos.org/
Island Style Gallery - http://www.islandstylegalleries.com/
La Trattoria/Virgilio's - http://latrattoria.us/
Croissants de France - http://www.croissantsdefrance.com/
Whistle Bar, which is above The Bull. Sit out on the balcony with a drink and watch the craziness on Duval. Garden of Eden, the bar on the roof, is clothing optional. - http://www.bullkeywest.com/
The Porch. Great craft beer, and even better when friends are working the bar. - http://www.theporchkw.com/

Restaurants I tend to frequent:

Louie's Backyard. A Hangover Burger with a Red Stripe while sitting at the bar on the Afterdeck is my idea of Paradise. - http://www.louiesbackyard.com/
Pepe's Cafe. Great breakfast. - http://pepeskeywest.com/
The Cafe, A Mostly Vegetarian Place - http://www.thecafekw.com/
Sarabeth's - http://sarabethskeywest.com/
Kojin Noodle Bar - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...Noodle_Bar-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html
Mr. Z's for late night drunk food, or when I need a slice or a cheesesteak. - http://www.mrzskeywest.com/
Blue Heaven. So good Jimmy Buffett wrote a song about it. - http://www.blueheavenkw.com/
Roof Top Cafe - http://www.rooftopcafekeywest.com/
Turtle Kraals - http://www.turtlekraals.com/
Duetto Pizza and Gelato - http://pizzaandgelato.net/
El Siboney. The best Cuban food I've had in a restaurant. - http://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/
Rum Barrel - http://www.rumbarrel.com/
Garbo's Grill. Don't miss it. - http://www.garbosgrillkw.com/


Bars I love on The Rock:

Schooner Wharf Bar. My favorite bar in the world, bar none. When Michael McCloud is playing and I have a frozen Rum Runner with a 151 floater in my hand I'm in heaven. It's right next to Jimmy Buffett's studio, Shrimpboat Sound, though unless you know what you're looking for you'll probably never find the studio. It's not unusual to see music stars at Schooner Wharf when they take a break from recording. Zac Brown, George Strait, Toby Keith and many others record there. - http://www.schoonerwharf.com/
Smokin' Tuna Saloon - http://smokintunasaloon.com/
Virgilio's - See the La Trattoria link above. Virgilio's is off of Duval, behind La Trattoria, on Applerouth.
The Chart Room. This is where Jimmy Buffett went with Jerry Jeff Walker once he got to the island. Popular hangout of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Mel Fisher and many others. - https://www.pierhouse.com/dining/chart-room-bar.aspx
The Porch
Louie's Afterdeck
Green Parrot. Get The Root Beer Shooter. This place is packed at night with locals. Great bands at times. One of my favorite dives in the world. Legendary. - http://www.greenparrot.com/
Cork and Stogie - https://www.corkandstogie.com/

If you're looking to do a sunset cruise, I've been on Fury (the quiet one, not the Commotion on the Ocean) and Schooner Hindu. I loved Schooner Hindu, but she's in P-Town for the summer. She usually returns to Key West in October. Fury was nice but not as intimate - https://www.furycat.com/key-west/sunset-sailing-cruises.htm and http://sailschoonerhindu.com/key-west-sailing/

Trip Advisor is a great place to find any other activities you want to do. I tend to eat, drink, visit friends, walk, bike, sit, write and read when I'm in Key West, so I've not done Jet Ski tours, snorkeling, etc.

This should keep you busy for a while.

 

[Kenny1113]

There is Key Lime Tree in Key Largo. http://www.keylimeproducts.com/ They have anything and everything key lime. That's probably where you're talking about. Just north of MM 95 on the Atlantic side.

I think the "boardwalk" you're talking about is actually the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. http://www.sunsetcelebration.org/

That might be it, it was ocean-side but I thought it was further north and I don't remember a cafe.

Yes Mallory square! Thanks for the clarification!!!

 

[live4christp1]

I just posted a similar thread. Loving all the great info on the Keys.

 

[phinz]

I'm headed to Key West in a few weeks, so I'd also love to hear your suggestions! In addition to things to do, do you have any recommendations for places to stay in Key West? Everything I'm seeing is very pricy and I would love to find something less than $200 a night.

I've stayed in this house for 3 weeks before and *loved* it. It's on a quiet, one-lane street, a block and a half from Duval. You can sit on the front porch and play with the local cats, listen to the light sound of music from the restaurants close by, smell the night blooming jasmine and frangipani while feeling like a local. The owner is quick to respond, and the caretaker is really nice. There's a hammock and hot tub in the back yard, a really nice outdoor shower, washer and dryer, full kitchen, outside grill and more.

https://www.flipkey.com/key-west-vacation-rentals/p218822/