Disney/Orlando O/T..Florida Keys??? anyone?

[jelo]

Our family vacation is coming up this March and we can't wait!!

A few of my girlfriends and I have come up with the idea of instead of trying to carve out a night here and there to celebrate our birthdays, we'd go away for a weekend!!

New York was mentioned, but that can get really pricey with the shopping etc... A couple of us were thinking 3 nts. in Dominican etc...

Then I had the brilliant idea of the Florida Keys!! I've never been that far south yet, the pictures look awesome and the prices are better than elsewhere.

Has anyone stayed a few nights in the Keys? Can you point me in the right direction for a nice relaxing long weekend? Somewhere with restaurants fairly close, little bit of shopping if we want to, but white sandy beach is a must! Is the gulf side warmer or cooler?

 

[wiserabbit]

DH and I did this in July - Key West 3 nights - Miami Beach 3 night and then WDW for 6 nights - it was a lot of fun -

For the Keys - there is "some" white sandy beach but not very much - so if that is extra important - maybe Miami Beach would be as far south as you'd want to go.... we stayed at a resort in Key West called "The Reach" and they did have a kinda small beach area but it was beautiful and ther service was spectacular Shopping and eating can be gotten to by walking or taking cab or pedicab.....enjoyed it very much....

For Miami - you could stay at any number of great places - we opted for the Fountain Bleau (? spelling) - lots of beach, multiple pools, restaurants on site and great people watching .....

I think your trip plans sound like a blast - wherever you end up - Happy planning

 

[amyy]

We have been to the Keys a couple of times for just 2 or 3 nights. As was mentioned there isn't a lot of white sand but we still love it. Have you looked on Trip Advisor? I would think most places would let you walk to Duval street and what I think of as downtown Key West. Can't think of the official name. One time we stayed at the Ocean Key Resort with a really good deal but probably could never afford to stay there again. Here is the link http://www.oceankey.com/

 

[JimMIA]

As a South Florida resident, I think you really need to define what you're looking for much more precisely.

For beaches, the Keys are probably the last place most Floridians would recommend. The Keys are a great fishing, diving, drinking venue with a tourist problem.

We love the Keys for the fishing, diving, and drinking. And, if you know where to go, the dining can be good. Beaches...not so much. At all.

Depends really on what kind of vacation you want.

For relaxing at the beach, I would probably recommend somewhere on the Gulf Coast (either Clearwater south, or the Florida Panhandle) or the Atlantic Coast from about Ft. Pierce north. On the Gulf side, think lake-like tranquil waters and lovely beaches. On the Atlantic, think REAL ocean, waves, surfing, etc. Several really nice areas on each coast.

For partying, I'd recommend SoBe (South Beach) or Ft. Lauderdale. Both beaches are great, but it's the nightlife and dining that sets South Florida apart. SoBe is a world-famous playground for celebrities and wannabees.

Understand SoBe is NOT the Fontainebleau area, it's Miami Beach, 17th Street south. The Fontainebleau is a wonderful old hotel and local landmark (about 30 blocks north of SoBe). and "Liv" at the Fontainebleau is a legitimate nightlife hotspot, but SoBe is more the action area in terms of hanging out, clubs, etc. SoBe is a Midnight-sunrise kind of place...late night partying -- but also entertaining for people-watching during the day.

There are numerous fine restaurants (including some legendary places) in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Ft. Lauderdale.

But if you're more into working on the tan...there are lots of great places along the upper Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

 

[deej696]

As a South Florida resident, I think you really need to define what you're looking for much more precisely.

For beaches, the Keys are probably the last place most Floridians would recommend. The Keys are a great fishing, diving, drinking venue with a tourist problem.

We love the Keys for the fishing, diving, and drinking. And, if you know where to go, the dining can be good. Beaches...not so much. At all.

Depends really on what kind of vacation you want.

For relaxing at the beach, I would probably recommend somewhere on the Gulf Coast (either Clearwater south, or the Florida Panhandle) or the Atlantic Coast from about Ft. Pierce north. On the Gulf side, think lake-like tranquil waters and lovely beaches. On the Atlantic, think REAL ocean, waves, surfing, etc. Several really nice areas on each coast.

For partying, I'd recommend SoBe (South Beach) or Ft. Lauderdale. Both beaches are great, but it's the nightlife and dining that sets South Florida apart. SoBe is a world-famous playground for celebrities and wannabees.

Understand SoBe is NOT the Fontainebleau area, it's Miami Beach, 17th Street south. The Fontainebleau is a wonderful old hotel and local landmark (about 30 blocks north of SoBe). and "Liv" at the Fontainebleau is a legitimate nightlife hotspot, but SoBe is more the action area in terms of hanging out, clubs, etc. SoBe is a Midnight-sunrise kind of place...late night partying -- but also entertaining for people-watching during the day.

There are numerous fine restaurants (including some legendary places) in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Ft. Lauderdale.

But if you're more into working on the tan...there are lots of great places along the upper Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

What he said

 

[jelo]

Wow, awesome info. thanks!!
It's just myself and three girlfriends in need of a quiet, beautiful, relaxing 4 days away from our work, husbands and kids!!
I was just going by the pictures I've seen of the keys, having never been that far south, it doesn't really sound like what we're looking for.

Years ago I stayed with my husband in Vero Beach at a small beachside motel, it was wonderful!

Isn't the gulf side more shells and stones and the Atlantic side white beach? The last I had been to the gulf side, that's what I experienced...but then that was years and years ago!

We're thinking oasis, and maybe out for a drink in the evening at most.