Florida Keys Questions

[Jimbo]

My wife retired this week, and I'll be following suit in a little under three months. We'd like to start retirement off with an extended vacation, and DW wants to go to the Keys.

Our rough plan is to fly into Miami and spend a few days there. Then I thought we could rent a condo in Islamaroda from an owner, and spend 7-10 days there, and finish up with 2 or 3 days in Key West.

So... I chose Islamaroda because it looks to be centrally located, and there's plenty of rental opportunities there. Plus I think I've heard good things about it. Is that spot a good choice? We can stay as long or as little as we want; how many days would people recommend? I chose 7-10 because I figure we could be busy 5 days, and loaf for 5 more, but I really don't have much of an idea.

And how many days make sense for Key West? I see that the cruise ships arrive on Friday and Tuesday, so I was thinking maybe checking in on Saturday, and out on Tuesday. How's that sound?

I suppose you'll need to know what we like to do in order to answer. We're pretty active, and expect to snorkel, bike and hike while we're down there. But laying around has a lot of appeal to me too.

All tips are welcome!!!

 

[minkydog]

I haven't been to the Keys in a long time,but we loved it when we were there. I love Islamorada, Marathon, and Key Largo. There's a lot to do there. We went to Key West once--spent a week there one day I thought it was terribly over-rated. It takes forever to drive down that overland highway and then when you get there it's just a bunch of bars and tourist traps. Not my style. Have a great time in Islamorada, though.

 

[Amity 3]

check out Looe Key for the best snorkeling in the Keys.

 

[Jimbo]

We'll actually be tourists, so a couple of days in Key West may be OK. We can catch a sunset, have a few rum runners at Sloppy Joe's, etc. We were there about 15 years ago and I have decent (but fuzzy) memories of the place.

And I'll be sure to check out Looe Key.

It's 5 below here - over 30 below with the wind chill - and I can't wait to get the heck out of here! But I'll have to wait 12 weeks.

 

[Amity 3]

there's nothing wrong with Key West, it's an absolute party and a great place to relax. Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon are all so different, they might as well be separate states.

 

[becobscot]

When in Key West, try taking a Danger Charter. The Danger is a Chesapeake skipjack that takes you out for a half day or full day! First you snorkel in the calm waters of the sponge gardens. We saw tons of lobsters and a Moray eel. Then you get on kayaks and they take you around the mangrove islands and tell you about the flora and fauna. Then you get back on the boat and have beer and lunch or snacks. We have been on 2 separate trips and would love to go again. PM me for the website or Google it! Ask for Capt. Hague. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Pop Daddy]

how about some village people

Mama, I'm freezin' (mama, I'm freezin'), I wanna go to the su-un (to the sun)
These icy winter breezes (winter breezes) are chillin' all my fun (all my fun)

I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, the key to happine-ess
(I'm on the run, gonna have some fun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, where leisure nights the be-est, oh yeah
(Gonna spend my days lyin' in the sun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, that's where it's at for me-ee
Well, (gonna spend the nights meanwhile)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, I'm on the run
(Ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da-bah)

I'm on the ru-un yeah-eah-eah-eah, I'm headin' for the sun, yeah-eah-yeah-eah
Key West - Key West, I know, I know, that creature life's the be-est
Oh yeah-eah, yeah-eah, ugh, brwwwww, it's cold in here mama, where's the heat

Ooh, gotta sleep with my socks on, ugh, I'm cold
Mama, I'm leavin' (mama, I'm leavin'), I'm headin' for the su-un, yeah (for the sun)
I'm changin' my location (my location), I tell ya, I'm on the ru-un (on the run)

I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, the key to happine-ess, yeah
(I'm on the run, gonna have some fun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, where leisure nights the be-est,
Well (gonna spend my days lyin' in the sun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, that's where it's at for me-ee, mama
(Gonna spend my nights meanwhile)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, I'm on the run
(Ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da-bah)

Mama, I'm cold, feel it in my soul, gotta go to Key West where life is the best
Key West - Key West, got to, gotta have me some fun, mama, mama, I'm on the run
Hah, hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-y

 

[LadyAmongTramps]

Let's see....I'd spend three or four days on Key West. One warning I'd give you is that unless you're into the alternative lifestyles, stay away from bars flying rainbow flags and "The Garden of Eden." It's a rooftop bar that is (PG here)
















clothes optional.

 

[wdwmom2]

how about some village people

Mama, I'm freezin' (mama, I'm freezin'), I wanna go to the su-un (to the sun)
These icy winter breezes (winter breezes) are chillin' all my fun (all my fun)

I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, the key to happine-ess
(I'm on the run, gonna have some fun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, where leisure nights the be-est, oh yeah
(Gonna spend my days lyin' in the sun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, that's where it's at for me-ee
Well, (gonna spend the nights meanwhile)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, I'm on the run
(Ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da-bah)

I'm on the ru-un yeah-eah-eah-eah, I'm headin' for the sun, yeah-eah-yeah-eah
Key West - Key West, I know, I know, that creature life's the be-est
Oh yeah-eah, yeah-eah, ugh, brwwwww, it's cold in here mama, where's the heat

Ooh, gotta sleep with my socks on, ugh, I'm cold
Mama, I'm leavin' (mama, I'm leavin'), I'm headin' for the su-un, yeah (for the sun)
I'm changin' my location (my location), I tell ya, I'm on the ru-un (on the run)

I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, the key to happine-ess, yeah
(I'm on the run, gonna have some fun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, where leisure nights the be-est,
Well (gonna spend my days lyin' in the sun)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, that's where it's at for me-ee, mama
(Gonna spend my nights meanwhile)
I'm headin' for Key-ey-ey West, I'm on the run
(Ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da, ba-da-da-bah)

Mama, I'm cold, feel it in my soul, gotta go to Key West where life is the best
Key West - Key West, got to, gotta have me some fun, mama, mama, I'm on the run
Hah, hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-y

Long post

 

[Syrreal]

"The Garden of Eden." It's a rooftop bar that is (PG here)

clothes optional.

HA! We accidentally went into that bar a few years ago (we didn't know what it was and it was the 3rd bar in that building). It was not what we expected, that's for sure. It was a fun bar though. Of course, my friends and I were having a fun time with the DJ's body paint.... a pink elephant (you know where)

If you are interested in this kind of stuff, there is a hokey but fun little walking ghost tour in key west.

Re: Islamorada. Lots of fun there. There is a cool tiki bar place close by. Also, if you are looking for good places to go snorkeling with, you should try either
Conch republic-
http://www.conchrepublicdivers.com/
or
Tavernier Dive Center
Both are very reputable places.

If you are looking for some fun stuff to do in Miami too, let me know. I used to live there until a couple of yrs ago.

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks for all the advice! One last question... If you were us, would you choose Marathon or Islamorada for the bulk of your stay? Marathon seems more centrally located, but I think Islamorada seems nicer.

 

[Aurora63]

I've been down to the Keys twice, we always stay at Hawks Cay Resort, it's on Duck Key which is right before you get to Marathon (MM 61). It's beautiful, relaxing, lots to do, but a little on the expensive side. I thought it was worth it. We rented a boat one day while we were there. They also have parasailing, swimming with dolphins, an incredible spa (I highly recommend it...had an incredible massage there), sailing school...I know there is more, but that's all I can think of at the moment. There are also three on-site restaurants. I think they do fishing excursions too. I think there website is www.hawkscay.com Hope this helps.

 

[Syrreal]

I prefer Islamorada but that's because I think there is more stuff to do and you can always go up and down a key for entertainment.

Oh! For a nice relaxing lunch or dinner, check out the Islasmorada fish company. They have one in Ft lauderdale but the one in the keys is so much better IMO. It's right on the water, a casual place.

 

[DVCLiz]

If you really want to be decadent while you're in Key West, stay at the Sunset Key Cottages. They are out on the island all by themsleves, and they were truly wonderful. You book through the Hilton, I believe, and they have a boat that takes you out there. You can have them stock your groceries for you, and there is a lovely restaurant right on the sand where you can have dinner and watch the sunset.

It's very expensive, but for a night or two a real once in a lifetime treat!!

 

[kimmikayb]

Both are nice. If you're in Marathon, don't forget to go see the Dolphin Research Center. Great place to volunteer and visit.

 

[tuckerkeys]

my vote is for Marathon and here is why:

it IS centrally located. MM 50's is Marathon. Lots and Lots of shopping and eateries. A quick drive to publix or winn dixie. SOMBRERO BEACH!!!! THE best beach in ALL of the keys. This is located in Marathon. it is on Sombrero Beach road. a free public man made beach, with restrooms, playground, and absolutely gorgeous sandy beach that is huge. See the wild green parrots in the AM, or maybe you'd like to see the manatee that visits every AM over by the dock. The Marathon lady is a 1/2 day or full day of the best reef fishing you'll get in the keys. guys onboard are great!! We go to the keys every November. This past Nov i was there for 4 weeks. we rented a house from vrbo.com website. We stayed in a part of Marathon called Key colony Beach. we love it. they even have their own pool club and beach, so when we got enough of sombrero, we would hit the pool.
Whatever you do you have to fish and snorkel while you are there. and key west sunset ale is the best beer in the keys!

 

[lucas]

When we stay in Key West we like to stay at the Ocean Key. The address is 0 Duval Street - they have the sunset pier and are in the heart of everything. http://www.oceankey.com/

Some other useful Key West links:
Natl Geographic Driving Tour: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/destinations/The_Florida_Keys/Florida_Keys_Scenic_Drive.html

General restaurant/menu info: http://www.keywestmenu.com/

The best key lime pie: http://www.blondgiraffe.com/products.htm

Schooner Wharf - local bar by water: http://www.schoonerwharf.com/

Our favorite restaurants:
Alonzo's: http://www.alonzosoysterbar.com/AlonzosOysterBarKeyWest.htm
Turtle Kraals: http://www.turtlekraals.com/home.html
Half Shell Raw Bar: http://www.halfshellrawbar.com/home.html

We've never been but this is the restaurant in Key Largo that Rachael Ray featured on $40/day: http://www.keysconch.com/MAIN.html

 

[TnTsParty]

I have been to the Keys numerous times (used to spend summers in the Keys mostly in Plantation Key -near Islamorada - as a kid) Also have been numerous times with my DH. We go every year for our anniversary and the Homestead NASCAR race and stay at Island Bay Resort www.islandbayresort.com which is in Tavernier (mile marker 92.5) The owners are wonderful and the rooms are great. I would take snorking/dive time to see Looe Key when you are in Key West since it is closer to Key West (approx mm 20 something) On Grassy Key (mm 58) take a tour of the Dolphin Research Center - this is always a favorite. At mm 77.5 in Islamorada check out Robbies (www.robbies.com) and feed the tarpons. If you want more info feel free to PM me. As a native south Floridian I have extensive knowledge of the Keys (mainly the upper Keys - Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada areas) but I have good knowledge of all the Keys.

 

[Bonnie40]

my vote is for Marathon and here is why:

it IS centrally located. MM 50's is Marathon. Lots and Lots of shopping and eateries. A quick drive to publix or winn dixie. SOMBRERO BEACH!!!! THE best beach in ALL of the keys. This is located in Marathon. it is on Sombrero Beach road. a free public man made beach, with restrooms, playground, and absolutely gorgeous sandy beach that is huge. See the wild green parrots in the AM, or maybe you'd like to see the manatee that visits every AM over by the dock. The Marathon lady is a 1/2 day or full day of the best reef fishing you'll get in the keys. guys onboard are great!! We go to the keys every November. This past Nov i was there for 4 weeks. we rented a house from vrbo.com website. We stayed in a part of Marathon called Key colony Beach. we love it. they even have their own pool club and beach, so when we got enough of sombrero, we would hit the pool.
Whatever you do you have to fish and snorkel while you are there. and key west sunset ale is the best beer in the keys!

I totally agree! We travelled and stayed in Grassy Key (just north of Marathon) and have decided that when we go again, we will rent in Key Colony Beach. We also fished from Marathon Lady and had a great time! Good restaurants, and it's very convenient having grocery stores nearby!