Florida Keys..

[magicmouse2]

We are considering adding a 3days to a week to our 2 week vacation next year to visit other areas of Florida. I am intrigued by the Keys as I would like to snorkel. As the journey is so long what would be some good stop off points along the way ? we are very interested in nature and wildlife. A friend recently returned from Miami and it didnt seem like a family sort of area to visit.

 

[HeatherC]

The keys are nice, but just wanted to mention that you can also take a ferry there to cut down on the trip, I believe, from the Fort Myers area. My brother and his family have a house in Boca Grande and do this quite frequently. I think it is around a 3 hour ferry trip.
Others may have more info for you.

Good luck
HeatherC

 

[AJKMOM]

Many years ago, we drove from Orlando to Key Largo, and it was a long trip, maybe 5 hours or so. Then, Key West, which is a great place to sightsee, is another few hours from Key Largo. In my opinion, neither is a side trip but a destination in itself.

 

[Amity 3]

upper keys - key largo dry rocks. it's the site of the 'Christ of the Deep' underwater statue.

middle keys- hens and chickens off of islamorada.

lower keys - looe key marine sanctuary, best snorkeling on the east side of florida. if you're in season, you can buy a lobster permit for $2.00 and catch your own dinner.