Florida Keys

[maraki527]

Dh decided he wants us to take a Beach Vacation. Never been to the Florida Keys. Any suggestions on where to stay and where to eat? Help me out Dis Friends, you always have the right answers

 

[disadventurer]

Southernmost Hotel. A really pretty spot with beach, close to the action. Pretty pools, nice rooms. Reasonable. Free parking(important). Tried not to use the car at all. Went last year in April. Have also been in August. Flew into Orlando, rented car, drove down and spent 4 days. In addition, went to a state park--close walking distance from the hotel and snorkeled right off the beach. One block from the buoy Southern Most Point sign. Had breakfast at Blue Heaven (our favorite) sometimes a long wait. Also enjoyed a place called Jack Flats (if I remember correctly) kind of a sports bar with large screens great ahi tuna.

Check out their website. Maybe AAA discount. Also try tripadvisor.

Have fun whatever you decide--really pretty ride and the color of the water is spectacular.

 

[2005s4]

Not sure what your budget is, but these are the only 2 resorts I stay at:

http://www.casamarinaresort.com/
http://www.reachresort.com/

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I don't have a resort suggestion, but you should check out John D. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. They have snorkeling and diving excursions that are worth the trip. They also have glass bottom boats for the less adventurous.

Casa Marina is beautiful, but it sure looks expensive!

 

[tmarquez]

Just an FYI...you mentioned a "beach" vacation. The Keys have pretty yucky (small and rocky) beaches with the exception of a couple of state parks in the middle/upper keys.

 

[disadventurer]

Agreed on Pennecamp. Took their snorkel tour twice. Saw rainbows, waterspouts, and touched Christ of the Abyss. Also took another tour company (***********) which had two snorkel stops if that is of interest to you.

 

[maraki527]

I didnt know that I assumed Florida Keys= Beach. Any Florida beach suggestions then....

 

[MomtoGKC]

It's not budget, but our local Boca Resort just did a total overaul of it's beach side (there is a main hotel and a bebach hotel - they have a boat & van suttle between the two) and it is INCREDIBLE!! I love here so I can go to the same beach any day, but sitting at their pool or on their beach being served a drink is the best!! Boca is alfway between Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm (30 min. each), 1 hour from Miami and about 2 hours to the mid-Keys. There are tons of restaurants and shopping, great beaches, great parks for the kids, nature centers, museums, zoos, etc. My mom was just visiting for a week and we never get to do as much as we would like.

http://www.bocaresort.com/


Oh, and if you do still want to do the Keys here are some nice places - I don't think any are budget though (you can get good deals at Hawk's Cay some times of the year)

http://www.hawkscay.com/
http://www.cheeca.com/ - totally not budget!

 

[lpandorf]

Hawks Cay Resort is running a special on Travel Zoo right now. I've never been, but it looks nice and they have camps for the kids and dolphin experience. A couple years ago we went to Captiva Island which had really nice beaches. It's on the gulf side. Flew into Ft. Meyers. Stayed out South Seas Island Resort which has been listed in Parenting Magazine's list of best family beach resorts. Have also been to Disney's Vero Beach. While I did not think the beach was as nice as the beach in Captiva, we had an awesome week and so much to do for the kids at the resort!

 

[andrews_dad]

Keys are not very budget kind, IMO. You will find a much better value for your dollar elsewhere.

 

[2005s4]

marco island is fantastic. very private and great white sand beaches