Florida Keys

[slamzim]

We are looking at a vacation to the Florida Keys. Looking at Marathon Key especially. What are the best things to do there, good places to eat, etc.

Thanks advance for all the advice.

 

[jaykorf001]

We enjoyed eating at Key Fisheries. Open air place on the docks with lots of tarpon jumping. Not fancy. We loved the turtle hospital. We also went to a cute little beach called Sombrero Beach. It's free and a good beach for the keys.

We stayed at Hawks Cay. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

I love the Keys.

We went there many many times as a kid/teen.

One of my fav places to go is http://pennekamppark.com/snorkeling-tours/

 

[OhMari]

We stayed in Marathon and rented a condo for less than half the price of Key West. We kayaked in the Mangroves. The instructor ended up being someone from our area. We also snorkeled. The take you out about8miles to an awesome reef. The 7mile bridge starts there too.

 

[mrsabbott]

Ooh! I was just looking into camping in the Keys!! About the only way our family could afford to go there! I'm interested in hearing about it too!

 

[OhMari]

Ooh! I was just looking into camping in the Keys!! About the only way our family could afford to go there! I'm interested in hearing about it too!

If ou have an RV you will be fine. I saw one campground and it looked like a huge parking lot. The Campground was also on my favorite show, The Amazing Race.

 

[DisKim]

I have family in the Keys, so I spend a lot of time there. It is literally my favorite place in the world! For places to eat, don't miss out on Lazy Days in Islamorada. It's hands down the best food I've eaten in the Keys and that's saying a lot. Also, if you feel like traveling to Key Largo, don't miss out on Mrs. Mac's for really good food. I would suggest a day in Key Largo snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park and dinner practically across the street at Mrs. Mac's. Also, if you like the beach, make sure to go to Bahia Honda. It is one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to. We are also fond of Robbie's marina in Islamorada. You can buy a bucket of fish and feed the tarpon. My kids love it! They also have tons of excursions like kayaking and fishing. Also, a little gem is a place called Theater of the Sea. They have dolphin, bird, sea lion shows, etc. For an extra fee, you can also swim with dolphins, sea lions, etc. We only did the dolphin swim once. We usually take in all the shows and then hang out at their little beach in the back where you can swim with parrot fish for free. There is just so much to do there. Have fun!

 

[jaykorf001]

Ooh! I was just looking into camping in the Keys!! About the only way our family could afford to go there! I'm interested in hearing about it too!

I noticed tons of campers up and down the keys while we were there. It looked like great fun. I'd check into Bahia Honda.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

We are looking at a vacation to the Florida Keys. Looking at Marathon Key especially. What are the best things to do there, good places to eat, etc.

Thanks advance for all the advice.

Will you have a boat? Do you dive or snorkel? Fish?

Some hotels have docks for your boat, others have kitchens if you plan to fish and some have both docks and kitchens.

If you just want a resort only, then we usually stayed at Hawks Cay (good for kids because of the lagoon) or Cheeca Lodge.

Look at a AAA book. They have them all listed.

We always ate at Herbies (mm 52 I think it is).

If you are not into diving, boating, snorkeling or fishing, there are better places in Florida to vacation.

 

[Bonniec]

I want to bump this up because we are looking at going and I'd love more suggestions.

First, we can't figure out where to stay. We were looking at Hawk's Cay but then I saw some negative reviews on trip advisor. Thoughts? I have a 7 year old and would like their to be plenty of things for him to do. If possible, I'd like to find a place on the water, although I am not totally opposed to a private rental. We are probably more resort people. But I am concerned about them looking run down verses the cost to stay in them.

Second, (and thanks for the mention of Bahia) where are the nice beaches? Any other areas we should know about? I like pretty water with no waves (I live in Orlando and am used to waved beaches so would like to see something better).

Third, anything specifically geared nicely towards kids?

 

[hsmamato2]

ooo subbing, I want to do a day visit to the keys soon,and looking for what to see as highlights

 

[lucas]

We've been to Key West many times but have never stayed at any of the other Keys - just driven thru. I am subscribing for future reference.

 

[lucas]

Will you have a boat? Do you dive or snorkel? Fish?

Some hotels have docks for your boat, others have kitchens if you plan to fish and some have both docks and kitchens.

If you just want a resort only, then we usually stayed at Hawks Cay (good for kids because of the lagoon) or Cheeca Lodge.

Look at a AAA book. They have them all listed.

We always ate at Herbies (mm 52 I think it is).

If you are not into diving, boating, snorkeling or fishing, there are better places in Florida to vacation.

Just checked out their websites and they both look great. It is just dh and myself and I have no idea how I would choose between the 2. Any pros/cons of the 2 that you can think of?