One week Orlando, one week Miami? Florida Keys? Please help!!

[jdm]

Hi!

We travel to Orlando every year in Feb or March. This year I've convinced my boss to give me two weeks during our very busy tulip season here in Wa state. (last week of March- first week of April). This means a sure-er bet on warm weather and DD not having to miss much school (Spring break).

We are thinking we might want to do something different this year. We are planning to spend a week in Orlando but we are thinking maybe the Keys for the second week. We have never ventured farther than Cocoa so I really need some advice.....

Some ideas is that we would fly into Miami, maybe spend a few nights there and then mosey through the keys and then drive up to Orlando and fly out there. One thing I'm concerned about is Spring Break in Miami. Isn't that a huge MTV thing? I'm not sure when it is. Also, we know nothing about the keys, how far the drive, where to stay, what to see, how much time to allow ourselves. I also don't know how far the drive actually is from Orlando to Miami or vice-versa. I can look all that up, but thought it would be great to get some advice from people who have done something similiar.

I did have reservations for 4 nights at Ocean Walk (condo village) at Daytona but I'm having mixed feelings about keeping it. It looks beautiful and is right on the beach, but we are thinking it might be nice to see some of the Gulf side.

Any info/imput would be so appreciated.

Thanks
Jenn

 

[spiceycat]

spring break in Florida is party central at all their beaches.

the worst are PCB, Daytona, Key West and Miami. Spring break goes from president week (feb) to the middle of April.

St Petersburg's Beach is not far from Disney and is nice. I don't think it has wild parties (could be wrong). it is close to Tampa.

 

[mmluvr]

Hi!

I also don't know how far the drive actually is from Orlando to Miami or vice-versa.

Jenn-

I live outside of Ft Lauderdale (about 30-45 minutes from Miami depending on which part we are going to and what time of the day!!)and it takes us about 3 1/2 hours to get to Orlando.

Now the Keys are another story. To get all the way out to Key West from Miami it could take about 2 or more hours. (Depending on the time of day, traffic, etc.)

We've only lived down here 2 years and have never made it out to Key West. Everytime we try something derails us and we wind up stopping in one of the Middle Keys. We will get there yet!

 

[lsayd]

We've done the Keys and Orlando twice - the first time Orlando first then the Keys and this past August the Keys first (left just before Katrina hit) and then Orlando. We were lucky enough both times to rent a cabin in Bahia Honda State Park in Bahia Honda (MM37) and enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, going to the Key Deer refuge, and relaxing. We love Bahia Honda and only visit Key West for one afternoon/evening. It is not particularly family friendly. The Sunset Celebration is fun, but it's nice to leave Key West when we're ready to go. There are hotels in Marathon, which is near Bahia Honda, and on Big Pine Key. Of course, if you want to rent a motorhome or tent camp you can stay in the park. If you're really lucky you may get a cabin, but they usually are rented 11 months in advance (there are only 6 cabins). Personally, I enjoy going to Orlando first and then the Keys to recover! It took us around 7 hours to get from Bahia Honda to Orlando and that included stopping for lunch. From Miami, it's about 2.5 to 3 hours. If you have any other questions, you can pm me. The Keys are wonderful - like no place else in the US!

 

[Motherfletcher]

I think the MTV Spring Break thing is concentrated around South Beach. Miami is a big City and that crowd can be avoided. I'd stay somewhere like Coral Gables. Spring Break is hardly noticable on our beaches in Naples and you would get a taste of the Everglades.

 

[minkydog]

I think you have a fine idea. South florida is totally different from Orlando. If you're worried about spring break, try Ft. Lauderdale. they have great beaches and it's less "spring break-y" than Miami. It takes about an hour to drive to Key Largo from Ft. lauderdale-Miami. From key Largo to Key West? About 4hours--traffic can be pretty heavy. It's about 3-4 hrs to Orlando.

 

[denisenh]

I agree with isyad about renting cabins and how nice it is. I have been to Bahia Honda and did enjoy it but didn't camp.

I did camp at another Florida state park beach site, Cayo Costa, and it was really wonderful. We rented a cabin and it was a great experience and VERY, VERY inexpensive without even considering that you are beach front (turquoise water, white sand, palm trees) and you can pretend that you are on a deserted tropical island. Collect your fire wood to cook on an open fire
There is a very limited amount of people around. You will often find yourself the only soul on a long stretch of beach. I found myself an old stump to lean on right on the warm white sand, palm trees on the right, water on the left. And I sat there for a good long time, at peace and alone. It was an amazing experience in total, relaxed solitude.


http://www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/default.cfm

http://www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/default.cfm


Anyway, a nice place to stay when doing the keys, especially for families is http://www.hawkscay.com . We went a few years ago and loved it. You can do day trips all over the keys from there.
The doorman referred to it as "The second happiest place on earth"