Pros and Cons of going to the Keys?

[Bonnie40]

I need some help trying to decide if going to the Keys is worth it. I've investigated trying an all-inclusive somewhere, but it's pricey and 7 days isn't long enough...

The Florida Keys offer plenty of snorkelling and fishing which is what we want to try...

Any information anyone? Thanks a bunch!

 

[nativetxn]

I don't know much about the Keys, I've always wanted to drive through them, though.

I'll just bump this back to the top of the list for you.

 

[bsnyder]

We love the Keys. Where are you thinking of staying?

If you want to do mainly fishing and snorkeling, I'd check out Islamorada.

Key West, of course, has a lot more nightlife and all sorts of other activities. But it doesn't have any beaches.

 

[Serena]

How did they fare the hurricanes?


I've always wanted to go though too.

 

[JimB.]

Pro's - GREAT water - fishing, diving, etc. Lots of history down towards Key West. Lot's of great resorts. I'd recommend Holiday Isle in Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge.

Con's - Ex-Pen-Sive. Not any real beaches. Takes a long time to drive the chain. Takes a long while to drive TO the chain.

 

[Peter Pirate]

We rec'd virtually nothing from the hurricanes, so we're just dandy.

Islamorada is the fishing spot and has some great accomodations and restaurants. A great place for the older, wealthy calmer set.

Key West covers it all, from bars till 4am, nude beaches & pools, a thriving art community, local plays, an active gay/lesbian community, more great restaurants than you could imagine, fantastic archetechture, diving, snorkling, etc.

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey Peter Pirate - you're the guy who can help me out! Any other suggestions of nice places to stay for probably 3 nights? I really want to give my daughter the 'feel' of the carribbean with palm trees and a beautiful beach. Not really interested in staying in Key West though - will probably just drive there for a day or something - I think they party a little too hard for my liking!

Any suggestions would be sooo appreciated!

 

[Pamlur]

We absolutely love Islamorada, check on the Days Inn (it used to be a timeshare, so they have apartments). There are a couple of all-you-can-eat buffets that are pretty good, and several local restaurants that aren't exhorbitant.

That said, I don't remember many really beautiful beaches in the Keys, because of the coral reef that's offshore. No major waves, so no sand washed in.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Sorry to say Key West is really the main spot. It's true that they do party a lot, but you don't have to. There are lots of tours, museums (the Hemmingway House is cool) etc. Otherwise, Marathon, Big Pine, Sugarloaf are the alternatives and don't really offer much other than fishing or diving. Islamorada, as I say is very nice (The Cheeca Lodge is the best but very $$$), but it's close to 2 hours from Key West.

Up until this year I used to tell folks who wanted to see the Keys to visit Captiva Island instead...Sadly Hurricane Charley took them off the map for at least this year.

If you have any specific questions I'll behappy to try to help.

 

[bsnyder]

There's a lot more to Key West than just the bars and partying.

Great shopping, all the historic tours, and wonderful food!

My favorite place to stay, in Key West:

http://www.oceankey.com/

There's no beach, but the pool/pier area is great, and the whole hotel is steeped in a tropical ambiance.

 

[Mickey Nut 50]

Before you go, get the book "The Insider's Guide to the Florida Keys and Key West" by Victoria Shearer ISBN 0-7627-2510-9. It has everything in there that you'll need to know. Searching websites is helpful, too. For sandy beach, try Bahia Honda State Park. In Key Largo at John Pennecamp state park you can snorkle, take a boat out to the reef, etc. We've done that and also last time took a boat out for a mix of things: we had a history tour, vegetation and wildlife lecture, snorkling in Looe Key Marine preserve, fishing and a cookout on the boat! It was about a 5 hour tour and thoroughly enjoyable!

 

[Snow Dog Mom]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Keys. I went to Key Largo and then drove to Key West for 2 nights. Largo was fun but Key West was even more fun. Great places to eat and everybody there is so happy and nice. We can't wait to go back!

Kim

 

[BellyDaisy]

I love going to the Keys! There is much more to do than just partying. There's many historical places to visit (Hemingway House, Lighthouse, etc.) plus snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving, art museums, shopping... lots to do!

If you're looking for somewhere to just relax, try the Bonefish Resort (I think it's on Marathon.) I stayed there once with my aunt and it was SO beautiful and relaxing.

Like everyone else said, there's no real beaches unless you stay at one of the higher-end resorts with the private beaches... but personally, I don't think you really get the "feel" of Key West there. Old Town's B&B's are a fun way to experience it all. Most are close to the shops and museums so you can just walk instead of trying to drive (traffic is bad often) and then paying to park ($$$!)

Here are a few websites you can check out to get some more info:

http://www.keysnews.com
www.keywest.com

Keys News is the online version of The Citizen, the daily newspaper. I read it to keep up on the stuff that's going on. Keywest.com has tons of great info as well as links to hotels, B&B's, and activites.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[Peter Pirate]

I'd not stay in Marathon if you're going to visit Islamorada and Key West - Too much driving on a really dangerous road and there is really nothing to do in Marathon for tourists.

There are many great places in Key West (the Pier House is my favorite) by the Banyan Resort is way cool, Casa Marina, so many great B&B's...