The Keys

[TraceyL]

DM & DF have finally decided to come to Florida with us (shame to waste that nice big villa). They're flying out with us to Miami (in WT+ ) but are thinking about having a couple of nights in the Keys before joining us in Orlando.

Has anyone been ?

Where would they recommend visiting?

Where would they recommend staying ?

How long would you stay for - is 3 nights too much ?

I've heard a few stories about the adult nature of the place so I'm trying to find some firsthand experiences.

Thanks

 

[pt415999]

Tracey, I've been to Florida six times now and down the Keys four times. I would say go! I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "adult nature", but I would say it's more for couples and people traveling without kids, because of it's lack of theme parks.
If your into lazy days or would like to snorkle on a coral reef, do some fishing from shore or boat, eat great food beside the water and just generally "chill", then the Keys is the place!
Just be aware that unless you pay big $$$$ your accomodation will be quite basic, but you only want to sleep there right?!
As for the length of stay, we usually stay for four nights, but if I could get three weeks instead of two off work, would do Orlando 1st week, Keys 2nd week then back to Orlando.
There is plenty to do and lots of places to stay down the Keys so I'll just post some links for you below to look at when you can.
Any more questions fire away.
All the best, Peter.

http://www.floridakey.com/buccaneer.html

http://www.fishnfunrentals.com/

http://goflorida.about.com/cs/keysmarathon/

http://www.flkinfo.com/

http://www.fishin-buddy.com/accommodations.html

http://oceanbeach-club.com/

http://greatlocations.com/Keys/marathon.html

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Stayed down in the keys last October for a couple of nights and had a great time.

We'd already been to Orlando for a week, the onto Marco Island for another week and thought they Keys trip might be a tad disappointing for us all (DH, me and DD - 9), but we all had a great time.

We stayed at the Cheeca Lodge on Islamorada, one of the keys further down from Key Largo.

We visited Robbie's Marina (a must if around this area) where you get to feed the tarpon - a superb hour or so watching these huge fish.

We went on a half day snorkelling trip over reefs which were awesome (even DH loved this and he doesn't swim much). Can't wait to do it again this year when we go back over.

Loads of places to dive, eat, swim etc.

It's an area that children and adults alike will love.

 

[JohnnySharp]

Went there a few years ago, he drive from Miami is awesome.

Reminded me of the Caribbean, to be honest didn't stay there too ong due to a problem with our hotel 'The Southernmost', invaded by Ants , add to that my wife wasn't feeling too great , hence I

 

[JohnnySharp]

Went there a few years ago, the drive from Miami is awesome.

Reminded me of the Caribbean, to be honest didn't stay there too long due to a problem with our hotel 'The Southernmost',
our room was invaded by Ants , add to that my wife wasn't feeling too great , hence I guess it didn't really work out for us.

I would say it is a couples only place, we will not be returning now we have a son.

An honest opinion, we didn't like the Keys.

As for the 'adult nature' let's just say that a lot of the local fellas walk around holding hands!..enough said I think..

 

[TraceyL]

I wasn't too worried about the active gay scene in the Keys lol ! I'd been told that there wasn't much for families, that there was a lot of nightlife and that some visitors didn't feel particularly safe after dark.

My parents are approaching retirement, don't dive, snorkel or fish and aren't particularly enthusiastic about lazing on a beach. They'd appreciate the scenery (especially on the drive) and maybe the Coral Reef glass bottom boats.


Just wondering if there was anything else you could recommend

 

[pt415999]

How about a dolphin swim?
We've done it twice at Discovery cove, but never got in down the Keys, you do have to book well in advance to be certain of a place.
Key West is a great place to visit, Hemingway's home, open for tours, may interest them and the sunset celebration's in Mallory Square are always fun.
As for the gay scene, unless they make a point of looking, they won't even notice!

 

[pt415999]

Forgot to add some links!!!

http://www.pennekamp.com/dolphins-plus/

http://www.dolphinworld.org/

http://thefloridakeys.com/dolphins/

 

[TraceyL]

My DM doesn't do water lol !! Can't imagine her swimming with dolphins

Thanks very much for all your comments, I'll pass them on for them to make a decision

 

[Shuttle Fan]

Hi, just got back on Sunday so still a bit sleepy.

We spent one night in the keys, after a couple of nights in Miami. We only wanted to go down to Key West to Mallory Square for the sunset, and booked a hotel via the information centre on Key Largo. The gentleman in there was very helpful and had details of ALL hotels in the keys and a guide to their rates. There were phones in the info centre which dialled direct to the hotels. He advised us it was a busy weekend so booked our hotel there and then (Holiday Inn of Key West approx $100) and then could drive there leisurely.

We found the Keys and the sunset to be a bit disappointing!

Whilst we were pleased we had visited the Keys, we won't be rushing to add to any future trips. We think the sunset at St. Petes is much better.

We had our 2 kids with us and none us really noticed the gay scene to a great extent.

I have bought back loads of brochures and will send you any links in a few days.

 

[Shuttle Fan]

Hi Tracey,

Just going through some of the leaflets we picked up at the Keys with website details. I've not looked at any of these websites, just copying them from the flyers.

www.fla-keys.com
www.dolphins.org (Dolphin Research Centre Grassy Key)
www.islamoradachamber.com
www.SEE-FloridaKeys.com
www.KeyWestFun.com
www.roomsaver.com

Hope they're of use to you.