The keys

[kiers]

Hi all

we are off to what could well be our last family trip until our kids have kids

we have often threatened to do the keys so are thinking of taking a week out to visit them.

any suggestions advice or warnings would be greatly appreciated

[Guest]

We're going to the Keys for the first time this summer. Staying in a Hawks Kay town house sandwiched between a stay at USO (Hard Rock) and WDW DVC (Boardwalk and BLT). Obviously can't report on it yet but will upload a video report here when we get back. We're planning to use it as a chill-out zone for 5 days just at the resort but plan to visit Bahia Honda and Key West whilst we are there.
Would also be interested to hear suggestions from others.

[munmun]

The first time we went to The Keys was in the 80s. My husband had read about Flagler railroad in National Geographic as a child and wanted to see them, sadly they are gradually falling into disrepair but are still there to see.

We stayed for a while in Key West which was much less commercialised than now but had an alternative gay culture not normally seen in those days so openly practiced that was a good insite into life for our small children

Key west now is a busy place, with lots of cruise ships and the sunset celebration is still fun but very busy. We have a couple of times taken float planes out to a fort off key west (can't remember its name right now) which has been fun, there is also a ferry service.

We have also taken catermarans out to watch power boat racing which was also good. Key west is a lot about bars and drinking but good fun, some interesting architecture, has a tourist train and lots of stuff about Earnest Hemingway.

Have also stayed at Marathon, Key Largo and Islomorada quite a few times, go out boating, fishing or snorkelling. Ocean front restaurants are low key and lovely.

No big shopping centres in the Keys, there are a couple of Publix and a Kmart about halfway down as well as some funky old book shops and antique shops. Try to catch site of the key deer. Remember that mostly it's a single Lane each way road in and out. If there is an accident you can be held up for a long time. The drive always takes longer than you think.

It's a lovely relaxing place, if you have time go to the island off Marathon where the railroad workers used to live they give a great talk about the history of the railroad. You used to be able to take a shuttle on the old bridges but now they are too dangerous and you go by boat. Tickets from an ancient railway carriage just by 7 mile bridge, Miami side.

The Keys are always fun summer or winter, a bit more expensive than other parts of Florida but a great place to go.

[Mary A]

Originally Posted by munmun

The first time we went to The Keys was in the 80s. My husband had read about Flagler railroad in National Geographic as a child and wanted to see them, sadly they are gradually falling into disrepair but are still there to see.

We stayed for a while in Key West which was much less commercialised than now but had an alternative gay culture not normally seen in those days so openly practiced that was a good insite into life for our small children

Key west now is a busy place, with lots of cruise ships and the sunset celebration is still fun but very busy. We have a couple of times taken float planes out to a fort off key west (can't remember its name right now) which has been fun, there is also a ferry service.

We have also taken catermarans out to watch power boat racing which was also good. Key west is a lot about bars and drinking but good fun, some interesting architecture, has a tourist train and lots of stuff about Earnest Hemingway.

Have also stayed at Marathon, Key Largo and Islomorada quite a few times, go out boating, fishing or snorkelling. Ocean front restaurants are low key and lovely.

No big shopping centres in the Keys, there are a couple of Publix and a Kmart about halfway down as well as some funky old book shops and antique shops. Try to catch site of the key deer. Remember that mostly it's a single Lane each way road in and out. If there is an accident you can be held up for a long time. The drive always takes longer than you think.

It's a lovely relaxing place, if you have time go to the island off Marathon where the railroad workers used to live they give a great talk about the history of the railroad. You used to be able to take a shuttle on the old bridges but now they are too dangerous and you go by boat. Tickets from an ancient railway carriage just by 7 mile bridge, Miami side.

The Keys are always fun summer or winter, a bit more expensive than other parts of Florida but a great place to go.

See more...

Hi, we're visiting key west for the 6th time in September. We're thinking about booking the sea plane to fort Jefferson which would be new for us, any tips/advice? Thank you

Op, sorry to highjack your thread! We always visit the turtle hospital on marathon on the way down to key west

[munmun]

Originally Posted by Mary A

Hi, we're visiting key west for the 6th time in September. We're thinking about booking the sea plane to fort Jefferson which would be new for us, any tips/advice? Thank you

Op, sorry to highjack your thread! We always visit the turtle hospital on marathon on the way down to key west

See more...

Very jealous where are you staying in KW. Yes that's right Fort Jefferson. No real tips, take a cooler with drinks and your swimming stuff. Go early and get there before the ferris boats arrive, it can get busy and it's lovely to be there before everyone else arrives.

Only take the ferry if you have good sea legs, people get very sick but sea plane is pricy but fun.

Where are you staying, so many nice places on the Keys. Have fun.

[Mary A]

Originally Posted by munmun

Very jealous where are you staying in KW. Yes that's right Fort Jefferson. No real tips, take a cooler with drinks and your swimming stuff. Go early and get there before the ferris boats arrive, it can get busy and it's lovely to be there before everyone else arrives.

Only take the ferry if you have good sea legs, people get very sick but sea plane is pricy but fun.

Where are you staying, so many nice places on the Keys. Have fun.

See more...

Thanks, will be taking the first sea plane of the day.
This time we're staying at the marker hotel on William street, not stayed there before but have stayed twice at their sister hotel (southernmost beach resort) at the "quiet" end of duval.

[LaughingPlace]

not sure i would bother, did it and was nothing special just old small towns...

[tocpe321]

We visited the Keys a few times years ago and we enjoyed it. The drive down there, especially over 7 Mile Bridge is really scenic and relaxing.

We stayed in Key Largo and in Key West.

I remember the first year we drove onto the Keys and went as far as mid Keys. We visited a timber seafood restaurant that faced out across the water and we watched the pelicans. We also visited an old aquarium in that area.

Would like to return.

[Harry]

Love the Keys... have stayed at Marathon (fav), Key Largo and Islomorada... if you get the chance visit the Sea Turtle hospital... magical place... visited Key West for a couple of days... bought the t-shirt... probably won't return !

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Altymark

We're going to the Keys for the first time this summer. Staying in a Hawks Kay town house sandwiched between a stay at USO (Hard Rock) and WDW DVC (Boardwalk and BLT). Obviously can't report on it yet but will upload a video report here when we get back. We're planning to use it as a chill-out zone for 5 days just at the resort but plan to visit Bahia Honda and Key West whilst we are there.
Would also be interested to hear suggestions from others.

See more...

We had 2 nights at Hawks Cay over Father's Day week end and loved it.
We had a 3 bedroom villa and the place was awesome you will love it.