Need help in trip planning for Keys

We have been to Key West a couple of times from cruise ships and have always wanted to come back. We have decided now is the time. We will fly into either Miami or Fort Lauderdale and want to spend 4 days driving to Key West and 3 nights in Key West. We will fly home out of Key West. Time is running out and we really need to get some plans made. We are two families with mom, dad and teenagers. We love all beach activites but really want to experience the ';flavor'; of Key West. I have spent two days looking through the TA website and need some strong advice as to how to plan our driving trip trough the Keys and where to stay once in Key West. We will need 3 separate rooms as the family with two teens needs to spread out. Please offer me some suggestions.

Need help in trip planning for Keys

The trip from either MIA to FLL is easily done in 1 day.

I think its a GREAT idea to take your time and really get to see the keys. There is SO much to see and do.

If it was me, I%26#39;d pick a spot in Islamorada for two nights. I%26#39;d try the Islander for rooms that get good reviews.

From Islamorada its an easy 30 minute drive to both Key largo and Marathon. You can use the Islander as your base camp for 4 nights rather than packing and unpacking, repacking (repeat).

Key west is a little tougher. How old are the kids, what is the budget, do you want to stay in Old Town, do you want a B%26amp;B,

Look at The Galleon. Its a GREAT property with a nice pool, close to the action.

Need help in trip planning for Keys

Thanks for your help. Picking a spot is hard in Key West. My son is 20 and he will stay in the same accomodations as my husband and myself. The other family is my brother and sister-in-law. Their daughter is about 18 and their son is 22. They require two separate bedrooms. Since I assume we will be spending plenty of time on the beaches going down, I am more interested in the Old Town area. As far as a budget, I am guessing the family requireing two bedrooms is more difficult. I think 400.00 per night for the two rooms is probably the goal. I would love to try a Bed and Breakfast. We have not ever done that before but I am somewhat hesitate.

After we get our flights and accomodation set, my next question will be fishing for my son and husband. I will probably tag along as well. They have fished in Hawaii and caught nothing so this time I figure we are more interested in quantity instead of size of fish. Thanks again.

Almond Tree Inn gets good reviews

I would re-think the 4 days getting to Key West thing... There is tons more then 3 days worth of stuff alone in Key West.... By all means, spend a day or even two in Largo and/or Marathon.... But I think to only do 3 in KW would be shorting yourselves... almost everyone wishes they had more time.

Also, if you%26#39;ve looked around the site you%26#39;ve scene plenty of great things to do. Also, sounds like the youngins who are with you aren%26#39;t seven year olds, so you won%26#39;t be too restricted on what you can do.

If you need help with a particular fishing charter or what not.. no problem. But i%26#39;ll tell you what I tell everyone, don%26#39;t make too many plans. KW is the ultimate ';go with the flow'; type destination. You%26#39;ll find 40 intriguing things to do on a 20 minute walk... even if it%26#39;s just sitting down and sipping a cocktail on the beach.

I have been thinking the same thing-that maybe we should travel for 3 days and spend 4 in Key West.

Hi to a fellow Arkansan! We%26#39;ve been regular visitors to Key West since the early 90s.

People are evenly divided about the trip through the keys. Some wouldn%26#39;t consider going to Key West without the drive from Miami. Others can%26#39;t wait to get to Key West and want to fly in. We%26#39;re in the second category.

For accommodations in Key West, I%26#39;d advise you to check out athomeinkeywest.com. We%26#39;ve never used that group but those who have think it%26#39;s wonderful!

Good luck, and welcome to Key West!

Rose Lane Villas are in the thick of old town and have several configurations including a 3 bedroom option: www.roselanevillas.com They may work for your group.

I think a condo would work for you much better. There are many to choose from.

tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals-g34345-Revie鈥?/a>

Oh yeah.. for what it%26#39;s worth as well, I would look into a condo in KW... Will be a much better value and a more relaxed atmosphere for you...

4 days is a good thought, personally, i%26#39;d do 5 and 2 at the minimal. Unless you plan on snorkeling a whole lot, and while i do like the other keys, you%26#39;ll have many of the same options in Key West and a million more.

But of course, to each their own and you%26#39;ll have a good time either way.

Once you get to Key West these are some suggestins for snorkling trips..

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g34345-c3631/Key-West鈥?/a>

There are simple morning or afternoon trips, and also a combinatin snorkel and sunset sail, as well as snorkel / kayak combinations. I think that any of these trips are worth the price of admission even if you don%26#39;t snorkel. The sail out to the reef and even just floating in the warm, blue water is worth it. Even the most expensive one.

And the least expensive way to do a littl fishing is a party boat such as the Tortuga IV...

http://www.tortugacharters.com/

hth

Pjk

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