Miami vs. Key West in January for Vacation?

[Hugh R]

Wifey and I are using up some frequent flier miles in January to fly to Miami from So Cal. I've spent a little time in Key West for work; lots of $$ restaurants and jewelry/art stores. Here is the question:

We'll be there a week, should I spend more time in Miami or Key West, and why? What to see and do in either place. Its about a 3-1/2 hour drive down to the Keys (only about 160 miles so I gather the speed limit is low) Any suggestions along the way in a rental car?

Thanks, appreciate any input above and beyond what I can get from the AAA travel book. No hotels or anything booked yet except the flights.

[AFC-911]

I like them both for different reasons. South Beach for the nightlife & the architecture. Key West for its laid back lifestyle.

Also, if you like snorkeling/diving/kayaking, I'd suggest a stop in Key Largo. There's the Pennekamp State park.

Either way, you've got plenty of sandy beaches if you want to do absolutely nothing & just relax.

BTW, it's about a 4 or 5 hour drive from Miami depending on traffic.

[BRPORSCHE]

Hmmm I like the Keys. Key west is nice for Duvel street, but I just don't know how quickly I would grow tierd of it. Bahia honda is nice right before the 7 mile bridge heading North. Nice state park that you could do some snorkeling in. Also Pennekamp is nice. A much larger park since it's located on Key Largo.

I would think Miami you would be more centrally located to say the everglades and miami is a much larger city to explore compared to key west.

Breakdown:
Miami----- fun/hustle and bustle
Key West----laid back

[Porsche-O-Phile]

If you go to Key West, go hang out at the Schooner Wharf Bar and catch an afternoon performance by Michael McCloud. Nothing like sitting back out there and just soaking it all in. One of the most enjoyable moments I can remember.

A good friend of mine lives down there and works sometimes the Magic Bar (a little corner of the Schooner Wharf). Worth checking out - he's a talented guy and puts on a pretty good show (Frank Everhart is a good guy too).

KW is one of my favorite places on earth. I don't know if I could live there simply because of all the "alternative lifestyle" crap that seems to be trying to push out everything else these days but if you can look past that, it's really a kickass place to hang out and relax. A world unto itself free of the grind of day-to-day.

[VINMAN]

I can completely echo Jeffs post! The Schooner Wharf rules! Also the Green Parrot.

Ive been to KW every year since I graduated HS in '82. Being a huge Parrothead I had to go on a Jimmy Buffett pilgrimage. I go down at least once a year. There is no place I like better. My only complaint is the fact that it has become way too commercialized and "touristy". It used to be dirt cheap to go there. Now it has become pretty pricey.
I was a signature away from buying a place down there a bunch of yrs ago. I still kick myself in the butt for not doing it. It was a fixer-upper but would have been worth it. The value of the place went up about 1200%

I head down every November for the powerboat races ( World Championships).

[dad911]

Miami - Nice beach, but most nitelife doesn't start until very late, and is very formal.

KW - beaches are not the best in the world, but the bars start with live music at noon, very laid back and casual atmosphere & attire. Some good hangouts off of Duval also, Finnigan's wake Irish Pub, a few cuban restaurants (el Mason de Pepe & El Siboney) and there are some good restaurants on Simonton (Abondazza - Italian, Duffy's steakhouse)

[Roosterrusek]

Bonefishing...for that matter any kind of fishing.

[chuckr]

Old Town Key West Hotel Resorts & Florida Keys Beachfront Lodging - The Reach Resort, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection
Love Key West !
I always stay here, best beach on the island !
It is off the beaten path...other side of the island from all the touristy stuff,Mallory Square,ect..
big pool, nice rooms.

[rammstein]

If you like snorkeling book an outing at Pennekamp State Park on your drive to Key West. As you drive, roll down the windows and listen- you can hear the snapping sound that the power lines make the whole way down. I thought that was interesting and distressing at the same time.

My wife and I stayed at a bed and breakfast down there... I'll have to ask her what it was if you're interested. It was small, quiet, and had a decent free breakfast in the morning. Plus, they let us bring our dog, which made it really cool. Got some great pictures of us at the bars with our dog.

Let us know what kind of stuff you'd like to see in Miami and I can recommend some things. If the wife is into museums, the erotic art museum in South Beach is worthwhile. Get this- they have the big penis sculpture from Clockwork Orange! That alone is worth the price!

If you do up South Beach, avoid eating anywhere on Ocean Drive- the food will be nasty. Lincoln Road has better choices, as does Espanola Way. Just be ready for crappy service everywhere. Sushi Samba on Lincoln Road is tasty. If you are going for good cuban food, SW8th street is the obvious choice- Versailles or La Casita are good.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by rammstein

If you like snorkeling book an outing at Pennekamp State Park on your drive to Key West. As you drive, roll down the windows and listen- you can hear the snapping sound that the power lines make the whole way down. I thought that was interesting and distressing at the same time.
.

Yeah thats pretty wild. The one hotel I stay at in KW ,you can hear the lines buzzin outside.

[javadog]

Avoid any hotel in South Beach, you'll never get any sleep. Miami Beach has some nice quiet hotels. I think the food is better in Miami; there are more upscale restauarants there. Key West is nice for a couple days; I can't see spending much more time there. I'm not overly impresssed with their restaurants. Too casual, made for tourists. Yes, the drive down there from Miami is slow. You can fly, if you want. I rented a Seadoo and made a lap of the island, which was interesting. Beaches are no big deal, either place.

I'd suggest running up the coast to Palm Beach. Lot's of money up there and the wife will enjoy the shopping. There are some good deals to be had on "used" women's clothing, purses, etc. The rich women apparently wear something once, or not at all, then send it off to the stores to be re-sold.

JR

[VINMAN]

The secret to KW ( or anywhere in the Keys) is to get away from the tourist areas. Do some exploring off the beaten path and you can find awesome "unknown" restaurants.

[kaisen]

Miami's South Beach is for the 20-30 year olds who want to flaunt material wealth
Key West is for the 40-60 year olds who want to blend in and relax

Both are fun for a few days

I recommend the Loews South Beach Hotel and book a room on a higher floor, that way you won't hear the non-stop party

[monoflo]

Sort of a no lose proposition,

Do a coupla days on South Beach --art deco and the beautiful people.

then do the drive to KW - about four hours but you will like the largo and south portion of the drive.

Lots of cool places on the way down -with the aforementioned snorkeling and such in Key Largo - Fishing in Islemorada - if you fish get a back country charter- Hungry Tarpon a good spot to grab a snack and actually feed some Tarpon- Lots of cool bars on the way down, as well as some nice beaches.

Get off Duval Street when in Key West -lots of cool old houses and back street joints -grab a breakfast at Blue Heaven- watch the Roosters- get out to Sunset Key for dinner on the Beach - your significant other will thank you and the shuttle out is free.

Have fun

flo

[Hugh R]

Thanks for all the suggestions. What I'm reading kind of confirms that I may want to spend more time near Miami than KW. Keep them coming!

[Bamberg96]

Don't forget Naples, just the other side and a nice change - upscale. My wife and I do this in the summer when the rates drop. Its only an hour and a half drive from our home in Boca Raton. Its relaxed with more midwestern visitors vs NJ and NY snowbirds. A night at the The Rod and Gun Club Hotel in Everglades City is another idea but it is really in the middle of no where.

[imcarthur]

We did Greater Miami & Naples for a workation last winter - unfortunately during a cold week.

IMHO . . . . SoBe is nice to visit but I wouldn't want to stay there unless you count yourself as one of the 'pretty people'. In January, only the tourists brave the beach. Some good restaurants & glittery (and expensive) hotels.

I did find an interesting place to stay in South Miami - Coconut Grove specifically - at the Grove Isle Hotel. Decent digs & not obscene prices - a nice quiet oasis on a private island (with a bunch of condos). Give the restaurant a pass except for breakfast but there are lots of options a taxi ride away.

From the plane:



It's the low building in front of the 3 condos.

Ian

[strupgolf]

Hugh, if you can fly into Tampa/Ft Myers area I think you can have as much fun and a bit easier time. Miami beach is so trendy-upscale and fine if you're 21. Key West is nice, but the drive down is better. The west coast is so much nicer IMO. Have fun. I'm looking at coming out to LA next February, maybe see you.

[Hugh R]

Thanks, for more suggestions. I've already booked the FF tickets to Miami. Come out to LA, and I'll give you back your engine block electric dipstick!!

[ramonesfreak]

love south beach and i love key west. i could live in either place. but if i didnt love to drink and to fish, im not sure i would ever want to spend time in either place. they keys are all about fishing, snorkeling, drinking, cigars and fishing. not much else to do. i loved the architecture in south beach as well as the topless ladies on the beach there. i have stayed in both locations, in nice hotels and rented houses and once spent a week living out of a rented van. never had a bad time down there