Key West-Florida Keys

[hhackma]

Can anyone recommend a good place to spend a relaxing vacation in Key West or surrounding area? Is the drive down from Miami worth doing or just fly into Key West? Have an anniversary coming up next year and want to start getting some ideas. Pictures if you have them. Thanks.

[Hugh R]

The Southern Most Hotel, I believe. The drive is very nice.

[seanratpel]

You'll want to drive from Miami, half the fun is getting there and checking out the view from the Overseas Highway. Lodging depends on how close to the action (Noise) you wanna' be. If you want to be right in the middle of everything try the Lah Di Dah hotel. This place is great, friendly staff, pool, rest/bar on premises or try the Southernmost House (diff. place from the Southern Most Hotel) which is on the far end of duval street, absolutely beautiful place. One more thing, if u go down try the sunset party/dinner cruise, only like 40 bucks and it was a blast!! good luck

[VincentVega]

What time of year are you travelling? I've been interested in getting down there and appreciate any info.

[hhackma]

We're planning on Sept or October. Should not be as hot by then.

[seanratpel]

Not hot then. RAINY

[Eric 951]

I have been going to the Keys for the past dozen years. I usually stay on Summerland, but have been throughout the upper Keys and have spent plenty of time in KW proper. A few questions before making any reccomendations

1. Are you staying in KW proper or are you looking at mid-upper Keys?
2. Will you have a rental car for the duration of your stay?
3. How long are you going to be there?
4. What types of activites do you and the wife like--partying, laid back, historical, fishing/wildlife?

Lots of options.


Some pics:

[Eric 951]

Few more:

[HardDrive]

We go to Big Pine Key every winter. Need more info about your travel style.

[Eric 951]

and a couple more--sorry I just really like the Keys

[dad911]

I just got back. We have a condo at the end of smathers beach.

If you go in October, plan for or around Fantasy Fest. You will either love it or hate it, it transforms the whole town.

[hhackma]

ERIC 951 we will have a rental car, the specific area is up for debate and we really want a quiet relaxing time. If we have to drive into KW for some action or music,that would be fine. If Sept and Oct are know for rain,maybe we should look at other times???

[L8Brakr]

If you decide to stay in Key West, I would recommend staying away from the larger hotels and select a Bed & Breakfast instead. There are a number of great old properties that have been converted.

Two that I have stayed at and recommend are the "Curry Mansion", and the "Island City House".

If you want to stay further up in the keys, a rental house is also an option in lieu of a hotel. Try VRBO to get you started. Islamorada is a good compromise between all out Key West and the quiet areas like Big Pine Key.

Everyone should visit the keys at least once!

[Eric 951]

Originally Posted by hhackma

ERIC 951 we will have a rental car, the specific area is up for debate and we really want a quiet relaxing time. If we have to drive into KW for some action or music,that would be fine. If Sept and Oct are know for rain,maybe we should look at other times???

If you want quiet and relaxing, Fantasy Fest wouldn't be the best time.
KW proper has some options--I have been told that Truman Annex is more laid abck than other areas of KW--dad911 may be able to provide more info on some other spots, but you will want to stay away from anything near Duval. It can get rowdy, and when the cruise ships dock at Mallory square, it can get crowded.

You may want to look into the mid-upper Keys. Summerland/Big Pine are more relaxed, but within easy drive distance to KW. And Bahia Honda State Park (with its beach) is close.

Of course, there is Sunset Key cottages, private island off Mallory Square, operated by the Marriott--nice, but very $$$$--you have to take a ferry (around the clock service) to the island, but it is a short trip (10 min). It also has a "real" beach. Most of the Keys and KW don't.

[nota]

Originally Posted by hhackma

We're planning on Sept or October. Should not be as hot by then.

high hurricane season

[widgeon13]

KW may as well be another planet, great place. Have fun

[Dan J]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

The Southern Most Hotel, I believe. The drive is very nice.

+1 You can't miss with the Southernmost

[HardDrive]

Its a bit rustic, but such a wonderful spot. Inside the national key deer reserve. They wander the campground. Full grown bucks the size of a german shepard.

Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge (Florida Keys) - Campground Reviews - TripAdvisor

[HardDrive]

My daughter with a little friend.

[911dean]

Another vote for The Sothernmost. Stayed at Southernmost on the beach last fall. The wife and I really enjoyed our stay.