One day at the beach is enough??? I'm guessing he went to Key West so he could relax and enjoy a lot of beach time.Take your time getting there (beach day in Marathon) then see if you can bail a day early. One day and two nights there is plenty. Leave early and tour the Glades Wednesday, Ft Lauderdale at night then kick it at the beach Thursday til you fly out.
Good luck getting the misses to agree though.
There aren't actual beaches in Key West.One day at the beach is enough??? I'm guessing he went to Key West so he could relax and enjoy a lot of beach time.Take your time getting there (beach day in Marathon) then see if you can bail a day early. One day and two nights there is plenty. Leave early and tour the Glades Wednesday, Ft Lauderdale at night then kick it at the beach Thursday til you fly out.
Good luck getting the misses to agree though.
I stand corrected then. I assume this Marathon Beach is close? How come Google Images has so many beach pictures for Key West?There aren't actual beaches in Key West.Ocean Key's pier is where our wedding reception was held.One day at the beach is enough??? I'm guessing he went to Key West so he could relax and enjoy a lot of beach time.Take your time getting there (beach day in Marathon) then see if you can bail a day early. One day and two nights there is plenty. Leave early and tour the Glades Wednesday, Ft Lauderdale at night then kick it at the beach Thursday til you fly out.
Good luck getting the misses to agree though.
I could be wrong, but I think 99% of the beaches there are privately owned.I stand corrected then. I assume this Marathon Beach is close? How come Google Images has so many beach pictures for Key West?There aren't actual beaches in Key West.Ocean Key's pier is where our wedding reception was held.One day at the beach is enough??? I'm guessing he went to Key West so he could relax and enjoy a lot of beach time.Take your time getting there (beach day in Marathon) then see if you can bail a day early. One day and two nights there is plenty. Leave early and tour the Glades Wednesday, Ft Lauderdale at night then kick it at the beach Thursday til you fly out.
Good luck getting the misses to agree though.
Marathon is on the other side of the 7 mile bridge. It's probably 45 minutes to an hour from Key West. Bahia Honda State Park is on Big Pine Key (a little bit before you get to 7 mile bridge) and where I'd recommend going for a day of chillin' on the beach.I stand corrected then. I assume this Marathon Beach is close? How come Google Images has so many beach pictures for Key West?There aren't actual beaches in Key West.Ocean Key's pier is where our wedding reception was held.One day at the beach is enough??? I'm guessing he went to Key West so he could relax and enjoy a lot of beach time.Take your time getting there (beach day in Marathon) then see if you can bail a day early. One day and two nights there is plenty. Leave early and tour the Glades Wednesday, Ft Lauderdale at night then kick it at the beach Thursday til you fly out.
Good luck getting the misses to agree though.
there are some beaches, just not that great... Smathers beach is the largest - we like snorkeling off of the beach at Fort Zachary.. best 'real' beach nearby is Bahia HondaI stand corrected then. I assume this Marathon Beach is close? How come Google Images has so many beach pictures for Key West?There aren't actual beaches in Key West.Ocean Key's pier is where our wedding reception was held.One day at the beach is enough??? I'm guessing he went to Key West so he could relax and enjoy a lot of beach time.Take your time getting there (beach day in Marathon) then see if you can bail a day early. One day and two nights there is plenty. Leave early and tour the Glades Wednesday, Ft Lauderdale at night then kick it at the beach Thursday til you fly out.
Good luck getting the misses to agree though.
If you're ever there again and want Cuban food, this is the only place to go.Just left yesterday after a 3 day trip. It was great. Would go back again. Stayed at the Casa Marina, and rented bikes to get around
Restaurants
Louie's Backyard - get reservations for outdoor seating. Heavy food...we ordered too much...but it was pretty good
Blue Heaven - funky little breakfast place...was very cool. Likely will be a wait
El Meson de Pepe - great little Cuban restaurant - https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=El+Meson+de+Pepe+Key+West,+FL&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDQz8Hm5SIoZGBuYmpmYWxmYWFmZmFqbmpsYkSVlEvweTSpMQ8haLU4pLE0qLEvJLiII7s1EqFcqBAlBSMpYCh6hCjqkGFhUWKYZKhsUliiqWpkbG5uZVBhXFacmqqpVGaubmJmXGSaWppTPqOy5d2nxA_svuDoWOH_aan_48AAJeuppqsAAAA&rlst=n
Goldman's bagels - I'm a huge bagel guy and we don't get good ones in New Orleans, so we went here...it had great breakfast, although it was in a strip mall
Activities
I enjoyed just riding bikes around and checking out the place
Danger Sunset Wine and Cheese Sail - $80/person, but it was worth it...a really cool 2 hours
Just walk up and down Duvall and find the place you like
Yeah, I don't get the love for that place. La Concha, which is in the middle of everything, was just as nice.I was actually unimpressed with the Casa Marina Waldorf....would've preffered to stay in a nice bed and breakfast
I had hilton points, so wasn't a huge deal...but I really enjoyed the trip, so when i go back i'll stay somewhere else.Yeah, I don't get the love for that place. La Concha, which is in the middle of everything, was just as nice.I was actually unimpressed with the Casa Marina Waldorf....would've preffered to stay in a nice bed and breakfast
only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
Good to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
You're closer to Cuba than you are Walmart in Key WestI had hilton points, so wasn't a huge deal...but I really enjoyed the trip, so when i go back i'll stay somewhere else.Yeah, I don't get the love for that place. La Concha, which is in the middle of everything, was just as nice.I was actually unimpressed with the Casa Marina Waldorf....would've preffered to stay in a nice bed and breakfast
Really felt like I was in another country
If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
This. I love the off the beaten path parts of the Keys. There are things I really like about Key West, but it's my least favorite part of the Keys aside from good food. Islamorada and Marathon are more my pace.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
Probably worth a thread on its own, but start with Gulf Shores, Alabama and go east until Panama City and the beaches are pretty great...pick the location depending upon your origin location, budget, vacation desire, etc.This. I love the off the beaten path parts of the Keys. There are things I really like about Key West, but it's my least favorite part of the Keys aside from good food. Islamorada and Marathon are more my pace.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
Gulf coast beaches are very nice and there are an abundance of them to choose from.
I was kind thinking an island or key west but this changes things if Key West doesn't have beaches.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
You can venture out to Little Palm Island in the KeysI was kind thinking an island or key west but this changes things if Key West doesn't have beaches.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
I have not but I've talked to plenty of folks who have and they've all loved it (particularly the snorkeling). It's a couple hour boat trip out of the Keys.Anyone ever been to the Dry Tortougas (sp?)?
You can also go by sea plane. WIth two little ones (7 and 3) that'd be a loooooooooooooooooong day by boat. Just wondering if it's worth it. I think it'd be cool, just me and the wife. Not sure I want to drag the kids out there though.I have not but I've talked to plenty of folks who have and they've all loved it (particularly the snorkeling). It's a couple hour boat trip out of the Keys.Anyone ever been to the Dry Tortougas (sp?)?
This is great advice. There are tons and tons of great spots to stop and experience on your way into Key West. And the backcountry is really beautiful and you're likely to see turtles and dolphins.I'd recommend getting off the beaten path a little on the way to Key West:
Stop at the Hungry Tarpon at Robbie's Marina in Islamorada and eat a grouper sandwich outside on the patio. Then go hand feed the giant tarpon off of the dock.
As mentioned above, if you want to go to some incredible beaches, Bahia Honda state park is a great spot.
Stop at the 7 Mile Grill in Marathon and sit at the counter to have some Key Lime Pie, or conch chowder or one of their Greek dishes.
I didn't find Key West itself all that amazing. It was cool and I enjoyed it, but I like the upper Keys better.
One thing that we did in Key West that we really enjoyed was a jetski tour of the island. We had a great experience with Hydro Thunder. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I would recommend renting a separate water craft for each person, because being on back for the rough sections SUCKED. Also, if available, I would want a tour that focused on the "backcountry" (the super shallow water areas all around the little keys and sandbars) rather than just went all the way around the island.
Absolutely. Driving the Keys Highway was one of the largest contributors to me embracing the idea of part-time retirement in Florida, despite having made fun of the state (and rightfully so, I might add) for years.This is great advice. There are tons and tons of great spots to stop and experience on your way into Key West. And the backcountry is really beautiful and you're likely to see turtles and dolphins.I'd recommend getting off the beaten path a little on the way to Key West:
Stop at the Hungry Tarpon at Robbie's Marina in Islamorada and eat a grouper sandwich outside on the patio. Then go hand feed the giant tarpon off of the dock.
As mentioned above, if you want to go to some incredible beaches, Bahia Honda state park is a great spot.
Stop at the 7 Mile Grill in Marathon and sit at the counter to have some Key Lime Pie, or conch chowder or one of their Greek dishes.
I didn't find Key West itself all that amazing. It was cool and I enjoyed it, but I like the upper Keys better.
One thing that we did in Key West that we really enjoyed was a jetski tour of the island. We had a great experience with Hydro Thunder. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I would recommend renting a separate water craft for each person, because being on back for the rough sections SUCKED. Also, if available, I would want a tour that focused on the "backcountry" (the super shallow water areas all around the little keys and sandbars) rather than just went all the way around the island.
Lobster Benedict with a Bloody at Blue Heaven is as good as breakfast gets.
Yes I have been there. You can take the day ferry out there (I think there are two ferries that make regular trips) or you can camp out there. From memory it was a 2 night maximum. My wife and I spent the maximum number of nights out there. Probably one of the coolest camping trips we have done. Then again, we camped down all the Keys, and this was just one of the stops, but one of the more memorable vacations we have done.Anyone ever been to the Dry Tortougas (sp?)?
It has beaches, just not the best beaches. You can go to Smathers Beach and be just fine. If you want the best beaches around, skip the Keys altogether and go to Siesta Key (Sarasota.) Best sand in the world (I've been to basically every island in the Caribbean, Hawaii, etc.) So white it's cool even on a 110 degree day.I was kind thinking an island or key west but this changes things if Key West doesn't have beaches.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
WowIt has beaches, just not the best beaches. You can go to Smathers Beach and be just fine. If you want the best beaches around, skip the Keys altogether and go to Siesta Key (Sarasota.) Best sand in the world (I've been to basically every island in the Caribbean, Hawaii, etc.) So white it's cool even on a 110 degree day.I was kind thinking an island or key west but this changes things if Key West doesn't have beaches.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
Key West has beautiful blue water for swimming/snorkeling and a different kind of nightlife than you're going to find anywhere else. Miami has better beaches than Key West and great nightlife too - if that's your scene. It all depends what you want.
Key West is like being in the Caribbean, only you can drive to it. ENTIRELY different than the gulf coast, Miami, etc. Upper Keys are super laid back, very quiet, great fishing, scenery, etc. Key West is a party, every night. Not the "see and be seen," $14 beers, big-pimping Miami nightlife that I despise. Just a bunch of people having a really good time. Cops don't give a #### what you do, just don't fight or cause a disturbance and you can pretty much do anything. I've seen joints rolled on the hood of a cop car, people boning street-side, etc.WowIt has beaches, just not the best beaches. You can go to Smathers Beach and be just fine. If you want the best beaches around, skip the Keys altogether and go to Siesta Key (Sarasota.) Best sand in the world (I've been to basically every island in the Caribbean, Hawaii, etc.) So white it's cool even on a 110 degree day.I was kind thinking an island or key west but this changes things if Key West doesn't have beaches.If you want nice beaches, you should consider the florida gulf coastGood to know.only a few places have beaches, and the water has tons of seaweed. More of a pool/eat/drink/relax type place IMOInteresting.
So if you want to go to beach atmosphere key west is not a good destination?
I was thinking of a Key West trip at some point and just assumed it was littered with nice beaches.
Key West has beautiful blue water for swimming/snorkeling and a different kind of nightlife than you're going to find anywhere else. Miami has better beaches than Key West and great nightlife too - if that's your scene. It all depends what you want.
that does look awesome.
Thanks
Only downside is I have family not too far from tampa who will be bugging me to come over their place.
Will have to make this a non facebook vacation if we go.
This thread has been informative, not that I still wouldn't want to see key west but at least i would know what to expect.
That's what I was thinking. I went there a few years ago & loved it. The 9.30am frozen margarita seems like part of the uniform.i think i'm going for the drinking....
Second this. I'm usually a grumpy old man when it comes to nightlife but KW had heaps of cool, laid back bars with good live music. We just walked around stopping at one place after another for an hour or two.Key West is like being in the Caribbean, only you can drive to it. ENTIRELY different than the gulf coast, Miami, etc. Upper Keys are super laid back, very quiet, great fishing, scenery, etc. Key West is a party, every night. Not the "see and be seen," $14 beers, big-pimping Miami nightlife that I despise. Just a bunch of people having a really good time.
We usually end up at the Green Parrot for the live band.been to KW many times - best stops (for us)
Captain Tony's
Green Parrot
Chart Room
Schooner Wharf
Raw Bar at Turtle Krawls (only longboard in town!)
Garden of Eden rooftop bar (clothing optional)
Afterdeck at Louie's Backyard (great for day drinking)