nina

We're thinking of going to Miami, then Islamorada and Key West with our 2 sons (9 and 12) over March break. I found a good rate at Cheeca Lodge - for 5 nights. I am wondering if anyone can help me. Is 5 nights too long in Islamorada? Is there enough to do and see both at Cheeca and in the surrounding area? How far is Key West? Could we do a day trip there or is it better to spend the night? I'm hoping someone with a lot of knowledge in the area can help with some suggestions. Thank you in advance.

J T Kirk

I guess it depends on what you and your family want to do. Islamorada is very relaxing, but it is limited (compared to Key West) when it comes to restaurants, nightlife and shopping. I like Islamorada - it's perhaps the most gorgeous area of the Keys. And there are lots of great water activities to do there: Snorkeling at Pennecamp, renting a boat, deep sea fishing, etc. A day trip to Key West would break it up some, but I think you should spend at least one night in Key West. (I find the drive back from Key West at night to Islamorada to be LONG, although it's probably only about 90 minutes. Also, watch out for the Key Deer at night.) Have fun.

nina

Thanks JT. We don't shop on vacation, but would enjoy lots of outdoor activities and restaurants. Enough to occupy us for 5 days, in your opinion? No worries about the deer. Where I live, we're quite used to dealing with them as we're unfortunetely infested with the beasts (as a gardener, they drive me insane!).

susan

How much time will you spend? In my opinion, 5 nights is too much in Islamorada, but it depends on the total length of your stay. I think you and your sons would enjoy a couple of nights there, but I'd head on down to Key West after that. Islamorada has good water sports and snorkeling is superior in the upper keys. But in Key West, you'll have tourist activities (to interest both your sons and you) and lots of restaurants within close walking distance if you stay near the Gulf in Old Town.

Sue

If your kids like to snorkel and stuff, 5 days is ok. And a day trip to Key West is feasible. It's only an hour and a half and you can stop at Bahia Honda Park on the way down or back.

J T Kirk

I say stick with Islamorada, with maybe a day trip to Key West. You'll have fun!!

Pro

I agree, stick with Islamorado, five nights is not enough! You can go to Key West for a day with no problem if you are going by car. The Cheeca Lodge is a place for familes. Plenty of things to do in Islamorada besides snorkeling & scuba diving. Great reataurants like Islamorada Fish Company, Morado Bay, Lazy Days Oceanfront Bar & Grill, Lorelei's (MM82), Green Turtle Inn (MM81), Mile Marker 88 Restaurant, Bentley's (MM82.8), Suid Row (MM81.9) & Holiday Isle, Jet Ski's (MM84) for the kids. There is Bud & Mary's Glassbottom Boat (MM79.5), Lignumvitae Key State Park & Botanical Site (MM78.5), great shopping at Rain Barrel Artisians Village (MM86.7), Treasure Village & McKee Treasure Museum (MM86.7), Feed the Tarpons, Robbie's of Islamorada (Kids will luv that,(MM77.5), former site of Zane Gray Cottage (MM68), Theater of the sea (MM84.5), Islamorada Country Park (MM73), Long Key State Park (MM67.5) & Florida Keys Kayak & Sail.

Barbara

Nina - I'm thinking of stay at the Cheeca Lodge in June. What was the good rate that you were able to find and how did you find it. Thanks

nina

Thanks for the great responses, especially you Pro! The rate works out to about $200/night for a deluxe oceanfront room. It seems like a good deal for high season. I got it at an auction. If you go to cheeca.com you'll see they often have specials. Right now if you go before Dec. 20th the rate is $119! They have these frequently. I'm sure you'll be able to get a good rate in June. I also saw a rate of $ 159.00 for this past October on Hoteldiscount.com.

Celeste

Key deer are not your average deer. They are very special (and protected) because they're only about 24 inches tall at the shoulder! As a result, the death rate due to cars, dogs, and people is heartbreaking. There's nothing like going to Big Pine Key at dusk and having 10 or 15 deer surround your car and lick your fingers (since you are NOT allowed to feed them)