ilanaiguana

I am looking into a brief trip to the keys (probably just 2-3 days) after a wedding in St. Augustine the first week of November. I'd probably be there mon-weds. I don't travel solo much and have never been there before. I am interested in snorkeling and relaxing, and maybe going to a couple of bars where I won't get mauled. (I am a 30 yr old woman.) Maybe a little entertainment and/or shopping. I'd love to get some ideas from everyone out there!

SusanCS

Wow! You are looking at a LONG trip if you're planning on driving down. According to mapquest (which I realize isn't particularly reliable), the trip from St. Augustine to Miami is 5 hours. You'd probably want to go down at least as far as Key Largo/Islamorada and that's an additional two hours. If you want to get to Key West (which is best for bars and nightlife), you'd need to go an additional 2 hours.

ilanaiguana

I will probably fly into miami and take a shuttle from the airport. Someone here mentioned that the shuttle goes to Key Largo and Islamorada for $35. With just 2 days or so, should I even bother heading to key west? and if so, is it easy to get a shuttle or bus there? I am also not looking to spend a lot of $. Around $60 a night for accomodations. a friend of mine mentioned hostels, anyone know about them?

otownrob

$60 a night????...in the Keys???? as they say in Miami...buena suerte (good luck). i'm sure you might find something for that price. but beware.there are some pretty sleazy motels down there...with good looking web-sites. i've stayed at banana bay (marathon) serveral times but it's way beyond $60 per.

SusanCS

Oops! I think you'd best forget the keys. For $60 a night you won't get anything decent. I don't know of any hostels in the upper or middle keys, but the one in Key West doesn't have a good reputation.

suze

You could get a campsite on Marathon Key. There's a decent (national?) park there. Definitely don't try to do Key West for $60/night.

ilanaiguana

OK thanks folks. so far the only place I found with $60 room is the Pelican on Key Largo (used to be hungry pelican). Anyone stayed there? they have many more expensive rooms and it seems like a cool place.
Regardless of $$ (I can pay more, but would prefer not to), any tips on what to do, where to eat, can I get around w/o a car? specific ideas for solo women travelers?
thanks!

suze

I travel solo often, most of the time in fact, but the Florida Keys just isn't a place I'd really recommend for that. Especially without a car to get around.

suze

Also, as a female, I kinda doubt you have to worry about getting mauled in bars in Key West(!)

No_name

I think you will need a car to get around in the upper keys. Key West is about the only Key that is walk friendly. If you really do not want to have a car, spend the extra money and stay at one of the larger resorts with more to do on site. $60 a day in the Keys would scare me. I can't even imagine what you would be getting.