No beaches of great quality in Keys but it can be a fun overnight or two... Miami is pricey and South Beach is the Glitz you seem to want to avoid...

I would stick to Lauderdale and get some input from the Family down there on their favorite beaches and resorts...

With a three year old, they won't remember where they were anyway...

forgot to add that weather can be iffy in late NOV... so stay as south as possible to increase your good weather chances...

Key West is very much a "lie by the pool" kind of place since there are few beaches as mentioned above.

Whatever "pace" is on your trip is obviously up to you. Frankly since you have a rental car and given what you say you want to avoid you might consider going over to the gulf coast around Naples/Sanibel where things are a LOT slower and there's a lot less "glitz."

Hollywood Beach might be fun for the family

I agree about Hollywood...fun and laid back.

Here's a link:

http://www.visithollywoodfl.org/hollywoodbeachbroadwalk.aspx

Thanks very much for all the helpful tips. Checking out Hollywood Beach now and crossing out Key West.
Any more suggestions on where to eat, where to stay and what to do in the area? I will do research too but always appreciate great insight from folks on this board. Thank you. flatfeet2

I would choose Fort Lauderdale lovely beach, fun water channels with a great water taxi that takes you to nice water restaurants etc
Good hotels by the ocean, some plays going on always, Fort Lauderdale is very pleasant goodlaces to eat in las splash. give it a try.