Barblab

My husband and I (early 60's) will be spending 3 nights in Key West in early June. We check out on a Thursday and and plan to do the Anhinga Trail in Everglades NP on Friday. I am thinking it would be fun to kayak in the mangroves and or snorkel, maybe visit a small museum or historical site or two and then stay on one of the more quiet Keys. I have researched and found the state parks, and lots of suggested stops for those with more time, but I wanted to ask the Keys experts and or recent visitors "if you only had one day between Key West and Florida City where would you spend it?" Not interested in stopping lots and making it a hectic day, more interested in just a couple fun stops.

We are both very active, enjoy quirky museums, historical sites and stunning views. We are not interested in shopping, crowds, resorts or expensive restaurants. For the over night stop, beachfront would be a plus as would a good local restaurant.

Thanks for your input!

starrs

This is not a fancy place but it sounds like it would be perfect for you -
http://www.whitegatecourt.com/

We used to spend a week there every year. They have a tiny beach and it's perfect for kayaking and catching glimpses of manatees. The good snorkeling is up the road at Pennekamp state park. Do you have kayaks with you? We used to go out with Capt. Anne Baxter, a retired ranger, for boat trips in the bay and she's take me out to snorkel in the Atlantic but it's not as good as snorkeling as Pennekamp.

My favorite place to eat nearby was at the Zane Gray Lounge on the second floor of the World Wide Sports store. Amazing sunset view and great food, especially their coconut shrimp and smoked fish spread.

starrs

http://restaurants.basspro.com/ZaneG.../OurStory.aspx

It looks like Capt. Anne is no longer doing the tours but here's the website -
http://easyadventures.net/charter-types/snorkeling-2/

stumpworks73

Mid-keys snorkeling is also popular at Bahia Honda State Park.

Kayaks can be rented at Robbies on the western tip of the bridge from Islamorada. Robbies is also not a fancy place.

Barblab

Thanks for the suggestions, they look great!!!