I will be in FL for business 3rd wk of April, adding on a 4 day weekend w/ husband at end (FRI-MON) Trying to decide if we should stay in Ft. Lauderdale or continue onto the Keys. We are looking for good diving, at least one if not two trips, great food, and a little R&R. I've alwyas wanted to see the Everglades as well. So far onsiderations are Ft. Lauderdale, Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank you!

It would be a bit of a pain to drive, but the keys are way more fun than FL. My husband is a diver and has dived around FL and the Caribbean islands and FL is a big disappointment comparatively. He only gets a chance to dive once a year, and FL isn't really worth it for him. I guess the keys aren't just a place to drive through on the way to Key West anymore. They each have their own things to see and do. I did the drive once, and it was fun and adventurous. The bridges between each key are very cool!

The Keys. I would dive Pennekamp on Key Largo and then drive down to Marathon and dive with Hall's Dive Shop.

The keys are a VERY long drive from Ft Lauderdale. You won't have a lot of time if you want to stop anywhere. I would find something enjoyable to do in the Ft Lauderdale or Miami area to pass the time.

I'd suggest the best diving is around Largo -- and Pennekamp state park. You could go down there and spend the day doing doing some diving and maybe spend two night, then leave early in the morning and spend much of the day at the eastern end of Everglades -- including Shark Valley-- if you want on your way back to Ft. Lauderdale.

Or visit the Everglades on your way south getting to Largo in the evening. Spend the next day diving and then go on down to Islamarada for two nights, before returning to Ft. Lauderdale.

NeoPatrick
I am intrigued by your second suggestion, and have considered this very itinerary! Do you (or anyone) have any suggestions for where to stay and eat in Largo, and Islamarada? I've searched a little on this site, but I'm not finding many recommendations.

Morada Bay in Islamorada is a great place to eat, with a beautiful waterfront location. We will drive down for the day just to spend a leisurely lunch there. Immediately next door is Pierre's, much fancier, but the same location. Last time we stopped at Lorelei, just down the street from Morada Bay and ate also right on the water. They are all such great places to hang out and watch the water and have a beer. They are what the Keys are about

The only time I've stayed in that area was to get my Scuba certification in Largo -- and we stayed at the Marriott, which I think has been redone since then. The Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada is a wonderful place -- what's your budget?

Trying to stay under $300/night, but it seems that will be difficult for this time of year! Do you know anything about the Hampton in Islamarada? I have seen pretty good comments, but a few bad too.

Since you are so close I urge you to visit the Everglades. We find the Anhenga Trail (near the Homestead entrance) very interesting - especially great just before sunset.

Islamorada has several places to stay and some very nice places to eat. Check tripadvisor.com. It is from here on to the south/west that the 'island' feeling begins.

We'll be staying at Dove Creek Lodge in Key Largo in April. It's only 2 yrs old and the reviews are very good.

Casa Morada is wonderful and very relaxing. www.casamorada.com Excellent service! Complimentary breakfast, kayaks, bikes, morning yoga class, bottled water and snack basket in room on arrival.

We have stayed there twice and will definitely go again. May be a bit over your budget, but so much nicer than Hampton Inn. That said, the Hampton Inn common areas are nice-big pool, tiki bar. Rooms are basic motel rooms.

Thank you to all for all the suggestions! My tentative plan is to stop in the Everglades on way down from FL, Anhinga Trail specifically, then stay one night in Key Largo, dive @ Pennekamp, then two nights in Islamorada. My only issue w/ this plan is that Hampton Inn is the only hotel available in Islamorada for two nights (wanted Cheeca, Casa Morada, something a little nicer). In Key Largo, however, there is still a great variety of nice looking places w/ availability. So long way to my question is - is it worth it just to stay in Key Largo and 'commute' to Islamorada for suggested restaurants, or just suck it up and do Hampton and enjoy being on Islamorada? Again, my plan after the the diving is relaxing, drinking overpriced fruity drinks and eating good food.

I am partial to Islamorada, so my vote would be to stay at the Hampton. If you are planning to hang out at the places in Islamorada, most of the places mentioned are only a few miles down the road from the hotel. I second everything amcc recommended. I would also add Lazy Days which is practically right next door to the Hampton. Some of the best fish sandwiches we have ever had. Zane Grey Lounge is nice for happy hour/sunset. If you are looking for a bit more of a local scene, try Island Grill or Hog Heaven. Both are fun and reasonably priced.

My vote is to stay at Dove Creek Lodge if that fits your budget. It's an easy drive from there to Islamorad for restaurants. Plus you'll want to spend one meal right on campus at the Turtle Club Bar in the back of Snappers. It shares a campus with Dove Creek. Very local, very relaxing.
There is a very nice lounge at DCL so even if you take the smallest room, you'll be able to spread out a bit.

KeyMom, thanks for the tip about eating at Turtle Club Bar. We'll be staying at Dove Creek Lodge, and I haven't seen good recent reviews about Snappers. What dishes do you like at Turtle Club, and is it less expensive than Snappers?