First trip to the Middle Keys
 

My husband and I are planning to spend a week in Feb in the Keys, first time there.
I have learned alot from messages and answers posted here (thank you!), but have some questions. Is there a reason to fly into Ft Lauderdale rather than Miami? We'll rent a car & try to avoid heavy traffic.
We aren't looking for nightlife, fishing, snorkeling,etc (you are wondering why are we going the the Keys?!!) We love the winter climate in Fl, and like to do metal detecting and shelling, walk on the beach, would do day trips to points of interest, go on a Glass Bottom boat ride (which one?).
Any suggestions for inexpensive (under $85?), clean, accommodations, waterfront, in the Middle Keys? Any other suggestions are welcome.

I can help with a little of this - typically, flying into Ft. Lauderdale is cheaper than Miami. It's only 25-30 miles north, but for some reason it seems to take much longer than that to get from airport to airport. There is a really good glass-bottom boat ride in Key Largo along with the African Queen ride (I think they still have that in operation). Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I'm sure somebody else will give you good info. If it matters, we bit the bullet for this December and paid more to fly into Miami to avoid the drive out of Ft. Lauderdale and around the city.

petey, you do realize that there is very little beach in the keys? Shelling and metal detecting could be a big disappointment. You will hear people say that Bahia Honda is a large beach but it is tiny in comparison to other Florida beaches.

That having been said, go and buy a copy of Joy Williams's The Florida Keys. Not only is it one of the best guidebooks I've ever read, but one of the most humorous.

Each of the keys have a different thing to offer that is different from the others. Instead of walking the beach, parts of old bridges are kept intact (old Flagler RR that was paved over for the highway) so you can walk out over the water.

There are some rare and unique species of wildlife and flora that you will only find in the keys. Take a pair of binoculars.

As far as dining, for the size of Key West, it has a disproportionately large amount of excellent restaurants.

The keys are certainly a treasure of the United States. I hope you see them for their specialness (and the people) and enjoy them.

There are no "beaches" in the traditional sense in the Keys.

The closest thing that you will find (and it's always on "Dr. Beach's" list) is the Bahia Honda State Park. An extemely nice area.

For glass-bottomed boats, go to John Pennekamp State park on the north side of Key Largo. You'll be able to go out over the reef in the boat.

Always fly into FLL when you're going into that area...as far as traffic stay off of US1 and take the Florida Turnpike around Miami to save time unless you'd like a "scenic" drive. US1 is more interesting, but much more crowded.

A good base in the Keys for what you're wanting to do is either Islamorada or Marathon. Do a web search and you'll find plenty of accomadations.

Since you're that far, you should also take a trip down to Key West.

I absolutely love the keys (particularly Key West) but I'm afraid you're going to be VERY disappointed if you go there for beaches, shelling and metal-detecting. The keys are coral, thus all the beaches there are man-made and most are tiny. Unless I'm mistaken, shelling isn't very good there either.

On the positive side, the weather will be beautiful, there should be lots of day trips available, and - depending on where you stay - a glass bottom boat ride should be relatively near.

IDEA #1: Have you considered flying into Key West? My niece did this when she and I were meeting in KW (I live 10 miles west of FLL airport.) It might be just as cheap to fly to EYW (Key West airport) and rent a car there, and take a nice, scenic drive up the keys.

IDEA #2: Fly into EYW, see the keys, and save a day or two and catch the boat that runs between Ft. Myers and Key West. From Ft. Myers, you could head over to Sanibel Island for great shelling. Then catch the boat back to Key West. I'm not sure if the boat between Ft. Myers and Key West lets you depart and return from Key West, but it's worth a shot.

IDEA #3: Fly to FLL, rent a car and drive to the Keys via the Turnpike (take I-595 west to I-75 South, then take the exit for the Turnpike/Key West, and follow the signs for the Keys.) Stay in the Keys as long as you want and return to FLL and stay near the beach for a day or so to do your metal detecting and walks on the beach. You might want to look at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea on El Mar Drive to be close to a nice, quiet area of the beach, if you want some peace and quiet.

I hope these ideas help you plan your vacation.

Just want to agree with the above posters- I love the Keys too but for what you are describing (walk on the beach metal detecting and shelling) they are not the place to go. You would be much better of on the west coast of Florida.

My husband & I go to the Fla. Keys, Islamorada, every year in the winter for about two weeks. We,too, are beach people but we go to the keys for the wonderful laid back atmosphere, friendly people and fun restaurants---not beaches. The place ,I think,you would want to go for shelling, metal detecting and walks on the beach would be Sanibel Island. The beaches are loaded with shells. We hope you still come to the Keys to experience the beautiful area but not to shell. Have fun planning.

I just wanted to reccomend Amelia Island (NE FL)for the the type of trip you're hoping for.

I'm guessing NE Florida in February will be a bit nippy for a beach vacation.

Regarding the boat that runs from Fort Myers into Key West, the boat is a catamaran style and rides on top of the water. If it is rough you are in for a very long 4 hour ride as this type boat does not handle rough seas well. I speak from pesonal experience. If you like shelling and beaches, your best bet would be Sanibel IMO.