MB

My husband and I would like to go to the Florida Keys the 2nd week of March for our anniversary. We are definitely planning on staying several nights (3?) in Key West and probably a couple more in Key Largo (for the snorkeling and to see the Everglades). I have several questions:

1) Given the Spring Break season should we move our trip up to February to avoid the Key West spring break scene?

2) Does a 5-night stay with 3 nights in Key West and 2 in Key Largo sound about right for first time visitors?

I am going to just bid for hotels on Priceline so I don't need advice on that, but I would love advice on things to do, what not to miss, etc. We love doing outdoors activities and exploring on our own.

Thanks so much for any advice!

lili

hello
1.while key west is not a high volume spring break destination compared to ft. luderdale and panama city, you'll certainly see a lot less of the spring breakers in february than in march, and still less in january
2.your itinerary sounds about right for first timers ... in key west, there's a nice snorkelling catamaran you can take for 1/2 day for $30, and a great oyster bar. also, be sure to snorkel in the marine sanctuary and try the key lime pie at a restaurant in key largo (there's details for all these places in my trip report ... just search for "Florida Keys Trip Report") from May of 2000

J T Kirk

The 3 nights Key West/2nights in Largo sounds like a good plan. As Lili said, Key West is not awash with spring breakers as are other areas. Personally, February is not a great month for the Keys IF you're planning on spending lots of time on the water. The ocean is rougher and much, much cooler in Feb. It can get pretty rough in March, but the odds are better that it'll be nicer. in Key West, check out Turtle Krall's for lunch, and Camilles for breakfast. Take your time in walking around Key West; there are tons of little things to see, such as the architecture of the houses, and the gardens. Have fun.

Cindy

We always stay at the Best Western in Key Largo - it has snorkeling available and is located on the channel that most of the fishing and snorkeling boats leave from. Have fun!

grglnswsh

We stay pretty busy with Spring Breakers all March and into the first part of April. They usually start coming down in the last week of Feb. Our craziest weeks are when the big Florida schools get let out. Keep in mind many kids won't stay at a B&B (many won't allow them) so I would try to book one of those and avoid the larger chain hotel/motels where most of the kids stay. Take the Conch Tour Train as soon as you get here. It will point out dozens of points of interest that you can go back later and see if you want (museums, gardens, old homes etc). Take a sunset cruise on the Floridays. It is beautiful.

mike

as an alternative to key largo, take a look at a small inn in marathon called seascape. they have a web site. Spent 4 days there about 3 yrs ago. Great pool, nice oceanside spot on the grounds with a couple of adirondack chairs and a hammock. Think bfast was included and they have a late afternoon wine and snack get together every day. VERY relaxing.. and wherever you go in the keys be sure to try the conch fritters... a great excuse to order ONE more margarita

lenleigh

We went to the Keys for our honeymoon in June 2001.We stayed at the Sheraton in Key Largo and rented a car and drove all over.The Sheraton was pretty nice, very clean and comfortable.We had a huge balcony that looked out onto the water. They had lots of water sports at the hotel although the beach is not spectacular and definitly not a great area for swimming.They do have a pool though. Just down the road was Bahia Park, took snorkling tour and glass bottom boat ride there.Have to say that I saw some of the biggest fish i have ever seen in the keys. Sundowners (restraunt) was just next to the hotel and had very good seafood and good prices for the value.The hotel restraunt was pretty good too.

Didnt see a whole lot of Key West since we just went there one day but MTV was filming their summer stuff there and we didnt notice too many kids. Would take the conch train too,just to see the town.

don

I went to Key West this past March (I was there for St. Patrick's day). Even though you will find more young people, I would hardly say that it is dominated by springbreakers. I stayed at the Heron House and would highly recommend it. It is just a block off of Duval but seems an eternity from all the hustle and bustle of Duval. I always really enjoy the sunset cruises. In March we did the cruise on the old historic boat rather than the catamarans because we were told that they often fill with the springbreakers and it was just as enjoyable. I would tell you that if you really want to go in March, I wouldn't let springbreak change your plans. I have been there at all times of the year (except summer) and to be honest I haven't noticed that much of a difference.

Suzie

Second, Seascape, very nice and relaxing and they do not allow children under a certain age and certainly no spring breakers.

lena

I'm not very familiar with priceline but if you don't get to specify the exact hotel it could be a problem. Key West has some very nice hotels, a few old crumy ones but the Keys don't have many nice ones. The few that were mentioned are nice but in between there are loads of little roadside places that may have more atmosphere and nature than you want. Are you flying into Key West? If you're flying into Miami you have to add travel time.

lena

You should call a couple hotels or the chamber of commerce to check on the exact dates you're planning to go down. Things can get very busy, and the price goes up, when there's a race, special parade, etc...you can't go by the month alone. Find out specifics.