Florida Keys Questions
 

Hello, <BR>We are seriously looking into the Florida Keys for vacation in, most likely, June. We love Florida, but have never vacationed in the Keys. I have been reading up on my own but I would love some first hand input. I realize there are no (or perhaps only 1) natural beaches. We have never been to the ocean without beaches to lay on!! This is the only thing I am concerned about. We love a relaxed atmosphere with lots of sun and water. I would appreciated any first hand reports regarding what you enjoyed on your vacation there, and what there is to do! We were thinking of flying into Miami and spending a couple of days there then renting a car and taking in the Keys. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I start planning our trip. Thanks so much!

Jayde, <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Marriott Reach hotel in key west about a year ago and had one of the best most relaxing vacations ever. Key west has it all restaurants, bars, watersports. The Reach hotel does have a beach ( I believe it is the only hotel with a beach on the Island) I also think that it was purchased by Wyndam. However it is on the very southern end of duval street and is about a mile to the other end of duval. We had to walk a lot but it was worth it. It sounds like this may be what you are looking for very relaxing with lots of sun and water.

Jayde, while there are no (or only one) natural beaches in Key West--there are man made beaches, the longest on the Atlantic side along Roosevelt Blvd. The Pier House (I believe) has a small one, and the ones that Greg mentioned. Most of the Ocean side or Bay side larger hotels/resorts have very nice decks. The Galleon has a large deck. <BR>Too bad I didn't catch your post until after our daughter left this morning to go home to--Key West (she's lived there 22 years). If you have a car, you could drive up to Bahia Honda SP beach. Parking is a problem, so I'd suggest renting a bike or moped once you get to Key West--unless you stay in the Old Town area. <BR>My favorite thing to do while down there is just get a city map, and ride a bike all around the homes and side streets--or take an early morning bike ride along Roosevelt Blvd and the Ocean. <BR>Go to WWW.KEYWEST.COM for info on places to stay, with rates, and some might be close enough to walk to some sort of beach. Have fun, and email me if you have additional questions. <BR>

Bahia Honda is definitely worth a visit. The beach is sandy although narrow, the water clean calm and shallow. A very relaxing place. Remember though that it is a state park and there are limited facilities. I believe it has been rated one of the top ten beaches in the country by Conde Nast in the past.

Thank you Greg, JoAnn and Tom. I appreciate all of our helpful advise. It certainly sounds like a wonderful place to spend a few days!! Sounds like a walking kind of town...... we love that!! We will have our 14 year old son, and perhaps one of his friends, with us and there appears to be plenty of things to keep us all occupied. Thanks again. I appreciate it!

I did not care for the beaches in Key West - try Bahia Honda. It has 2 beaches, actually - one on the gulf side, and one on the ocean side. The ocean side is actually quite long, but narrow. It was rated a top 10 beach ( I think it even got into the top 3?) several years ago.