My husband and I will be in S. Florida the week before Christmas. I was wondering if it was worth it to go down to the keys for a few days. We are from Los Angeles and are in our late 20's. We want to experience things we can't get in LA. I read some of the past messages about Key West and I can't tell if it will be a unique experience or very touristy. Should we try a different island in the keys? We would like to snorkel/dive but don't know if weather will be good that time. But even if we don't, we would still like to see the keys if there's more to do than just that. Any suggestions?

Keep in mind that it's a four hour drive from Miami to Key West (and sometimes it FEELS longer.) If you make the drive early in the morning or late in the day (to catch the sunset around the seven-mile bridge or Bahia Honda Key), the drive will be more memorable. It is, as I have said in the past, a truly tropical paradise. BUT it is NOT wall-to-wall beauty, so don't go there expecting it to be like Bali. Personally, (even though I grew up spending most of my summers in Islamorada and Bahia Honda) I'd head for Key West. There are many more lodging and eating and shopping options there. in other words, you get more bang for your buck. I've been to Key West several times around Christmas and I find it's a little less visited then (except when the cruise ships are in port. Yikes.) The weather should be great, but the water will be a little cool. But if you dive, just slip into a wetsuit and you'll be fine. I love the Keys. It's not perfect, but I keep going back. It's a little rough around the edges, but I like that.

Having just returned from a five day trip to the Keys, I thought I'd give my opinion. First, I am 40 and I have 2 kids, ages 13 and 9. We stayed in Islamorada, which I found to be far more attractive and relaxing than Key Largo or Marathon or Key West for that matter. You're much younger than I, so Key West may be fun for you. I found it to be crowded - and there's a rather eclectic mix of people there! I was reminded of New Orleans - a great party town if you can handle the smell of stale beer. If you want something truly fabulous, check out this place called Little Palm Island at http://www.noblehousehotels.com/palm/index.html. It is in a beautiful area and would be well worth the 3 hours it would take to get there from Miami. For something you can't do in California, you should perhaps try to get over to the Everglades - there's nothing like it on the west coast, and it would be beautiful in late December

Visit Key Largo. It is the first island from the mainland. There is supposed to be great diving and snorkeling although I never got the chance to do either, but for an incredible experience go swimming with the dolphins. I believe one of the places is called Dolphin Research Center, and maybe Dolphin Cove? It was one of the best experiences of my life although it is quite expensive. (About $125 per person for an hour or two.) But I promise you that it's worth it. Have fun!

Attn:
Teresa,
I'd like more info on Islamorada. I'm traveling with my 3 kids (13, 12, 10), and wondered where you stayed, and how the kids enjoyed it. All my kids really want to do is learn how to snorkel!
Also, any good restaurants?
Thanks,
Tammy

Tammy,

I can possible answer most of your questions. Islamorda is the old Key West use to be. In other words it's still laid back & fells like you are in the keys of old days. Here are some websites you can do some websurfing on & my recommendations on where to stay & dine! Enjoy!

http://islamorada.fl.us/

http://islandbase.com/

http://www.keysdining.com/

http://www.littlepalmisland.com/

http://www.hawkscay.com/

http://www.casamorada.com/

http://www.themooringsvillage.com/

http://www.cheeca.com/

http://www.pcove.com/

http://www.greenturtleinn.com/

http://www.pinesandpalms.com/

http://www.thefloridakeys.com/

http://www.floridakeys.net/

http://www.floridakeys.com/

http://www.flkinfo.com/

http://www.keysnetwork.com/

http://www.keysdirectory.com/

Key Largo, and Dolphins Plus, for a great swim with the dolphin experience, there was just a great article in Good Housekeeping about Dolphins Plus and a young boy who was paralized forming a 10 year bond with one of the dolphins there. My kids 17 and 13 loved it, and still rant and rave, we were sorry we didn't do it too, but it is expensive, although an experience of a lifetime. Good diving in Key Largo as well.