Florida Keys: where to stop, what to see?
 

My daughter and I are spending five nights in the keys the week before Christmas. We are going to fly to Miami and drive to Islamorada for two nights. Then we are spending two nights in Key West. Our last night will be at Key Largo on Christmas Eve, then we are driving back to Miami for the flight home.

I am looking for interesting sights along the way and any recommendations for activities you found enjoyable. I have read some threads here that referred to earlier threads with information about where to stop while driving through the keys, but I have not been able to locate those posts.

Thanks for all responses.

I would recommend at stop in Key Largo at John Pennekamp State Park. You can take a glass bottom boat tour to the coral reef, which is fun.

On Key Largo, there is also the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. I haven't been, but my parents said they really enjoyed their visit there. I am hoping to get there in a few weeks.

On Islamorada, the Rain Barrel is an art/sculpture shop that is interesting to look around.

Enjoy your trip!

Islamorada restaurants: Lazy Days, Lorelei, Islamorada Fish Company, Morada Bay.

Islamorada stops: Worldwide Sportsman, have a drink on the uppder deck and watch the boats come in. Drive across Indian channel to Robbies and feed the tarpon. Rent a kayak and paddle around the flats. Go to Bud n Mary's around noon when the fishing boats return from the morning trip and see what was caught. Consider taking a boat out for a half day and catch enough snapper for lunch.

Marathon restaurants: 7 Mile Grill, Keys Fisheries, Castaways, Herbies, Stuffed Pig for small town breakfasts.

Marathon activities: Walk the pedestrian bridge out to Pigeon Key, take time to watch ocean life on the flats around Pigeon Key. Sombrero Beach is one of the better beaches in the Keys.

en route to KW: Bahia Honda State Park. Mangrove Mamas restaurant at MM 21

In Key Largo:

Mile marker 97.5 ~ Shell World for shopping
Mile marker 106.5 ~ Buzzards Roost for dinner

In Islamorada:

totally agree with a stop at the Rain Barrel shops. Beautiful crafts in a serene setting. Mile marker 86.7

In Marathon:

Mile marker 54 ~ BayShore Clothing-- nice selection.

Of course there are many opportunities to just stop, enjoy nature, and take many pictures. Have fun!

Check out the key deer at Big Pine Key National Key Deer Refuge. They are quite wonderful (Approx. mile 30)

Second the kayaking, Bahia Honda State park, and seeing the key deer ideas. Also on Big Pine Key, pizza at No Name Pub.

Great ideas, thanks. Looking forward to it.

bummed that I missed this last year - I could have given you all kinds of ideas for Key West!

Hi seafox. Here's my trip report from that trip, maybe we used some of your ideas without knowing it:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm