HELP---Which Key?
 

My husband just informed me that he'd like to vacation in the Keys in April. Any Suggestions on Which Key to stay on would be greatly appreciated. We will have between 2 and 6 adults, and 3 or 4 kids ages 11 thru 15. We don't like to stay anywhere too quiet because the teenagers (and possibly adults) will be bored, but the idea of wild crazy parties in the street doesn't exactly excite me either. Any recommendations on Key Largo, Key West, Islamorada, or Marathon, or any other key I've missed will be greatly appreciated.

My husband and I have fallen in love with Key West. We don't go for the wild partying, although that's available, but for sitting on the balcony and vegging out. There are lots of tourist activities available for folks of all ages, and tons of good restaurants. I've only spent one night in the other keys (Islamorada) and there really was no comparison for me. The other keys - though filled with water sportw opportunities - don't really have lots else to do.

The above complained that the other keys don't have much to do except water sports. Really, why the heck come to the keys unless you ARE interested in water sports! Key West is great but is a Town, while Islamorada or Marathon gives you more of a small island feel. I suggest staying in Islamorada, and going to Key West for a day trip (if you are staying for a week or so). Holiday Isle in Islamorada would be a great place for your group to spend days (and nights) there's all kinds of fun stuff to do for adults and kids. Of course, they almost all involve the water. DUHH!

My husband and I spent two weeks in the Keys last summer. I would definately suggust spending your trip in Key West. The others keys offer little in tourist activities as they are VERY quiet. The other keys are fantastic for diving/snorkeling and fishing. Although you can participate in these activities in Key West as well. You will not need a car in Key West, although if you have a car, I suggest a day trip to Bahia Honda State Park for a day at a real beach. The keys do not have very many natural beaches. Do not expect to see big sandy beaches in the Keys...

Heidi, <BR>I have been to the keys twice and love it. I have stayed in both Islamorada and Key West both are excellent but completely different. Key West is a must, one day is NOT long enough. I would suggest splitting your trip and staying both places. Key West has tons or touristy things that don't involve partying at all (of course you can party if you want too). I stayed at the Hilton and Hyatt and the Hilton is GORGEOUS I also was in the Galleon which is a time share which might be good for you with families. Excellent spot too. In Islamorada I stayed at Cheeca Lodge which has condo units as well. Islamorada has swimming with dolphins which was one of my most exceptional experiences of my life. All your children are old enough too. I would suggest doing the touristy things in Key West that involve the town etc. and your snorkeling etc. in Islamorada. At Cheeca Lodge you can rent a boat for the day and just go out as the family it's great. If you had a week split your time with 4 nights Key West and 3 nights Islamorada. Also the drive from Key West to Islamorada is fabulous. Hope this helps email me for any info. Oh and depending when you go there is usually excellent boat racing etc happening in both areas which is very cool to see.

we've always stayed on marathon (last time 1 1/2 yrs ago)....its starting to get overdeveloped in my opinion....the home depot really ruined it for me. but this might be what your looking for. the other keys aren't very big and i don't see the point in staying in key largo...if your going to the keys you need to "get into it"....enjoy the drive. key west is really overdeveloped (again, just my opinion) we just usually drive there for the day (about 45min. from marathon). i agree with the above about water sports...thats really the whole point of going to the keys. if you want mega-malls and roller coasters go to orlando....or visit the keys in about 10 years or so......

If you still have time, try staying at the Holiday Isle in Marathon. It should cover everything for everybody!

for your group i would recommend key west and stay at the wyndham casa marina. plenty to do for everyone. i would suggest a place called "blue heaven" for brunch - outdoor restaurant with great reasonably priced food, live guitar music, and roosters running around - a real hoot!

Key West is a fun place for those who love to party but when I was there it was not raucous or wild. If you're thinking that the street scene is like a cross between Mardi Gras and spring break, then think again. I'm a non-drinker and don't spend any time in bars (ever) and throughly enjoyed my stay there - would definitely do it again.

I, too, recommend a stop at Bahia Honda Park. I saw numerous barracuda and sting rays while snorkeling there and the park offers a snorkeling boat trip to a reef about 2 miles out. A person I met at Honda told me that sharks are often visible from the beach although I didn't see this myself. In Islamorada, you might want to check out a dolphin swim at Theater of the Sea. It was appx. $95 but well worth it in retrospect. You may also swim with sea loins or stingrays if you like. I wouldn't plan on much time in Key Largo. Despite the marquee name, I found it dumpy with little going on. Key West, of course, is THE key and you should enjoy the people watching and shopping there. Be mindful that I believe there is only one public beach in Key West unless you're staying at a hotel with a beachfront. <BR>