Three of us (including a teenager) are planning to spend 8 - 10 days in SouthWest Florida. Does the following sound like a reasonable itinerary ?

2-3 days in Key Largo, including a snorkelling trip

3-4 days in South Florida - Everglades, Fort Lauderdale

2 days exploring Treasure Coast: Hutchinson Island and snorkelling over USS Rankin (BTW, does it require advanced snorkelling skills ?)

1 day Space Center

Any suggestions for changes are welcome.

Sounds fine. I prefer South Beach and Miami to Ft. Lauderdale, but not everyone does. I find South Beach to have a more European/sophisticated vibe than somewhat tacky Ft. Lauderdale. You will certainly have plenty of time to relax, hang out on the beach, sample some restaurants. That's mainly what there is to do in south Florida.

Sounds like a really good plan.

Have fun!

I would suggest having a day to make the trip from Key Largo to Key West. The drive is beautiful. The side trips are entertaining. If you don't get W of Key Largo you will miss the most beautiful part of the Keys.

Thanks for your replies. What do you think about canoeing on Hutchinson Island ? Is it worth a day ?

I think that one day in Key Largo might be enough, including your snorkeling trip. Key Largo seems to be more of a plain old town. Personally, I'd spend 2 or 3 (or more) days in Key West instead of as much time in Everglades and Ft. Lauderdale as I think there is more to do there. Key West doesn't really have good beaches though, so if that is a priority, spend more time along the Atlantic coast.

Having been there not too many years ago, I'd skip the Space Center. It seems to have been "dumbed down" over time, more suited to the 9 to 11 year old mindset. However, since it isn't real far out of your way, if you haven't been before, I'd suggest you go and form your own opinion. There are some impressive exhibits there.

I would strongly advise you to visit the Space Center. Not only is it part of our nation's history, but it does contain a lot of interesting material, and not just for kids. And the exhibits themselves will give you an idea of how difficult it was for the astronauts, especially those who were the earliest space explorers.

Other than that comment, I think your itinerary is OK but it will depend on your own preferences. If you could leave a day or two of flexibility in it, you might be able to make a diversionary trip to a target of opportunity. Good luck.

I agree that one day in Key Largo is enough, I wouldn't even stay the night. Stay extra nights in Key West and watch the sun go down. Stay in South Beach and have a day trip from there to the Everglades.

I don't know about canoeing Hutchinson Island, but I strongly recommend a canoe or kayak trip down the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter. Google "Loxahatchee Outfitters" and there will be lots of information. The Loxahatchee is designated a "Wild and Scenic River" and it will give you a taste of old Florida.

As far as the Space Center is concerned, it's one of those things that, if you're into science, technology, space, you will probably enjoy it. I remember going as a boy and hating it. But I have always been a humanities (non-science) person.