Hi Travel Friends. My husband and I are taking our 2 boys (4 and 12) to Key Largo and Islamorada for fun in the sun, swimming and fishing. I’ve been researching many posts and many of the hotels that have been recommended are booked (Hawks Cay for example) for when we are traveling (April 4-10 2007).

I’m looking for 2 different hotels. I thought we could fly into Miami and go to Key Largo first for a few nights and then drive down to Islamorada so my husband could take my 12 year old on a great charter. As far as what I would like at the hotel…I need to have a beach access for my 4 year old to splash around, (ideally) pier fishing for my 12 year old and a fun, family atmosphere for all of us. A poolside café would be nice and a frig/kitchenette in the room. I would spend anywhere from 100-350 per night depending on the facility. I want clean, fun and relaxed places!

I’ve been looking at Sunset Cove (they only have a trailer left and I’m not sure how this will work), Double Tree Suites, Key Largo Grande and in the lower keys I’m looking at Coconut Grove, Day’s Inn, La Siesta and a few others. I’ve heard such great things about the snorkeling at Bahia Honda that I want to make sure we hit that place. Any insights or suggestions would be appreciated.

Maybe I’m over researching, it seems that someone likes a place and then another person calls it a flea-bag. Not sure, we don’t go away too often and I want to make sure I do this right. The experience is more important than the price. FUN, RELAXED, CLEAN and EASY is my goal!

I’ve also heard the current on the bay side is stronger than the Oceanside and this is good to know for my pre-schooler. Thanks in advanced.

Thanks again.

Look at Ocean Pointe in Tavernier (part of Key Largo). They have one and two bedroom condos, a nice pool and a great location. It's ocean side. They have a sandy beach area and a pier you should be able to fish from. There's no need to move between Key Largo and Islamorada. These towns are less than 15 miles apart.
I'm sure you've seen in your research that the Keys are strung out along US 1. Locations are given by mile markers. So Pennekamp State Park (where you want to go for a snorkel trip or glass bottom boat) is MM 104. Ocean Pointe is MM92. Islamorada is in MM 88 to 82 or so.
You will pass the Everglades on the way to the Keys. I strongly urge a stop there. There is a 1/2 mile boardwalk (Anhinga Trail) that will take you past gators, birds and other amazing creatures.
Your younger child will love Jacob Acquatic Center (MM 99, but off US 1 behind a shopping center). They have a pirate ship themed water playground. There's also regular pools and high and low boards to entertain the rest of you.
Everyone will want to feed the wild tarpon at Robbies (MM 77, bayside). You pay a $1 to see the tarpon and $2 for a bucket of fish to feed them. Who knew I would refuse to share my dead fish with my own children! Feeding the tarpon is fun!
Check out Chili Willies for lunch. It's a sports bar. Food is adequate but you really go becuase there is a game room. GIve the kids a few dollars and then have a nice conversation with your husband! MM87 There's a store in the same complex with some really funny t-shirts and other nicer things.
For a nice dinner, go to Morada Bay (MM 86). Your kids can go play in the sand while you and hubby have a great meal (try the yellowtail). Perfectly adequate kids menu. Get there early and have a drink while the sun goes down. Be sure to keep track of the kid's shoes - impossible to find after dark.
There's an Italian restaurant, movie theater, book store and ice cream shop at Tavernier Towne (MM 91). Great place for a relaxed evening. The Winn-Dixie grocery store is here as well.
In addition to the charter boat, think about having your husband and son go on a night time party fishing boat. They leave the dock around 7:30 pm and get in after midnight. Usually, there's lots of action at the reef.

Thanks Keymom! I really appreciate your comments and will take your advice! The food, the adventures and all of your insights are absolutely perfect for us. I appreciate you taking the time to include GREAT details. Thanks again.

Go to photos.yahoo.com/scullyyank. Then pick the 2003 Keys album. There's three pictures of Sunset Cove in there. It's a nice little motel that has a small sloping beach for the 4-year-old.

Marathon has another nifty motel with a fine small beach. The Key Colony Beach Motel (KCB is at the north end of Marathon,) is worth a look...

The Hampton Inn Islamorada has a small beach and nice pool. You may be aware that any beach in the Keys is a find. If you do Islamorada cross the bridge W and feed the tarpon at Dons on the N side of the road across the cut from Bud n Mary's Marina. Hammock and Lora Lei are good restaurants.

Might want to try VRBO for a condo or house! Good luck and post after your trip. My friend lives in Key Largo & I'm curious to see how the trip goes with your 4yr old! Have fun!

By now, you have probably booked your stay but some of these notes may be helpful.
Key Largo and Islamorada are not far apart so you could probably do both from one location.
Today we returned from our annual visit to the keys. A restaurant in Islamorada that isn't new, but that was new to us and that we returned to was Lazy Days. It is on the Ocean side just past the Hampton Inn. Ask for a table outside.
Beaches in the keys are likely to disappoint. One of the best is Sombrero Beach in Marathon.
The fishing is good all through the Keys. At times, even great.
Snorkeling is limited along the shore because the water isn't clear enough. There are some good spots offshore but these are in deep water and wouldn't be good for the kids unless they are very experienced. Offshore, one of the best is Sombrero Tower, out from the seven mile bridge just south of Marathon.
I have snorkeled at Bahia Honda. It is very limited but it might be a safe place for the boys to try it out.
I would also urge you to stop in the Everglades. Even if you only have time for the Anhenga Trail, it would still be very rewarding. Visiting just before sunset is a perfect time. You will love it and so will the boys.

Have a great trip to the keys.