key largo in April- what to do
 

I'll be going to Key Largo first week in April. What are some neat places to visit via rental car. I like snorkeling, but should I bring my wet suit? What are some neat bars and taverns(hometown flavor) to frequent? I like nature and photographing too. Any nice places to hike and photo nearby? Please advise and thank you in advance. Robert

No need for a wet siut if you are going to only snorkel (a lightweight suit would be a good idea for scuba, though). Because you have a rental car and I assume you have about a week's stay, I recommend two "day trips"; one to the Everglades National Park (about 40 minutes North of Key Largo) and Key West (about 2 hrs south). For your nature-viewing time In Key Largo, I would take time to not only snorkel but do an Eco-tour of the back country (Dolphin Cove has a good one), and visit the wild bird rehabilitation center in Tavernier. There are no real good "Hikes" in the Keys, but you'll get all the walking you want if you visit the Everglades.<BR> For bars in Key Largo, nothing is more "hometown flavor" than the Caribbean Club; they have bands on the weekend. Coconuts is also good place to hang out. For a place that really isn't hometown flavor but can be lots of fun spend an afternoon or evening at Holiday Isle in Islamorada- if you like to drink though please get a designated driver or take a cab.<BR> Please enjoy yourself in Key Largo and make sure to post your report on the board after you get back. I have a feeling that most traveler's impressions about Key Largo are formed by what they see of it as they drive through to Key West or Islamorada, rather than from actually staying there.

Snorkel at John Pennekamp State Park. The facilities are great-showers, food, boat rentals, beach, or snorkel trips off shore. It's ablst. I'm sure you'll love it! Search it on the internet to visit ther web site. We went last June and didn't want to leave.

If you need to shop for really cheezy Florida souvenirs, try the Shell Man. Its a fun store to browse - tons of seashells, coral pieces, t-shirts and every creature imaginable made out of tiny shells with the googly eyes. :)<BR>

Don't miss Alabama Jack's, out on the Card Sound Road. Only open daylight hours though; bugs get bad out there...

I've got to admit I love the Shell Man store in Key Largo, also. If you happen to be a Buffett fan, try Largo Cargo for some goodies. For some good food, head south to Islamorada to Hog Heaven (approximately MM 84). They have a fantastic atmosphere with very nice locals who help make you feel at home.

I can't do better than the posters above so I'll just second some of their recommendations.<BR><BR>Snorkeling out of Pennekamp Park was our best vacation experience ever. You will not need a wetsuit.<BR><BR>The bird rehab center mentioned above is hugely enjoyable in a low-key way.<BR><BR>Best spot for nature viewing: the Anhinga Trail in Everglades Natl Park. It's not far inside the entrance to the park and would be an easy drive from Key Largo.<BR><BR>In Key Largo we met a fellow snorkeler who said her favorite spot was Bahia Honda State Park. It's most of the way to Key West. If you go, please post a trip report because we want to go there next year!

Robert:<BR><BR>You definately have to go to John P. Park. It is solely for the snorkeler. I went on a glass bottom boat to see the coral and it is amazing, very colorful with alot of fish life. When you travel south and just get to Key Largo, on your right should be a Chamber of Commerce, which is near the Shell Man shop people talk about, go in there, people are very helpful. Keep in mind that all the other Keys are close and that you could be driving a few miles and low and behold you are on Plantation Key.