Key West
 

As usual, when I need a straight/direct answer I go to Fodor's Travel Forum and its members.

My wife and I are going to fly into Miami in February on a Saturday, rent a car, and visit Key West - return to Chicago on the following Sunday. We are going to escape the Chicago weather but would like to do/see as many interesting things as possible.

What should we expect? Where should we go/what can we see? Could we "wing it" in terms of accomodations? We would prefer not to make reservations as they obviously becomes restrictive.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Richard and Mary

My daughter and I drove from Miami to Key West and back in December. You might be interested in my trip report:

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

I would add a night or two in South Beach on either end of your stay... February in Key West can become pricy and difficult to book last minute.... If you have an unlimited budget, you might find a room available for $500 or more, but many of the more desirable small Hotels and Inns book early and many require a 3 night minimum...

Key West is all about Old Town... if you want the real experience, select a small hotel like the Marquesa or Gardens Hotel... there are several other small hotel properties one small step down in price and quality but still "REAL" Key West... the major chains are all there also but are just that "chains"....

Avoid properties outside of Old Town as they are in a touristy commercial strip and you might as well book a room at your local mall...

Going to Key West requires that you have the discipline to plan your accomodations.... then you can let loose, live like a pirate, drink til you puke, and cheer the same sun that sets in Chicago while a cat walks a tightrope, and a mime mocks your wife... have fun

February is high season in Key West; you definitely don't want to wing it. You also might consider flying out of Key West so you can avoid the long drive the day of your departure.

I agree with gary about planning accommodations. Once that decision is made, everything else comes easily.

I agree with Susan, in February you want ot book in advance.

When you select a place in Key West, location is very important. You are going to want to park your car and walk to the things you can do. Even an average hotel room in a good location and be pretty expensive. Look at the B&Bs to find something cool at the same or lower prices.

Don't expect a "beach."

Here's my recent trip report on attractions in Key West:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-184065-2.cfm

and food experiences there as well as in Miami and St. Augustine:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-augustine.cfm

Since you are driving from Miami, I suggest you stop in Islamorada. It is truly the jewel of the Florida Keys with wonderful restaurants and without the tackiness of Key Largo and Marathon. Morada Bay is bayfront, Lazy Days is oceanfront. Both are excellent choices.

Many people could spend 7 full days and nights in Key West just hanging out, getting some sun, etc., but since you said you "would like to do/see as many interesting things as possible" I think you should plan on at least 2-3 days of your trip in some other location. And that would depend on what you are into; South Beach has been suggested, I would add you could visit the Everglades, spend some time in Ft Lauderdale, etc. Spending a day/night in Islamorada should also be considered. If you have never been to the Keys and only visit Key West, you would come home with a pretty miopic view of the Keys, as Key West is so unlike the other parts of the Keys (I don't mean that in a negative way). Also, I totally agree that you can't wing it that time of year. Also, February 16-20 is the Miami International Boat show, and that weekend is a three day holiday weekend, so you might to stay away from that week.