My wife and I will be in Key West next month. What area defines the Old Town? Are there any parts of Key West to stay away from (not safe, too noisy, etc)?

Aside from seafood, what recommendations are there for food?

Where are the best places for snorkeling? Any place we can get to on our own, or do we need to be taken there by boat?

Thanks!

Key West is very safe!! The local newspaper there chronicles the "crime" and it usually consists of someone being indecently exposed, or maybe a parking violation. Sorry to say that I can't remember the name of the street that divides Old Town from New Town, but I CAN highly recommend a snorkeling outfit. Floridays is a sailing sloop that docks at the Hyatt and limits snorkelers to a small number (20, I think) as opposed to the larger catamarans that pack folks on like cattle cars. We booked them the day before we wanted to snorkel and were very pleased. And I'd advise booking someone to take you, as the only living reef in North America is right off Key West but requires a boat trip. As for food other than fish, there is an abundance of Cuban and Caribbean food in Key West.

Anyplace within a few blocks of Duval Street will be in Old twon and quite convenient for walking anywhere. It's correct that you must take a boat trip to snorkel and I second the recommendation to go with an outfit that takes small groups. The large catamarans take 60-80 people and it's hard to imagine that much sea life stays around when that many people all jump in the water at the same time. We went with "Restless Native", who operates from the Key West Bight (a marina where the Half Shell Raw Bar is located. They take only 6 people per group and there were only 4 in ours. They also stagger their runs to the reef so that they tend to arrive when the large groups are leaving. I had a large section of reef entirely to myself and saw (among other things) several nurse sharks, a few barracuda, a sea turtle and a huge school of grouper that I swam through twice (they're enormous fish at 80-90 lbs each). It was a great experience and I can't wait to repeat it. Standard recommendations always include Mangia Mangia for fresh pasta, El Siboney for Cuban and Blue Heaven for a very eclectic and funky experience (I have only eaten at Blue Heaven but the others are frequently recommended in this forum).

Mangia Mangia is a great choice if you're looking to stay away from seafood (ride your bikes from old town - it's a tad too far to walk). Cafe Des Artists is great for an expensive night out. Avoid most of the restaurants on Duval (especially any with hawkers and particularly Crabby Dicks).

Do a search for "Key West Trip Report" for my report from our trip last May.

How much is the snorkeling trips? What about fishing (backwater & sea)? Or any good suggestions on a beach? I'm going to be there in a month and am curious...

honda state park snorkelling trips are $20-25 for 3.5 hours - resless native charges $65 because they only take upto 6 people - floridays takes 16 and charges $45 ($39 if you have your own equiptment) - if you can afford it, go with the smallest group

The above pricing description matches my recollection except I believe the $65 rate for restless Native was for a "long" excursion and the standard or short is more like $45. I recall the giant catamarans as charging $25-30 (after the easily available discount coupons are deducted) for a short or standard trip and the smaller charters ranged from $35 - 45. Having tried both charter types I woul never again go with the large group. It's well worth the $$ to go with a smaller group.

For great Italian food go to LaTratorria, which is either on the 500 or 700 block of Duval. Another recommendation is to take the Conch Tour Train, pretty touristy but a great way to see the island and learning its interesting history.

I went to Key West a month ago and stayed at the Hyatt. I too, went on Floridays and thought it was money well spent. I second La Trattoria and there's a new steakhouse called the Commodore at the Marina (near the Hyatt) - excellent food and service. Blue Heaven is fun (you eat outside) with great food and Bloody Mary's - we went for b'fast. Turtle Kraals has an eclectic menu; I'd go for lunch. Avoid Conch Republic restaurant. Try Diva's for a unique nightlife (drag) experience. And have fun!