We go to the beach resort towns in Mexico at least once a yr,especially Puerto Vallarta, however we would like to try something different even tho we love Mexico.Would Key West be as enjoyable?Beaches are not that important just ambience.It would cost the same approx. from Texas.I guess what Im saying is should I stick to Mexican beach resorts or something new,like the Florida Keys?

Only stayed in the Cancun vicinity and day tripped inland and to a neighboring island, but the beachside service in hotel zone of Cancun was better and the beaches larger, the sand whiter, finer, and softer than it was in Key West.

I've been all over the Caribbean coast of Mexico and to Key West 5 or 6 times.

I would suggest Playa del Carmen for you. VERY much like Key West, but on a stunning beach with very nice beachfront (yes, beachfront) accommodations for $100 to $150 per night, and your shopping and meal dollars go much further as well.

We love Key West, but since having "dicsovered" PDC and Isla Mujeres with their amazingly gorgeous beaches, cool, funky laid back vibe and friendly locals, they leave Key West in the dust for value and fun!

Key West is all ambiance, nobody goes there for the beach, the beaches are rocky. A lot of the shoreline is mangrove.

You'll love Key West. Fly into Miami and drive down. And give South Beach a try. That's where you'll find the nicer beaches.

I agree with Diane. We went to Playa del Carmen in April and really enjoyed it. The beach is beautiful and you can take a day trip to Cozumel, Tulum or a number of ruins...

Have you tried Ixtapa Mexico? We love it and go every winter. Las Brisas hotel is wonderful - secluded cove yet you can walk to the hotel strip in evening along a pink brick path.

Key West has a very special feel. Very green and tropical. I love wandering the streets, stopping for a drink when the mood strikes. Fun bars and good restaurants.

Also enjoy the beach towns on the Caribbean side of Mexico. Completely different type of vacation though.

Current favorite overall destination is Ambergris Caye Belize.

Jean

Thanks for the replies.I love Mexico,and think I will stick with it again this yr.I love PDC too,never have tried Ixtapa.Hmmm....

If you go with Playa del Carmen rather than Ixtapa, you won't regret it. In addition to the place itself, it has easy access to some wonderful ruins.

jreed, Or keep a close eye on the air fares and do both. Go to Mexico for five or six days instead of a week, then watch for cheap tickets to Miami and spend four nights or so in Key West. If you don't stay in fancy resorts and eat locally, travel can be very affordable if you're flexible with your times. Jean

We live in San Diego, so we like to visit Mexico often. Cancun is a nice alternative to Puerto Vallarta. We just returned from 11 days in The Florida Keys. We spent 4 days in Key West and the rest in Marathon Key. Marathon had ample beach area to give you a great tan. Key West was entertaining and had lots of touristy things to do. I wrote a post titled "Key West Tips" in case you are interested. We had a great time!