Key West Vacation
 

Departure: May 9, 2005
My husband and I. Ten days in Florida. Driving from Atlanta, GA. Want to explore the Keys and the Everglades.
Can you recommend hotels or camp sites, as we are planning on camping? Would like inexpensive local b&b or hotel in Key West!
How would you plan this trip? We are artists and living on budget, but love the outdoors and nature!

ttt

First of all, I'd get a camping guide from AAA.

There are two KOA's in the Keys.

I'd research this website for recommendations in Key West. I'd probably stay at the closest KOA and just drive in for the day/evening. I prefer the other keys to Key West. My splurge would be a snorkel trip out of Islamorada.

One place I want to see in Florida is the recently reopened Cypress Gardens. Depending on how fast you are driving to the Keys that area would be good for an overnight.

I took one of the Indian airboat rides in the Everglades and really enjoyed it.

Sadly, the words "inexpensive" and Key West don't go hand-in-hand. Check out keywestinns.com for examples of B&Bs that might interest you - be sure and look at places in Old Town. I'd advise you to reserve a camp site(s) as soon as possible as I've heard they're difficult to book.

In the Keys, both Long Key and Bahia Honda State Parks offer camping. And they are both superb venues. You would be delighted with either.

Great Vacation in Key West

We stayed at the Bahia Honda State Park for $30.00/night (perfect beach spot)
Key West: Stayed at the Southern Most Guest House(Wonderful Owners)$110 night for 2 double beds and kitchen. Great room with porch and continental breakfast) (Owners recommeded a "local" cuban restaurant; fabulous food) Even though we were budgeting, this worked out great.