Lily

Hello Fodorites!

I want to give everyone my heartiest thanks! We had no idea that so many people would offer us so many wonderful suggestions...

We have picked a spot, and would like to know if we're allowing too much/too little time for the trip.

We are tentatively planning on Key West, FL. KW seems to be a wonderful spot for us for a variety of reasons: because of its proximity to our wedding site (NC), and to a large degree, because we'd like to leave the wonders of Europe for a trip in the (hopefully) near future where we might be a bit more energetic. After all...a wedding and graduation in one week will be quite an adventure of its own

We're also leaving Hawaii until we can do it in some sort of style, and when we can more easily rent cars (just a few more years . Plus...the thought of 14+ hours of travel right after the aforementioned graduation and wedding sounds like something for another trip

We are planning on spending 11 days/nights in Key West. We love shopping around, eating, seeing the sights, lounging...relaxation in general. We're also planning on a couple of snorkeling trips, a trip to Dry Tortugas, and perhaps going up to the other Keys for a dolphin encounter.

Does 11 days/nights sound like "too long" to spend in Key West in light of the things that we like and plan to do? KW seems like such a quirky and wonderful place...very appealing. We just want to make sure that we aren't staring at the ceiling of our room after 8 days wishing that we had planned a shorter trip (gasp!).

Thanks for your feedback, everyone Here's to a marriage full of love and travel!

*lily*

Phil

Lily, I've never been to Key West, but 11 days sounds like a long time for any place so small. You could always rent a car and make trips to see the rest of the keys and the everglades if you get bored.

Of course if you love it 11 days will go by in the blink of an eye. My wife and I spent a week in a cabin in Montana. You'ld think we would get bored after a while, but we didn't want to ever come back.

Kristi

I really like Key West, but 11 days would be a lot. How about breaking it up? If you want an incredible splurge, spend a couple of nights on Little Palm Island, an incredibly expensive, luxurious all inclusive resort. In Key West itelf, you could definitely spend 5 nights at the Marquesa - a WONDERFUL small luxury hotel, with a tropical courtyard, two pools, no kids, a fantastic restaurant, and great service. It's a lot of fun to do the drive to/from the Keys at least once, so at the end when you had recuperated from all of the wedding stress, you could spend a few nights in South Beach or Palm Beach. If you break it up like that, you could spend a great 11 days in south Florida. Have fun!

Annie

Went to Key West for the first time this past June for 6 days, and that was just about right in terms of length. 11 days does seem a little long.

But you definitely have options--rent a car and drive to Miami for a couple of days. Or fly to Cuba (didn't the U.S. finally declare that Americans could travel to Cuba?) for a few days.

Great choice--you'll have a great time.

Amy

I would have to agree with everyone and say 11 days is too long. I also agree with the Miami idea. You could fly into Miami and spend a few days then drive to Key West and fly out of there. We have a second home in Miami and do that drive often - about 4 hours. There is a ton to do in Miami and of course great restaurants. Oh - forgot about the lack of car rental but hopper flights from Miami to Key West aren't bad either. Just my thoughts.

Debbie

Lily - I would agree that 11 days in just Key West is too long (of course, those living there won't agree). As previously suggested, you might want to consider some side trips. If you enjoy National Parks, beside the Dry Tortugas, consider the Everglades and Key Biscayne-both have quite different flavors. A drive over to Naples(on the Gulf coast)is worthwhile, as is stopping off at the other Keys along your way. You could also consider a 3-4 night cruise to the Bahamas out of Miami as a way to begin/end your honeymoon. ENJOY

Ruth

If you like shopping, snorkeling, eating, lounging around and relaxing, 11 days in Key West will be perfect! Once you get into the Keys frame of mind, car trips up to Miami or Naples will seem like a lot of work. However, seeing other keys might be an option. Congratulations, and have a great time -- Key West is one of my very favorite places.

Jayne

The Keys are a great choice, but I concur that 11 days may be too long. Maybe you want to consider spending a few days on one of the central Keys, such a Islamorada, in addition to Key West. There is a great place to swim with the dolphins on one of the central Keys--I can't recall the name but it's a research program and anyone down there will know about it. Make reservations. I agree with the above posts--consider spending some time in Miami. Miami Beach is nice--good people watching, restaurants, hotels and and night life. Naples is beautiful and only about 1 1/2 hours across I-75. You probably won't find as much night life, but it's full of great shopping (3rd St.) and restaurants. You might luck into some good room rates at the Ritz or the Registry. You are right on the rim of off-season in Florida, so shop around for some good rates. Have a great time.

Sandra

Lily,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding . I'd like to tell you another place in the keys that you should not miss. John Pennecamp State Park in Key Largo is a wonderful underwater state park and since you like snorkeling be sure and include a visit there.

Enjoy,
Sandra

Linda

I cannot imagine spending 10/11 days in Key West (altho it is possible you might enjoy that much time there). It's a small area, not enough to do to fill up that many days - even if it is you honeymoon! Plan a few days in Miami perhaps and then drive down the Keys.

lisa

Hi Lily! You've chosen a great destination, but I would agree that 11 days in Key West is too long. I thought 6 days was perfect. I would split it up by doing 5 days elsewhere in the Keys or south Florida, then 6 in Key West. Good luck and have a great time!

Keely

Am really surprised at above answers. I spent two years in the Keys and never got sick of it. Went back last year for a 9-day vacation on Sunset Key and didn't want to leave. Be careful - you may get "hooked" like I did!

Alli

Lily,

As a South Floridian for over 25 years and a frequent traveler to the Keys, my opinion is that 11 days in Key West is far too long. Snorkeling should take one day, as would shopping, Dry Tortugas, relaxing for 2, bar hopping, etc. Perhaps just 5-6 days would be better.
Have you thought about flying into Miami or Ft Lauderdale and spening some time in those areas first? They could fulfill the other days?

Also, the drive is an awesome one on US 1 to KW, especially if you have never been.

Little Palm island is out of this world. Very expensive, nothing to do but relax.

Have fun!!!

Sue B

I went to Key West with my husband a couple of years ago and after 2 days I'd had enough. I had a lot more fun in Key Largo. If you must do the Key's you might want to split this up as other's suggest and work your way down from Miami (if you are flying)
Since it is a honeymoon, you might want to consider Grand Bahama Island. There are daily flights from Ft. Laurderdale and you don't need a passport, just a birth certificate. There is a casino on the island a lot of great shops, dolphin encounter, snorkeling, diving, etc. We stayed at an all inclusive resort called Club Fortuna. It has a great beach and if you want to go to town there are plenty of taxi's .
I think that Key West is great for a couple of days but it is pricey. The Bahamas gives you more of a "Carribean" experience (even though technically Grand Bahama Island is in the Atlantic)Hope you have a great time, whatever you decide

Noach

You may want to consider spending some time on the S. West coast of FL: places like Naples, Sarasota, Venice, Marco Island, Sanibel, Captiva, etc.

The Official FL Tourism website: flausa.com will give you a nice little intro.