Travelling with 2 others in May for 10 days to the Miami area ( ladies 26,and 2x 50 something . Arriving Saturday late evening and picking up a car at the airport on Sunday. Looking to book a hotel close to airport with shuttle for Saturday night and back to airport Sunday for car. Seemed easier than trying to negotiate unknown roads after dark. Any suggestions for areas to explore an Sunday and stay Sunday night perhaps on the way to the Keys. Will book Monday and Tuesday night in Key West, any hotel/bb suggestions. Also looking for " don't miss" suggestions for our stay and drive in the Keys. first visit for all of us. Back to Miami area on Wednesday . What would be a reasonable length of time to estimate the drive from Key West to say the Kendall area (relatives close by). We will then have From Wednesday until Tuesday (departure day) to explore Miami area. Which means we could extend Keys by a day if opinion suggests . My initial look at the Miami area would put Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Everglades, Little Havana and maybe a ride on the Trolley in Miami on our list. Would really appreciate any suggestions on what you consider worthwhile and somewhat easy access as well as name of tour companies if doing tours. We will have a car and don't need upscale accommodations just something located in a convenient area. We like to walk/sight see/people watch. ,some shopping, some beach and of course food experiences. Thanks for any input

When we stayed in Key West a couple years ago, we stayed in the Best Western Plus Hibiscus Hotel. We liked the location (at the far end of Duval Street, so it's quiet), the room (surprisingly spacious), the amenities (free breakfast and parking) and the rate (lower than many similiar properties).

Key West isn't really known for its beaches. If you want some beach/water time, I'd recommend going to Bahia Honda State Park. I also highly recommend booking one of their snorkeling tours. It's fun for all ages.

Higgs beach or Zachery Taylor park are both nice beaches. It is a bit rocky so if you have those cheap beach shoes you will be fine. There are paddle boarding/kayaking tours that are fun. A sunset sail is great.
Alonzo's has great happy hour drinks and apps, half price 4:30 to 6:30.
http://lazydog.com/ or SUP for paddle boarding/kayaking
https://www.zerve.com/SailKeyWest
Cafe Moka Tavernier, FL French food to go...
Islamorada is a good stop along the way. Rain Barrel artisan good stop.
Depends on traffic for trip back to Kendall 2.5 to 3 hours.

I would stay at one of the hotels that is actually in the airport rather than one that is a shuttle ride away. On Saturday night this can be a rough area. If I am wrong, someone will tell you.

I have stayed both in Miami Beach and at a much-nicer-than- average Hampton Inn in Coral Gables. It was convenient for visiting Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Miami Beach by car and just across the street from a train station.

.

There's a nice B&B in South Beach, about a block or two from all the action, but far enough away to be quiet. It's called SoBeYou.

As an addition to your Miami itinerary, I suggest the Fairchild Botanic Garden in Coral Gables.

If you go to Little Havana, eat at Versailles restaurant. It's a local institution. On Sunday afternoons, lot of Cuban-American families go there after church.