Need help in planning first trip to the Florida Keys!
 

My wife and I will be attending a wedding in Boca Raton in early November. After a brunch on a Monday we have 4 days to explore the Florida Keys for the first time and then leave for home from the Miami airport on the 5th day (3 pm flight).

I need help in planning our itinerary.

We are a Senior couple; avid walkers; wife is a photographer; enjoy sightseeing, good food, culture, listening to music, sipping wine and watching beautiful sunsets and relaxing at the beach. We are not kayakers or into snorkeling but would enjoy a sunset cruise!

If we are leaving Boca by 1pm should we attempt to drive down to Key West or stop midway for the night?

It's about 225 miles from Boca Raton to Key West, probably 4 to 5 hours drive time, depending on traffic. So, even if you figured an extra hour or so because of delays leaving around 1PM will get you there around dinner time - no real reason to stop somewhere for the night unless you want to.

set your sights for Islamorada on day one... there's a great Hampton Inn there... spend the next day there and then

...head down to Key West for night two... check into your room before 6pm, grab a dinner and either get a sunset sail or head over to Mallory Square for sunset celebration... spend the next day and overnight in Key West and then...

...Head on up to Key Largo... stopping along the way to poke through any of the Keys attractions, shops and quirky restaurants... overnight in Key Largo... then...

...head to South Beach... it puts your final nights closer to the Miami airport and gives you the best beaches, shopping, and food all within a walk from your hotel... have fun

Bahia Honda state park!

Our first time in the Keys was a Thanksgiving family gathering 2011 (as grandparents). We located in a rental house 20 mi. N of Key West and several times enjoyed sightseeing there...walking around Old Town incl. aquarium, eating El Meson de Pepe, Conch Republic Seafood, etc...and of course sunset ay Mallory beach. Bahia Honda St. Pk. good stop.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-168718-2.cfm

Key. West is a small part of the Keys. You want to savor lots of stops en route not drive through in the dark.

I agree with garyt about Islamorada as night 1. Islamorada has a wealth of good restaurants discussed in detail on previous posts. If you want a walk before driving, there is a path from Bud n Mary's marina across Indian Channel. Stop in the marina to admire the days catch from returning boats.

Across the channel is Robbie's. Feeding the tarpon is a major photo opportunity. Robbie offers some of the Keys most unique kitsch.

At the west end of Marathon, you can walk ou the old Seven Mile bridge to Pigeon Key. The last half mile or so are over crystal clear flats with tarpon, shark, rays , barracuda and turtle posing for your pleasure.

Just before the bridge is the Seven Mile Cafe, an historic Keys dining destination. Marathon also has the Keys Fishery Market for fresh catch elegantly offered on picnic tables marina side.

Bahia Honda has a unique bridge top walk and near shore snorkeling.

You might google Florida Keys Sand Bar picnic for a Chamber of Commerce You Tube video shot off Bahia Honda to get pumped for island life.

Duvall Street characters and the Mallory Square sundown ceremony are worthy destinations, but for me the real fun is on the way.

We stayed in a rented house in Summerland Key about half an hour from Key West - very nice- low key. If you jsut pass through there eat at - The Wharf Bar & Grill - looks a bit tattered - food is AMAZING - fish tacos and lobster BLT must order items.

I also agree that Islamorada is a nice place to stop - we ate there can't remember the name of the place on the water next to a large fishing/gear store.

Enjoy your trip.

that's Islamorada Seafood Company...

You are correct Gary - food was good and the atmosphere was excellent.

I have now finalized our itinerary and booked our hotels!

We will drive down to Islamorada and spend the night at the Hampton Inn and the next two nights in Key West at the Cypress House. Our last night will be spent in South Beach at the Beacon Hotel.

Thank you for all of your suggestions and now looking forward to our very full week in Florida!!

I hope you have time to stop at Bahia Honda, even if it's just to walk the beach a little and the old Flagler Railroad Bridge that is no longer used but you can walk a small part of it. http://bahiahondapark.com/

great trip plans... report back after