My husband and I are traveling with our 12 yr old daughter and have flights to Miami but we are trying to decide whether to stay in Miami or possibly the Keys for most of our vacation.We know very little about either area and need some advice on which would be a better choice and what resort to stay at. Any help would really be appreciated as we need to solidify these plans soon.We want some time for R&R and some sightseeing and activities that are outdoors. Thanks so much!We will be there the 1st week of April.

How about spending half your week in Key West and half your week in Miami Beach?

Fly into Miami, rent a car and drive to Islamorada. The best place for you family would probably be Cheeca Lodge.

Feed the tarpon at Robbies in Islamorada. East at the Islamorada Fish Company.

The next day I then would drive to Key West and spend three nights there. For kids, I suggest either Wyndham Reach or Wyndham Casa Marina.

Check out the Maratime Museum, Hemminway House, and a day trip to The Dry Tortugas is a must.

Then drive back up US 1 to Miami Beach. I would try for the Eden Roc or Fountainbleu Resort.

Make reservations fast. First week of April is peak winter season in south Florida.

Agree with GoTravel that you can do both, Key West is about a 4 hour drive from Miami, however as you are traveling during Easter Week, (Easter Sunday falling on April 4th) it's going to be crowded in either location. I would start checking on hotels now because availability will be limited.

Also as long as you don't make the drive down to Key West on a Friday or a drive back to Miami on a Sunday, you should be ok.

As for where to stay, you can check in Miami the areas of South Beach, Miami Beach, or Coconut Grove. Parking can be a pain in these areas, and garages are usually necessary, except for Coconut Grove which is mainly metered.

missjanna, you mean Palm Sunday is on the 4th? Easter is on the 11th or should I throw away my calender?

Sheraton Suites Key West is a beautiful hotel. Rooms are big enough for family of three. It is across the street from Smathers Beach, and has a shuttle to Duval Street. One can take trolley tours of Old Town, visit the Hemingway House, Dry Tortugas. I say Key West.

I always did get Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday mixed up 8-)

Mainly meant that it's still Spring Break, which is high season...pardon my mix-up, that post was on a Monday, so I still wasn't thinking! LOL

Rainbow Bend resort on Grassy Key is a nice place with it's own little beach and cafe. Glass bottom boat and scuba right from the pier. Swimming with the dolphins about 2 miles north. Grassy Key is about half way to Key West.