Trying to choose between two home rentals for the month of February. My wife and I are in our mid sixties and are very active... we love walking (on the beach if there is one, in parks, in towns, etc.), golf, tennis, great scenery, quiet, good restaurants, etc. but are not really into fishing or snorkeling. It is important that the area be safe.

I have seen two homes, both on the Gulf. One in Sugarloaf Key and one in Key Largo. Which location would you recommend?
Steve

Don't know much about the Keys but I do know this:

Beach walking? not much if at all

golf? - probably (VERY) limited

The keys are a chain of tiny islands with beaches that are mostly rocky and not very big.


If beach walking and golf is important to you, look at the west coast of Florida.

Sanibel/Captiva Islands, Siesta/Lido/Long Boat Keys, etc.

The black or the ivory?

Not quite sure what the black/ivory question refers to.
Steve

Sorry, it was a bad joke.

AAF is correct. I like Key Largo & that area, but neither will provide the amenities you are looking for. Key West may be your best bet.

I agree the Keys are not for you if you love walking on the beach. I spend the winter in Naples Florida, great for beach walking and golf. It is "upscale" price wise but probably no more than what you would pay in the Keys. You may also consider Marco Island.

I agree that you should go on down to Key West to find the things you're looking for (with the exception of beach walking, which is unavailable on any key).

It has fabulous restaurants, lovely old homes, a golf course (pricey), sunset sails and cruises, and Old Town provides wonderful walking.

The problem with walking in the other keys is that U.S. Highway 1 runs smack through the middle of them, so your only real walking options would be near the highway.

We spend February in the Keys. I agree with the previous posters. The Keys are about water ativities such as boating, surfing, diving, fishing, etc. Or, just plain resting from all the above. Key West has some added interest because it has historical ties and architectural charm. A plus for the Keys in February is that they are warmer than points north. There is also less traffic and congestion.

In my opinion, the true Keys atmosphere starts when you travel southwest below Islamorada.

Consider the Florida west coast such as Naples, Captiva, Cape Coral, Fort Myers areas.