Where to go in the FL Keys
 

My husband & I (in our mid forties) have always wanted to go to the Keys. We like the "laid-back" lifestyle that the islands seem to portray. But we have heard that certain areas can be kind of "trashy". We need suggestions on which island to go to for our anniversary trip. We like to snorkel, hike, fish, kayak, and relax. We don't like clubbing but love restaurants with tons of atmosphere & great food. Please help us decide where to stay.

You'll find snorkeling at two places:
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Bahia Hondo State Park
The former has better snorkeling, the latter has better beaches.

There isn't a lot of hiking on the Keys -- there's just not a lot of land on which to hike!

Can't speak on fishing or kayaking.

"Trashy" is in the eye of the beholder, but Key West prides itself on its laid-back lifestyle. It's also where the best restaurants are.

When are you planning to go? We spend February in Marathon.

You can hike the old 7 mile bridge from Marathon to PigeonKey. You can rent kayaks at Robbie's W of Islamorada for a short paddle out to historic Indian Key.

Fishing charters or party boats available from Bud N Mary's in Islamorada or City Marina in Key West.

Islamorada has several dine on the sand places including Lazy Days. Reservations recommended.

Duval Street in KW is the epicenter of the carnival scene you are trying to avoid.

The best choice to stay is: Key Largo. It is quiet, relaxing, place with not much nightlife.

The best choice to enjoy is: Key West. It is the party place and best place to shop is on Duval Street and Mallory Square Market. As one post has said, if you can't find a bar you like in key west, you don't like bars - there is everything from the Hogs Breath Saloon, The Green Pelican to The Bare Bottom for a very rowdy place

The best choice to enjoy is: Marathon. It is close to Bahai State Park and has beautiful beaches. You can snorkel here.

Islamorada.................

Our 25 yr anniversary is in October. Hoping that's a good time to go down there. Anyone know of reputable places to go on a small fishing trip? Or where to rent a boat to take out by ourselves?

I'm in love with Key West; we've spent between 4 and 6 weeks a year there for 20 years. I might add that I'm approaching 70 and my husband is 71.

There are lots of bars in Key West, but more important (to us) are the wonderful restaurants. They're all sizes and shapes from fine dining to little holes in the wall, and if you stay in Old Town, they'll all be within walking distance. We go for R&R, though there are tons of other things to do. There are wonderful sunset sails, lots of fishing charters, great tourist activities, Hemingway's House (with all the cats with 6 toes), Truman's Little White House, sunset celebrations, I could go on and on. Oh, and kayaking, too.

Now...about October. There's a week long festival that goes on the end of October called Fantasy Fest. We've been there for the final night several times because it coincides with the first day of our fall visit. It's the busiest time of the year in Key West, and it sure would not make for a restful vacation.

I know someone who charters fishing trips but I've never been out with him. I'll check and see if I can find out how to get in touch with him. As for renting a boat to take out, I've heard that navigating the water in the keys can be very difficult and is best left to professionals or very experienced boating people. If your anniversary doesn't coincide with Fantasy Fest and you need more info, I can probably provide it for you.

You can rent boats at Robbies for fishing on your own. Robbies is across Indian Channel, west of Islamorada.

Bud n Mary's on the western edge of Islamorada is very reputable for charter guides.

retired, where do you stay in Marathron? We want to stay someplace warm for the month of Feb, just cannot decide where.