FLORIDA KEYS~anyone been there?

[chics in the sun]

I love the Keys, and for several years I would take a drive down at least once a year. I haven't gone in a while, but my BF and I were just talking about taking a trip down to do some diving. I agree with Sugar Sand - don't go for the beaches. But it is still a beautiful string of islands with great kayaking and snorkling. Key West is such a nice, relaxed place to unwind and enjoy a good diner and a few drinks. Spring break is really the only time it is a little too wild and crazy (although I used to be part of the problem, many many years ago

). Camping is nice at John Penencamp and Bahia Honda, but you have to make reservations pretty far in advance. Which reminds me - I think I'll try and make some for the Spring.

 

[lishah2000]

If you don't like the party scene, I wouldn't stay in Key West. Nice day trip or a night out in Key West is fun. If you are into more of the wildlife, fishing, nice walks, etc. I would go to Big Pine Key. We love it there and lots of deer. The beaches in the keys are not much, but the fishing and snorkeling is the best. Most of the middle keys are really nice and more relaxed. Look into renting from a private individual. Usually a house, so much more private and many are dog friendly.

Our beaches in Martin County are much nicer for the general beach stuff. You can walk for miles and miles and most are dog friendly. Lots to do, but not much of a night life.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
I agree with this. I've only been twice, but had to drive to find what I consider a beach. I love to get out and walk for what seems like miles along the beach, especially early mornings. You won't be doing that in the keys. Key West is fun for shopping (and as someone else mentioned...drinking). The other keys have a lot in the way of just kicking back and relaxing, if that's what you want. There's kayaking and snorkeling offered on many of the keys, although I doubt your dog(s) would like either

. But it's a beautiful drive...no tolls.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

The keys are too small to have nice beaches. But there are still lots of nice things to see and do.

Keep this in mind though. This is the height of tourist season down there. Don't expect to find ANY hotel, motel, or camping spaces that you did not arrange for in advance and what you do find is going to be pricey though the recession of the last couple of years may have abated that somewhat. Do some Googling for accommodations and make your reservations in advance.

It's been a few years since I've been down there, but for camping Bahia Honda key is close to Key West and is a state park. Good tent or r/v camping if you can get a space. For the Keys the beach was nice on the Atlantic side. If you're into snorkling or diving then John Pennekamp in the upper keys is a great place. Lots of restaurants all along the keys. We always went by the number of local plates as to whether we'd stop there or not. Key West has some nice museums of local history. Lignum Vitae key is a botanical garden and worth checking out.

http://www.floridakeys.com/

 

[dawg53]

I've been to Key West many years ago. Great fishing, beautiful weather. The sunset is celebrated every afternoon at Mallory Square, you get to see some very interesting people doing some crazy very interesting stuff (nothing offensive.) If you decide to go to the Keys, dont forget to eat conch and key lime pie. As others have stated...it'll be crowded with 'snowbirds' this time of the year.

 

[Beekissed]

Wow! Thanks, y'all! Good info and lets me know how to plan my trip. I will be going in April next spring, so I have plenty of time to map it out and find accomodations by then, I think.

Just taking a road trip, a dog and me, and seeing some of the USA. I want to make it to Montana at the end of the trip, so will be seeing quite a bit of country. I plan to see a lot of coastline, mostly Pacific, the Grand Canyon, and just take a meandering, gawking route to it all. Stop when I want, drive when I want, sleep in the car or in a hotel...whatever suits me at the time.

Hoping to even meet some of the people on the SS forum along the way!

 

[redhen]

You can bring back a few Key west chickens..

 

[chicks4kids]

In my opinion, the Keys are good for diving...not beaches. But then I've never been a beach person! I'd much rather be out on the reefs diving! Key largo is nice for diving if you have your own boat that way you can go where you want, when you want. There is a place down in Key Largo that we rent. It has a cove for the boats, jet skis, whatever. Of course it's not touristy at all but it's private and amazing at night. There's a cove and you can sit out there at night and hear the dolphins, walk along spotlighting if you want, snorkel there...it's very nice. But again, it's not a touristy place at all.

 

[pride&joy]

Love the Keys!!!!!!!!!!!! Now about 45 min drive from front door to toes in water for me. As has been stated not really known for their beaches, but the locals always have few hidden sandbars, most are best to access by boat. Key West is nice, as has been said plenty of bars but lots of other stuff. Restaurants, the sunset is word class shopping and some good old history. I you like to dive or fish it is the place. Plenty of nice beaches on the mainland east coast to take the dog for a walk along the way. There is a book “Traveling with your pet” The AAA PetBook . I highly recommend it will list dog friendly places and good tips. I can say that some of the pack has joined us even at Key West (well mannered and on a lead but lg dogs). Sounds like a great trip wish you the best. I would definitely try and make it to Key West if you can.

Ish

 

[Beekissed]

Thanks! I will definitely snag that book...I belong to the AAA, so it shouldn't be hard. I love your screen name! My nephew had that song played at his wedding for his dance with his mother...it was cute and sweet and made me cry!