FLORIDA KEYS~anyone been there?

[Beekissed]

Just curious about driving the keys....any tolls? Easy access to beaches? Any good tips of things to avoid? Things that are a must see?

 

[math ace]

Let me give you a BUMP. I can not believe nobody has jumped in here and answered this.
I live in Florida and always head NORTH for vacation, so I can not answer your question about the keys.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I have been to the keys but its been years ago. Where in the keys are you going I wasnt impressed with Key Largo as the beaches were just strips of sand along route 1. From what I remember about Key West its a drinkers paradise and I dont drink. If you like fishing you will love it. I go north as well lol

 

[Mahonri]

Only time I ever went to Florida I went to Ft. Lauderdale and Marco Island... wished I had gone to the Keys to get some hatching eggs from their feral chickens....

 

[country freedom]

Quote:
My DFiance has told me about the Florida Key feral chickens - he's taken pics of them - I wouldn't be able to go - I'd make a fool of myself, trying to catch myself some, and trying to find feral chicken nests.

 

[Beekissed]

I was contemplating a road trip down thataway...is it as nice as I always heard? I did a little research and found that the beaches aren't very dog friendly~only two~ and they have to be on a leash at all times. How can a dog have any fun swimming in the ocean if he has to be on a leash?

I just want to do a little driving trip, take along one of the dogs for company and just wander the beaches a little, see the sights, camp out, swim a little, etc. Not really interested in drinking and such.....just sight seeing and having some alone time.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

I went a few winters ago, I really wanted to go snorkling and stuff but it just happened that while we were there they were setting record cold temps and everything

I loved the wild chickens though! So pretty!

 

[math ace]

Key West has a HUGE reputation for being a dirnking / party area. Others go to the Keys for fishing and scuba diving. The water is extremely clear and reef filled.

I have been to many place in Florida - - - just not the keys. I have been to many of the beaches. I think the BEST area for swimming / walking out into the surf is on the east coast of Florida from the Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin countries. These three countries have very nice beaches but not very much for night time entertainment. They do have some very nice seafood restraunts.

The Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa areas have good beaches and lots of night time activities.

Hopefully, you will hear from more who have been to the Keys and could recommend places to stay, eat, and things to do

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

If you want nice beaches then you dont want the keys the east coast has beautiful beaches but the west coast doesnt. You might want to check out Naples or Marco Island Naples has beautiful beaches and entertainment.

 

[NottinghamChicks]

Quote:
I lived down at the Homestead AFB for a couple of years and we would take day trips here and there. No tolls just a beautiful long 17 mile (I think) bridge and bunches of islands. Isle Marada was my fave, cocktails and dancing on the beach to the Cuban bands. Beautiful relaxed atmosphere. Known for it's drinking and fishing. Not a great place to bring kids unless you are just going to swim with the dolphins (reservations a year in advance are needed) or to do a day of fishing.

Hope this helps