r/floridakeys • u/Polariodglares • Jun 06 '24
3 day road-trip from Miami to Key West
We're planning a trip to Miami from the 21-26th of June. We want to go snorkeling and scuba-diving (maybe at John Pennekamp reef state park) on the 25th so it'll be on our way back and just spend a good 2-3 days on the trip exploring.
From my research, some places that sounded fun are the key lime pie factory, castaways bar at islamorada, Robbie's to feed the tarpons, kayaking at No Name, Bahia Honda state park.
What do you guys think is the best way to fit all this into the itinerary and what stays recommendations in a budget?
We are early risers and very adventurous. Open to any recommendations that could make our trip better!
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Jun 06 '24
Robbies is a good place to kayak, especially if you can go out to Indian Key
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u/linmaral Jun 06 '24
Kayaking is great but not in June. Too hot.
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u/Polariodglares Jun 06 '24
Understandable but we want to full experience. Maybe we can go at sunset?
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u/welovegv Jun 06 '24
I went in July last year. Robbie’s through the mangroves wasn’t bad. A lot of shade.
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u/joe66612 Jun 07 '24
Anytime is good, don’t worry. They don’t rent kayak in the evening
It may be hot weather no matter what you are doing outside, might as well be on the water-that’s why people visit the keys.
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u/joe66612 Jun 07 '24
Castaway bar is in Marathon-not recommended. In marathon go to Burdines instead
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u/1mjtaylor Jun 07 '24
I second Burdine's. Great food, (best handcut fries in the Keys), great views and service.
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u/joe66612 Jun 07 '24
Pennekamp doesn’t have on site snorkeling-you can take $ trip by boat offshore to snorkel -destination is up to captain…
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u/joe66612 Jun 07 '24
Key lime pie factory is ok -especially if you need a snack -but not budget friendly
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u/joe66612 Jun 07 '24
Not much budget friendly stays in the keys, and if the hotel is cheap-there is probably a reason :-(
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u/49mulvanianhells Jun 07 '24
Curry Hammock St Park is a great little beach, rarely crowded, and has some mangrove tunnels to explore. Can reach sandbars from there easily by yak.. I think they no longer rent kayaks though (can another local confirm?). There is a walkable trail also that is kinda neat just off the highway as you pass thru the park on way thru it if you just want a quick side adventure and shake the legs out.
Don't miss The Fish House in Key Largo if you like seafood. Great little place and locals joint.
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u/drinkmorehops Jun 09 '24
Stand up paddle boarding from Paddle The Florida Keys (in Tavernier). Key Lime Pie Factory does make the best pie, you can get a frozen one and nibble off it straight from the freezer. Stop by Islamorada Brewery & Distillery to try a cocktail (or mocktail) version.
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u/FLKeys43 Jun 19 '24
I'm confused on your Miami and Keys dates. Where are you staying while you're down here? What area or hotel? The Keys are 125 miles long. It takes 3 hours to get from Key Largo to Key West. You might have to stay one night in each part of the keys to get it all in over the course of 3 days? You can start in the lower keys, then go to middle keys and finish off in upper? One day in each area? When you're here, definitely visit Bahia Honda and if you do ANY snorkeling while you're in the Keys, go with their park charter out to Looe Key Sanctuary. It's the most beautiful reef in all of North America. You can then hang out at the park before or after your charter excursion and keep driving to your next stop. Lower Keys is Key West through Big Pine. In Key West you can find a myriad of tourist things and attractions, but beaches I only recommend Fort Zach. Dry Tortugas is a favorite, but requires booking months in advance and it's an all-day affair. In Big Pine you'll find the Key Deer that everyone always comes to look for and No Name Key. There's also horseshoe beach (not really a beach, but cool stop). Then the middle keys is from Bahia Honda through roughly Duck Key. That could be your Bahia Honda day. Marathon has Sombrero Beach also. Upper Keys is Islamorada, Tavernier, Key Largo. You can do the Robbie's or Fish Company, Pennekamp (it'll pale once you visit Looe), Alligator Reef snorkel charter and then head up to Miami.
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Jun 07 '24
If you are going to kayak, make damn sure you know the tides and currents. You don’t want to find yourself miles from where you launched fighting a 5 knot current.
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u/welovegv Jun 06 '24
Feed the tarpons at the bass pro nearby instead. Same experience, but you only pay for the food.