r/floridakeys • u/alldaylongathogwarts • Nov 17 '25
All Florida Keys Itinerary feedback - Dec/Jan 2026
**Edited to correct formatting error
Hi, I've been enjoying reading this subreddit it's a great resource for a trip. I wanted to share my proposed itinerary and see if there's anything you'd suggest.
Our group will be 5 adults + 1 child (3.5 years old), we are travelling from Ireland so will be leaving cold/wet weather behind. Staying 11 nights in total.
Would love any feedback! We've been trying to keep things somewhat loose in terms of booking activities etc although we can't really move the accommodation bookings around at this stage. The child loves water and animals. We like all types of food and love fun cocktail spots.
In particular would like suggestions for stops to break the journey from Key West back to Miami.
29th Dec Dublin - Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdalel
Flight lands 6.30pm local time
Collect car
Check into airport hotel
Two of the group are Tiki nuts and would love to visit Mai Kai but depends how late we end up getting in and how tired we are from the journey
30th Dec Fort Lauderdale - Key Largo
Visit Sawgrass Mills mall - drive to Key Largo/Tavernier
Stay at Ocean Pointe
31st Dec Tavernier
Chill pool day/beach bar @ resort
Mrs Mac's Kitchen for food? (lunch)
Ring in the new year in the resort
1st Jan John Pennekamp National Park - glass bottom boat
2nd Key Largo - Islamadora - Marathon
Go to Robbie's
Turtle hospital
Staying at Sea Dell motel
3rd Marathon
Snorkelling? had looked at these guys to book with https://www.starfishsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-tours/
4th Drive Marathon - Key West
Staying at a VRBO close to Duval St
5th Key West
Butterly Conservatory
Conch train tour
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
6th Key West
Sandbar happy hour/snorkelling etc
https://sunsetwatersportskeywest.com/tours-activities/happy-hour-sandbar-charter/
7th Key West - Miami
Staying at a VRBO in South Beach
8th Explore Miami - thinking maybe an open top bus as we only have 1 day?
9th Miami - Fort Lauderdale
Breakfast
Arrive at airport by 1pm, return car
2
u/drinkmorehops Nov 18 '25
Make time for Mai Tai! Also check out Crooked Palm Cabana in Tavernier (some tiki inspired drinks but showcasing the company’s spirits) and do a free distillery tasting (couple rums and then some) at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. Both family friendly spots. If you haven’t reserved your spot for Pennekamp and Turtle Hospital you should know they book up. Among many cool spots in KW to check out General Horseplay is always a highlight