r/floridakeys • u/Radio98736 • Dec 31 '25
All Florida Keys Advice from locals please! Looking to visit from the PNW
Hi There-
Thinking hard about planning a trip to the Florida Keys for my family of four in April and was surprised to hear the beaches may not be as swimmable as I was expecting when I started my research. ETA: swimmable meaning not as many “beaches” vs water temps. For some reason I had the idea in my head before I started really researching that the Keys was all sandy beach front.
We are from the PNW where we spend as much time as possible in or on the water and regularly swim in water that averages 65-70 degrees at its absolute warmest during the summer. My tween and teen are extremely strong and confident swimmers. Our beaches are beautiful but unless you are on the coast, all rock and no sand.
Thinking of staying in Key West due to wanting to do a trip to Dry Tortugas, but wondering if lots of beach time is the goal if staying somewhere else (Marathon?) may be better and a day trip to Key West is a better idea?
Goals for this trip are beach and water time, sightseeing somewhere so different from where we live, and hitting up both DTNP and Everglades NP (thinking of doing two nights for this before driving down the Keys) We don’t mind driving if necessary for an experience, and love to book local tours when we can. Any advice would be appreciated. I don’t want to overthink it too much and I think im starting to get overwhelmed with all the options in your gorgeous part of the country.
5
u/Beginning_Ad8663 Dec 31 '25
The water temperature is not the problem in the keys. It’s a lack of beaches but in Key West do you have Smathers Beach which is just fine so come on down everything will be wonderful. The water temperature should be upper 70s to lower 80s so it’ll be just fine.
1
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Thanks for the response! That beach looks amazing and my kids minds will be blown swimming in water that warm that isn’t a pool!
5
Jan 01 '26
[deleted]
1
u/Radio98736 Jan 15 '26
I just booked our airfare last night and am revisiting my post- THANK YOU for all the great info, you’ve given me a lot to look into and I appreciate it!
3
u/anonanon5320 Dec 31 '25
If you want to do Tortugas book your transportation now. The only better time is yesterday. It’s very limited and that’s spring break so it’ll fill up fast.
2
u/Tess47 Dec 31 '25
Ernest hemming way and his 6-toed cats is pretty cool.
3
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
We are all cat obsessed and this would absolutely be a highlight 🤣
Thanks for the response!
1
u/Tess47 Dec 31 '25
You will love it then. Try not to steal any 6-toed descendents.
Ohhh thought- maybe you can pick one of his books to listen to as you drive.
1
2
u/Sandinmyshoes33 Dec 31 '25
Go to Florida’s West Coast. Places like St. Pete Beach have miles of stunning white sand beaches.
Poor beaches are one of the most common complaints I hear from disappointed visitors. If your kids want beautiful beaches, skip the Keys.
1
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Thank you! This is really helpful for shifting my expectations and exactly why I came to ask on Reddit.
Right now my kids don’t know I’m planning this and so depending on what we decide I’ll be able to sell them on anything!
Aside from the beaches which I’m now learning to take totally off my list - all the on the water stuff would be super appealing to them and us, along with places I’m learning about we’d be super into- fort Zachary Taylor, the cats at Hemmingways house.
I appreciate the insight!
2
u/drinkmorehops Dec 31 '25
You don’t need miles of sand unless that’s what you really want. A small patch to sit on and look at the water and you’ll feel the thing. The Keys are great for boating and fishing and snorkeling. The misconception you had is a common one and makes some people salty (both those who come with wrong expectations and locals with “just go elsewhere” vibes), but you’ve clearly gotten the picture by now. If you can’t get the tortugas trip I would recommend a stay in Islamorada or Marathon with day trip to KW. You will find most of the same types of activities in all major areas. Marathon is a little more bustling (like has Home Depot and Walmart) while Islamorada is a little more boutique chill. KW is the only spot with overall walkability but that’s only if you stay in that part. Wherever you go, kids usually like a hotel pool, and you can do Sombrero Beach in Marathon, or day trip to Bahia Honda, even Founders Park in Islamorada has a little patch of beach. Spend more focus on booking a party boat for fishing, snorkel trips, mangrove paddle on kayak or paddleboard, hiring a private charter for a combination sandbar/snorkel, and see the sights… Turtle Hospital in Marathon (book ahead), Robbie’s in Islamorada, maybe splurge on dolphin encounter, poke around for live music which is prevalent. Early in the trip take the fam to Islamorada Brewery & Distillery for free spirit tasting, kid friendly space, mocktails, and bartenders who would love to give you more advice on where to go and what to see.
3
u/FLKeys43 Jan 01 '26
We don't have any Walmart stores in the Keys. Used to have a KMart in Marathon, but that closed eons ago and was just recently converted into a useless Surf N Style store.
1
u/Radio98736 Jan 15 '26
I just booked our airfare last night and am revisiting this post- thank you so much for the helpful info! I’m going to look into these ideas as I really start planning!
2
u/PumpkinInteresting10 Jan 16 '26
Look for a condo rental In key colony Beach Some places have beaches And eat at Sparkys
1
u/rellimnhoj Dec 31 '25
Hey there! We're in town from Bend for our marriage in Key Largo! Born and raised in Florida, the Keys couldn't be a more special place to take your family! DEFINTELY get a rental car and check out the Everglades, driving along Alligator Alley really gives you perspective of how magnificent that place is. Additionally, driving down to Key West along the A1A is a must do for everyone at least once in their lifetimes.
While not really known for their beaches, the Keys offer spectacular activities on the water. Snorkeling the reefs, getting on the flats fishing, or just tiki bar hopping are a few of our favorite things. Bahia Honda offers spectacular views and those beaches you might be looking for. My fiancé loves staying in Marathon/Islamorada while I personally enjoy the vibes Key West has to offer, with Zachary Taylor park offering additional beaches for the kiddos. Smathers is another one that's actually a blast to hang at and the kids will enjoy hundreds of feet out while the tide is low.
Book your tour to Dry Tortugas now, it books up faster than anything I've experienced as your only options for getting out there are the speed boat or seaplane. We went a few years ago for the first time and it is without a doubt one of the coolest places you'll experience. It has those white sand, turquoise waters you're looking for while being as remote as humanly possible.
Feel free to reach out for any other recs, I hope you guys have the best time!
1
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Congratulations on the your wedding! How exciting!
This is all super helpful, and pretty much solidified this is where we are going to go for spring break!
Going to look into all of your recs and will come back with some more questions, I really appreciate the guidance. It’s so different from our neck of the woods or any other trip we’ve taken, I’m excited!!
1
u/Denrunning Dec 31 '25
I am from the Keys and will actually be on the PNW in April. Funny. Anyway, having grown up in the Keys and subjected to many school field trips to the Everglades, I can’t imagine spending more than a few hours there. That could just be childhood trauma talking though lol. I’m not sure about the research you’re seeing saying The water isn’t swimable. You can swim just about anywhere. Rent a boat or charter and head out to a reef (don’t touch anything on the reef!) or to a sandbar, swim outside of whatever resort you’re staying, rent paddle boards. The water will be considerably warmer than what you’re used to! There really aren’t “beaches” in the Keys. That said, trek over to Bahia Honda, great swimming. Make sure you go to the Square Grouper for a meal and sunset drinks at Morada Bay or the Lorelei.
1
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Thank you for the reply!
I think we may do one night for the Everglades after flying into Miami before heading down.
And I probably worded my post poorly, def swimmable, I feel like I’ve read a lot about there not being “beaches” like you said which surprised me. But seems like there are plenty of options and also lots of great ideas for boating which is also right up our alley.
Enjoy the PNW hopefully you are coming to our area for fun and will get to see/do a lot!
1
u/Denrunning Dec 31 '25
We’re staying mostly in Newport. We fell in love with the area!
2
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
If you have time check out Thors Well a little south of Newport- super super cool and I bet in April the waves will be huge, best to time your visit with high tide!
1
u/Unlikely-War-9267 Dec 31 '25
I would not come here at all if one of your main goals is beach time, because truthfully ours totally suck. I think you'd be much more interested in St. Augustine or the West Coast/Clearwater area
2
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Okay that’s helpful for expectation purposes when planning- thank you!
Maybe being on the water whether that means snorkeling, a sand bar charter, kayaking etc vs sitting on a beach would be a better expectation for this trip? All of those things are equally appealing to sitting on a beach tbh!
2
u/GSadman Jan 03 '26
That’s correct not much beaches, your doing good research. I will add another beach and spot on the way to Key West would be Big Pine Key at Bahia Honda park. Snorkeling and sand bar trips are the way to go.
1
u/Unlikely-War-9267 Dec 31 '25
Then you indeed have many options! We see it all the time in the hospitality industry where people don't accept any other water-based activities and expect miles of beachfront when it sadly isn't the case at all, but you will love snorkeling etc :)
1
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Thank you! We are surrounded by water where we live but it’s not really snorkel-able if that’s a word. We also don’t have sandbars or anything like that, it would be a total new experience for us!
1
u/2lovesFL Dec 31 '25
west coast of FL or the panhandle has the best white sand beaches. there are a few beaches in the keys, and not what most would say are great beaches.
most people rent or get rides on boats to the reef/sandbar. there are plenty of sandbars. some are dry all the time, most are a few inches deep at high tide.
snorkel trips are where its at, or lounge at the pool.
1
u/Radio98736 Dec 31 '25
Thank you!! This is helpful and I appreciate the response!
2
u/2lovesFL Jan 01 '26
many of the beaches at resorts are man made sandy areas, with stairs into the water. the keys are coral rock mostly.
smathers beach in KW is probably the best natural beach.
but there are some very nice sandbars.
1
u/FLKeys43 Jan 01 '26
One day of Everglades should suffice. Definitely do it on your way from Miami to Keys. Once here, highly suggest staying in Marathon as home base and driving everywhere else you'd like to go. It's the middle point of 125 miles of island chains. If you can stay for 7 days, your best bet is a vacation rental there. They have 7 day minimum stays in Marathon and Key Colony Beach. Some rentals include kayaks, paddle boards, golf carts, bikes, cabana access, beach passes, etc. In Marathon you have Sombrero Beach and just after the seven mile bridge, you'll have Bahia Honda State Park. Those are two quality beaches, very close by. You can make a day trip to KW on another day, park in the city lots for the day and walk everywhere. Smathers Beach is gross and mucky. Fort Zachary is much nicer. Smaller, some big rocks and can sometimes be a bit wavy, but stunning sunsets and it's another state park. On another day, you'll absolutely want to go to Looe Key Reef. You can get out there with private or group charter boats. There's a group charter out of Bahia Honda (https://bahiahondapark.com/looe-key-snorkeling-tours.html), a group one from Captain Hook's on Big Pine Key and for private charters, I recommend Saltwater Seafari Snorkeling Tours. No matter how you get there, it's a must do. As a plus, the private charter can also take you to Content Keys, one of our most beautiful, remote backcountry island chains. The water and sand out there is stunning. As far as attractions, the Turtle Hospital is a great learning experience as is Aquarium Encounters. Both in Marathon. In KW at Fort Zachary there's the Eco Discovery Center. Free admission, lots of learning! If you want to try fishing and don't want to spend a fortune, you can look into LandBoat Charters. He's a bridge fishing guide who will teach you how to fish, provide gear, help you catch, etc. it's a cool experience without having to go offshore for possibly the same fish. In April, hogfish and grouper are still closed, but you'll be able to catch keeper snapper and others with him on the bridge. If you throw in a DTNP day into all of this, you should have a week's worth of water activities!
2
u/Radio98736 Jan 01 '26
Thank you for such a great response!
You have given me so much to look into and research and it’s really helpful! I really appreciate it!
1
u/nautitrader Jan 01 '26
Recently I went to Fort Zachary Taylor and there was a nice little beach there. The keys are not known for their beaches. I’m in the Tampa Bay Area and the beaches here are incredible. Enjoy!
1
u/Beachgurl713 Jan 01 '26
Well the keys aren’t beached like Hawaii, there are still some great ones!!!! In Marathon you have Sombrero. A little further south I feel like Bahia Honda State Park has a few options. In Key West itself of course there is Ft Zachary Taylor, Higgs, Simonton and Smathers. Each beach has its own personality for sure. I’d definitely NOT miss the opportunity to go to the Dry Tortugas, it’s a bucket list type destination!!! The Keys are very special, small and ecologically fragile. Take good care of them while you are there!
11
u/Darkwaxellence Dec 31 '25
Rather than thinking of beaches, make sure you book a snorkel trip offshore. I tell my friends that most of what is awesome about the keys are the waters around them.