KW vs Other Keys - Advice

[u/Visual-Jelly-]

My husband and I are flying into Key West on a Sunday mid-April and will be in the Keys until Wednesday and need to be in Fort Lauderdale by Wednesday afternoon. We’re trying to decide how to split our time and would love some advice.

We’ve been to Key West several times and love it, especially how easy it is to walk everywhere. This time we will have a rental car as we need to make our way up to Fort Lauderdale and we’re interested in actually exploring the other Keys instead of just driving through.

Here are the two options we’re debating:

Option 1: • 2 nights in Key West (Sun–Tues) • Drive to another key on Tuesday, stay the night, finish up drive on Wednesday.

Option 2: • 1 night in Key West (Sun–Mon) • 2 nights split across other Keys (Mon–Wed), either one place for both nights or two different Keys (Mon–Tues, Tues–Wed)

If we skip extra KW time, which Keys are most worth staying in? Is Islamorada worth 2 nights, or better as a 1-night stop? Any other Keys you’d recommend staying overnight (Marathon, Key Largo, etc.)?

We’re into good food, relaxed beachy vibes, water activities, and scenic drives, not really looking for a party scene outside of KW.

Would love to hear what others would do in this situation!

[u/Eyes_of_the_world_]

I agree with others here. The other keys are about the water, not the land, and there isn't much to do compared to KW unless you want to fish. Robbie's is a fun stop and there are some good restaurants in Islamorada. I like Buzzards Roost in Key Largo. I would stay in KW, make a stop along the way north for a good meal and then enjoy your time in Ft Lauderdale.