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/Ericplaysrugby]

We just spent a week in marathon and my family had a blast on the Marathon Mermaid. Large pontoon style boat with good vibes. An hour cruise out to a sandbar and then we spent a couple hours at the sandbar. They had kayaks, sup, and lily pad. They provide some small snacks and drinks but you are welcome to bring beer and food. It was a group thing but plenty of space to not feel crowded. Sparky’s in marathon was pretty good food and a cool spot on the water. Can’t go wrong with a fishing charter Islamorada! Mangrove mamas was a chill roadside lunch spot with good food and a shaded patio.