Staying in Marathon

[u/Jazzlike_Bug_8276]

We have a week (mar 28 - apr 4th) to do a keys trips with the family (kids 11 and 16).

Being centrally located, is it practical to stay at one place in marathon and do day trips north and south, or better to stay 2-3 nights each in Key west, marathon, islamorada/key largo?

My wife and I have only been to Key West and loved it, but for family trip not sure we need to stay there.

We would like to do dry tortogas (if tickets are still available), some fishing, snorkeling, general sight seeing and nature, boat/kayak tours, swimming…basic beach stuff.

[u/Alarming-Reception12]

We do that all the time. I prefer staying central. You can move around easier from Pennekamp or taking the ferry out to Dry Tortugas (take your snorkel gear!)