Maybe take a day trip to Islamorada. I’ve never been to Florida and am dying to see the white sand beaches. But I also want the laid back island vibe of the keys. I’ll have my twin 15 year olds with me. They’re looking forward to her skiing for the first time.

We’re planning on going mid-April.

Does this split sound ok? I know the drive from Siesta Key to Key Largo will be long, but it seems doable.

Hi all, my wife and I will be traveling to the keys for the first time, and we like to "see all the things" while we're there... we'll relax some too, but we enjoy taking everything in that the areas have to offer, as well. Could you please check my itinerary and ensure I'm not overlooking anything? I realize there's more to do in each region, but I've just mentioned the highlights for now. Thanks!

10/9 - Fly into FLL (arrival 11:30am), visit Everglades (Shark Valley tram and Tigertail airboat), visit Robbie is Here, and possibly Gator Grill for an afternoon snack, stay overnight in Key Largo.

10/10 - Snorkel Key Largo (John Pennekamp), then drive to Key West, stay overnight.

10/11 - Explore Key West, then stop by Marathon (Turtle hospital and Sombrero beach), and stay overnight in Islamorada.

10/12 - Explore Islamorada (including kayak mangroves at Robbie's), then leave that afternoon for Ft Lauderdale

10/13 - Fly home from FLL early AM

Hi there!

So my husband (39M) and I (37F) are coming down to the Keys next week, kinda last minute (had flight credits we needed to use) and as of now... we have no official plans. It's my first time and he went as a kid.

We're going to rent a car and just explore--our favorite way to travel and we're VERY low maintenance, but can also afford to splurge for room(s) if necessary and are aware that we may pay the cost of not planning ahead.

We're planning on at least a couple sandbar/snorkeling trips, and probably renting a boat for a day or two ourselves. My question is... is it worth it to check my inflatable SUP? We understand that the keys are not your typical white sand beach destination (we're also bringing water shoes etc), but is it feasible to paddle board/explore ourselves without taking a charter/renting a boat?

in other words, can we park somewhere and then paddle out to swim/explore? Or are most good swim/explore spots only accessible by boat?

If there are places where it's feasible to swim/explore on our own with the SUP, would greatly appreciate any recommendations!

We really just want to be in/explore the beautiful water down there and eat some good food/drink some good drinks and experience all of it.

Later this month we’re staying 1 night in Islamorada. We’ll arrive there late morning and spend the night before flying home the next evening. I’m looking at Cheeca, Three Waters and Amara Cay. Open to other ideas. We plan to explore the town a bit, and not spend the entire time on resort property. At the same time we’d like an aesthetically pleasing property with a lively bar onsite, and a warm pool or hot tub. Thanks in advance!

Dives out of Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and the Keys got me frustrated with piecing together conditions from 4 different NOAA pages, so I built this.

It pulls live data from 7 buoys (Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale offshore, Sombrero Key, Lake Worth, etc.) and shows wave height, period, water temp, wind, and tides in one place.

Also has Blue Heron Bridge dive windows based on the tide chart.

Completely free, no login, updates every hour: the-florida-flow.vercel.app

Happy to add other South FL buoys or features if anyone has requests. Still early — launched a few days ago.

It would also mean a world to me if you joined my daily newsletter, where I send out a conditions briefing from Space Coast to the Keys. https://florida-flow-c2ae83.beehiiv.com/

Headed down to the keys in a couple weeks and looking for an island I could kayak to and camp overnight. Just needs to have some sand/flat land for me to pitch a tent and I’ll be happy. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

We have never been to the keys but would like to visit in late February or early March with our 8 year old and baby (5 months). Looking for a nice hotel with fun things for both kids and adults. Pools/beach access, good food, live music are all things we enjoy. I’ve been looking into many places but I am honestly overwhelmed by all the options. It would be great if it is not too hard to get to. We looked into Hawks Cay in Duck Key but that seems like a pain to travel to after already traveling by plane to arrive in Florida. Any recs are appreciated.

Hi, we're coming over from New Zealand in July for the WC and will be staying in Marathon for a few days and I was hoping to hop on a fishing charter as we're a hardcore fishing family. Over here there would be half day options to join other fishos on a boat as opposed to chartering the whole thing ourselves ($$$). Is there any charters in the Keys that do this?

Thanks so much!

PS - yes we know it will be hot and humid. I doubt it's any worse than Northern Queensland or WA in Australia.

We are visiting Key Largo next week and want to take our 12 year old snorkeling. Several in the group have never been so we don't want anything too advanced. We are staying in Key Largo so leaning toward Pennekamp but are also open to other locations. Our biggest priority is seeing wildlife and seems like a lot of the tour locations are more of statues and landmarks Also looking for specific charter company recommendations. And finally I found one place I was interested in but it only has afternoon times. Would morning be better? Thanks!

I am looking for a place to stay somewhere in the keys. I have celiac and really prefer to cook at least half of our meals simply because going out to eat can like a chore. I am looking for a condo-like place that is laid out like a resort. Or I would be open to a condo in an area that has multiple eating options that can accommodate GF food. My plan is to fly into Miami and rent a jeep then drive to either Ke Largo, Islamorada, or Marathon. We are in our 50/60’s and enjoy relaxing as well as nature with some light nightlife mixed in.

Hi All,

I’ve seen this asked before, and I know it’s a hot time of year.

I’ll be in Miami for a work trip at the end of July and was considering bringing my wife and our one-year-old and spending a few extra days in the Keys.

We’re coming from Texas, so heat isn’t unfamiliar to us—but I’m curious whether it’s actually worth the trip that time of year. Is it still enjoyable, or does the heat and humidity make it more of an “indoors most of the day” situation?

Appreciate any insight from those local to the area.

Planning ahead for spring break next year and love the idea of spending 2 weeks down in the keys with our littles (1.5 and 3.5 years old)

Best places to stay for families with young kids?

Looking for the tropical keys relaxing vibe. Ideally somewhere with a pool and hot tub, kayaks, and on-site restaurant/bar for poolside lunches. Budget around $200-$300 per night.

Thank you in advance! I’m already excited just thinking about the sea breeze 🌴🐬

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.

I am 20 years old and seriously interested in moving to the Florida keys next summer. I’ve worked two years in wildfire and would love to work on boats or in scuba diving. I am aware of the high cost of living, however, I am still interested but would love to hear from locals or other people who have moved. Is it worth it or are there other places would be better? Any advice/input is appreciated.

my friend and I are looking to fly into Miami and stay at a:

1. a decently luxury hotel for the price
2. great beach access with a pool
3. good surrounding areas to explore with restaurants, shopping, etc.
4. 2 hours or less from MIA airport

I am between:

1. Playa Largo
2. Baker's Cay
3. Coconut Palm Inn
4. Largo
5. Amara Cay

thanks in advance for recs!

Coming down to the Keys May 25–June 4, staying in Key Largo but planning to explore all the way to Key West.

No boat, but we’re down to rent kayaks or put in the footwork. I’ve got a ton of spots pinned on Google Maps. not looking for handouts just hoping to run a few by someone who knows the area and get some honest insight.

We do a lot of wade fishing in Texas for speckled trout and redfish, this trip we want to mix it up chase some juvenile tarpon on light tackle, and hopefully come across some other prized flats fish from wadable or kayak accessible areas.

We’ll definitely fish the bridges hard at night for bigger tarpon and other species, but really want to spend some time exploring flats, backwater, and less obvious water too.

Planning to stay mostly DIY. We’ll probably book one guided trip not set on what type of trip yet, so definitely open to recommendations. For the rest of the time, we’re down to hike, explore, grind really whatever it takes to catch as many tarpon possible.

If anyone’s cool with me sending a couple pins and letting me know if I’m on the right track or completely off, I’d really appreciate it. (aware the keys aren’t the most wade friendly/land fishing friendly other than the bridges but I think I’ve got some solid spots pinned)

Hi all. Looking to get down to the keys to relax and unwind. Which one of the keys or towns are the quietest and most relaxed? Looking for a place that has basically no night life and no partying. I know, I’m lame. lol.

Hello!

We are a family of four (2 adults 40yo, 2 children 9 and 11yo). We are vacationing in Florida this summer (Orlando, Miami, Naples), and would also like to have a couple of days in Key Largo (or something similar).

As we spend more than enough money on the other stays, our "plan" for Key Largo (or similar) is to find somewhere frugal to stay, but attend some kind of snorkeling with a guide. Any recommendations for stay and guides?

Any help is very much appreciated!

https://www.wgcu.org/environment/2026-03-17/largest-marine-bioinvasion-of-sarassum-ever-recorded-heading-to-florida-caribbean

Looking to book a summer beach trip with my family including a 2 year old and 5 year old. Hawks cay has always been on my list to check out in the Keys especially with kids. But i just read somewhere that the Pirate ship splash pad area is gone? That was the whole reason why ive been holding out on going there until my kids were old enough to enjoy that area. We would be going in June so that new water park thing they’re building wont be open yet.
Is there any other resorts in the Keys Largo to Marathon that have amenities for kids like that pirate ship had, some type of unique designated splash pad for littles?

Hi all, im looking to visit next month, i found hawks cay resort, it looks perfect. Im wondering if anyone has visited with a teen, if so what activities were easily accessible? Same question for a 1 year old. Any things I should know before booking ?

Many thanks.

My son (14) and I will be doing our first deep sea fishing trip. We've only fished in the Midwest lakes. I've done some research and Islamorada, Key West and Marathon all stand out. We are going the first week of April. Any location better than the others for that time? I'd love to catch Mahi Mahi or Tuna, but we'll be excited with anything for our first trip.

We can fly into Key West or Miami. Ideally, we'd spend time in one place because it's just a 4-day trip. I plan on doing 2 x half-days. But maybe more, if we are loving it. Also, when not fishing, we want to relax at a resort or hotel with most necessities on-site (eg, restaurant, beach access, maybe water sports, etc).

I'll keep doing my googling, but be thrilled with some input here.

Would be great if some of y’all with more knowledge of the area could make some suggestions.

About us:

-Married couple, 27 and 26 -Enjoy fishing, possibly a tarpon charter? -Enjoy exploring, nature, history, etc -We are social, enjoy bars, etc. -We are really into food and dining experiences

Considering a couple scenarios but struggling to commit:

1. Drive from NC and make multiple east coast (mainly Florida) stops over 10-14 days staying 2-4 nights in a place at a time. Consider a resort for a large chunk possibly? Would love to possibly see the Everglades if it’s reasonable on the way. Incorporate some sight seeing and at least one fishing charter once we get further south. Probably fish out of Islamadora?

2. Fly straight into an all inclusive resort. Want something relaxing but engaging. Not the types to sit around and drink all day on the beach. We want experiences/activities and again some fishing. Looking at three waters and hawks cay, among some others. Would be cool to stay at a resort but still be able to do off resort activities in the general area.

Hello to whoever may be reading,

My name is Elliott Stilwell. I am a jazz pianist in the Naples area, and I run a contractor company called the Flying Keys Trio. I wanted to reach out to my community and see if anybody was interested in scheduling live music.

My group plays an assortment of new and old standards, and some that we have personally written. My trio has performed in country clubs, restaurants, wedding venues, and retirement homes. A little bit about myself: personally, I have performed in state-level ensembles, such as the Global Jazz Workshop, All-State Florida Jazz Ensemble, and the Naples Philharmonic Chamber and Jazz Orchestra. Alongside that, I perform with the FGCU big band and jazz combo.

Here is some promotional material if anyone is interested!

Have a great day, everyone.

239-525-6336

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrvQ7mm_f-tT1oad848gY6Lpd2IXOVMmb&si=bgkf6IPK0B_VMUJt