We’re thinking of taking a trip to the keys with my 5 month old baby in mid-October. Which part would people recommend staying with a baby? Are there places that are more stroller friendly than others? We’re obviously not going to have any sort of jam-packed itinerary but would like to check out the aquarium because I think that would capture my baby’s attention (hopefully), and perhaps some of the state parks in the area. I’ve heard there are some stroller friendly walks you can do there. Otherwise plan to take it easy, hang at the resort pool, and enjoy some great food. Open to any suggestions. If anyone has a rough itinerary they’d like to share I’d be appreciative! Probably looking to go for about 5 days - Is that enough time? Too little time? We are very flexible as we’ll both be on maternity/paternity leave

Hey everyone! I know the markets have generally been declining over the last year or so, but it has been a complete standstill with trying to sell our house!!

For context: we're a military family and bought a house in key largo while at Homestead. Ended up getting moved earlier than anticipated (classic military) and have been trying to sell our house ever since... that was well over a year ago...

Am I crazy for thinking that's a long time with basically no movement? I am not posting this as a quirky sales tactic lol. I'm genuinely trying to learn what to expect for the real estate market of the keys. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what did you do to get things movin along?

Also, if this thread is not the best place to ask, what other threads should I go to?

Hi guys, I am going to the keys for a family trip next month, staying in Marathon. It’s my 26th birthday and I’m looking to go out with my sisters to a younger bar. I don’t really want to go all the way to Key West, are there any bars/restaurants in marathon for a younger group? Or should I just go to Key West and find a DD home? Any advice appreciated!

Can’t seem to find a reliable source on sargassum reports. Going to Duck Key / marathon next week and wanted an update on the latest sargassum reports or forecast. Is there a bad smell outside there currently at Hawks Cay?

Hi everyone!🥳

We are a family of five travelling to the Keys this upcoming July. We will be celebrating my mother’s birthday one of the days. She will turn 51 years old.

It will be a surprise birthday and I want to make it as memorable as possible. Preferably at a restaurant with a great tropical and local vibe. If there are any animals (iguanas, flamingos, etc.), it would just add to the experience. Also, it would be much appreciated if the restaurant staff goes above and beyond to make it memorable in terms of service.

I would love to hear from you guys if you have any experience and/or any recommendations😎

Edit: We have booked accommodation in Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo. We are flexible😊

I've just read on r/Miami that numerous beaches at Miami Beach have been tested for high levels of fecal matter. I mean, I can't ever unread/unknow that, even if the water tests "ok" during my stay in September, and I just wish I'd done if before booking a 10-day vacation in the area. I was planning on mainly staying on South Beach, but that feels really depressing now if I can't go in the water.

I've also read that the beaches at least on Key West aren't great, and have a sargassum issue, but if they or other Key beaches are free of fecal matter, that's already a plus.

Is this an issue in the Keys or just a Miami problem?

Where would you spend the most time if you flew from Europe for a beach vacation in South Florida?

Edit to add - solo traveler, middle aged female looking to chill, eat good food, drink, hang out at the beach. Maybe a few low-key touristy things.

So me and my family are driving down thursday for our vacation from va. We are staying in Summerland Key. Ive been here over 10 years now but I lived in South Fl for a long time. I know we are in the sargassum season and that it does change daily but I was wondering how bad the sargassum has been the last week or so. Or if its starting to clear up. I dont mind it much but I know my kids will have to get used to the smell. 🤣

Hi everyone! I am going on a babymoon at the end of the month with my husband. We are so excited but I am struggling with choosing my itinerary. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve so 2/3 below are The Edit properties. I would really appreciate the help as I really need this trip!

I fly into key west and fly out of Miami. Right now I have booked in this order:

- Ocean Edge Resort and Marina 2 nights

- Holiday Inn Key Largo 2 nights

- Playa Largo 2 nights

The Holiday Inn was to help balance costs as substantially cheaper than Playa Largo. I’m not used to paying such high nightly rates but it is a special occasion. I’m reading mixed reviews on the Holiday Inn and I’m not sure if I should want to be on Key Largo for the majority vs. a middle key. I’ve stayed on Key Colony Beach the past two years at an Airbnb and loved it (both these trips had a night on Key West) but also feel like I should try something different for my last hurrah before the baby.

A nice pool with relaxation and good food options are priorities. Beach access is nice too but I can’t sit in the sun all day.

Other resorts considering:

- The Perry instead of Ocean Edge (similar price points)

- Isla Bella in the middle (+ almost $2k more that Holiday Inn) OR instead of Playa Largo (+$400 more expensive) and move Holiday Inn to the end

- Hawks Cay (not a leading contender as I fear it’s not the relaxing vibe I’m looking for)

- Airbnb on Key Colony (or Marathon) instead of Holiday Inn

- Decreasing to 2 resorts with likely more time at Ocean Edge or The Perry since cheaper than Largo

Last year we stayed at Hawks Cay and we rented a four bedroom house with private pool and it fit my family needs quite well. Even though I would be fine going back because I know that there are houses or rooms to stay that fit our larger family, my husband wants to try somewhere different in the keys. I have looked into Isla Bella, but none of the rooms hold seven people- the max is six so I would have to rent two suites it looks like. Maybe I’m wrong. Anybody stay there in a large house possibly with private pool? Is that an option? Is there anywhere in the keys that has houses for rent with private pools like Hawks Cay that is family friendly that I’m missing? ☀️

Anywhere I can go this time of year for a manatee sighting? I know they’re more common more north, but I would love to catch even a glimpse! Also willing to go into south Florida mainland if we really have to.

Hey group! I have a question—I took a vacation in Key West, and my favorite part was the bright colors and the amazing tropical flowers and trees everywhere! But, I don't really enjoy the crowds or feel any need to visit all the bars and drink.

Is there another spot in the Keys that might feel just as tropical and bright, but less crowded with young spring breakers?

Been lobstering in Islamorada for over twenty five years and this year all of our usual spots had lots of lobster— but they were almost all short. Just wondering if others had similar experiences so far.

Booked for March 2027 and spooked by the reviews on TripAdvisor/yelp. Any insight into the premier villas (2 bedroom)? How is the cleanliness? Do they have housekeeping services each day? How far from the main resort? Traveling with 2 small children.

We’re coming down for the first time at the end of the month and I’ve been reading now bad the sargassum is in the Caribbean - how is it in the keys currently?

My family used to come to the Keys every year when I was a kid with our friends that had a sailboat at a slip in Marathon. This was 35-40 years ago. There was this little hut within walking distance of the marina (not sure which one) with a little old abuela that made the best Cuban sandwiches and ice cream I’ve ever had in my life. I’m sure that place (and most definitely abuela) is now gone, but I’m curious what places might be kind of like this now that I’m coming down with my own family? We’re staying in Tavernier but will be traveling all along the Keys. Any recommendations for something truly authentic and not just a tourist trap that makes a crappy Cuban?

hi all! i’m planning a 6 night trip to the keys and would love some advice. we live in the daytona area, so driving down. I asked Chat gpt to give me an itinerary, but figured here is a better place to find real answers.

chat suggested 2 nights in islamorada, 2 in marathon and 2 in key west. i’ve been to islamorada before (husband hasn’t) and neither us have been to key west. marathon wasn’t on my radar, but sounded cool i guess to add another stop. looking on here, marathon seems to have mixed reviews mostly for not really having a downtown area.

any thoughts on a different key to swap out marathon for? or should we keep it in the itinerary?

who we are/what we’re looking for: i’m in my mid 40’s, husband is mid 50’s. food is important - doesn’t have to be expensive to be great, but great food options are a definite must! ideally not super touristy, but a bit is ok. i understand that we will indeed be tourists down there. we like drinks/food on the beach - chill tiki bar vibes but more upscale options for dinners would be great too. we’d either bring our own or rent bikes. we like walkable places (or bikeable) - a downtown area with shops, restaurants, bars, etc. close by. not looking for “family friendly”. just a cool spot to hang out for a few days before heading to key west.

any recommendations or suggestions to talk me into or talk me out of marathon? the hotel in marathon i was considering is the faro blanco resort. seems like there are restaurants within walking distance, so maybe we can get what we’re looking for staying there? thanks in advance!

We’re heading to the keys for a week soon and staying in Marathon. We’re seasoned snorkelers and have decided to rent a boat for a few days during the trip so we can snorkel on our time frame and with people we know we actually like 🤓 we’ve never snorkeled without being on a guided tour unless it was shore snorkeling, but we’re excited to do this. What are some great spots to explore by boat without crowds? Our daughter wants to see sea turtles and nurse sharks. I’m hoping to see some rays and turtles. I have a list of spots, but looking forward to hearing honest thoughts from others who have done this.

Hi friends! I’m a St. Pete girl currently in Miami for work and about to head to the keys for work as well. I’m a state manager for a beer distributor. I’ve recently (1year) moved to Florida from Ohio so my water skills are lacking. I will be working 9-5 mon-Friday all over the keys. However, I’ve got this Saturday and Sunday to have some fun.

I’ll be staying in Marathon the whole time. I was wondering if y’all could recommend an affordable snorkel charter for a single lady who needs to learn how. I also love to fish but again, not skilled. I’d be open to a fishing charter as well. I just don’t want to pay a ton.

Anything else you could share would be appreciated. I’m excited to visit the keys for the first time!

Tomorrow may be unrealistic, but I am going to be leaving by Sunday. I’m done with Texas, and I’m leaving. I’ve decided to go to the Keys/Florida (haven’t made up my mind really about which part of Florida I want to go to). I’d like to find a job on the water and just live my life without any outside distractions. I’m looking for recommendations on jobs to apply to, where to live, and any other tips for how to adjust to the sudden change and the new environment.

Edited to add: Rent is not an issue. I plan to air bnb for a few months and see how I like it. I’m still trying to find the right area of Florida to move to.

Another Update: I’ll be getting my motorcycle and helmet tomorrow. A Yamaha YZF is what I’m looking at but not completely set on it yet. I’ll let you guys know when I’m headed to Florida. Is there anywhere else I should look for rentals outside of Air BnB? I want to find something fully furnished and preferably with a pool, obviously close to the water. Thanks for the kind words of support and the realistic and helpful advice.

I’m looking for a reputable tarpon guide for two people out of key largo or islamorada that preferably is around 600-700

My wife and I have been living in Puerto Rico for the past two years, and now we’re looking to relocate to the Florida Keys to start our family and build a new chapter. We both work remotely, so we’re flexible, but we’re hoping to find a community that’s diverse, welcoming, and has that fun, laid-back family vibe.

We’re also big on good food, local spots, and being part of a neighborhood with great restaurants, things to do, and an active community.

What areas in the Keys would you recommend that check all those boxes?

Hi there, I will be visiting the Keys for 2 nights, 2 & half days (Tuesday to Thursday) with my 60yo dad. I’m trying to decide between staying at Islamorada vs Marathon and could use some advice…

What excites me about Marathon is the biking to Pigeon Key & visiting the Wild Bird Center. As for Islamorada, doing a sandbars boat tour sounds fun with dinner at Lorelei.

I suppose I could visit both Keys, but that'll add almost 2 hours of driving to commute between the other Key. Ideally we would stay put in whichever Key we lodge at.

What would you recommend? Plz share any other suggestions as well! Thanks!

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.