Looking to book a vacation for early next year. Trying to get ideas. Want to go somewhere with a nice beach that's not crazy expensive. Thought about flying into Fort Lauderdale, staying in Miami for a night or so, then driving down to Key West. Anyone else done this?

Looking at being gone a week. Should we stay in Key West the whole time, or is it better to hit different keys? Things to do or see? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Family trip? Couples trip? Singles trip?
You looking to party, relax, fish, little of all?
Rent a house, resort, hotel?
Give us a little more info.

We did exactly this in March 2016. Flew into Ft Lauderdale. Stayed a night in Miami. Then stayed in a different hotel along the keys. Finished up in Key West.

Get a convertible.

Don't have a schedule. There are plenty of places to stop and see stuff. Also, sometimes the highway can back up with people doing exactly what you are doing, so it might take you a bit longer to get to Key West.

Hotels are expensive along the whole drive, but they are most expensive in Key West.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. Spend some time on Google and you will find plenty of activities to do.

We did the opposite of this several years ago.

Flew into Key West, cabbed to the hotel, and rented bikes there (highly recommend).

Spent about 4 days there, which was plenty. Went to a couple of beaches, but KW is not a true beach destination. I might be a little spoiled, but I was not impressed at all with the beaches. We did have a blast exploring that Key, but really don't see a reason to return.

We cabbed to the airport, where we rented a convertible. Drove up the Keys to Miami, stopping at a few suggested points by others, where we stayed in South Beach a few nights before heading home.

We saw many, much better beaches in some of the random Keys along the way. So you may have to decide what's more important. For partying, history, and a lively atmosphere, KW can't be beat. For a good beach and a more relaxed vibe, I would research other Keys.

Thanks for the info so far.

It's going to be for our honeymoon, so just the two of us. We're pretty open to different ideas. I was just trying to compare a trip like that to an all-inclusive somewhere. All-inclusive make it really easy and hassle-free, but we're also into doing a little exploring too.

For a middle ground solution, look at Hawks Caye. It is a resort, yet it is easy to come and go explore. Not saying the whole trip there, but maybe a couple days might fit your bill.

Have you checked availability since last Hurricaine season? The Keys were hit pretty hard. I am sure rebuilding has happened but did notice a steep price increase probably due to availability.

In key west, check out the seaplane to ft Jefferson in the dry Tortugas.

Firefly is an outstanding southern cuisine restaurant. Blue heaven for breakfast one morning.

Sunset key has a resort and restaurant that's ok more an experience than a really good meal. Just a quick boat ride away.

You can go snorkeling and kayaking in the small mangrove keys around there.

La concha and pier house are good places to stay but on the higher end.

Can't go wrong with the bar scene.

Conch fritters are overrated.

Going in June and looking forward to it but haven't been to the upper keys yet which I want to do on the next keys trip.

Plenty of Day or half day fishing options if that's your thing.

Have fun, love Key West. I'd seriously move there and carve wooden trinkets to sell in Duval Street if I was independently wealthy.

Quote:

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Have fun, love Key West. I'd seriously move there and carve wooden trinkets to sell in Duval Street if I was independently wealthy.

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This times infinity.

We love KW. Tooling around on my KW Hog (bicycle) with a beer in hand is my happy place.

Duece's Off the Hook Grill is amazing food that is cheap by KW standards for upscale food.

Bien Key West is great cuban food for lunch. It's in an old gas station on a street corner. Grab a sandwich and some shrimp in red sauce.

801 Bourbon has drag queen bingo on Sunday afternoons in the bar upstairs. It's mainly straight people that go if you are concerned. You are doing yourself a huge disservice if you don't go listen to Q-Mitch's banter during bingo. All proceeds go to charity.

Conch fritters are over rated. At least pay the extra couple of bucks for cracked conch so that you get all meat and no filler.

For hotels we like the Marquesa. It's pricy but the pools are great. If we're traveling with friends we have a go-to townhome that has a beautiful private pool surrounded by tropical plants.

It's fun to drive from Miami to KW and bar hop along the way if you have a DD.

Hawk's Key is pretty, but when we stopped by to see what it was about we realized that it wouldn't fit us since we don't have kids. It's almost a requirement to have several children under the age of 10 if you stay there.

Swing by a liquor store and grocery store to pack snacks/pool-side drinks for your room.