What to do in the Florida Keys...?

Question

We are going to Marathon, but any ideas would be cool. [Keeping in mind this is a family vacation]

Answer 1

I've been to the Florida keys 4 times in the past 5 years, staying almost primarily in Key West. I know Key West tends to get this rep as a den of iniquity or a place to go to strictly party, but there's a lot of fun family things to do there. I would say first off, don't miss the drive there! As you leave mainland Florida on interstate 1 and start key-hopping, the views are gorgeous. The drive takes about an hour and 45 minutes depending on traffic, but you'll be enthralled and it will go by in what seems like minutes. The water is gorgeous and clear, and really, you're just driving over bridges and islands, and there are places to stop along the way from little shops, to places to get key lime pie, to pull offs where you can step down and enjoy the water. Also, be sure to watch for key-deer.

After you arrive in key west, take a little drive around the island, it's not that large, and you can familiarize yourself with the area. There's the historic area, which features a lot of old houses, including Ernest Hemmingway's home which you can tour. Visit the Southern Most point in the United States, marked by bouey type object perfect for photo ops. For more family fun, there's an aquarium, a pirate museum, snorkling, fishing tours, glass bottom boats, jet skiing, scuba, and of course the beach.

There's shopping and restuarants, especially on Duval street. You've got a lot to choose from when it comes to cuisine, and the restaurants are absolutely gorgeous, many of them having outdoor seating, with fans in the afternoons and white christmas lights at night. They keep most of the folliage around, so everything is lush, and tropical, and just stunningly gorgeous.

At sunset, be sure to check out Mallory square. They have a sunset celibration there everyday...Key West is famous for their sunsets. There are magicians and jugglers, and sort of a different bunch of entertainers every day. Also, there are sunset sails on large schooners that are absolutely gorgeous and not outragously priced. I highly recommend taking one.

There are ghost tours you can take as well. A guide will take you around the city, telling the stories, and the walk itself is not anything children would have a problem with. It's very easy, no uphill, and the pace is slow enough where one never gets out of breath. They offer them at a few different times, so you can take an earlier. None of the stories are full of gore, and there were quite a few children that were on the tours the times i've gone. They seem to particularly like shouting "you're doomed" back at good natured locals who love to tease the tourists on these ghost adventures.

There are also a lot of local artists shops, including a Weiland gallery. My experiences there have always been very good. People are extremely nice and unless you go there during spring break or fantasy week, things never really get crazy. It's absolutely beautiful there and i'm sure you'd all enjoy it.

Have fun!

Answer 2

We stayed in marathon and just down the street there is a dolphin research center where you can go in with the dolphins and swim. It was a great experience. We stayed at the banana bay resort very inexpensive beautiful and family friendly right on the ocean, lot to do fishing ,swimming. But I would also suggest going to Key west.

Answer 3

The only time I've ever been in the Florida Keys was for Sea Camp with my school. I had fun snorkling and stuff.

Answer 4

Uh, swim, dive, snorkel. Eat some seafood. Maybe make the drive down to Key West. Thats about it, there isnt that much else to do there, these arent big places. You could probably add "dodge hurricanes" to the list.

Answer 5

Snorkeling at John Penny Camp park its wonderful.

Answer 6

When in Marathon, fishing and snorkeling are a must.

Answer 7

Boat ride, jet skiing, fishing, scuba diving. lots of water activities. Listen to Jess right below me. She has it perfect from a tourist point of view.

Answer 8

Watch out for the Hurricanes!

Answer 9

go on a snorkling boat they are great fun you go to the reefs and can see all kinds of fish and sea animals...also sloppy joes has great food it is on duvall st.....

Answer 10

parasailing ,boating ,fishing ,swimming ,canoeing, scuba diving ,dolphin touring