r/floridakeys

going for our first time, we are looking at staying in an airbnb.

I want to be able to get to a beach somewhat easily (potentially avoiding the algae), as well as have access to fun areas (bars & restaurants)

should I reconsider staying in old town? if i do should i stick to the north or south of key west? nothing too boujee, were looking to spend around 2k for 4 people (only 3 days). we are willing to scooter around!

is there anything i should avoid or look for when looking at places?

Staying in key largo and want to make it out to some beautiful water like alligator reef. Is this a good idea with 4 kids from ages 1-7? Or is there a sandbar that would be better for kids? Please suggest charters/guides that would do either one.

We're coming to the keys in a couple of weeks. My 11th time. Traveling with teenagers and lots of snorkeling and kayaking planned. Prices are so I'm debating switching up our stay. Right now we're booked at the Sugarloaf KOA hotel, but the place we all liked at Venture Out on Cudjoe Key is now 500 cheaper. Which has better amenities for teenagers?

Hello, everyone. I’m very excited to be bringing my family from CO out to the Keys for a vacation in late July. When I was a kid, I’d come out every year to spend a week on a sailboat in the Marathon area but I haven’t been back in 30 years.

We’re staying in Tavernier and looking to book a day of fishing with Good Karma Sportfishing and Captain Ryan. Does anyone have any experience with this business? My daughters are 11 & 14 but have gone out on 3 Alaska halibut charters, and even reeled in a 78-pounder that they wouldn’t let me help out on 😆. Also, I’ve only ever been to the Keys in the winter, so what should I expect for late July fishing? I’m looking for good eating fish to take home, not targeting any specific “sport” species or trophy. Are there also any good places to rent gear for shore or pier fishing?

I will be searching the FAQ section of this subreddit, but if you feel like throwing in some of your family favorite beaches, things to do, restaurants, breweries, etc. near Tavernier, I’d appreciate it. Thank you!

I’m planning to visit “The Keys” for my Honeymoon on June 1st & I am a little overwhelmed. My fiancé is so excited to go snorkeling & explore beaches, but I’m very stressed about where to stay. I’m 24 & she’s 23, neither of us like to party & I’m not certain what my budget is probably around 3-5 grand. (I have no idea how expensive this will be) My main concern is having a good base of operations for exploration, being close to the water. Idk what’s better, the gulf or the Atlantic side. I just want to go snorkeling and walk beaches all day, maybe run around town looking for cool things to see. (& spend money on) We want wildlife and beautiful views. I’ll be there for 6 days. Please help me, I am overwhelmed.

Hitting the Keys up this weekend ! Will be staying in tavernier. Never been to the keys nor Tavernier any recs for bars, your favorite seafood joint, restaurant all that good stuff ! Already gonna be getting some key lime pie so that’s on the list. Will be going further down the keys later in the weekend

Anyone attend the nursing program at CFK in Key Largo? How was it? Was it hard to get in? I’m getting out of the military soon and looking at all my options to apply to. Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Which has the best beach for kids? I need an accomodation where kids can play with sand and directly go swimming/snorkeling.

I know that there arent so many sandy beach, but it will be enough to have some sand spots where kids can play a little and go swimming..

Thanks in advance

My boyfriend and I are looking to stay in the Florida Keys for 3 nights for our 5yr anniversary. We also want to bring our dogs (40lb & 65lb) Typically we stay at boutique hotels and avoid any chain resorts. We just want a relaxing weekend with our dogs, enjoying good food and exploring out on the water. I feel like I might have to do a resort but didn’t want to compromise on food quality. Places that include kayaks/paddles/bikes are also a plus. Islander Resort is a contender for now but wanted to hear other options. We love the Perry but want beachfront this time and we’ve done Isla Bella and weren’t impressed. Any ideas? Appreciate any advice (:

My husband and I typically vacation on Maui in a little beach area of Honowakai, but my hubby is thinking maybe we should try the keys- I am overwhelmed with trying somewhere new. We are in our 40's and not partiers, so no Key West. We enjoy snorkeling and sitting on a beach and taking a dip in the ocean.

From what I have figured out (I think), we would probably be best to stay on Ismaraldo (that spelling is horrible!) or Marathon. Does that sound right? I need some guidence... and we only have 5 days to spend.

We would also be going in the beginning of October. I know it is hurricane season, but besides that- what is the weather like?

thank you in advance.

Traveling to Key West a week from tomorrow and staying for a week. As of now the weather looks rainy on some days. I have excursions booked for each day. Does rain in general cause cancellations or just storms? The excursions are sandbar, snorkeling, sunset sailing, kayaking, dolphin and shark watching and Dry Tortugas.

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😊

Thank you

26, relocating to FL from up north with my girlfriend. In serious talks for a hospitality management role in Marathon at a well-known multi-venue operation (restaurant + bar + market + marina). Offer will likely land somewhere in the $80–100k range.

The catch: My gf wants to be near her grandpa in the Ft Myers area. Marathon is 3 hours away. We’re also looking at Ft Myers and St Pete, where comp is lower but COL is dramatically lower too. On paper, $80k in Ft Myers might leave more in our pocket than $95k in Marathon once rent eats the difference, and she’d actually see her grandpa.
The Marathon role is genuinely a good opportunity. Not trying to talk myself out of it. Just want the unfiltered local take before I commit.

For people who actually live in the middle Keys year-round:
• Is $90-95k actually livable for a couple here, or am I missing something?

•	How brutal is housing for working professionals who aren’t seasonal staff or cash-flush retirees?

•	For young couples thinking about kids in 2-3 years  is Marathon a place to start a family, or does everyone bail when kids come?

•	Is the 3-hour drive to Ft Myers a real “monthly visit” thing, or a “we never actually make the drive” thing?

•	Anyone made the Northeast → Keys move? What do you wish you’d known?

Poll: What would you do?

•	🟢 Take Marathon if it hits $90k+  
•	🟡 Take Marathon only if gf can land work there too  
•	🟠 Pass, focus on Ft Myers/St Pete near her family  
•	🔴 Stay up north another season, plan a smarter FL move  
•	⚪ Something else — comments

Which is a better spot to stay with a dog and kids? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

We are down here for the 2nd time ever and did not find any manatees a few years ago. If you have seen any between Big Pine and Key West and can offer some info it would be greatly appreciated.

Hi.

I'm planning a solo trip to Key West and would like to know which places I should visit and which I should avoid.

For some context, it's a three-day-long trip, the hotel is close to Duval St. (I've been told this is important 🤷), and I plan to move around on foot if possible.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.