You can book glass bottom boat tours and snorkeling excursions for the whole family. I’m not trying to brag (ok, I totally am), but we completed the Disco Inferno in 29 minutes. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "We took our dad on a birthday trip to Yellowstone and grand Tetons and Ben (and Kim Kim) did a great job identifying awesome accommodation options and taking...", Traveled to the United States as a family in June, 2019, "We had a wonderful trip to Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon national parks, and to the Antelope Canyons. 1 Week Key West Vacation Itinerary. Worth repeating! Once you've refueled, you'll head 20 minutes further west on the Tamiami Trail to take the Loop Road (otherwise known as County Road 94, an easy-to-miss left turn from the Tamiami at Monroe Station) through the Big Cypress National Preserve. Day 7: Key … I think now that we’ve had this little reminder of how good life is in the Florida Keys, we will. Wow! Great ! Folks who come back to the Keys often end up finding their perfect hotel, favorite restaurant or marina on the first visit, and then return over and over. Before that, we visited as a pre-RaeRae family of four (maybe 1990? The tours run hourly from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and are guided by park naturalists who can point out the wildlife and provide impressive insights into the ecosystem as a whole. Once the sun dips below the horizon, walk over to Bagatelle for a delicious seafood dinner. … We loved the Admiral Tower, a fisherman’s tackle box filled with oysters, shrimp, lobster, tuna, yellowtail snapper ceviche and stone crab claws on ice. Be forewarned: there are no guide rails on the top level of the fort, so take extreme caution if you choose to walk this level. Half Shell Raw Bar is another great option if you stroll just 5 minutes further in the warm evening air. You can take a guided tour (included in the price of your ferry ticket) to hear captivating stories about the fort and its remarkable history, or you can take a self-guided tour using the helpful placards around the fort. The Brooklyn of Key West, Stock Island is quickly becoming a destination in its own right. Absolutely. Each island destination has unique features to explore. The Florida Keys are consistently included on the top lists of road trips in the U.S. and it doesn’t take long to see why. Day 1: Biscayne Bay. Sample Itinerary: Lower Florida Keys – One Week* Sailing from Marathon Key you will experience the many pleasures and sites of the Florida Keys. Learn more here. Driving time: 1 hour, depending on traffic. The captain will return you to shore at 8 pm. We tried every iteration of lobster, from risotto to bisque, along with Key West pink shrimp, oysters Rockefeller and the freshest pompano. If you sit outside on the patio, the sea breeze is the perfect accompaniment to breakfast. It was a tight squeeze in spots, and we had to pull ourselves along by the branches once or twice, but it was definitely an adventure you can’t get anywhere else. Go early (or stay late!) Lower Florida Keys 7 Day Cruising Program Departure from Marathon. The pasta and pizza are both available in gluten free and were every bit as delicious as the gluten-full. to grab a drink at Berlin’s speakeasy, paneled with dark wood and reminiscent of Hemingway’s time on island. Key West is a place where your days can be spent adventuring out on the water or strolling past gingerbread mansions and colourful conch houses. We had our first taste of the Florida Keys that night, with a seafood dinner in The Stoned Crab. I also watched the video, even that was ultimate you did everything from fishing, feeding the fishes, jet ski & lot more and after that these all the things are must to do activities. One of my favorite restaurants in the area! See hidden gems. Florida Itinerary 7 Days: Get trip ideas on must-see destinations in Florida for a week! Day 1 After a short, direct flight from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale our group made the hour and a half drive to Islamorada for a two night stay before we traveled further south to reach Key West. Planning a 7-Day Itinerary for the Florida Keys. We will have seven nights but really only five full days since two days are pretty much travel days. ... Key West, Florida, dubbed ‘Bone Key’ by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon almost 500 years ago due to the island’s use as a communal graveyard by its indigenous population, ... DAYS 6-7 - KEY WEST WATER ACTIVITIES FURY WATER ADVENTURES If you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re traveling with young children, we recommend taking this excursion in the morning, as you’ll share the ship with other families at that time.If you’re super hungry, head straight to the Conch Republic Seafood Company, a 5-minute walk from the dock. Ibis Bay Resort is an original and unique 1956 resort has an artistic, Cuban influence. There was about a 15 minute line to take photos, and it was nice to see the line of travelers helping to take photos for the next folks in line and so on. Answer 1 of 5: We are two couples in early 60's planning a Florida Keys vacation in February. Half day fishing trips are always going to be for the low-hanging fruit, those easy-to-catch reef fish. Rae was the only member of our group who’d been to Latitudes before, and she still has a picture of “the best steak in the world” that she ate there many years ago. If you’re seeking sun, sea and sand then Florida’s Southeast Coast is the ideal holiday destination for you. Do not sleep on the pizza, y’all! This itinerary takes you on a journey from Miami to Key West and back. Ultimate, It was a great post which lets you plan something for your family also. Here, you can snorkel alongside the moat (swimming prohibited inside) that surrounds Fort Jefferson, where you’ll see an abundance of marine life. Go early (or stay late!) Enjoy and let us know if you have questions in the comments below! Tim and I spent several days road tripping along the Florida Keys and visiting Key West. The first place of interest is at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park. Learn more about the Laureate here. Score! It was easiest to stay in a hotel near the airport, … pet friendly 3-bedroom+ villas in the Florida Keys, Ultimate Petra Itinerary | 48 Hours in the Rose Red City, Canon IVY CLIQ Instant Print Camera Review, 9 of the Best Destinations for Summer Road Trips in Florida, Adventures at Home | Trapeze School in Florida, Outdoor Exploration on Little St. Simons Island. WORK WITH ME Our vacation itinerary in Key West proved to be fun, educational and enjoyable for our entire family. One more key lime pie! On the way back to the dock, we spotted manatees under the bridge, and the guys managed to catch a few fish along the way. On Garden Key, you’ll find Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas, which housed prisoners following the Civil War. Less traveled than the main highway, Card Sound Road is lined with mangroves and locals selling blue crabs, and it won't add any additional drive time to your trip. Pack a picnic, plenty of sunscreen, and some insect repellent for today’s adventure - you should also ensure you have a full tank of gas. Hawks Cay Resort is one of my favorite spots to stay in the Keys! What a lovely destination to plan a trip with family & friends, This is a great guide! Located just 140 km (90 mi) from Cuba, Key West is an island only about 6.4 km … For two hours you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear, turquoise waters. Get ready to snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, float, and jet ski your way through this exciting week-long getaway. The Florida Keys are such a good destination for bigger family groups, not just because of the selection of varied activities that match just about anybody’s desires, but the accommodations are ideal. Covered parking is included, and real talk, the staff at the Laureate were the friendliest we encountered anywhere. I know it's about 7 or so hours from Orlando to key west and we would not like to drive that in one day … • Inspirock A perfect way to encounter Key West especially for the first time visitor. The moment you’re out of South Florida and past the Florida Everglades, you encounter the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) and the laid-back Florida Keys … FAQ, Get exclusive updates with all the latest news and posts delivered directly to your inbox, It had been a while since we did a big, official family vacation anywhere besides. Here, you can lounge on the white sand beach, swim and snorkel off the shore, hike on the two short nature trails, or explore the historic fort, an important Union outpost in the Civil War. The Laureate is extremely pet friendly, providing beds and water bowls for the four-legged family members. For lunch, don’t miss Eaton Street Seafood Market for tasty sandwiches made to order, and dine al fresco at one of their outdoor picnic tables. To end your day dining with your toes in the sand, make your way over to Marker 88 in time for sunset.Driving time: 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Also check out: Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, Ocean Key Resort & Spa. Savor the miles of glistening blue ocean on all sides. The last time we visited was in 2006 on a quick cruise. I’ve really enjoyed reading it throughout. Day 4: Islamorada to Duck Key. A tiny city just 16 km (10 mi) long, Marathon is spread across several islands in the middle of the Florida Keys. There are, however, three airboat companies that are authorized by the National Park Service (we recommend Coopertown), all clustered before the visitor center at the main northern entrance to the park. If you need a break from the sun and would prefer to spend the morning exploring the city streets, make use of the city’s hop-on/hop-off trolley, a great way to see the four corners of the island and learn its history along the way.Blue Heaven is a must-stop for lunch, eaten outside in the shade with the chickens that strut around the grounds.After lunch, head to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum for a glimpse of Key West life in the ‘30s. This will give you a great background and understanding of the Florida Keys ecosystem. We had no trouble finding pet friendly 3-bedroom+ villas in the Florida Keys with room to breathe, full kitchens, washing machines and separate bathrooms. The … I didn’t know what to expect from an upscale Italian restaurant on the beach but we were pleasantly surprised to find the best pizza, mussels and mozzarella this side of the Atlantic Ocean. We will have seven nights but really only five full days since two days are pretty much travel days. The city of Marathon is actually set on 13 islands in the Middle Keys and is best-known as a great family destination due to white sandy beaches and the many educational opportunities for learning about marine life. Matt’s is a must in the Keys. Turquoise water, kitschy souvenir shops hawking shells and motels from a bygone era welcome you to what may as well be a country unto itself. You can also take the quieter route along Card Sound Road, which connects the mainland with the top half of Key Largo. Top Day Trips in the Bay Area - Explore the Best Backroad... One Week in Northern California - 5 Unique Road Trip Ideas. Suggested 7 Day Sailing Itinerary - TheFlorida Keys. Lots of seafood but plenty of great options for beef-a-tarians in your family. Be sure to bring sunscreen, towels and cash for tipping the crew. Key Largo is the Gateway to the Florida Keys. The rest of the afternoon will be spent aboard a catamaran for some deep-sea snorkeling, followed by a sunset at sea. 1. Included in the admission price is a short, guided 30-minute tour led by a local volunteer. CONTACT Located just 140 km (90 mi) from Cuba, Key West is an island only about 6.4 km (4 mi) long and 1.6 km (1 mi) wide. Key Largo is 69 miles from Miami and is the first key you’ll come to. Halfway out, you’ll find a 45-ft observation tower that provides 360-degree views for 20 miles in every direction over the impressive surroundings. On the north end of Marathon Key sits the Dolphin Research Center (Mile Marker 59), where visitors can interact with and learn about the dolphins, sea lions and other animals that live there. ), fishing out of Islamorada, parasailing for the first time and using a real hard copy guidebook to get around. Here's a detailed itinerary of 5 days, 4 nights in the Florida Keys - what we did, where we stayed, what we ate and the beauty that we experienced along the way. The Florida Keys and Key West … It took us about an hour from Miami Airport … Doing it this way makes the long drive home a couple hours shorter. You won’t find Hemingway himself here nowadays, but his home still houses famous 6-toed cats. Sheba came with us and got to try out her new doggie life jacket. Free itinerary planning templates for Florida. If you'd prefer to spend the afternoon lounging in the sun, head to Anne's Beach (parking at MM 73.4), voted as one of the Best Hidden Beaches of South Florida by Lonely Planet. Driving time: 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, Grab some breakfast, snacks for the road, and even an organic coffee or smoothie from Food For Thought before beginning the drive to Key West.Hop back on US 1 heading south, and it’s not long before you’ll come to Seven Mile Bridge, which was one of the longest bridges in the world at the time of its completion in the 1980s. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is 70 square miles of mangrove swamps, coral reefs and wildlife, and it’s one of the coolest places to snorkel in the Keys as home to the “Christ of the Deep” statue. Stop at Robbie's Marina (on the left at Mile Marker 77.5) for a chance to feed a giant tarpon. “She said, I love places where it’s summer in winter” ~ Nick Miller The ferry deposits you back onshore just after 5 pm. We spent 7 days in Key West, Florida on a family vacation. We actually tried to skip dessert at Sundowners but our awesome server wouldn’t let us. DAY 1 - Biscayne Bay; Alternatively, you can walk some of the trail, although we do not recommend that you walk the entire length so that you can save time for the other stops on your agenda. RESOURCES Back on shore, you’ll find the Green Turtle Inn, featured on the Food Network and famous for its Key lime pie, a great place to stop for lunch. Such a great way to get to know Key West – start here on your first visit! -Kristen Florida Keys Road Trip. Thank you for reminding us of the excitement of getting out of our comfort zones and showing us such a different place. California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, a... Yosemite Road Trip from the Bay Area - 3 Days, American Southwest National Parks Road Trip - 8 Days. Here’s our 5-day itinerary to help you plan Florida Keys road trip with kids. ANGIE LIVE Folks who come back to the Keys often end up finding their perfect hotel, favorite restaurant or marina on the first visit, and then return over and over. If you’ve never been to the Florida Keys, this is a great first-timer’s itinerary because you drive the whole length, stay on three different islands and get a taste of it all. Sunset is a big deal in the Florida Keys, and nowhere more than Key West. The fragile ecosystem here is protected as an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visiting it is a great way to immerse yourself in nature for the day. I highly recommend a Keys vacation and can’t wait to go again! The shallow waters (5 - 15 ft) around Garden Key make for some really spectacular snorkeling - the park is home to 67,000 acres of coral reef under clear blue waters. We thank you for supporting the partners that keep Angie Away and The Jet Sisters a free travel resource! Head south out of Miami on the Ronald Reagan Turnpike to US Highway 1 (also known as the Overseas Highway), one of the most scenic roadways in the country. For those not driving (and of age), visit the beer garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company for a tasting flight of local beers. Everyone we came in contact with was incredibly professional and friendly. Visit Florida Keys. Eating options are limited in the park, so bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Thanks. For the final hour at sea, you’ll be served rum punch to celebrate a fun day and ring in the sunset. The last time we visited was in 2006 on a quick cruise. A road trip from Miami to Key West through the lovely Florida Keys was one of the best road trips we have ever been on. The perfect itinerary for 3-days in the Florida Keys. When you're ready to leave Key West behind, you'll head north back up US 1 to Islamorada - this drive should take a little less than two hours. From Key Largo, you'll head north on US 1 through Homestead (stop at the Publix here to pick up some refreshments and made-to-order sandwiches) and up to Miami. Sebago’s sunset sail features all-you-can-drink beer, wine and sangria with light appetizers. If you have the time to do both, check out Mallory Square for one sundown and hop onboard a catamaran with Sebago for another. Take a day to relax and enjoy some peaceful and natural scenery. The short (⅓ mile) Tree Snail Hammock Trail is located at mile 15.6. Answer 1 of 5: We are two couples in early 60's planning a Florida Keys vacation in February. Yes, we were on the way home, but we had to make time for one more gorgeous sunset! 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