Key West and Florida

[rivergames]

In June, I'm planning on taking my Preggo wife for a week long trip to Florida. First, flying into Miami, renting a car and heading down to Key West and then working our way back up the whole state of Florida and flying out of Orlando to head back home. Want to spend 3 days in Key West.

I know nothing about Florida. Please provide recommended hotels, restaurants, and shit to check out.

 

[RiverDave]

Going on a weekend or during the week?

 

[rivergames]

Leaving on a Thursday Night to get there Friday around 5am and then staying till the following Sunday. So about 10 days

 

[RiverDave]

Leaving on a Thursday Night to get there Friday around 5am and then staying till the following Sunday. So about 10 days

I will try to dig up the last hotel I stayed at I loved it

 

[Blue Oval]

Mermaid and the Alligator is where we stay when we go to Key West. Easy bike ride to downtown, not sure if your wife will be up to that.

 

[caribbean20]

Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach. My second favorite restaurant on planet earth. Beware, very expensive.

Don’t want to hijack your thread, but I’m interested in this information too. Planning a trip in the next month or two to South FL and Key West with my wife and adult son. Looking for cool sightseeing stuff, like one of those swamp boat rides. Haven’t been to South FL in 15 years.

 

[lakemadness]

It'll be fuggin hot. Not the best time to visit south Florida...

 

[rivermobster]

Leaving on a Thursday Night to get there Friday around 5am and then staying till the following Sunday. So about 10 days

Ya know how some of the best wether in Parker is in May/June?

Florida in June will be like August in Parker, but 10 times worse!

So if you're looking for unbearable humidity and heat, go for it.

Protip: Ever notice how all the big boating events in Florida and in November/December?

 

[beerrun]

No joke the NO SEE UMS will be out bring rubbing alcohol for the bites

 

[lakemadness]

The plus side of So Florida in June is there will be way fewer crowds. Because it is a sauna on steroids...

 

[angiebaby]

We have gone in mid-June. It wasn't unbearable. Just don't arrive in jeans, socks and shoes, like Sportin' Wood did. It will be hot and humid, yes, but just dress lightly. We've only been to KW, so all of my recommendations are based on that. Be prepared for pop-up rainstorms that last for 15 minutes. Many places in KW don't have on-site parking, so make sure to verify when making your hotel reservations. Beaches will nearly empty, at least in KW. Water will be warm. Watch out for jellyfish.

It's been too long since I've been there for me to recommend restaurants. The first Margaritaville restaurant is there, but now they have them everywhere, so there will be nothing original there, but it's kinda cool to go there. We did a catamaran, kayaking, and snorkeling trip and that was a fabulous day. We also rented kayaks separately and that was cool also. OH! you HAVE to do the Butterfly Conservatory. Absolute must do. Skip the aquarium. I don't know if the pirate museum is still there, but we enjoyed that also.

I wish we would have done the trip to Ft. Jefferson, but we will have to do that on our next trip.

That sounds like a great trip. I've wanted to do something similar. I want to fly into Tampa, drive down to KW and then fly out of Orlando.

 

[17 10 Flat]

With a preggo wife she will be uncomfortable in June, unless of course she loves hot, humid weather.
Just dress for it. Sandals tank tops and shorts.

 

[17 10 Flat]

In June, I'm planning on taking my Preggo wife for a week long trip to Florida. First, flying into Miami, renting a car and heading down to Key West and then working our way back up the whole state of Florida and flying out of Orlando to head back home. Want to spend 3 days in Key West.

I know nothing about Florida. Please provide recommended hotels, restaurants, and shit to check out.

One of my absolute favorite stops in on Marco island.

Stan's Idle Hour Seafood RestaurantStan's Idle Hour https://www.stansidlehourgoodland.com
Sunday pretty much only day to go. Crowds are off the hook.
The parking lot will have golf carts to Bentleys and Ferraris. Lots of bikes. Good friendly crowd.

 

[Racey]

On your way back to Orlando if you can stop at New Smyrna Beach and take your wife to The Garlic for dinner.

One of the top 5 meals and dining experiences i've had in my life.

If you are near the coast the breeze will keep the humidity manageable, when you get to Orlando it will suck so basically stay along the coast and b-line it last minute into the city.

 

[Activated]

@Tank recommended Louie’s when we were in Key West a few years ago. It did not disappoint.

Key West fine dinning with an ocean view | Louie's Backyard

Louie’s Backyard, Key West “Oh, if only for a backyard as beautiful as the spectacular oceanfront setting offered by this Caribbean-American restaurant, Key West’s Most Popular destination, where you can dine on incredible cuisine served by a professional staff on either the fabulous multilevel...

www.louiesbackyard.com

 

[sonicss31]

Miami to KW is a minimum 4hr drive. Stop at Robbies and feed the Tarpon, take some pics. Square Grouper MM 22.5 is always a great meal. Bagatelles on Duval St is good place to eat in KW. Take a trip to Ft Jefferson/Dry Tortugas for some history and snorkeling. Danger Charters is one of the best for a sunset/romantic evening on the water. Don’t let the naysayers scare you off about heat and humidity but they are right about the noseeums. I live here full time so I guess I’m acclimated to the weather nuances.

 

[Icky]

You could fly to Key west, rent a car and drive up from there.

 

[Tank]

No joke the NO SEE UMS will be out bring rubbing alcohol for the bites

Someone say no-see-umms. No fuckin joke. Miserable.

Get some skin so soft and apply liberally.

Fly into key west and drive one way os
Solid advise.

 

[rivergames]

I appreciate all the recommendations. Will help get this sucker planned out! More details to follow!

 

[530RL]

For hotels I like the Pier House in Key West.

 

[Backlash]

Key West Baby!

Where to begin! Probably one of my favorite places in the world, but that's because I spent a lot of time there growing up. It's already been stated, it will be toasty! As long as you know that in advance, you guys will be good. Yeah, it's going to rain and you'll probably get your hair messed up. It's all good!

The drive from Miami down through the Keys is breathtaking. There are SOOOO many beautiful places from the mainland to the end of the road. Plan for this drive to take awhile. If there is any construction or an accident, things seem to back up quickly on US1. Nobody is really in a hurry which is what I love about it. Get off the beaten path, pull over and see what the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys have to offer. Most of the islands are quiet and peaceful without much to do. Stop off and visit some of the tourist traps, Mom and Pop restaurants and shell stores "Just cuz." Stop at Robbie's and feed the tarpon. You kind of have to do it while you're there. Go snorkeling out at Looe Key. The Mrs. would still enjoy the boat ride even if she didn't jump in the water. There is a little hotel on Ramrod Key that used to have stay/snorkel packages which were cool.

Sonic mentioned the Square Grouper. Please don't pass by and skip this spot. It's been a few years since I was there, but the food was INCREDIBLY good!! Cool little backstory to the name too. Stop off at No Name Pub. Where else, but on No Name Key. Eventually you'll hit the end of the line which is Key West.

Spend some time around the island and check it out. The best way will be via scooter. Parking sucks basically everywhere you go. You have your choice where you wanna stay, and it all depends on how much you wanna spend. There are a few hotels over on the Atlantic side across the street from Smathers Beach. The only downside is you have to walk across the street to hit the sand. It's close to the airport so there is the occasional plane noise overhead.

If you want more noise and things to see, stay close to Duvall Street. There are lots of cool little hotels and bed and breakfasts all along both sides of Duvall. Did anyone mention bars? Yeah, there's a few.

Go ride the Conch Train. Why? Because it's there and takes you around the island to show you some historical spots. Check out Mallory Square and the nearby shops. I've seen it change over the years, but always have a soft spot for the Sponge Market. It's not like how it used to be. My Uncle was a sponge diver many decades ago, and he used to sell his sponges to the buyers at the sponge market. Hed dive for them in the shallows north of Big Pine and Little Torch Key then clean them and sell them in Key West. We have a lot of family history in Key West....family names are Pinder and Roberts. Probably some of the most common names in all of the Keys and the Bahamas.

Go check out Bahama Village on the southwest side of the island. It's a cool little neighborhood with some really good restaurants. It gives you a taste of what the Bahamas are/were like.

Mallory Dock. Be there for the Sunset Celebration on the weekends. It's a lot like a circus mixed with Mardi Gras, but still fun to experience. Street performers vendors selling coconuts and rum, hustlers, etc. It's not to be missed!

Check out Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West and take a self guided tour. If you want more of an adventure, and a day away from the hustle and bustle of Key West, go on the ferry out to Fort Jefferson. It's an easy two hour trip out to the island and a nice way to spend the day. It will be hot, so you'll wanna bring some snorkeling gear with you. Depending on the wind and current, you'll see a lot or not much at all. It's still a beautiful place to go with some crazy history. I don't know if Cleatus is still there or not. One way to find out!

When you get back to Key West, go walk along the marina and check out the shops and restaurants. There are plenty of good places to eat!

There are kayak tours, sunset sailing tours, fishing trips, etc. It all depends on what you two wanna do, what you want to see and how much money you want to spend. You can try and do a budget friendly trip or you can go "All out!" One thing is for certain, it will be a helluva good time!

Soak in the Conch Republic!

 

[SKIA36]

Bucket list item...Florida Slam- Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit on flies in a 24hr period. Fish out of Cudjoe Key with Chris Robinson.

 

[clarence]

I don't even fish, but I'd love to cast to bonefish in the flats.

 

[Backlash]

Bucket list item...Florida Slam- Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit on flies in a 24hr period. Fish out of Cudjoe Key with Chris Robinson.

I still have your pictures of that trip!

 

[angiebaby]

Personally, I wouldn't stay at the hotels over by Smather's Beach. They aren't really within walking distance of anything except the beach. There are no restrooms at that beach, if I recall. I thought Southernmost and Higgs were more enjoyable. There are some chairs to rent at Southernmost and a bar/restaurant right on the beach, The Southernmost Beach Cafe (my personal favorite breakfast spot). There are some quieter areas of Duval and near Duval. The whole Southernmost area is quieter, less bars. There is also a Crowne Plaza almost smack-dab in the middle of Duval, so that would offer plenty of parking and you could easily walk most places.

The Little White House is also a great tour to do, and I second the motion on the Bahama Village. There are some great little spots there for breakfast and lunch also. Very different feel than the Duval area.

 

[17 10 Flat]

Another worthwhile Breakfast , Lunch stop would be Harpoon Harrys.

Not quite the ambience of Southernmost beach cafe but pricing and food pretty darn good.

 

[beerrun]

Don't forget pepe's for breakfast and you need to toss a quarter in the fishes mouth at captain tony's

 

[Tarpon Guy]

One of my absolute favorite stops in on Marco island.

Stan's Idle Hour Seafood RestaurantStan's Idle Hour https://www.stansidlehourgoodland.com
Sunday pretty much only day to go. Crowds are off the hook.
The parking lot will have golf carts to Bentleys and Ferraris. Lots of bikes. Good friendly crowd.

I lived on Marco Island from '99 to '19 but moved to Colorado to escape the hurricanes and now have grandkids out here. In '17 I lived right on the water and Hurricane Irma was a predicting 20' storm surge. Fugeddaboutit!!!! BUT June is the time to visit Marco because the snowbirds are gone and traffic is bearable. Great beaches, no bugs and there is amost always a breeze so it's often not overly humid. Stan's is a real trip and worth experiencing. Best Italian restaurant is Arturo's. The Keys should pretty much be the same so long as the weather cooperates. It's beautiful but only 1 road on and off which is a bitch during hurricane evacuations. Key West is a real experience. A lot of good sea food restaurants. A lot of people go for grouper but any snapper is tastier IMO. Have fun.

 

[TripleB]

Key West, Blue Heaven for breakfast and Salute on the beach for lunch, Louies backyard for dinner

​

 

[LHC Kirby]

I took notes......... We arrive in Miami Wed. night, rental car Thursday morning... KEY WEST.... looking to hit it for a few hours, go north to Key Largo stay the night... hotel prices are crazy in KW. Friday shoot form the hip, but get back to Miami for a cruise on Saturday for a week.

 

[Warlock1]

One of our trips we stayed at a placed called NYAH. I believe it stood for Not Your Average Hotel. It was fantastic. Several pools, hot tubs and a well laid out floor plan.

 

[beerrun]

We head down to KW for 10 days on March 25th can't wait

 

[Jefftowz]

If you get to Hollywood Beach checkout Le Tub. Great burgers and fries.

Homepage - Le Tub

Originally a Sunoco gas station right on the Intracoastal waterway, Le Tub opened in 1975, and the first thing you notice today are the old-fashioned claw foot

le-tub.com

 

[C-Ya]

We head down to KW for 10 days on March 25th can't wait

Stop by my place and we will take my boat to Le Tub……

 

[beerrun]

Stop by my place and we will take my boat to Le Tub……

Thanks John we are flying into and out of KW