Key West

[bradgator2]

I am born and raised in Florida, but I have never been. But I am finally taking the family there for 4 days this March. Any inside tips and tricks? We definitely like to go "off the beaten tourist path".

One thing that has been on my bucket list forever is Ft Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park. That'll be an entire day trip.

 

[Back Alley Gator]

I grew up there...spent 18 years on that 2x4 mile island. Haven't been back since 1991 though. Most of my off the beaten path experience down there involved strip clubs and drinking at the end of the runway just outside the boca chica naval air station.

 

[g8r.tom]

Dry Tortugas National Park is worth the day trip.

 

[Concrete Helmet]

I am born and raised in Florida, but I have never been. But I am finally taking the family there for 4 days this March. Any inside tips and tricks? We definitely like to go "off the beaten tourist path".

One thing that has been on my bucket list forever is Ft Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park. That'll be an entire day trip.

Bring your nut hugger's and the locals will probably buy you a lot of drinks.....thavage....

 

[AugustaGator]

Leave if the cruise ships are there.

I do enjoy Blue Heaven and that area, but not worth it if tons of people.

 

[MJMGator]

Take or rent a boat. Fishing is easy and snorkeling is awesome.
Bahia Honda has a pretty cool little beach to spent a few hours on.
Watching the charter fleet come in and unload their catches is pretty fun at Islamorada or Key West.
Go to Big Pine Key about an hour before dark and drive slowly through the neighborhoods to see tons of Key Deer. Don’t waste your time going to the wildlife refuge...the deer are in peoples yards eating the grass.
Herbie’s on Marathon does some awesome fried seafood and used to have the best Key Lime Pie that was made from limes grown in their backyard.
Hamburger on Duval Street in Key West does a helluva breakfast. My fat ass couldn’t eat it all and that just don’t happen!

 

[Swamp Queen]

Go to Sloppy Joes and tell them you know “Wonder Woman”

 

[Tay Bang]

Blue Heaven for breakfast is a must.

http://www.blueheavenkw.com/menus

 

[ThreatMatrix]

I am born and raised in Florida, but I have never been. But I am finally taking the family there for 4 days this March. Any inside tips and tricks? We definitely like to go "off the beaten tourist path".

One thing that has been on my bucket list forever is Ft Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park. That'll be an entire day trip.

I've got a tip. Don't take the family. The Keys are great but I can't think of a single reason I'd take kids. Hell, if you can arrange it, don't take the wife.

 

[NVGator]

I say tuck it and roll with it.

 

[Tay Bang]

Ohhhhhh.....

These tropical clothing-optional Key West resorts are here to help satisfy your inner nudist

 

[divits]

I've been dozens of times and always have a good time although in the past 15/20 years or so it's gotten even more touristy. I think the same Russian family owns every t-shirt shop on Duval Street and sell the exact same thing in each cheezy store.

MJM gave some great advice. I agree that it would be advisable to rent a boat if you're not afraid to go a couple miles out with the family to snorkel. Otherwise there are plenty of snorkeling trips you can take. Also, Ft Zachary Taylor in downtown has a small little beach that has some rocks with tropical fish you can see if your kids are smaller.

Unfortunately, Key West is all about the bars so not a lot on Duval for the kids other than some tourist attractions, a small aquarium and Mel Ficher's Museum. And of course there's Mallory Square at the end of Duval where every night there are street performers at sunset.

Too bad you're not taking the fam during Fantasy Fest. It would definitely provide the kids a great education.

 

[Tay Bang]

Hemingway House is my favorite part of the island. The kids will love all the wandering cats.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

There is really nothing out of the way on Key West.

 

[AugustaGator]

I say tuck it and roll with it.

That time of the year might be appropriate.

 

[Back Alley Gator]

You can try this for a family friendly excursion...its open air though so plan accordingly. The conch train (not what you're thinking, Tay and Donkey) has been around for longer than 60 years.

Key West Tours | Key West Sightseeing with Conch Tour Train

 

[stephenPE]

The water clarity will amaze you as you drive down. Rent a boat and snorkel and fish. Hemingways house is cool. See the penny he embedded in the concrete (he said he spent his last cent blding the gdmm thing) Lots of cats there last time and we were told they were all descendants of his cats.

 

[Tay Bang]

The water clarity will amaze you as you drive down. Rent a boat and snorkel and fish. Hemingways house is cool. See the penny he embedded in the concrete (he said he spent his last cent blding the gdmm thing) Lots of cats there last time and we were told they were all descendants of his cats.

I always make sure my drive from Homestead to Key West is in daylight to appreciate the scenery. And the cats are all polydactyl (extra toes) and called “Hemingway” cats because of that peculiarity.

 

[T REX]

How old are the kids...Irish Kevin's is always a must.

 

[bradgator2]

How old are the kids...Irish Kevin's is always a must.