Key West, Florida

Apologies in advance. I don't live in Florida but am thinking of vacationing for a week or so in key west in August. I've been to Miami and Ft Lauderdale and Boca many times and have always enjoyed it. I'm looking for closer to a Caribbean experience without the expense and hassle of going to one of those islands.

Any good thoughts/negative thoughts on going to Key West?

Thank you in advance.
Mark

I'm actually born and raised in Key West, but as for expenses is why I don't live there anymore lol but it's worth every penny for a vacation.
Best beach in my opinion in Key West is Fort Zachary Taylor, it is a state park so you have to pay to get in.
If you aren't bringing a boat and want to experience the water offshore, Fury Adventures in Key West is super popular and they have several different catamaran excursion package deals. I recommended that place to my friend who had no clue what to do for his friend's bachelor party and that was their favorite highlight of their trip. http://www.furycat.com​/
Second favorite beach is another state park called Bahia Honda in Big Pine Key.
If you want to save money on alcohol, don't buy liquor at liquor stores in the Florida Keys because prices down there can be outrageous. Stash up on the mainland.
Marathon is actually not that bad, and not as crazy as Key West. Sunset Grille in that area is a fun day time hangout and has a large pool and everything is facing the 7 Mile bridge.
A lot of the restaurants are great in Key West, and so are the bars. There is public entertainment with performers at Mallory Square and there is always something going on in the evening. They call it the Sunset Celebration (close to Duval) and it's worth to check it out. Just let me know of anything you are looking for that you want to experience down there and I'll be glad to help out.

emillz7x wrote in post #17043222
Just let me know of anything you are looking for that you want to experience down there and I'll be glad to help out.

Thanks for the information. Do you have any recommendations on best places for bird and wildlife photography in the area? Best access to Key West NWR?

Go4EVA! wrote in post #17043618
Thanks for the information. Do you have any recommendations on best places for bird and wildlife photography in the area? Best access to Key West NWR?

Fort Zachary Taylor is one place that I mentioned above. Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park has little trails, it's on White Street. The salt ponds at Little Hamaca Park in Key West at the end of Government Road is where I used to ride my bike all throughout there. It's a mangrove swamp salt marsh with wildlife. There is the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens in Stock Island on College Rd. If you are brave enough and just rent a kayak and stay close to the mangroves around Key West or anywhere else in the Keys you are guaranteed to find many various birds.

As for Key West NWR and getting out there without a personal boat you would have to check out Key West Eco Tours, they take people out on guided tours. Hoped that helped a little!

Yes, thanks very much -- and welcome to POTN!

appreciate the info, gentlemen. Decided to go to Bermuda instead. Now hoping I don't crash my scooter