Florida - First time to the KEYS, where to stay and visit,BEFORE arriving KW?.

We´ll arrive next 10/1.Thoughts wellcome.George.

Arrive where on 10/1?

Miami International Airport

Obviously you'll hit Key West eventually.
The best deal in town is the Happy Hour special at Alonzo's Oyster House.
Half price booze and appetizers mean you can get trolleyed and fed for a snip.
Enjoy.

http://www.alonzosoysterbar.com/page9/page8/page8.html

I guess it really depends on a whole bunch of things. What are you interested in? Beach, museums, wildlife, treking, foodie, people watching, etc. How long to you want to spend wherever, a day, week, six years?

You have been way to vague for anyone to give any meaningful answers. Try to give more info and some details.

Otherwise, I suggest you hop on a plane and see Washington, DC for three or four days, then fly to Key West, then rent a car and drive back to Miami. There should be enough variety in that to keep you occupied...LOL

I`ll spend 2 nights/3 days in the keys.Already been in DC several times.
Love snorkeling, clean cheap hotels and seafood.

What time do you arrive at MIA? Do you want to head straight down - a few hours drive, great scenery during the day.

I remember Wet Willies or something like that. If you gather miles a lot, sign up for the Rewards Network and go to the places where you get miles.

First stop you need to make is Alabama Jacks (http://alabamajacks.com/), in Largo. It is a source of good mojo for the KW visit, and introduces you to the uniqueness that is KW. It's on Card Sound Road, which is a left turn off of US 1 right after Florida City. Grab a seat near the water, have some fritters and a beverage. The drive down Card Sound Road is a road less traveled, and adds about 20 - 30 minutes to the MIA - KW drive.

In a perfect world, the direct drive from MIA to KW would be around 3 hours, but keep in mind US 1 is a 2 lane road a lot of the time, and chances are there will be a slow-moving Winnebago dropping traffic flow to a relative crawl.

By now, you are getting close to KW but need a break. Next stop would be the No Name Pub (http://www.nonamepub.com/history.html). Best pizza in the Keys, and another unique place.

Once in KW, if you want to be closer to the action, find a place in/near what's called "Old Town", which is the western side of the island. No matter where you stay, I wouldn't plan on driving and parking. Parking spots are at a minimum and the rates at a premium. If you are in Old Town, you are definitely close enough to walk anywhere. If you are in "New Town" (the eastern part of the island, near the airport and the entrance to KW) take a cab. Hotels are a little cheaper in New Town; Old Town has more bed and breakfasts. Being in hurricane season, rates should be a little better all over, and unfortunately, depending on what happens with the oil spillage, rates might go down more to entice visitors to come to KW.

I can't help ya much with snorkeling as I've only been once and it was a little windier day, but there are plenty of operations leaving the docks and coupons available. As far as seafood, or any foodie thought, ask the locals where they would go. A lot of these small mom and pop places have better food that the bigger restaurants where visitors tend to flock. I always love going to those local's spots and talking to the folks who have experienced the local area and usually hear some great stories (actually not just in KW but I love to do that wherever I go)

When you are driving back to MIA, whatever time it took for you to drive down, figure on doubling that on the way back. Remember the fact that US 1 is a 2 lane road? If there's an accident and the road is closed, there are no detours you can take to get around it. But if you leave way early and get to MIA way early, find a nice place for lunch/dinner, then head to the airport.

I dunno if that helped or was mucho boring-o ;) And as MoreMilesPlease said, with some more details about how long you're there, what else you'd like to do/see/hear/experience, we can give ya some better ideas.

Either way, enjoy the trip! :D

I`ll arrive from Buenos Aires at 7 AM, pick my rental and start driving, that`ll be an early friday, hope easy traffic.......

and if in key west, go to the kino sandal factory/store (http://www.kinosandalfactory.com/). one of the best (and best priced) sandals you'll ever buy

I`ll arrive from Buenos Aires at 7 AM, pick my rental and start driving, that`ll be an early friday, hope easy traffic.......

Hmmm, that rules out the stop at Alabama Jacks as they don't open til 11a, and you'll most likely be past there by that time.

Lorilei's in Islamarada is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Right on Florida Bay. Good food, great scenery.
Also, the Hungry Tarpon is a fun stopping place. Feed the tarpon (a big fish).
I will look for links later.