The family (2 adults & 2 kids - 13 & 14) would like to go to Key West in late June. Yes, I know it will be hot.

We have never been to Key West and I am looking for suggestions about best beach areas - is Gulf or Atlantic better, hotel suggestions, etc.

Thanks in advance

edited to add: no response - reposted in TravelBuzz.

[This message has been edited by WestCoastFlyer (edited 04-12-2003).]

[This message has been edited by WestCoastFlyer (edited 04-12-2003).]

My hubby and I were there last June and it was hot during the day. Fortunately, we were at the Hilton resort and the pool area is wonderful. Full service pool bar/grill and good shady spaces to lay out. When we were there, the beaches were not all that great. In fact, we were told by many locals to not get in the water because of how dirty/toxic it was. Many will tell you to take snorkeling trips out to the reefs to experience the true blue waters that you are wanting. We took a trip out to Fort Jefferson and had a fantastic time. There are a couple of small beach areas there and we saw quite a few colorful fish. If you're just wanting to lay out - the Hilton is top notch. Close to everything and right off of Mallory Square. Be sure to eat breakfast at Ricky's Blue Heaven. Outdoor eating at its finest with the wild Key West chickens wandering around the grounds. The food was excellent and your kids will be very entertained.

Some nice Inns in Key West

Cypress House http://www.cypresshousekw.com

Southernmost House http://www.thesouthernmosthouse.us

Island City House Hotel http://www.islandcityhouse.com

Simonton Court Historic Inn http://www.simontoncourt.com

Heron House http://www.heronhouse.com

The Gardens Hotel http://www.gardenshotel.com

La Mer Hotel & Dewey House http://www.southernmostresorts.com

Southernmost Point Guest House http://www.southernmostpoint.com

Center Court Historic Inn http://www.centercourtkw.com

The Keys aren't really known for their fantastic beaches but there is a fairly nice public beach in Key West. Don't worry about the water, it is fine. Some of the hotels advertise that they have beaches but they are generally very, very small patches of sand and none on the gulf side. I'd suggest renting a car for at least a day and driving up to Bahia Honda State Park. That is probably the prettiest beach in all of the keys.

We stayed at the Hyatt the last time we were there and it was very nice ... spectacular views ... but the pool area was small. The Wyndham Casa Marina is probably one of the nicest properties on the island with a beautiful pool area.

The weather will be beautiful in June. I lived in the Keys and I loved the summer there. We spend every Memorial Day weekend in Key West.

If you look for a nice beach, don't go to Key West. I like Key West, but the beaches are not great. I managed to get two days at one of the Hyatt Resorts (next to the airport) for $89 or so, and got restaurant vouchers for $100 The beach just across the street was OK. All units are 1,200SqFt, 2 bed, 2 bath and expensive decorated. Look at their time-share-offer, you may get an invitation like I got.
Don't get me wrong, Mrs. USAFAN and I like Key West a lot, very nice, interesting village, many things to do and see. "Louis" was one of the best (nicest) restaurant we ever had.

What's there to do in Key West/Florida Keys if the beaches are not that great? Please pardon my ignorance as I haven't done any in depth research yet. I am trying to get a feel to see if it's a place I want do more research on (thus, spending some time there as well). TIA.

LAX

don't forget to buy sandals at the kino sandal factory (http://kinosandals.com/). i discovered them in 1974 (first pair-$3.50) and they are great, still inexpensive (curent pair on website $12.00) and well made. my current pair (men's lili) is still going strong after 10 years and if you love cats, go see hemingways' house

Key West is basically a place for fishing - diving - lounging - eating and (heavy) drinking. In the past - it had a reputation for lots of illicit drugs (don't know how current that reputation is). It is also a cruise ship stop - and a popular Gay and Lesbian tourist destination (I don't mean the latter in any disparaging way - I just want to give you some idea of the flavor of the place). It is definitely not one of the prime beach destinations in Florida. And I wouldn't put it high on my list in terms of family destinations unless the family is interested in the things mentioned above.

In terms of child friendly areas with better beaches - I would look at places like Palm Beach (I especially like the Breakers - it is "child friendly" these days - perhaps more than I would like - check out the summer packages). Or perhaps points further north on the east coast if you don't want/need a big deal resort hotel. Or maybe even the beach resorts in the Panhandle (a summer beach destination formerly called "The Redneck Riviera" - but it has gotten more high end in recent years). The characteristics of the east coast beaches are different than those on the west coast (forget about waves on the west coast unless there's a hurricane). What kind of beach are you looking for?

What other activities is your family interested in? There are fun things that kids/families like to do here in the summer - canoeing/kayaking - going to the "hot springs" (which are basically "cold springs" - 72 degrees all year - some have tubing). Fishing (even if you don't have/want a boat - a lot of towns have public piers). Do you play golf?

Tell us more about what you'd like to do - and perhaps we'll come up with some ideas - Florida is a very big state! Robyn

Kinos aren't made like they used to be. They have replaced the leather soles with rubber. Still great sandals for the price though.

Has anyone done this? How was your experience?

I was checking out this company: www.keywestshuttle.com

I will be based in Naples, so I can leave from Fort Myers or Marco Island.

Shuttle is OK, great in good weather.
The most important thing to consider is the weather, in particular if there is a cold front over Florida and it gets windy in the winter ( or thunderstorms in the summer) the catamaran might not make it out of Key West .. then unless you can spend another night in the Keys... it becomes a four hour bus drive back (the boat company will pay )

mike

A friend just did this last week. She said going was great, enough time in Key West to wander around. Coming back was really, really rough. Many people got seasick, she didn't. So in good weather no problems. I think we'll probably do it at some point. The local paper has some good coupon deals if you call and book directly.

Although these are pretty big boats - they are no guarantee that you won't get sick in rough seas. Do you know what your tolerance for sea-sickness is? Mine is pretty good (years of boating as a kid) - but I learned the hard way that a commercial operator's idea of ok seas is not necessarily the same as mine from a boat trip on Kauai (a Zodiac in 7-8 foot seas - GMAFB!). I didn't get sick (although most people did). I was just afraid the whole trip that the boat was going to capsize and that I was going to die. Robyn

Which local newspaper should I keep an eye out for? Can I be searching on line in advance for the coupons? I get there on January 20.

Thanks!!

Another vote for the Casa Marina. I was there last month in a suite and their man made beach was very nice, great pool area.