Been to both places but my wife has never really had a Miami experience. We both like the keys but have been a few times already. We have no firm plans right now except the plane ticket. Flying in to Ft Lauderdale to spend a few days floating around southern florida and was wondering what the best move would be according to the bbiers in the know.
If it were you, where would you go if you had a rental car, no kids, and a reasonable budget?
But simple way to ask it is, you both prefer relaxing (Keys) or nightlife (Miami)
Since you’re flying into FLL why not spend the first day/night in Miami on the way to the Keys. Then Miami again the night before your flight home. This way you get the best of both worlds, and it’s on your way each time.
It also depends as to "where" in Miami and The Keys you stay. Big difference between Miami and South Beach - big difference between South Beach and North Miami Beach. Key West is more party oriented - Key Largo, Islamaroda is more low key
Hawks Cay was mentioned earlier. If you’re with kids that is 100% absolute no brained for you. You can take day trips north or south from there, but likely never leave the resort. Nice turtle sanctuary or whatever you call it for kids not far from seven mile bridge. Forget name but restaurant at northern end of bridge is PERFECT for you. You eat dinner outdoors watching the sunset, while the kids swim in the pool. Yep, pool, right in the middle of the restaurant, will keep them very busy. Bahia Honda Park - you can spend all day there with the kids too - magnificent.
Fly into FLL.
Head over to the Venetian pool in Coral Gables for a bit
Grab a bite at Michaels
Check into hotel in Miami, go out
Wake up start driving south
Quick detour at Coral Castle for something unique.
Stop at the fish house in key largo for Matecumbe
Stop at Bahia Honda park, BOTH sides - two unique experiences. West side is incredible AND empty
Head to whatever key you prefer and do your thing
Trip back, stop at vizcaya museum, night in Miami before flying home next day.
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We'll have an almost 4 year old and a few month old baby. We did Miami a few years ago - stayed at the W - and LOVED IT. Have not done the Keys yet.
Hawks Cay was mentioned earlier. If you’re with kids that is 100% absolute no brained for you. You can take day trips north or south from there, but likely never leave the resort. Nice turtle sanctuary or whatever you call it for kids not far from seven mile bridge. Forget name but restaurant at northern end of bridge is PERFECT for you. You eat dinner outdoors watching the sunset, while the kids swim in the pool. Yep, pool, right in the middle of the restaurant, will keep them very busy. Bahia Honda Park - you can spend all day there with the kids too - magnificent.
Awesome, thanks Shecky - sending this comment to my wife!
Keys are completely different. More like a Caribbean vacation but without significant crime and everyone speaks English. Since the Keys are about 100 miles long and only a mile wide, you definitely will need a car to get the full experience. Not too many 4 star restaurants in the Keys. If you were going to Key West and already booked during Fantasy Fest, that would definitely be the place to go.
Hawk's Cay got leveled by the hurricane. I think they are hoping to be open by Spring 2019. Banana Bay is a cool place to stay here in Marathon. Best time of year to go catch Mahi-Mahi, and reef fishing will be hot. Tarpon season should be good as well.
Water probably mid 80's by then if you want to snorkle the reef a day. Local beaches are open. Take the $12 ferry to historic Pigeon Key. Some great happy hour places and local, fresh seafood. Before May 15th and your still in delicious stone crab season. And of course KW is its own cool city 50 miles south.
Miami beach isn't my scene, but I've been to Jimmy Buffets new hotel in Hollywood on the ocean. Bunch of cool pools and bars on property and you can walk out to the beach. Little boardwalk with shops right there as well.
My other suggestion if you have an extra day is to go drive out to Everglade City, take RT 41. Beautiful drive through the Everglades, take an air boat tour or 2, swamp buggy ride, and check out the zoo at the Skunk Ape campground. Dine on fresh frog legs and alligator tail, both really good.
Tranquility bay is beautiful, but pricy. Way over rated restaurant on site. But beautiful bayside resort.
The Marriot at Marathon is brand new.
You can also check the American Caribbean website for rental homes. Probably the best way to stay if coming for a week, but they also have a few nightly condo rentals on the Indigo Reef property. http://www.acresales.com
I'm not exactly sure of what has reopened on Key Colony Beach, there are a few ocean side hotels like The Glunz resort and the Continental Inn that I believe are open again. The Holiday Inn is 2 years old, on a harbor, has an awesome restaurant/bar Sparky's Landing right next door and an ok pool.
Check out Aquaventures for an awesome kayak tour through the mangroves. The girl that runs it is great at pointing out lots of critters like manatees, sharks and rays. Shares tons of knowledge about the ecosystem along the way. http://flkeyskayak.com
Also use On Time Taxi for $5 cab rides anywhere in town. Drink and have fun with cheap piece of mind.
The restaurant/tiki bar with the pool in it someone mentioned is Sunset Grill. Cool spot, kinda touristy. But you can swim in a pool while you drink and never get out to pee! Just like all the other people drinking and kids do, if that's your thing :)
Italian transplanted NY/NJ Italian at Jacks Miami or Oogi north bay village (in Miami)
Spend lots of time in coconut grove area and south beach
Enjoy! The keys are very nice also , plenty todo in Miami though just don't count on getting an affordable jet ski anywhere