[_Charles_]

I may be headed to Key West for a few days vacation in May. I have spoken to a several people that have been there. The opinions I have heard have been mainly negative. "overrated", "boring", etc... is this just hype?

I don't want to waste money on a bad vacation.

Any feedback RE Key West would be appreciated.

[mrcoolmrcool28]

BORING???? Are you KIDDING me???? Whoever told you that apparently doesn't know how to have fun. Don't do only the Duval Crawl though, go down to Old Towne, the Schooner Wharf Bar is the BEST! Go out on one of the schooners docked there. Go out on one of the fishing charters, and when you get back take your catch to the Conch Republic Seafood company and they'll cook it up for you. And have a mojito while you're waiting, the best on the island. Have lunch at the Turtle Krawls. Go to Sloppy Joe's and listen to some live music. If you're into that sort of thing, go into the Red Door next to Rick's.
BORING??? I don't know who you've been talking to....

[crisp444]

Originally Posted by _Charles_

I may be headed to Key West for a few days vacation in May. I have spoken to a several people that have been there. The opinions I have heard have been mainly negative. "overrated", "boring", etc... is this just hype?

I don't want to waste money on a bad vacation.

Any feedback RE Key West would be appreciated.

Key West is fun for a few days. It has a great restaurant scene and plenty of little shops and art galleries. Lots of fishing/diving/boating excursions are available as well, and although Key West itself doesn't have great beaches, you can easily rent a car and drive 35 miles north to Bahia Honda State Park, which has been rated one of the prettiest beaches in the country. It is very convenient to fly into Key West's airport (EYW), which has several flights per day to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Atlanta, from which you can connect to any major city in the country. Another option to get there would be flying into Miami (MIA) and driving down. It is a pretty drive but takes 3.5 hours, and even more in traffic.

[elliswyatt]

Key West is a mini-Bourbon street. If you enjoy live music, nearly every bar has great live shows, some unbelievable. A lot of the acts are interactive, and the whole vibe is really fun. There's a real counter culture/bohemian thing going on there, so if you're really conservative and having a family vacation, it could offend at times. I know someone who lived there for a few years and he always used to say:

"If you shook the US back and forth, the ones that couldn't hang on would fall down to Key West."

It's very colorful.

I think Key West is the only place in the continental US where you have access to coral reefs. I have dived (and snorkeled) in many places in the world and especially considering it's convenience Key West is great.

Especially in winter, there's a steady stream of cruise ships. When the ships are in port, the little island can be pretty crowded and touristy. And then all of a sudden you look around and it's laid back and relaxed again and the ships are gone.

It's one of my favorite places, and definitely worth checking out. Mr. Cool's right about Bahia Honda - its a great spot. I would avoid the drive from MIA if you're only there for a few days. Even when there's no traffic, it always seems to take FOREVER because you're always stopping and the speed limit is like 40 the whole way. It is a nice drive though.

Just my .02. Hope I didn't step on anyone's toes.

[dk22]

If you get a chance to go to Key West, do it! I posted some pictures on my way there below. One of the best places in FL to visit and spend a few days.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/tampa...y-area-12.html

[mrcoolmrcool28]

We LIKE the drive down, IF you have the time of course. There's lot to see and stop and do on the way.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by _Charles_

I may be headed to Key West for a few days vacation in May. I have spoken to a several people that have been there. The opinions I have heard have been mainly negative. "overrated", "boring", etc... is this just hype?

I don't want to waste money on a bad vacation.

Any feedback RE Key West would be appreciated.

It is worth one visit IMHO and I have been there many times, but there are a few things about Key West everyone should know before they go.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and drinking are the primary activites there. The town itself is quaint, historical, entertaining, and worth a visit, but repeat visitors are usually into scuba, snorkeling, fishing, drinking, and the numerous strip clubs.

Do not go there for Spring Break unless you enjoy being vomited on by obnoxious students.

The South Duval street is something of a gay mecca, which is really only a concern for homophobes, to the rest of us it is either no big deal or just adds some extra color.

The beaches are awful. If it is nice beaches you want, go elsewhere - especially the Gulf Coast and Panhandle.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by elliswyatt

Key West is a mini-Bourbon street. If you enjoy live music, nearly every bar has great live shows, some unbelievable. A lot of the acts are interactive, and the whole vibe is really fun. There's a real counter culture/bohemian thing going on there, so if you're really conservative and having a family vacation, it could offend at times. I know someone who lived there for a few years and he always used to say:

"If you shook the US back and forth, the ones that couldn't hang on would fall down to Key West."

It's very colorful.

I think Key West is the only place in the continental US where you have access to coral reefs. I have dived (and snorkeled) in many places in the world and especially considering it's convenience Key West is great.

Especially in winter, there's a steady stream of cruise ships. When the ships are in port, the little island can be pretty crowded and touristy. And then all of a sudden you look around and it's laid back and relaxed again and the ships are gone.

It's one of my favorite places, and definitely worth checking out. Mr. Cool's right about Bahia Honda - its a great spot. I would avoid the drive from MIA if you're only there for a few days. Even when there's no traffic, it always seems to take FOREVER because you're always stopping and the speed limit is like 40 the whole way. It is a nice drive though.

Just my .02. Hope I didn't step on anyone's toes.

I would second this. Key West is not for everyone but I really enjoy it when it is in that laid-back, uncrowded Bohemian state. Not so much during tourist season....

[thisiskodi]

key west is awesome, and i grew up there so take it from me. i agree with a lot what crisp has to say. a vacation is what you make it, though. key west is key west..

[luckysnap]

Key West is basically New Orleans on the Ocean.