[choosing78]

Hi, we're thinking of the Florida Keys for our next vacation and have heard mixed reviews. What we're looking for is a relaxed vacation. Normally we pick an island in the Caribbean but thought maybe we would try the Keys. What we're looking for:

1. We would like to stay somewhere with a swimable beach. I've been told they're not common but I have noticed some resorts in Marathon with nice looking beaches.
2. We like snorkelling, scuba, kayaking, waterskiing.
3. We're more into small, quiet local bars than nightclubs.

We were thinking of Marathon. We were just looking for opinions from Floridians.

[Kevin from Tampa]

There are not really any great beaches in the keys, honestly. I love it there, but beaches are not what the keys are all about.

Snorkeling, SCUBA, kayaking, skiiing...FANTASTIC.

Marathon would work for you if you don't mind not having beaches, but you can also find quiet bars in Key West.

[Coconut1]

No, if you want any nightlife at all, Marathon is not where you want to be.

Marathon is great to "get back in touch with nature." There is some shopping and restaurants, but it's more of a natural place where you can simply enjoy the beauty of the Keys.

That's not saying Key West isn't beautiful, it's just louder than Marathon in terms of things to do.

Bahia Honda is a nice beach in the Keys and has been rated one of the top beaches in the US many times. It's in the lower Keys, MM 34. (KW begins around MM 4 and goes to 0 so it's about 30 miles)

Besides Bahia Honda, the Keys do have beaches. They're man made but certainly are usable for both lounging and swimming. There are a couple in Key West, Smathers up in New Town is the largest. Ft. Zachary Taylor has a beach, the old fort, and is a great place to visit as well as beach it up for a few hours.

South Beach is located at the end of Duval Street on the south end of the island. This is also known as the quiet end of Duval Street.

There are plenty of water activities in the Keys. You might consider a trip out to the Dry Tortugas.

There are plenty of quiet options in terms of nightlife.

During the day there's tons of things to do from history to water sports to simply strolling around and taking in charming little Key West alleys.

You're best off parking the car once you arrive in town and leaving it until you're ready to go. Rent bikes and cruise the island that way.

If you have any other questions, ask away!

[Ellwood]

If you want a nice quiet beach vacation suggest you look into Bay Colony condo rental on Coco Plum Beach (Marathon). It is a beautiful, quiet, swimmable beach. There are also good restaurants in the area.

Key West itself has become quite run down in the past couple of years. Shops of better quality are in the 400+ street numbers. Many Russian/Ukrainian clerks in cheap type shops on Duval Street.

There are some great state parks (John Pennekamp, Bahia Honda) for snorkeling, kayaking, etc.

[Practice]

If you're going to the Keys, the place to be is Key West, otherwise don't bother. Key West is THE destination in the keys, otherwise I wouldn't bother going all the way down there. Secondly, it's not really a beach vacation. I know it's hard to describe, but once you get there you'll see. Yes, it's very tropical and yes there's a beach in Key West, but the beach isn't the major draw. There's lots to do in Key West... snorkeling, boating, jet skiing, boat tours, etc etc.. and the beach. But the point of going to Key West is that it's ... Key West! It's hard to describe.