Key West..... what is the all the hype about? We found this town to be a waste of time. We went on a Monday during off season and parking was still difficult to find, not to mention all parking is a rip-off! Be very careful of where you park! We went to the Key West Winery and the Key Lime Pie shop and asked the so-called security officer in the parking lot if we could park here if we went to the winery, he said sure. So we parked and visited the winery and the pie shop and then walked over to the wharf to visit shops there. We were gone for over 45 min and when we got back to the car, the security guard was yelling at us that he was ready to tow our car because we weren't in either the winery or pie shop. We didn't know that we had to immediately leave after visitng these two stores as there are ABOSOLUTLEY NO SIGNS POSTED regarding parking. So, parking and Mallory Square, Key West Winery, and the Key Lime Pie shop are a waste of time. The Key West Aquarium was nice, but $8 would have been a more fair price instead of the $10.

Drive to Key West...... from Key Largo it is very pretty, but very long! Bahia Honda State Park was very nice on the western side, but the eastern Atlantic side was polluted as almost all of the state parks were during our visit (Smathers Beach, John Pennekamp, and Bahia Honda were all polluted). The State parks are a bit of a rip off (5 people in our car cost $7.50 each visit) and they should provide discounted passes during a tourists stay.

Snorkeling in Key Largo....... the absolute best! This was my second snorkeling site in my life and I was not disappointed. Had a great time on Pleasure Diver chartered boat, but was disappointed that we were charged the $85 fee for 6 people, when we were only 5 people. They should be more up front about their flat rate of $510 per trip and none of this $85 per person. This kind of put a damper on what was actually a wonderful trip. Jan and Don are very nice and accomodating people who know a lot about the Keys and the best diving and snorkeling spots.

Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades..... this was way cool! It was actually only about an hour drive from Key Largo to Coopertown Airboat Tours. Skipper Scooter was the best guide and driver for our tour. He not only does his job well, but he obviously has a deep love for the everglades and all of the natural beauty it has to offer.

Moon Bay Condo unit B304...... rented this unit through VRBO and found the unit, complex, and location to be wonderful. Very few condos in the Keys offer pools, and this one was very nice.

Visit to Miami and South Beach....... waste of tme! We were so hopelessly lost and none of us had any idea of where to go for fun and nightlife. Anyway, when we finally found South Beach, we decided to stay for dinner at the Fox Cafe. How very strange that dinner was 50% off each item, but the drinks were OUTRAGEOUSLY OVERPRICED.

Best Free Fun in the Keys........ swimming between the first and second bridge in Islamorada (just north of Robbies). a little rocky with the coral edge, but the sandbars and snorkeling was so much fun, especially when you didn't have to pay for it.

Nicest people in the Keys........ EVERYBODY YOU MEET!

We stayed at the Bay Harbor Lodge for two nights on our way to Key West, and it was perfect for what we used it as- a home base. We had the smallest room possible and it was small, although still very cute and perfect for the money spent. However, I think if you were to stay for an extended visit it might start feeling cramped- we did not even try to unpack our suitcases due to lack of room. The people that run the place are extremely nice and the little beach/dock at the edge of the property is wonderful for watching sunsets. Just realize that it is not a fancy hotel, but most places in Key Largo are not!

We went to Snapper's for their Sunday jazz brunch and it was a great setting and very reasonable prices. Also, for a cheap but good breakfast, try Harriette's.

We used Key Divers for a five hour snorkeling trip and they were a delight. Just remember that five hours (with 3 hours water time in the middle of the ocean is a lot if you are not used to snorkeling). On the third stop, half of the people on the trip did not even get in the water, they were too tired. But if you are up for it the workers are extremely nice and professional. Have fun!!!

What a brilliant experience - a rapid 30-minute transfer out to the reef, some basic snorkelling tips and safety info, and then 1 1/2 hours free swimming on the reef (with all equipment provided, including lifejackets and 'noodles' if required). Individuals who tire or just want a break can get on and off the boat at will - access was very easy both to and from the sea. The crew were friendly, the water was warm, the visibility, reef and underwater life absolutely wonderful. Highly recommended - at about $25, a bargain; the highlight of my week in Key Largo. Don't forget a waterproof camera!

Key Largo is the northernmost Key off the mainland of Florida. I flew in to Fort Lauderdale and rented a car to drive thru the upper Keys. A stop at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is a good way to start your visit. They can supply information on everything from Diving to Eating to Lodging. And if you have made the mistake of visiting the Keys without a reservation, they can supply the names of available vacancies in a range of prices. John Pennekamp State Park is a must-do in Key Largo. You can do a variety of activities here. You can take a ride on a glass-bottom boat to view the reefs and sea life, or take a ride on a diving and snorkeling boat to experience the reefs first-hand.
Dramamine is available at the reservation counter for puchase for the sea-sick prone visitors. There is a beach for the sun lovers, and canoes or kayaks for the active. You can also fish along the shores, or go to the visitor center and take photos of the sealife in the aquariums. There is also a wonderful gift shop in the park and food is available along with tables for your use. A ride to the everglades or a swim with a porpoise is available on the bayside of Key Largo. Whether you are looking for a place to get tan, a wonderful souvenier, a fantastic seafood meal, a valuable piece of art, or just a chance to be laid-back and lazy, you will find it all in Key Largo and the rest of the Keys. For a relaxing and interesting vacation, I must recommend the Florida Keys. Take your swimwear, your sandals, your sun lotion & your desire for relaxation & fun, & you are all set for the Keys.