According to forum posts, snorkeling and diving are highly recommended activities in the Florida Keys. Some travelers have highlighted John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo for its boat tours that take you out to the reefs. However, it's noted that the best snorkeling sites are not accessible from shore and require a boat trip.

Travelers have called boating one of the best ways to experience the Keys. Hiring a captain for a guided tour is suggested to navigate the tricky waters safely. Kayaking is also popular, with specific mentions of areas like Robbie’s near Islamorada and the mangroves in Key West for unique paddling experiences.

For those interested in unique water activities, forum users recommend visiting the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon for a chance to interact with dolphins. Additionally, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon offers reservations for visitors wanting to learn about and contribute to turtle conservation.

According to forum posts, Florida Keys beaches generally do not offer extensive amenities, especially when compared to other Florida beaches. Travelers have noted that many beaches in the Keys lack facilities such as cabanas and umbrella rentals. For example, Anne’s Beach in Islamorada offers a sandy and shallow area but lacks space for chairs or lounging.

Some users pointed out that while there are few natural beaches, several resorts create man-made sandy areas along the water. Posts mentioned specific beaches like Sombrero Beach in Marathon and the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park as having some facilities and more space for visitors.

For families, Fort Zachary in Key West was recommended as it offers rental chairs and umbrellas, has lots of benches, shade, and space to run, making it more suitable for visitors with children. However, it was also mentioned to be rocky, suggesting water shoes for comfort.

According to forum posts, several family-friendly resorts in the Florida Keys are highly recommended. Hawks Cay, Tranquility Bay, and Cheeca Lodge are frequently mentioned for their robust amenities and activities suitable for children. Hawks Cay, particularly noted for its stunning location, offers a range of family-oriented activities but does have additional costs.

For many users, the location of the resort is crucial. The Islander in Islamorada and Baker’s Cay in Key Largo are praised for their beautiful grounds and proximity to restaurants and shops, making them convenient for families. Additionally, these resorts offer activities like snorkeling and fishing, which are popular with children.

Some travelers said that booking during busy times like Christmas requires early reservations due to high demand. It's also noted that while the Keys are beautiful for their water activities, they are not typically known for expansive sandy beaches, which might be a consideration for beach-seeking families.

According to travelers, some top dining options in the Florida Keys include Louie's Backyard, Blackfin Bistro, Milagro, Azur, and Bel Mare in Key West. These restaurants are recommended for their excellent food and service, appealing to various tastes from fine dining to casual settings.

For a more unique dining experience, Little Palm Island offers private dinners on the water's edge, though it's exclusive to resort guests or open for non-guest lunches. Alternatively, travelers have enjoyed the private beach dining at Casa Marina in Key West, although opinions on the food quality vary.

Local favorites in the Keys like Lazy Days, Square Grouper, and Lorelei are often recommended for good food, friendly service, and pleasant atmospheres. These spots are favored for both meals and happy hours, providing a blend of good drinks and quality dining experiences.

Seafood enthusiasts have several options, with places like Hogfish Bar and Grill in Key West known for their Hogfish sandwich. The Fish House in Key Largo also comes highly recommended for fresh seafood dishes like stone crab claws and yellowtail snapper.

According to forum posts, Greyhound provides a bus service from Miami to Key West, with pick-up primarily at the airport station. The journey begins around noon and reaches Key West by approximately 4 PM. A return bus is available around 5 PM from the Key West airport.

Some travelers have recommended Florida Keys Express Shuttle for private car hire between different points in the Keys, including from Islamorada to Key West. This service is praised for its reliability and quality.

Travelers have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of some shuttle services like miamitokeywestbus.com due to their limited online presence and exclusively high reviews. This has led to recommendations for more established and verifiable transportation options like Greyhound or private shuttles.

According to forum posts, Islamorada offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual spots to more upscale restaurants, predominantly featuring seafood.

Travelers have called out Lazy Days and Chef Michael’s as popular spots for seafood in Islamorada. Lazy Days is noted for its waterfront setting, making it ideal for those looking for a meal with a view. Chef Michael’s, although not on the water, is praised for its high-quality seafood dishes.

For more casual dining experiences, forum users recommend places like Mangrove Mike's and Ziggies. Mangrove Mike's is favored for its value and local charm, while Ziggies offers a variety of dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lorelei's is another recommended spot in Islamorada, appreciated for its decent food, great atmosphere, and the opportunity to enjoy a sunset dinner on the beach. This location also occasionally features live music, enhancing the dining experience.

Some travelers recommend the Kona Kai in Key Largo and Casa Morada in Islamorada for a romantic getaway. These places offer a serene environment with beautiful water views, although they lack typical sandy beaches. Kona Kai is noted for its full kitchens and tropical feel, though it lacks a tiki bar.

For an upscale, more exclusive experience, Little Palm Island in Big Pine Key and The Saint in Key West are mentioned. Little Palm Island offers a private island experience. The Saint in Key West provides a sophisticated setting suitable for couples, though it is located in a busier area.

Travelers looking for romantic activities can consider places like Key West for its walkability and proximity to a variety of restaurants and bars. Islamorada and Key West are also suggested for their potential for water activities like kayaking, which can add a unique element to a romantic trip.

According to forum posts, Key West is highly recommended for its walkable Old Town packed with restaurants, bars, and attractions. It's suitable for those interested in history, nightlife, and water excursions. Marathon is also suggested for first-time visitors for its central location in the Keys, making it a good base for exploring the area.

Travelers have mentioned that Islamorada and Key Largo are worth considering. Islamorada is noted for its good restaurants, and Key Largo has resorts with decent beach areas. For those seeking a relaxed holiday with water activities, both Marathon and Islamorada are recommended. However, it's emphasized that the Keys are not known for traditional sandy beaches but offer other natural attractions and water-based activities.

For family trips, several users discussed staying in places like Islamorada or Marathon, which are central and make exploring other keys easier. Solo travelers looking for a relaxed holiday with water activities might find Islamorada suitable, although having a car is advised for greater mobility and access to various sites.