What a great website. I found it while searching for info about the Florida Keys. I am trying to put together a family vacation to the Keys, but I’m finding myself totally confused. I have two boys — ages 8 and 10 — who love to snorkel and be on the beach. My husband and I are both outdoor people and would like any help finding the best location to stay and have a good family time. Thanks for any input, Denise.
First, thanks for the kudos, Denise. We appreciate the compliments!
I’m actually thinking about a family vacation to the Florida Keys myself, and our kids our similarly aged (mine are 7 and 9). We’re “outdoor people,” too, and we like to be active while we’re vacationing. So, I thought I’d share some site links and information I’ve uncovered in the (very short) time I’ve spent researching the destination.
The Cheeca Lodge resort has actually been closed for the past seven months, since a New Year’s Eve fire; the main lodge has been totally rebuilt and the resort is set to open December 15, 2009, with new “premier oceanfront and island-view rooms.” Cheeca Lodge is definitely on my family’s short list of accommodations.
Another upscale property my friend (also a mom of two) recommended was Hawks Cay on Duck Key. She actually worked there about two decades ago, during a college internship, and has warm memories of the Florida resort. She’s considering it for her family vacation.
If we do all end up in the Keys, we’ll be in good company: The New York Times named the Florida Keys the Family Destination of the Year.
My sort-of local Sunday newspaper travel section, the Denver Post, just ran a comprehensive piece about traveling to Key West; the story by Lindsay H. Jones has some great advice.
Finally, peruse all the information on the Official Tourism Council Website for the Florida Keys. Or, if you’d like some firsthand advice and help for planning your family vacation, call 800-FLA-KEYS.
We’d love to hear from locals and frequent visitors to southern Florida — anyone else have ideas for where we should stay and what we should do while we’re in the Florida Keys? Please leave any info in the comment section.
Thanks, Denise, for your question. Let us know where and when you end up visiting the Florida Keys. We hope you have a great family vacation!
Photo by Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau. Key Largo Sunset.
