Heading to Key West.

My wife talked me into going to key west for a week for her birthday. I think we are just going to wing it. We have a place to stay but thats about it. We have a 3 year old boy (Tyler) that will be with us. I was looking for ideas on what to do and what to stay away from. thanks!

 

WoW! sounds fun!

 

If she had to talk you into it you have obviously never been there.
One of the many joys of the Keys is you are surrounded by such beauty you don't need a plan. Take snorkels and masks for everyone and just relax and enjoy. If you want more just go to John Pennekamp Park. They have snorkel tours, glass bottom boat rides, and a great beach.Its not too far from Key west and worth it.IMO
Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida Keys Have fun. I am jealous!!!;D

 

If you have the money, take the Ferry's out to the Dry Tortugas, You get Breakfast and Lunch, a tour of the Fort and then you can snorkel around the island and to be honest with you it is really reasonable. And the boat ride is a Kick in the but ride!

Your son might get a kick out of going out on a Glass bottom boat, its an easy way to see all the fish and corals.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is also really a cool place to go.

Going to the Dolphin Reasearch center is way cools also, unfortunatly you need a reservation to swim with them and thats a year out last I checked.

Make sure you check out the sunset at Mallory Square, the best part of that is the people.

My parents lived in the Keys for 8 years, just moved to the middle of the state 2 years ago to get away from the hurricane's. I can tell you that we did all those things and then some while they were down there and had a ball doing them.

 

Awsome links Guys keep them coming please.

 

I second the Mel fisher museum recommendation. Also check out fort zachery state park. Get there early its like $7 a car or something like that and has good cheap snorkeling. I saw a massive bubble tip anemone there. You have to get there as early as possible IME otherwise the waves get bigger and churn up the sand and you can't see as good. Bring water shoes though! The beaches are Rocky and will cut your feet otherwise.

Also at the south tip of the island by mallory square there is an awesome restaurant on the pier. If you sit right by the water you can look over the side and see huge sea fan corals.

please excuse wrong words, I posted this from my phone that auto "corrects."

 

PM me when you get here, and based on weather at the time I'll point you in the right direction.

Snorkeling and glass bottom boats can be hit or miss this time of year depending on cold fronts. Today it was in the high 70's with 8 knots of wind, tomorrow a front is moving through, and it will be in the 60's and blowing 20-25 knots, which will stir up the reef.

With a kid definitely check out the Butterfly Conservatory.

 

She just wanted to get away for awhile. I picked key west...lol

 

Man you guys are making me want to do a road trip right now.;D8)

 

Go feed the tarpon at Islamorada, everyone will love that one. We have to stop there coming or going to Cujo. Just something about seeing those beautiful, HUGE, fish right where you can touch them.

Or you can go down to see the key deer on Big Pine.

But wait, don't forget Key West itself. There is Hemingway house and Sloppy Joes and ........ so much. Just enjoy the entire experience.

www.robbies.com/tarpon