Key west

[1MOREMOD]

Going to Miami and key west in october. Where do we want to stay in key West. How about logistics of spending a day in cuba. Thanks

[2000Z3M]

i was in marathon for a few days 2 weeks ago. went to key west for a day, never again! way to many people

[1MOREMOD]

I like cabo at spring break people is fine, staying at clevelander in Miami

[TrevorM3]

are you going to "key west" like literally the last key? or.. islamorada etc?


make sure you stop in at ms.macs kitchen on the way down. 2 locations, love the gator tail hmmmmm

[RickFLM4]

Drive from South Beach to Key West will be 3-4 hours FYI, but there are also flights there from Miami. Starts getting nice here in October so should be a good time to visit. If it will be near Halloween Key West will be mobbed with people for Fantasy Fest.

I haven't been in quite a while but prefer the chains like Westin or Hyatt in Key West. Small island so everything is within reach but you'll probably want to stay somewhere walking distance to Duval. Other than drinking and riding around on a scooter (preferably not at the same time) and maybe a couple of touristy things, there isn't a ton to do in Key West IMO. However it is a place to visit at least once to check out the character of the place.

Have never stayed in the Clevelander but they have a nice outside bar. Or at least they did 20 years ago when I was probably last there.

I'm guessing but expect getting to Cuba may be easier from Miami than Key West. Maybe Key West has some prop jets.

[Axius]

Are you gonna swim with sharks?

[c1pher]

Whatever you do, stay away from the Rayburns. Those people are bad news. One son is the sheriff and he’s as dirty as they come.

[RABAUKE]

My wife and I stayed in Key West a few years ago, we had a great time and keep talking about returning. We stayed at the Cocoa Plum in http://www.cocopluminn.com which is about a block from Duval Street. We flew to Miami and rented a car, I always wanted to drive the causeway......parked the car upon arrival and didn't get back in it until we left for Miami airport a week later. A great trip.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

I like cabo at spring break people is fine, staying at clevelander in Miami

I have driven from Coconut Grove to Key West. Man that is a LONG drive, ~160 miles. Don't forget about the key deer 25 MPH through that area and the fine for hitting and killing one is high, ~$3,500

If you have time, I would plan to stop at the other Keys along the way and fish, eat, etc.

.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Axius

Are you gonna swim with sharks?

Given the chance they will want to swim with me

[Axius]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Given the chance they will want to swim with me

I'm sure they will, but they may also want to eat you. No risk no reward?

[1MOREMOD]

I've done it before twice, knowingly

[KingOfJericho]

Logistics of spending a day in Cuba would make it not worth spending a day in Cuba. People act like the floodgates are open and you can readily hop on a plane for the afternoon - it's just not true. You still need to get a visa with a legitimate reason to go (there are 12 valid categories and you must fall into one).

From the State Dept website:

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. You must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury or your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel.

[nyalpine90]

theres plenty of cuba in Miami.

i will be in Tampa, Clearwater and Orlando in 2 weeks.

[Maynard]

I think half the fun is flying in. Even post-911 it was like s/t out of a movie - like a local rec center with dogs and chickens running through, gypsy cabs, the works. If you do take the 'highway' you'll probably lucky if you can crest that 25mph (Hollywood pays a bundle to get it cleared off to show it free of other traffic, but picture the longest toll-gate line during peak season).

And before you go, you HAVE to read s/t by Tim Dorsey - he's like the Hunter S. Thompson of Florida. Start w/ Florida Roadkill or Triggerfish Twist, IIRC those have a lot of the Keys in them. http://www.timdorsey.com/home.html

[Haywood]

Go to the Hemingway house. Awesome place and you can see all the 6 toed cats!

[mookie45]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

How about logistics of spending a day in cuba. Thanks

Not entirely sure if you can enter Cuba as a tourist. There are 12 guidelines that do allow access to the country found on the government website. https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...eling-to-cuba/

"The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and certain authorized export transactions."

I'd also recommend Dry Tortugas National Park. There's a fast ferry or seaplane that can take you there:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...s_Florida.html

If you like to fish, consider doing Reef/Wreck fishing for that time of year.

[90rr]

I live in sfl. hate going south of ft lauderdale way too crowded

[upstatedoc]

Lots of gay bars in key west mod.

[1MOREMOD]

Yeah I know not my thing. Hemingway house sure is. Read every word

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Going to Miami and key west in october. Where do we want to stay in key West. How about logistics of spending a day in cuba. Thanks

We always stay at Tranquility Bay in Marathon, which is a Singh resort. The Key West equivalent is Parrot Key Resort in Key West. We've stayed at Tranquility Bay about 10 times now, it's been fantastic every time. I imagine you'll get the same at Parrot Key.

Enjoy your stay in the Keys.

[1MOREMOD]

Can't decide between being out of town at a resort or in town at little place. Seems resort would be nice except for having to drive into town every day instead of just walking around?