Week in the Keys

Question

Starting to plan a week in Florida Keys next year. I always pictured driving down and staying at various places on the way.

After reading other people's posts and advice do people think it would be best to just limit to say two hotels? Would like to Scuba Dive so I'm guessing a few nights at Key Largo would be ideal and then for the 2nd stop would it be best to be central and visit Key West and other places for the day? Not big party, bars or drinking people so perhaps Key West not the best to base ourselves?

Answer

For a week-long Florida Keys trip focused on diving, sightseeing, and a relaxed pace rather than nightlife, limiting your stay to two main hotels is often the most practical approach. This reduces frequent packing and moving while still allowing you to explore multiple parts of the Keys.

Suggested Base Locations

Key Largo: Ideal for scuba diving and water activities. Key Largo has numerous dive shops offering trips to reefs and wrecks. Staying here for 3–4 nights gives you easy access to some of the best dive sites in the U.S., including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Marathon / Middle Keys: A central location if you want to explore both the Lower and Upper Keys without staying in Key West. Marathon has a quieter atmosphere, nice beaches, and opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and visiting wildlife parks. It also allows easy day trips to Islamorada or Big Pine Key.
Key West (optional day trips): If you want to visit Key West, consider a day trip from Marathon rather than staying overnight. This way, you can experience the island’s historic sights, architecture, and restaurants without basing yourself in the more party-oriented area.

Advantages of Two-Hotel Strategy

Reduces time spent packing and moving every 1–2 nights.
Allows you to settle in, find favorite local restaurants, and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Maximizes diving opportunities from Key Largo while keeping central access to other Keys.
Maintains flexibility for day trips without relying on Key West accommodations, which can be expensive and crowded.

In summary, for a scuba and sightseeing-focused trip, staying several nights in Key Largo for diving and the remainder in Marathon or a central Middle Keys location is an excellent plan. You can then take day trips to Key West, Islamorada, or Big Pine Key as desired, while avoiding the heavy party scene in Key West as your base.

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