First Trip to the Keys!

Question

Hi everyone! We are staying on 6th Avenue Ocean in one of the ocean front homes. We are a family of 4 with 2 teens. This is our first trip to the keys! Most of our beach trips consist of swimming, fishing, and eating good food! We want to do a trip to Bahia Honda, an inshore fishing trip, and of course check out local eateries. Any advice on fishing from our home? What else would you recommend? Favorite restaurants in the area? We love seafood and authentic cuisines. We don’t really drink although I like a fun cocktail from time to time! Our stay is 1 week. Is the drive to Key West worth it or should we focus on the Marathon and Islamorada areas? Any areas to avoid?

Answer

Welcome to the Florida Keys! Staying on 6th Avenue Ocean gives you a fantastic base for exploring the Keys with easy access to beaches, fishing, and local dining. With a week to explore, you can balance relaxation at your home with day trips to some of the Keys’ best attractions.

Fishing from your oceanfront home:

Check local regulations for fishing from docks or seawalls. Many homes allow light tackle fishing for snapper, grunts, or small reef fish.
Morning and late afternoon are usually best for inshore fishing. Bring a mix of live bait (shrimp, pilchards) and artificial lures.
Consider a guided inshore fishing charter if you want to target bigger species like tarpon, snook, or permit. This is especially fun for teens and guarantees a better chance at a catch.

Day Trips & Activities:

Bahia Honda State Park: Excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on one of the Keys’ most beautiful beaches. Go early to avoid crowds.
Islamorada: Known as the sportfishing capital. Check out the history of fishing at the Robbie’s Marina (where you can feed tarpon) and consider a half-day fishing trip.
Marathon: Visit the Turtle Hospital or Sombrero Beach for a quieter day. Great for teens to explore marine life and nature.
Local Snorkeling/Diving: Consider a reef snorkel trip near Islamorada or Marathon for colorful fish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles.

Key West Considerations:

The drive to Key West from your location can take 2–3 hours each way. It’s worth it for a full-day excursion to see Duval Street, Mallory Square, and historic sites, but it may feel rushed for just a day.
With teens, Key West can be fun for unique shops, street performers, and casual dining. If your priority is relaxed beaches and fishing, focusing on Marathon and Islamorada can be more convenient and less stressful.

Recommended Restaurants & Local Cuisine:

Keys Fisheries (Marathon): Famous for fresh seafood, sandwiches, and outdoor seating on the water.
Island Fish Company (Islamorada): Offers classic Florida Keys seafood and great sunset views.
Hurricane Restaurant & Marina (Islamorada): Excellent seafood and occasional fun cocktails for adults, casual family-friendly atmosphere.
Little Palm Island (private resort, sometimes lunch available in Marathon area): More upscale for a special family meal if you want to splurge.

Areas & Tips:

Avoid heavy traffic times if heading south toward Key West, especially on weekends or holidays.
Plan your beach and outdoor activities in the mornings or late afternoons in July/August to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Gas up in larger towns (Marathon or Islamorada) rather than smaller Keys to avoid shortages.

With a week, you can enjoy a mix of relaxing beach days, fishing from your home or via charters, and a taste of Key West or local Keys culture without feeling rushed. The combination of Marathon and Islamorada gives a nice balance of activities, dining, and quieter beaches, making it perfect for a family with teens.