Attractions from Tavernier to Key West

[gregor1234]

We will be traveling to the Keys next week to stay for 9 days. We will be staying in Tavernier very close to Conch Divers and will probably be diving exclusively with them.

We are 2 adults and 4 teenaged boys (19-17): 3 divers and 3 snorkelers. We are non-drinkers but still enjoy interesting night-life.

Question 1) We plan an all-day expedition to Key West (up with the sun, get home after midnight) with stops at sites of interest along the way. This is to be primarily a land-based trip but 1 or 2 stops for shore snorkeling might be considered if convenient. I would like to solicit ideas for the best of where to go, what to see where to eat etc both in Key West and along the way. Would certain days (of the week) be better than others?.

Question 2) I would also like suggestions for shore-based attractions and eateries in Tavernier and its environs for the remainder of the time spent there.

Thanks in advance

P.S. Just read thread "Key Largo Restauraunt Suggestion" and will; keep those in mind.

 

[Florida Impressions]

Stop at Robbie's near Islamorada to feed the tarpon. The Island Grill just east on US1 a bit street is a good place to grab some lunch.

There's some decent shore-based snorkeling along with a beautiful beach at Bahia Honda State Park.

Drive down Key Deer Blvd. on Big Pine to catch a glimpse of the Key Deer. Sometimes you have better luck seeing them on some of the side roads.

In Key West, check out the Key West Aquarium (Florida's oldest attraction) and the new Pirate Museum which is just down the street. The Mel Fisher museum is also interesting.

 

[BryceM]

Make sure that you do sunset when your in Key West.

 

[Matteo]

if you're a Hemingway fan, the tour of his old home in KW is fantastic and I've also heard great things about the new pirate museum...and yes, don't miss sunset at Mallory Square....the other suggestions about Robbie's and Bahia Honda are good ones, as well

 

[TheRedHead]

Bahia Honda State Park has decent snorkeling, kayaking at MM 37:

http://www.bahiahondapark.com/

There is a dolphin interaction in Marathon at the Dolphin Reserach Center:

http://www.dolphins.org/

Captain Hooks Marina and Dive shop in Marathon has a giant outdoor aquarium in front of the shop. You can stand on the bridge leading to the front door and see nurse sharks, parrotfish and triggers.

My teens hated the Keys. I hope you have better luck.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Smugglers cove and Snappers are nice restaurants

 

[gregor1234]

Where are Smuggler's Cove and Snapper's located?
Up in Tavernier or down the way to KW?

 

[riguerin]

The Duval Crawl

 

[TheRedHead]

The Duval Crawl

It was stuff like that which caused my teens to wish they were in the Virgin Islands so they could snorkel from the beach.

 

[riguerin]

It was stuff like that which caused my teens to wish they were in the Virgin Islands so they could snorkel from the beach.

Then, leave them at home next time. KW is for adults