Anyone been to the Florida Keys?

getitdone

DH and I are thinking about going to the Florida Keys for vacation in May, but we can't decide where to go. DH wants to fish and I want to lay by the beach / pool. Any suggestions on where to go / where to stay? TIA!

ML*

I've been to Key West twice but it was in college so we didnt stay anywhere nice.  If I went back I would look at staying at a little private home/condo.  There are a bunch of little bungalows you can rent that have those tiny florida style pools.  Two things though, they are probably more expensive than a regular hotel and they might be mostly booked since it's only 2 months away.  If you want to be near the action look for a hotel that is just off Duval St or near Mallory Square. 

Fishing should be awesome down there and there are tons of charter boats you can go out on.  Snorkeling is good too bc there is a natural reef right off the coast. 

There are two public beaches in Key West and neither of them are great.  Well to be fair they are still Florida beaches so they dont suck by any means.  One has good sand but is on the Atlantic side of the island so the water is murky and has a lot of sea weed.  The other is in a part owned by the Navy and the water is spectacular and clear but the beach is rocky and mostly shells, not soft sand. 

Key West is mostly fun for walking around/eating/drinking.  Tons of fun bars.  It's pretty and lively as well.

I've also heard good things about Islamorada which is just a few miles drive away but less party atmosphere and more relaxing.  You could easily drive to Key West for the action.