Keys for spring break
- tinygynie
- Apr 10, 2023
- 2 min read
Most websites list marathon Florida as the best family destination in the keys. I don't necessarily disagree with this, but I will say that depends on the age of the kids as well. At 11&12, when they are not impressed with literally anything except an internet connection...
Marathon is situated about in the middle of the keys and is composed of grassy, fat deer, key colony before the 7 mile bridge that heads to key west. Very easy to navigate, lots of food and activity options, and less crass and weird than the more southern keys, its great if you need sun and a bit more quiet.
Because this is Florida, almost everything is a go, because...Florida. From a customs standpoint I won't beleaguer anything repetitive. Main advice is if you want to see sunset for dinner, get to the places early and reserve if you can.
We stayed on grassy key, airbnb booking. I'm not going to list it here because honestly, there are better houses and just read recent reviews to see where's best. They just weren't stellar hosts and half the appliances were broken and the pool was pretty much unusable.
So here's the good stuff:
Fishing there's a lot of options. Whether you want a private charter or group, simply go to fishing booker app and do a search. Our guide, Drew, was great and very accommodating with the kids. Look up andrew Atwill. We fished mostly backwater and Everglades this time and caught snapper, shark, barracuda, and a ray.
Kayaking: again a ton of options. Curry Hammock state park has the most economical options, and there's a really nice 1.2 mile loop through mangroves and open bay. Open water kayaking and fishing is everywhere as well, but with an 11&12 year old who thought they could handle flatwater but pooped out way too early for hard paddling, not a good idea.
Sunset cruise: again a ton of options and huge range of prices. We opted for a less party oriented one called Sirius'ly which is owned by Captain Dale. The catamaran holds 24 and you bring all your own snacks and bevvies keeping the cost under $50 a person for a great cruise along the 7 mile bridge. The restaurant at the dock, Lazy days, is excellent as well but reserve.
Other kid friendly items: dolphin encounters, several beaches, sunset bar and grill has a pool so the adults can chill while the kids swim, turtle hospital, and the 'lagoon' which is attached to Bongos beer garden. It's like a little hippie paradise back there with kayak rentals, blow up obstacle course, electric wakeboard lessons, hammocks, and some neat people. The food at bongos is also fabulous and definitely order a side of those tots.
Food: links below but porkys bbq, castaways, sunset grill, island fish house, bongos, and SS wreck are all great.
I just found Local Grown Charters on FishingBooker.https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/19508