[Bonk!]

Hi - we need a break from the frigid north and given the current difficulty with international travel, we'd like to stay domestic. Thinking of bareboating out of Key West - we've used Dream Yacht Charters in the past but wonder if anyone has had positive experiences with other outfits? Once on the boat, are there secluded beaches or other "don't miss" sites down there? Thanks.

[Tommy-G]

In to follow, been in Florida 6 years and not to the keys yet….

[2000cs]

Fantasy week, body painting, post a pic, regret it. According to a friend.

[RickFLM4]

I’ve been there a number of times. Other than catching a sailfish there, can’t say it’s my favorite spot. It has a unique character and worth checking out, but mostly a tourist trap IMO. Boating should be good though.

[3.0L]

Get SCUBA certified.

[chassis]

Was there two weeks ago, stayed in Marathon. We prefer Marathon and Islamorada for the calmer vibe compared with Key West.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by chassis

Was there two weeks ago, stayed in Marathon. We prefer Marathon and Islamorada for the calmer vibe compared with Key West.

Absolutely this.

I lived in FL for about 15 years, went to the keys many, many times. Stay in Marathon, go to KW for the day just for the experience; it's about a 45 minute drive from Marathon but I'd never want to stay there. My favorite resort in Marathon is Tranquility Bay.

You'll want to check out Duval Street in Key West, I'd also recommend the Hemmingway house and the Martello Museum to see Robert the Doll. Mallory Square usually has cool things going on at sunset; street performers, etc. I'm not sure when fantasy fest is, I was usually in the keys late September/early October. Go snorkeling at Looe Reef depending on what time of year you go, and if you do make sure you ask the locals how rough the water is out there before you go.

Enjoy!

[Th3Walrus]

Chihuahua
How is the restaurant scene on Marathon?

We like going to FL Beach/Las Olas usually, mainly because then we don't even need to rent a car, just Uber from the airport and walk everywhere or take the Sun Trolley.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

Chihuahua
How is the restaurant scene on Marathon?

We like going to FL Beach/Las Olas usually, mainly because then we don't even need to rent a car, just Uber from the airport and walk everywhere or take the Sun Trolley.

It's pretty good actually, some of the best places look like complete dives from the outside but are actually really good. I haven't been there in a few years (COVID, also I moved to Georgia), but my favorites were always the Keys Fisheries, Frank's Grill (Italian), and whatever restaurant is in the swanky new hotel at the end of the island (Hilton? It's on the west side of the road right before you hit seven mile bridge).

[chassis]

Havana Jacks in Key Colony Beach (Marathon) was surprisingly good. Mid price causal bar/restaurant but directly on the water with sunset views in the winter. Good food and service.

[WallySlash]

Check out the Hogfish Bar and Grill.

[Maynard]

Read something by Tim Dorsey. He's the Hunter S Thompson of Florida.

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Read something by Tim Dorsey. He's the Hunter S Thompson of Florida.

Noted, thank you. Fear and Loathing in Key West. Love it.