two kids and two days in April

We are coming to mt brother%26#39;s wedding in Fort Lauderdale late April. However, we arrive in Miami three days before we are due there. We would like to head straight down to the keys for some snorkelling and relaxing. As time is an issue where would be the best location to stay? I was thinking Key Largo or should we go further along? Our kids are 12 and 9.

Then I thought we would drive back up towards Ft Lauderdale and have a quick look at Miami without staying there.

Any tips or suggestions would be great.

two kids and two days in April

I would stay in Islamorada, Tavernier or lower Key Largo. The Keys stretch along US 1 and directions are usually given by mile marker. I like the area from say, MM 96 to MM 84. In that range, you can find big luxury resorts (Cheeca Lodge), chain hotels (Hilton), places with condo like accomodation (Mariners Club, Ocean Pointe, other) and much, much more. Look at the reviews on this site and/or give an idea of budget and desires.

Your kids are a great age to snorkel. Lots of places to do this (by boat) so pick your hotel and then pick the snorkel trip. You might also like to try kayaking. Look at this website. They have jet ski tours, fishing, kayaking plus wild tarpon to feed. www.robbies.com

In terms of restaurants, you should go to Morada Bay one night. It%26#39;s a nice place, tables are outside on the sand. You can let your kids roam around a bit on the beach while you and spouse have a more relaxed adult meal.

I hope you%26#39;ll make time to stop in the Everglades on the way back to Ft. L. In just a 3 hour stop, you%26#39;ll see lots of alligators, birds, etc. and have a chance to interact with a unique part of our landscape.

Directions are in this go list. I%26#39;m also attaching a thread that talks about the kayaking at Robbies.

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i12780-Everglad鈥?/a>

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i17574-Kayaking鈥?/a>

two kids and two days in April

Thanks so much for your help. We are on a pretty tight budget as we are coming to the US for 6 weeks. So any hotel with good family accomm for the best price would be great. We are hoping to get something for no more that $200 US a night. Our exchnge rate is terrible at the mo.

As we are in FL for 5 days after the keys we thought we would explore the everglades from there. Is that a good idea?

Yes - 5 days in FtL gives you plenty of time to visit the Everglades.

For a quick trip to Miami, you want to head to Miami Beach. I would post on the Miami Beach forum and ask for suggestions. Probably, you want to park near Lincoln Road area (a pedestrian mall), walk along the beach, see Collins Ave and have lunch at one of the restaurants that faces the beach.

You may want to try Bayside Inn Key Largo, they have a swimming snorkel lagoon, also capt sterlings everglade tours will pick you up from there to go to the everglade tour i think he is real nice you may want to send him an email. There is the princess glass bottom boat ride in key largo for anyone, also john pennekamp coral reef state park is there they have great snorkel tours. there is dolphins plus in key largo if you want the dolphin tour. so good luck with your looking. hope this was helpful

That is fantastic advice. Thank you. I just wish we Australians had a better excange rate with the dollar!!!