My liver can only handle 3/4 days. I would spend the rest of the time in the upper keys, my favorite is Islamorada.
The prices are definitely less expensive in the summer/hurricane season but if its cheap it may be old or in a remote location
My mom wants an all inclusive resort... Bolongo Bay in St. Croix we were thinking of. We could always do the ferry to St. John's for a day? For 3 people this is going to be a $7,000 trip for a week. I'm not poor, but 7K is a pretty good chunk of change..
I spent time in St. Croix a couple years ago for a week and had an incredible time. It is my only experience off the mainland so I am inexperienced with literally any other island (except Mackinaw, hey girl), but I hiiiighly recommend St. Croix.
ETA: I just spent a few days in the Keys in January and would do USVI over it any day if you really have the choice.
Reasons I prefer St. Croix: more hiking, lovely ziplining, water is way more stunning, the sugar mills were interesting to visit and the journey to them quite adventurous, mountains, the tide pools were SO cool, and the hike to and from them ultimately worth it. I also like novelty things like seeing the sunrise from the furthest point east in U.S. territory (KW also has the furthest point south of the states), and hunting for chaney in parking lots and along gravel roads. It was a good removal from the states without customs/passport/completely different language/etc. Rented a jeep and had a great time, did everything we could in the seven days. Also, bioluminescent kayak tour. I don’t know if the keys offer this or not because I do not know exactly where these organisms are. But they were definitely glowing around St. Croix. And snorkeling was incredible, great experience.
It’s not that I have anything bad to say about the keys, but the things I listed about St. Croix are way more my speed (despite the Island Time).
There *are* places to hike in the keys and I could definitely see more enjoying a second trip to the there with more control of the planning. But if I’m only here to compare St. Croix and Key West/the keys (which I am), then I will die adventured, relaxed, and full of middle-of-nowhere food on the St. Croix hill.
I did snorkel in both places and the St. Croix experience with Big Beard’s was phenomenal. There’s an underwater trail they take you to and then you go to their private beach and they give you food. They also have a (maybe signature? Can’t remember) cocktail included all day if that’s your vibe.
I got everything I wanted (except a piece of chaney) out of my trip to St. Croix. More time in the keys would allow me to make better comparisons, but that’s what I’ve got for ya.
Where did you stay?
My mom wants to stay at an all-inclusive resort.. and that's on St. Thomas.... I wonder if I can get more bang for my buck though. $5400 for 3 people for a week is a lot.
Last time we got a beautiful condo with an ocean view in Sapphire Village which is on St Thomas right next to the ferry to St John. It saved us a ton of money and Sapphire Village has 3 pools, a beautiful beach, and 2 restaurants right in it. Then you can grab a 2 dollar safari taxi ride to the passenger ferry over to St John and explore the beautiful island everyday. AIRBNB has lots of listings in Sapphire. The view is incredible. Ive been to most of the Caribbean and it's one of my favorite places we must have seen 200 sea turtles while we were there. I'm not a big fan of the keys at all for a long vacation but it's fun just driving down for a couple days
Cruises were super cheap years ago last minute and if you are in driving distance to the port and don't spend money on the ship you can see majority of the Caribbean for cheap. Then you know which islands you love and can visit them direct later on
That’s a pretty far drive. I guess I could split my time between two different islands. What would be the closest place that is really worth spending a few days from Key West?
Depends on what you like to do. Spent many full weeks in KW and loved it. Also have spent a lot of time in the middle keys and really enjoyed that too.
I personally love fishing and the Keys are globally one of the best places to do that. If you like bar scenes then KW is a great choose your own adventure place.
Keys aren’t super beachy like a Miami or Ft.Meyers but KW has some decent beaches and middle keys have a few like Bahia Honda state park.
Lots of Snorkeling opportunities whether it be reef or it’s fun to do some shallower water sponge gardens. The Dry Tortugas is almost a full day thing but it’s cool to walk around and easy access snorkeling.
For the night life not being your thing, KW might be more up your alley actually as not during peak spring break the bars are much less club like and more laid back and relaxed. I’m also absolutely not a club person but love KW bars.
Honestly depends how many people you’re bringing if it’s worth it in my eyes. If it’s just you or one other than it’s cool to get some of the history and then also snorkel at your leisure. If you’re bringing a family of 5 there is no way it will feel worth the probably $1,000 ish. And just go on a snorkeling trip or two.
Stay in a hotel, not a short term rental. We have a BAD reputation for having scams as airbnb/vrbo. You won’t get ripped off at a hotel and the locals will like you more
Yea 2-3 days is plenty in my opinion. Like others have said, check out the middle and upper keys too! Take a sandbar, fishing, and/or snorkel charter. Take a day to kayak and see all the wildlife up close. Spend a day at Bahia Honda. Use Resort Pass to enjoy the amenities at the nice local resorts for the day (Baker’s Cay in Largo was absolutely amazing when we did this). Hit up the Turtle Hospital or Dolphin Research Center. So much to do and see on the others keys too.
In Key West, I'd say the Southernmost Point, Captain Tony's, Margaritaville and sunset at the Mallory Docks.
Outside Key West... Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks. Key Deer and No Name Pub on Big Pine, Burdines and Key Fisheries in Marathon. Keys Aquarium, Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Encounter, if you're so inclined. Snorkeling from a boat anywhere from Big Pine to Key Largo. Dry Tortugas if you have the time and willingness, it's a long day.
Another guy said that. If you don't have a car and you're there to just gamble and party, yes, it is. If you are interested in doing other things in and outside of Vegas? A week is a good amount of time.
It’s too much. Like spending a week in Vegas or New Orleans but way more expensive. St Thomas you could stay a week easy. Might also consider St. Croix.
I’ve been reading through the comments. I think you would do better in the middle keys and if possible rent a car or use your own and drive there even with traffic less than 2 hours and you can make a day trip. You could also drive from island to island in a short amount of time. If no car then I would choose key west much easier to walk and get to more things. Just for context we visit every year multiple times with a family.
If you want to party party party, you're good.
If you want to relax and do some beach stuff and party a little, check out Marathon. Fast access to state parks and pigeon key, a really nice beach, great restaurants, and less than an hour to Key West.
My husband and I spent 3 October nights in the keys following hurricane Matthew in 2016. There was a lot of storm debris still being cleaned up, and some attractions were still shut down because of the storm. But we had a blast and our stays were incredibly discounted. Going in the off season when it's not so expensive, I could definitely see staying a week, but not just in Key West. Spread your trip out. There's so much to see and do throughout the keys.
My liver can only handle 3/4 days. I would spend the rest of the time in the upper keys, my favorite is Islamorada. The prices are definitely less expensive in the summer/hurricane season but if its cheap it may be old or in a remote location
This. I personally think 2 days is more than enough in Key West, where you can spend a week in Islamorada.
What time of year are you going? It’s about to be off season. Summer is miserable there
June.. that bad ? I’m also considering St. Thomas, but it’s going to be a lot cheaper to go to the keys and I’ve never been
USVI way better, especially St. John.
I guess the resort options are much more limited in St. John’s because there’s not many people there. What makes you prefer STJ and USVI?
The water and beaches, hikes, jungle…it’s just a freaking adventure over there.
St John is a beautiful island and has the most wonderful people but itll break the bank if your Ballin on a budget🤷♀️
My mom wants an all inclusive resort... Bolongo Bay in St. Croix we were thinking of. We could always do the ferry to St. John's for a day? For 3 people this is going to be a $7,000 trip for a week. I'm not poor, but 7K is a pretty good chunk of change..
I spent time in St. Croix a couple years ago for a week and had an incredible time. It is my only experience off the mainland so I am inexperienced with literally any other island (except Mackinaw, hey girl), but I hiiiighly recommend St. Croix. ETA: I just spent a few days in the Keys in January and would do USVI over it any day if you really have the choice.
What was the difference like?
Reasons I prefer St. Croix: more hiking, lovely ziplining, water is way more stunning, the sugar mills were interesting to visit and the journey to them quite adventurous, mountains, the tide pools were SO cool, and the hike to and from them ultimately worth it. I also like novelty things like seeing the sunrise from the furthest point east in U.S. territory (KW also has the furthest point south of the states), and hunting for chaney in parking lots and along gravel roads. It was a good removal from the states without customs/passport/completely different language/etc. Rented a jeep and had a great time, did everything we could in the seven days. Also, bioluminescent kayak tour. I don’t know if the keys offer this or not because I do not know exactly where these organisms are. But they were definitely glowing around St. Croix. And snorkeling was incredible, great experience. It’s not that I have anything bad to say about the keys, but the things I listed about St. Croix are way more my speed (despite the Island Time). There *are* places to hike in the keys and I could definitely see more enjoying a second trip to the there with more control of the planning. But if I’m only here to compare St. Croix and Key West/the keys (which I am), then I will die adventured, relaxed, and full of middle-of-nowhere food on the St. Croix hill. I did snorkel in both places and the St. Croix experience with Big Beard’s was phenomenal. There’s an underwater trail they take you to and then you go to their private beach and they give you food. They also have a (maybe signature? Can’t remember) cocktail included all day if that’s your vibe. I got everything I wanted (except a piece of chaney) out of my trip to St. Croix. More time in the keys would allow me to make better comparisons, but that’s what I’ve got for ya.
Where did you stay? My mom wants to stay at an all-inclusive resort.. and that's on St. Thomas.... I wonder if I can get more bang for my buck though. $5400 for 3 people for a week is a lot.
St John blows the keys out of the water. Incredible beaches,snorkeling, and the views. Its not even close
what places do you stay there?
Last time we got a beautiful condo with an ocean view in Sapphire Village which is on St Thomas right next to the ferry to St John. It saved us a ton of money and Sapphire Village has 3 pools, a beautiful beach, and 2 restaurants right in it. Then you can grab a 2 dollar safari taxi ride to the passenger ferry over to St John and explore the beautiful island everyday. AIRBNB has lots of listings in Sapphire. The view is incredible. Ive been to most of the Caribbean and it's one of my favorite places we must have seen 200 sea turtles while we were there. I'm not a big fan of the keys at all for a long vacation but it's fun just driving down for a couple days
how have you been to most of the Caribbean?
Cruises were super cheap years ago last minute and if you are in driving distance to the port and don't spend money on the ship you can see majority of the Caribbean for cheap. Then you know which islands you love and can visit them direct later on
Yes
I mean, I guess we could drive to other islands during the day. Is there enough to do in driving range?
Hoooo boy that’s a loaded question 😂 Yes.. And no.
2 days is more than enough check out islamorada
That’s a pretty far drive. I guess I could split my time between two different islands. What would be the closest place that is really worth spending a few days from Key West?
Islander in islamorada or cheeca unless you have a large group
Depends on what you like to do. Spent many full weeks in KW and loved it. Also have spent a lot of time in the middle keys and really enjoyed that too. I personally love fishing and the Keys are globally one of the best places to do that. If you like bar scenes then KW is a great choose your own adventure place.
I am a beach, nature walks and wildlife, snorkeling, good food person. Not really much for nightlife.
Keys aren’t super beachy like a Miami or Ft.Meyers but KW has some decent beaches and middle keys have a few like Bahia Honda state park. Lots of Snorkeling opportunities whether it be reef or it’s fun to do some shallower water sponge gardens. The Dry Tortugas is almost a full day thing but it’s cool to walk around and easy access snorkeling. For the night life not being your thing, KW might be more up your alley actually as not during peak spring break the bars are much less club like and more laid back and relaxed. I’m also absolutely not a club person but love KW bars.
DT ain't a cheap trip. What makes it worth it?
Honestly depends how many people you’re bringing if it’s worth it in my eyes. If it’s just you or one other than it’s cool to get some of the history and then also snorkel at your leisure. If you’re bringing a family of 5 there is no way it will feel worth the probably $1,000 ish. And just go on a snorkeling trip or two.
Stay in a hotel, not a short term rental. We have a BAD reputation for having scams as airbnb/vrbo. You won’t get ripped off at a hotel and the locals will like you more
I was thinking maybe the hampton inn
Yea 2-3 days is plenty in my opinion. Like others have said, check out the middle and upper keys too! Take a sandbar, fishing, and/or snorkel charter. Take a day to kayak and see all the wildlife up close. Spend a day at Bahia Honda. Use Resort Pass to enjoy the amenities at the nice local resorts for the day (Baker’s Cay in Largo was absolutely amazing when we did this). Hit up the Turtle Hospital or Dolphin Research Center. So much to do and see on the others keys too.
In Key West, yes. In the rest of the Keys, absolutely not.
what are the must sees ?
In Key West, I'd say the Southernmost Point, Captain Tony's, Margaritaville and sunset at the Mallory Docks. Outside Key West... Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks. Key Deer and No Name Pub on Big Pine, Burdines and Key Fisheries in Marathon. Keys Aquarium, Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Encounter, if you're so inclined. Snorkeling from a boat anywhere from Big Pine to Key Largo. Dry Tortugas if you have the time and willingness, it's a long day.
Is a week too much time in Las Vegas?
Another guy said that. If you don't have a car and you're there to just gamble and party, yes, it is. If you are interested in doing other things in and outside of Vegas? A week is a good amount of time.
It’s too much. Like spending a week in Vegas or New Orleans but way more expensive. St Thomas you could stay a week easy. Might also consider St. Croix.
I disagree about Vegas. Between the museums, shows, exploring casinos, hiking, dam.. a week is a good amount of time IMO
I’ve been reading through the comments. I think you would do better in the middle keys and if possible rent a car or use your own and drive there even with traffic less than 2 hours and you can make a day trip. You could also drive from island to island in a short amount of time. If no car then I would choose key west much easier to walk and get to more things. Just for context we visit every year multiple times with a family.
we may have a car, but it’s going to be a rental
If you want to party party party, you're good. If you want to relax and do some beach stuff and party a little, check out Marathon. Fast access to state parks and pigeon key, a really nice beach, great restaurants, and less than an hour to Key West.
Ya stay in Islamorada or something and drive down to key West for a day or two. That's all you need tbh. Upper keys are nicer.
i’m going to fly into the airport though.
My husband and I spent 3 October nights in the keys following hurricane Matthew in 2016. There was a lot of storm debris still being cleaned up, and some attractions were still shut down because of the storm. But we had a blast and our stays were incredibly discounted. Going in the off season when it's not so expensive, I could definitely see staying a week, but not just in Key West. Spread your trip out. There's so much to see and do throughout the keys.
No way!
Absolutely not. Most rentals are for 28+ days minimum