I only have a second, Key Largo (Pennycamp) if you want good options for snorkling. If you don’t have reservations, start looking now. January is “The Season”.

I don't know much about Miami but I have done the ride from Miami to Key West. It's very pretty but can be a slog. There are a few highway parts but most of the time you will be going in and out of towns. Depending on when you go you may encounter lots of crazy drivers and giant trucks hauling boats. I just looked at Google maps and right now there are some traffic jams and the travel time is 4 hours for 165 miles.

I've only been to KW so I can't compare it to other Keys. We like it, don't care much for the crazy end of Duval Street by Sloppy Joes but there are plenty of other things to do there besides bar hop. There are good reefs for snorkeling there and lots of tour boats to take you out.

I like the 7 mile bridge (IIRC?) but I would do my flight with an open jaw so I only drive there, and then fly back (direct).

This is where we stayed - loved it. https://simontoncourt.com/

There was a really good restaurant essentially across the street?

ETA - found it: https://marquesa.com/cafe-marquesa/

I recc a snorkelling trip via seaplane to Dry Tortuga. (Allison suggested that to me and it was great).

Also recc renting bikes.

Enjoy!

Allison, it's crazy that all of those places you mentioned are still in business ten years later.

I love the 7 mile bridge, love Key West dearly, and envy you! It’s been a while since I’ve been, so I’m sorry to not have suggestions. We always flew to Key West (and stayed there) and would drive about halfway to Miami, exploring. Don’t miss Big Pine Key with the little deer. :)

Thank you all so much! Things are booking fast and several of these weren’t on my radar. Luckily, we’re limd of flexible, but I better get reserving!

IME, the Tortugas tour was the hardest to book, so if you want to do that i might start there.

That restaurant, Cafe Marquesa, is fantastic, both the food and cocktails. I took my two sons there for a joint birthday trip in 2018 and we ate either dinner ir lunch there every day. We got there by boat —stayed at the Margaritaville (eldest’s request) which had terrible food.

Their desserts!

The salad was supposed to have feta (hate cheese on salads!) The yellow heirloom tomatoes were delicious.

We wondered about those charming cottages across the lane! They are as nice inside as they are cute outside.

Do you all recommend the half or full day trip to Tortugas?

I just looked it up. We did a half day. But we all burn easily so we just walked around the fort and snorkelled, no sunbathing. But the beach there is not great anyway.

DH also did the half day.

see today’s NYT article