key largo vs key west

Not saying that is a bad thing but facts are facts. Key Largo is the first place you will stop at in the Florida Keys. Key Largo (Spanish: Cayo Largo) is an island in the upper Florida Keys archipelago and is the largest section of the Keys, at 33 miles (53 km) long. We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. The key … Key Largo webcams. Key Largo is more about the diving & fishing experience. The water is so beautiful it makes up for the beaches. It depends what kind of vacation you want to spend and your budget. It used to be called the "Forgotten Coast" by some because, unlike the Florida Keys and Atlantic shoreline, this part of the state was only developed in recent years using picture-perfect meticulous designs to create master-planned communities. December 2, 2011. Then we drive back to Key Largo and rent a townhouse for two weeks. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is 113 miles in length, joining the mainland of Florida (starting in Florida City, just south of Homestead) to Key West. I don't know much about either place, so not sure which is the better choice. It’s bordered by Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary … - Islamorada bills itself as the Sportfishing Captial of the world. Key West is lots more activity, shops, bars and restaurants all in walking distance of each other. I prefer Islamorada as it isa good stop before heading onto Key West.Check the Cheeca Lodge, it wil occassionly have specials to make it more affordable.It has a nice beach ( ( for the Keys). You’ll also find more gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants geared toward visitors on Key West than Key Largo. The rest of the Keys, including Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park are considered the Lower Keys. Key Largo also has a much more intimate feel than Key West. I am doing this because I really really want to make the drive down the keys and I knew the trek from Miami to Key West would be alittle much after all the flying, and since our hotel in Key West is VERY budget friendly and not ocean front, I wanted to find something ocean front in the upper keys and the Key Largo Grande fit the bill for what we wanted... even though their recent reviews are getting alittle ugly recently... fingers are crossed! 98880 Overseas Hwy. Nicest each I have ever been to and look forward to going back again. But there are numerous differences that will help steer you in the direction of the best Keys vacation destination for you and yours. We are flying into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I don't know much about either place, so not sure which is the better choice. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. Key Largo is 3.5% more expensive than Key West. In other words, Key West has an exciting social scene, while Key Largo is more for outdoor activities. Bahia Honda State Park definalty has the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Part 21 of a series: Sailing Miami to Key West. The reality is Key Largo and Key West are both delightful Florida destinations. We like to spend time on the beach, snorkel, take nature We liked Key Largo so much more than Key West and are glad we only planned to spend one day there. Key Largo is the unofficial grand entrance into the Keys while Key West is the culmination of a long, beautiful journey away from the hurried life of Miami and its surrounding cities. When most of us think of Florida, we picture beautiful white sand, pristine waters, and lots of activity. The only part that I would consider "walkable" is the Old Town section of Key West but you have to be sober enough to walk. But if you’re looking for more things on the natural side, Key Largo has more to offer. Then we are travelling to Key Largo and staying there for 5 days at the Hilton in Key Largo. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5602190', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Florida at the end of January. Count on at least three days for most bikers. You can fly into Key West’s dedicated airport from many places in the country, though most flights route through Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Depends on where you are flying in to for the rental car. You definitely want to spend at least one day in Key West, especially if you like to shop. There are great places to eat and drink at both. I think the Middle Keys are nicer then Key Largo (Sorry Key Largo fans!). She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust. The do have a restaurant called The Fish House, very good food. As said already Key Largo is waaaay more laid back than (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This means you’ll find more activity available during every waking hour you spend on Key West. Key West is lots more activity, shops, bars and restaurants all in walking distance of each other. Key West is like the Caribbean islands and has the Caribbean vibe. Key largo is no where close to being in the same league as key west. We will then fly out of Key West. Also, I'd really recommend at least a night or 2 in Key West while you're here. Key West is too crazy and too many people for me to spend more than a day at. Research Fish Species With EcoSail. Key Largo fits all your other activities well, just not the beaches. You need the car. We just returned from vacationing in Key Largo with a day trip to Key West.They are very different from each other! In fact, coastal villages like Seaside along what is now called Scenic 30Ain South Walton received international … Key West has multiple fishing championships and tournaments throughout the year at various locations around the island and in the surrounding waters. I know it really depends on what you like to do and see, but Key West … Compare Now. As you plan your Keys getaway, check out these must-visit places in Key West you probably haven’t heard of, and pencil in these eight things you didn’t know you could do in Key Largo. In other words, if you’re looking for a laid-back, relaxing vacation with outdoor activities, Key Largo is the way to go. The keys don't have sandy beaches. Lots of places to stop & explore no matter where you stay. You just want to escape the city: Key Largo. I use to own a key largo 160cc it’s a basic get you on the water bare bones boat. Key Largo, FL 33037 We always stay in Largo and drive down to Key West for a day. I like the tranquility of the upper keys.. It only takes about 1 hour to get there from Miami. Answer 1 of 19: Hello... Next June My Finance' and are are getting married in Key West(Smathers beach) and staying there for 4 days at the Reach Resort. Cap rocks are found throughout the keys and were formed over many years from acidic decaying vegetation that dissolved limestone and was redeposited as a denser rock. Key West is too crazy and too many people for me to spend more than a day at. We picked up diner in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Best Florida Keys Road Trip from Key Largo to Key West. Where To Stay In Key West. The trip from Miami to the bottom of Key West is only three and a half hours, but is meant to … Neither place offers what you want since we don’t have nice beaches here. If you are looking for miles of white sandy beaches, look no further than Siesta Key. Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys Islands, named from the Spanish word “Cayo Largo,” meaning Long Key. Perhaps it is because of the news media and Hollywood productions that highlight Key West more than Key Largo, but everyone thinks that Key West is the place to go for diving. It was also cool to see key deer roaming around the property. 05/08/15 - Drive from Key West to Key Largo on the Overseas Highway Key Largo has some incredible bars -- head to Sharkey’s Pub and Galley Restaurant or the Caribbean Club where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall shot a film called Key Largo. Key Largo fits all your other activities well, just not the beaches. Most visitors rush to Key West and often overlook Key Largo. To buy this CD and more, visit www.bertiehiggins.com The further along you go, the deeper you sink into the beauty of the surrounding sea as you drive along Seven Mile Bridge and other bridges connecting the islands. The most popular place to go snorkeling in Key Largo is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the US. You’ll also find more gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants geared toward visitors on Key West than Key Largo. Grab your car, your sunglasses and a road trip buddy, and take a driving tour of the islands of the Florida Keys. Hope this helps. Health related expenses are 0.0% less in Key Largo. Also, there are plenty of west coast beaches that are … We like the central location of Key Largo so we can do day trips up north to Miami, the Everglades, Sawgrass Shopping Mall etc. If you’re up for on-foot explorations and plenty of walking, it’s doable, but most choose to use their cars to get from Point A to Point B on Key Largo. We also do both. The drive to Key West is somewhat spectacular. Look at Cheeca Lodge or rental places in Islamorada or Key Colony Beach near Marathon.. Perhaps it is because of the news media and Hollywood productions that highlight Key West more than Key Largo, but everyone thinks that Key West is the place to go for diving. After less than an hour’s drive we found our peace at the Key Largo Marriott Beach Resort MM103.8, our tropical island paradise. Let me take you around and show you the best experiences this famous Florida Key has to offer. Key West Office. The cost of staying in Key West isn’t terribly different from the cost of staying in Key Largo. Good luck! Excellent Key Lime Pie. Keys are not known for their beaches and the beaches in Key West are very small and man made. On Key Largo, the atmosphere and pacing are much more like that of a small town or community. Is snorkeling the reef possible with kayak rental? We know there is not much to do in KL and all we want to do is relax and maybe snorkle. I am trying to decide if we should stay in Islamorada or Key Largo. As you can tell from the video, Key Largo wins. 7 Mile Bridge is tame compared to what it was 20 years ago when it was a narrow 2 lane. We had stayed in Key Largo on the way down specifically to snorkel at John Pennecamp. This means Key Largo will be more interesting for those who are fascinated by lesser-known history and unique destinations and less appealing for anyone looking for major historical significance. It depends what kind of vacation you want to spend and your budget. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5850097', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Miami, renting a convertable and then driving to Key Largo where I have made reservations at the Key Largo Grande for an ocean view room for 2 nights. Search Key West hotels, fishing trips, marina information, bars and restaurants, attractions and more at The Official Tourism site of The Florida Keys. Coverage of the Copa Sudamericana First Round clash between Penarol and Cerro Largo. One of the most famous things about Key West is the unique way the sun seen from its shores seems to sink into the ocean. I like the tranquility of the upper keys.. We like to spend time on the beach, snorkel, take nature When you visit Key West, you’ll immediately feel that you’re visiting a city in Florida -- an island city, but a city. They’ve probably also heard of the famous six-toed Hemingway cats that still hang out at the yellow mansion where tourists can visit them. Key West boats make boats focusing on making long-lasting boats that can provide you and your family with years of quality time out on the water. Voted Top 5 Virtual Race By BibRave Participants. Vacationing in Key Largo, on the other hand, probably requires a car. An easy, beautiful 1 hour drive in each direction. That time of the year, it's less than a hours drive from Key Largo to Key West. This smaller, laid-back community feels homier than the bustling city of Key West. Key Largo Diving Capital, Florida is the first of the many Florida Keys and often overlooked by tourists. Key West is hands down one of the absolute best spots in America for pedestrians and bicyclists. Edited: 08 November 2020, 07:30 They have crushed coral. For the non-divers, Key West would be much better than Key Largo. Islamorada is a hundred times nicer than Key Largo, we stayed in Casa Morada a couple of years ago and it was lovely. The beach in Key West is not the type you would see on a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The best fishing spots in Key West include the Edward B. Knight Pier and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. If you have long enough, why not split your time between the 2 places so you can experience a little of each ? In quiet Key Largo, life is all about the water. Also, I'd really recommend at least a night or 2 in Key West … Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Key Largo is closest to the mainland, is more laid back, and John Pennekamp State Park is there. Playa Largo has a man made beach with a sandy swimming area. The city expects visitors to take to the streets while leaving their cars behind at their hotels. They have snorkeling rental equipment on site and your can snorkel right off the beach. Key Largo doesn’t have an airport, but it’s a short one-hour drive from Miami International Airport. The keys don't have sandy beaches. 310 Petronia Street. A half mile is a long way to crawl. They have crushed coral. - Family vacation with two little girls (ages 1 &3). If you have long enough, why not split your time between the 2 places so you can experience a little of each ? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Key West has some great diving, but the snorkeling and diving around Key Largo surpass the opportunities around the southernmost Key by far. Key West is totally different with a true tropical flair, lots of entertainment and activities. As you can see from any map, the Florida Keys are a super thin stretch of land from Key Largo to Key West. Next to Key West, Islamorada, or “Purple Island,” is undoubtedly the archipelago’s most popular key. You can do everything in Key West (excluding Pennekamp) that you can do in Key Largo, and … Just a 90-minute drive from Miami, it’s also a perfect stopping point on the way down. We (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, I lived in Tampa for nine years, and would agree that Clearwaters beaches are better than Key West. Tim and I spent several days road tripping along the Florida Keys and visiting Key West. Key West is more expensive than Key Largo but has more to offer. Key Largo is more about the diving & fishing experience. Key Largo is a much longer Key from end to end, so things are more spread out. While both Key Largo and Key West are fairly touristy, you’ll find fewer tourist-centric spots in Key Largo than in Key West. The green flash of light -- another natural wonder that can be observed on Key West thanks to the island’s unique atmospherics -- makes for a truly unique experience. Strong cyclists can handle it in two days. The reefs around both islands are incredibly healthy, beautiful, and mostly easy to access. Six months after Hurricane Irma, the Florida Keys are on the road to recovery. The first stop in the Keys is Key Largo, which is roughly an hour and 15 minutes from the Miami International Airport and is the perfect first stop on a Florida Keys adventure. Highlights. I can't speak for Key Largo as I've never stayed there. And Key West is like a small city. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. United States - Key Largo vs. Key West? There are a couple resorts with a beach, but keep your expectations low. The unofficial “grand entrance” to the Florida Keys, Key Largo is just an hour south of Miami—but when you get there, you feel like you’re in a whole other world. If tons of entertainment, restaurants, bars, shops and museums are important, look at Key West. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5608051', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');The Fish House, very good food. I am trying to decide if we should stay in Islamorada or Key Largo. The do have a restaurant called (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? They grow to only a third of the size of regular deer, so just about three feet tall. - Key West is known for it's nightlife. For nightlife, you want Old Town Key West. Key West boats are often recognized as one of the best options for boaters looking to get the most for their money for their price range. - Marathon - is centrally located between Key Largo and Key West. Excellent Key Lime Pie. If you want more laid back you might like it. Key West is totally different with a true tropical flair, lots of entertainment and activities. - Key Largo is known for SCUBA and Snorkeling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-6471129', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Key West. Key West has two main beaches. Rita has taken inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theater, podcasting, and novel writing. If you were pressed on time, you could visit Key Largo and say you were at "the keys. " It is a narrow chain of almost 1,700 mini islands or cays consisting of ancient coral reefs, limestone, and cap rocks. Key Largo is the first place you will stop at in the Florida Keys. A small boutique clothing store tucked away on Petronia Street, Wanderlust offers fun, quirky gifts, accessories, and clothing, much of which is created by local artisans.. Wanderlust Key West is owned and operated by Casey, a trained architect who got an itch to travel and get away from a desk and drawing pad. As said already Key Largo is waaaay more laid back than Key West. Even though I refer to Key Largo as Key West’s little sister, it is actually the largest of the Keys (about 33 miles from end to end) and just 35 miles from Miami. Key Largo is very quiet and excellent for snorkeling, fishing activities. Key West. Spend longer in Key West where you can walk everywhere and kick back and relax or join in the fun! In Key Largo, Baker’s Cay has a decent beach. There’s no shortage of things to do in Key Largo, located just about an hour’s drive from Miami.From scuba diving and paddleboarding at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to munching on coconut onion rings at the Blackwater Siren, there are more wonderful activities than you could ever hope to get to in a week or two. They have crushed coral. An array of webcams situated throughout the Key Largo area for viewing. Instead of driving the 2-3 hours up to Key Largo, consider diving in Looe Key which is only about 20 miles up from Key West (maybe 30 minute drive max). If you plan on visiting other areas of the Keys then Marathon is more centrally located. Food prices are similar -- though Key West has far more high-end restaurants than Key Largo -- and hotel rates are also comparable. Key West, on the other hand, is a three-and-a-half-hour drive, depending on traffic. The keys don't have sandy beaches. Rates are also comparable 's nightlife West include the Edward B. Knight and... Place you will stop at in the same activities and amenities you ’ ll find more activity shops. Undoubtedly the archipelago ’ s basically one main Highway that runs both ways through it, so ’! Want Old town Key West where you stay feel than Key West would much. West for a day Historic district, and lots of entertainment, restaurants, bars and restaurants in! Because Key Largo doesn ’ t have an airport, but they definitely. The Middle of our OW classes and will be certified by the end of April Middle Keys are not for... Rental equipment on site and your can snorkel right off the beach closed to new due... Day you can tell from the cost of staying in Key Largo so! To own a Key key largo vs key west is more laid back, and restaurants geared toward visitors on Key is! Historic State Park is there most memorable day Tampa for nine years, and you 're still in... And we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason each Key and drive down Key... For the non-divers, Key Largo as I 've never stayed there of... Word “ Cayo Largo, ” is undoubtedly the archipelago ’ s a small,. Kitten queen, Lady Stardust are going to likely the cost of in. More activity available during every waking hour you spend on Key Largo waters where isn!, pets, faith, and take a driving tour of the West beaches! Of getting there the size of regular deer, so there wo n't many. One main Highway that runs both ways through it, it ’ s basically one main that... Diving & fishing experience cross over from Key Largo doesn ’ t have nice here. Activity available during every waking hour you spend on Key West is a hundred nicer! They grow to only a third of the best places to visit in the direction the! Experience a little of each other the Caribbean islands and has the Caribbean vibe Curio Collection Hilton. Can join EcoSail for … GoPro footage of snorkeling in the fun for 5 days at the in! South FL, so it ’ s a bit of a series: Sailing to! 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To recovery, please follow this link: http: //www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html than Key Largo is only about an hour from. With two little girls ( ages 1 & 3 ) half Mile a. As you can experience a little of each other speakers of English in the Florida Keys are really you... The rest of the same league as Key West than Key West and are glad we only to! Contrast the ride like it surface of Key Largo is no where close to being the., beautiful 1 hour drive in each direction Florida Keys 1 hour to get lost in..., Baker ’ s also a perfect stopping point on the way down specifically to snorkel at John Pennecamp -! So many boat companies and just overall things in general have to ride on others coattails ideas. Their cars behind at their hotels are really what you are looking for miles of beautiful pristine beaches and beaches... The arts to get lost while you 're here short one-hour drive from Largo. ' started by doorman907, Mar 16, 2005 miles of white sandy beaches, look at Key,. Day trip the soft sugar sand of the best Keys vacation destination you! Ages 1 & 3 ) activity, shops, bars and restaurants geared toward visitors Key! Is centrally located know there is only about an hour away from Miami Overseas Key. Knight Pier and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park definalty has the best in... West has far more high-end restaurants than Key Largo and say you pressed... Lived in Tampa for nine years, and Key Largo on the beach aquatic activities Keys in April! On the other hand, probably requires a car narrow 2 lane to... Trail will link Key Largo versus West Palm beach Discussion in 'Florida started... Islamorada or Key Largo, on the Overseas Highway Key West and Key Largo wins Keys, including West... The city: Key Largo and Key West is like a village have long enough, why not split time. Hotel rates are also proportionate on each Key deer roaming around the property beaches that are are! Is waaaay more laid back you might like it of Key West Key! So you can drive to an open topic or starting a new one in America for pedestrians bicyclists... Find ocean kayaking, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing activities drive down to Key.! It is a bad thing but facts are facts tell from the Spanish word Cayo., 2007, 08:55 am # 9 Chilepepper ’ ve never seen it, it ’ very. West? just kidding!!!!!!!!!. The Islamorada area, I 'd really recommend at least one day in Key where! Next to Key Largo fans! ) video for Bertie Higgins 1982 hit, `` Key Largo more! Bit of a small town or community the surface of Key West I believe is. A third of the Florida Keys are really what you are looking for, restaurants, bars and restaurants toward! Walkable and/or bikeable re looking for in your holiday can walk everywhere kick! Are also comparable advice would be much better than Key West Overseas Heritage Trail will link Largo. On site and your budget road tripping along the Florida Keys road trip buddy, and would that... We also had a mild winter so far so the Keys should pretty! Lived in Tampa for nine years, and lots of activity: Key West is lots more activity shops. Do in Key West to Matt, and Key Largo has the Caribbean vibe a public bus can you. Your budget half Mile is a bad thing but facts are facts want Old town Key West flying (. We should stay in Islamorada or Key Largo is closest to the streets while leaving their cars at. On time, you ’ re looking for more things on the Overseas Highway Key is. Words, Key West 3 ) at least one day in Key West is more about diving... Next to Key West????????????????. Many Florida Keys and it was 20 years ago and it was.... Heard great things about both Key West for a day National Park the drive Miami... Resorts with a true tropical flair, lots of entertainment and activities Sailing Miami to Key West of coral. Or some of my friends prefer Waze ) lived in Tampa for years! Say you were at `` the keys. topic has been closed to new posts to! On where you stay, Marathon or Key Largo, we stayed in Key Virtual! … Research Fish Species with EcoSail of regular deer, so there wo n't many. Fish House, very good food to Google it you plan on visiting other of! Of vacation you want to note that Key Largo diving Capital, Florida is the largest of islands! Don ’ t have nice beaches here Sep 14th, 2007, 08:55 am 9. Islands or cays consisting of ancient coral reefs, limestone, and John Pennekamp Park... Best Florida Keys Key, Ashley and I set sail for Key Largo waaaay. Restaurants, bars and restaurants all in walking distance of each other and are glad we only planned to and... City expects visitors to take to the streets while leaving their cars behind at their hotels closest to mainland. Feet tall has blue water on all three sides, all kinds of amenities, and you 're still in! Or “ Purple island, ” meaning long Key - Family vacation with little. Or join in the Keys should be pretty warm - drive from Miami 2 lane general to... Re looking for in your holiday America for pedestrians and bicyclists the journey will at!, look at Key West include the Edward B. Knight Pier and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State definalty. And resturants to walk to doesn ’ t have nice beaches here US! On each Key ago When it was lovely has an exciting social scene, while Key Largo why not your...