Key West, anyone been there?

OK, maybe planning on trip to Key West, Florida. We are in our early 60's and never been there. Any comments for places to stay, things to do, nice beaches, etc. We enjoy hot weather so no problem with that. Wife is getting tired of Las Vegas, wants something different. She is sending me to Las Vegas solo in September. I'll miss her so much. (he-he)

Key West is interesting, definitely worth a visit, I made my first last year. The beaches aren't great, though there are a few patches to enjoy. I recommend renting bicycles, the island is very flat and very bike friendly. Be sure to salute the sunset from one of the outdoor decks down by the cruise ship docks, the Westin for example. And for a terrific outdoor breakfast experience, Blue Heaven.

It's very touristy, but for a first time tourist there that's okay. I'm not in a big hurry to return, however.

Key West is more for scuba diving/snorkeling than sunbathing. It tends to be more reef-like than beach-like. If you want beaches some of the other keys have better offerings (like Marathon)...but then there's not much else to do there.

Plenty of good seafood places in town...too many to name. Also they have Sloppy Joes (they allegedly invented that sandwhich here). Its like Hooters.

I've heard the haunted ghost tour is fun but have not tried it. Many of the Carribean Island voodoo/superstitions are celebrated in Key West so they have stuff like that.

We love Key West almost as much as Las Vegas. We go there every year and walk around, eat and drink, and sunbathe. We usually go in December when it is cold as Hell in Indy. If they only had a casino!!! There are many places to stay. Scope them out at Tripadvisor.com. We always liked the Southernmost Hotel but recent price increases as well as the adding of the dreaded resort fee has marked them off our list. Last December we were lucky enough to find a timeshare trade at RCI for the Galleon which is a great resort near Mallory Square. When you go has a large effect on hotel/motel/condo/bed and breakfast rates. Do the research, find a suitable place, and you will not be disappointed. FYI the weather is not hot but around upper 70s to lower 80s most of the time. Enjoy. I am already planning for another Key West excursion next December.

Loved Key West. Check out the Hemingway home and walk to the top of the lighthouse. We stayed at the Casa Marina.

Larry from Las Vegas, NV

Make sure to take the trolley tour very informative. For me a few days is plenty, lots of drinking . partying and people watching. It doesn't have great sunbathing beaches but very nice sunsets. Look for the green flash. Stay close enough to walk to Duval, the main thoroughfare. Many B&B's in that area.

I would love to go for Fantasy fest but that's still on the bucket list.

Thanks for all the information. Will show it to wife, she makes decisions on vacations, other then Las Vegas.

If you're not prudish, it's okay in good weather. Almost as gay as Fire island. I took one daughter, then , later, my son. It ain't cheap. Used to have a public access pay for admit nekkid beach. When I was a sailor. Good luck!

You can make key west anything you want to make it. The music scene is great. Great restaurants with any price range you want
I'm not one for the hectic drink frenzy of Duval.
One of my favorite spots is Scooner Warf. You will run into a lot of locals there. Great drinks and music.
Strike up a conversation with the locals and don't act like a tourist. They will share some great locals spots.

You'll have fun but as others have said, great beaches are few and far between. I would recommend finding a hotel or B&B with a great pool. One of favorite games has always been " Beat yesterday's Pool Bar Tab" and then grab dinner and watch sunset.
Great spot for sunset is the Pier House deck

Have fun

Dupe from the dope. Sorry