Key West and lower Keys

[Whitecaps]

We have a day and 2/3 to spend in Key West and the lower Keys. What are some must-do or must-see activities? We're on a budget, so bonus points for cheaper or free sights (and yes, I realize this is an expensive destination). We like history, the outdoors, and things unique to the area. My husband also really enjoys state and national parks, so we'd be interested to know if any of the ones in the area are a must-visit, given our limited time. 

Also, if you have any recommendations for budget-friendly places to eat, I'd love to hear them. 

Thanks!

[househunter]

Bahia Honda and John Pennekamp parks are definitely worth the visit

[bullygirl979]

Ernest Hemingway's house was cool in Key West.

[majesty318]

Ditto Ernest Hemingway's house!

[mrsb53]

I agree with others about Bahia Honda and Hemingway's house! It might also be fun to walk out on the old 7-mile bridge and watch the sunset, or just chill out there. My husband and I brought some beer when we walked out there.

Also, take some time to visit the Sea Turtle Hospital on Marathon. It was an incredible experience!

[rubytue]

Are you driving down? If so, stop by Robbies at the top of lower matecube key (islamorada) to feed the tarpon.

[Whitecaps]

Feb 16, 2015 20:30:30 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Are you driving down? If so, stop by Robbies at the top of lower matecube key (islamorada) to feed the tarpon.

We are indeed driving, so we should be able to get to most places easily (though I hear parking is a pain in Key West). Thanks for this tip!

[CloudBee]

Just know that when you see dolphin on the menus down there, it's actually fish, not dolphin.

Keep your eyes open for free range chickens. #freeactivity

[fabkc]

Near Bahia Honda you can also stop at the Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center on Big Pine Key and find out where to spot the Key Deer.

[rubytue]

Feb 16, 2015 21:40:55 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Just know that when you see dolphin on the menus down there, it's actually fish, not dolphin.

Keep your eyes open for free range chickens. #freeactivity

And this is the exact reason marketing folks renamed dolphin fish mahi mahi

[oneslybookworm]

Sorry to hijack, but was curious...has anyone done Dry Tortugas? DH and I are planning a trip to Key West in May, and we really want to go! Was curious to see if anyone has been and whether they loved/hated it?

[savan]

Feb 19, 2015 11:56:07 GMT -5 oneslybookworm said:

Sorry to hijack, but was curious...has anyone done Dry Tortugas? DH and I are planning a trip to Key West in May, and we really want to go! Was curious to see if anyone has been and whether they loved/hated it?

We went and loved it!  We took the boat because I don't do small planes.  We had our kids with us so we felt we had plenty of time on the island.  We were able to explore the fort and have the kids complete their Jr Ranger requirements.  We also did some snorkeling.  We even got to witness a sea turtle hatch and make it's journey to the ocean.  

[madisen]

Feb 19, 2015 11:56:07 GMT -5 oneslybookworm said:

Sorry to hijack, but was curious...has anyone done Dry Tortugas? DH and I are planning a trip to Key West in May, and we really want to go! Was curious to see if anyone has been and whether they loved/hated it?

We went and loved it to. My parents who went with us on that vacation considered it a highlight of the trip. We also did the boat trip and got to do some snorkeling there as well.

[mrsd2006]

We just got back from Key West. We found a brochure with a walking tour of historic houses so we did that for a few hours. The oldest house in south FL is on the tour, and it was free to visit. We also went to Ft Zachary Taylor, which was $2.50 per person since we were walking. Nice beach back there too.

[runblondie26]

If you go to Robbie's to feed the tarpon, stay for sunset and have dinner/drinks on the beach at Morada Bay. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the Keys.