VTMatwood Loc: Displaced Vermonta in Central New Hampsha

I was in the keys early last month and they are 100% open for business... that's not to say that they are not still cleaning up, as they are, but we saw very few places that we could not go due to damage. The Middle Keys took it the hardest during the storm (No Name Key and Big Pine Key seemed the worst hit). I would advise staying in Marathon as it gives you the best opportunities for either North or South bound travel. If you are a wildlife fan, I recommend that you spend some time driving (SLOWLY) around Big Pine Key and No Name Key to see some Key Deer. They are the smallest breed of deer on the planet and live only on those two keys. They are adorable and federally protected as there are only about 1200 of them in existence. Of course, Mallory Square at sunset is a required activity, and I also advise taking a trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Whatever you do, enjoy your trip!

Stephan G

If you have the time, stop in Key Largo to take out a glass bottom boat trip to the reef preserve.

mh2bttb Loc: NC

Alonzo Oyster bar, awesome happy hour, like 4:00-6:15pm, most of the food and drinks are 1/2 price. 2 minute walk from the Hyatt around 700 Front St.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

After everything is said and done, the trip to the Keys is a great trip.... We've been 6 or 7 times (including 4 trips to Key West via staying in Marathon. We still haven't seen or experienced 1/2 of the things that are there to see and they keep changing.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Driving will take you a few hours but it will also give you an opportunity to record some beautiful shots on your way to Key West. The old Key West has early 1900 century architecture. Marinas offer good opportunities.
There is plenty to see and photograph depending on your taste. I love maritime scenes and of those there are plenty. Hotels in Key West are going to be expensive, figure not less than $200 or more a night. It is less than that in other Keys but still a little higher than usual.
There are excellent restaurants in each Key and plenty of them. Tourist information centers could be useful to plan what to do and see and they can also offer you good guide to places to eat.
Three days is a short time to explore all the Florida Keys have to offer. The sunset in Key West is a tourist attraction.

MichaelL

We have driven down to Key west from Miami a couple of times. Interesting drive with a few good photo stops.
We have also arrived in Key West via airplane and cruise ship. Including just a couple of weeks ago. All good ways.
While in Key West - Many of the suggestions above are great - Hemingway House, Butterfly Garden, there is also a light house in the same area as well as the Southern Most Point Marker - evreyone needs a shot with that - and the area also borders on a pier where a lot of pelicans and other water birds hang out. Dry Tortugas National Park/Fort Jefferson is also a place seldom visited but well worth a day of your trip. If you are there overnight, there is a bus or trolley tour of Key West haunted sites. Very entertaining. The hop on/hop off trolley during the day is great for first timers. Transportation and you can get a feel for where things are in the city. Beyond these places there is the Truman Southern White House, the Key West Garden, the Key West Botanical Garden, and many other low visitor count areas fund to visit and take pictures. For meals and drinks Sloppy Joes and Captain TOny's were good but I prefer Fogarty's/Flying Monkeys - large servings and great drinks outside on the patio. The staff even chase away birds that come to bother. Finally, after a long day Mallory Square at sunset is a must - street performers and the best sunsets ever. Good luck and have a great trip.

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

Wow, thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I had my wife read them and she is really excited more than before. Will post photos during trip.

MWojton Loc: Yardley, PA

About a year ago we stayed at a resort in Marathon- about a 45 minute drive to Key West. Nice place. One night we ate dinner at a place called Boondocks at MM 28.- it's an outdoorsy casual place. The whole family loved it.

Bird Dawg Loc: Georgia

Great trip. Very unique place. We drove down- it took about 3 hours. Great place to eat is Hogfish Grill in little town just before KW. ( We ate their twice ). We loved the cool, quaint motel right on main st. Orchid Inn. Many interesting places to see and take pictures of.
Fun “ bucket list” trip.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Not to mention Jimmy Buffet's original Margaritaville Restaurant and Bar. It is a dump but an interesting dump. And the walk up and down the street is great. If you REALLY want a trip, go during Fantasy Fest... but if you go, be prepared to see (and photo) almost anything. It's not for the tame at heart.
We (the wife and I) were at an Adobe presentation right after the Cloud originally started. We sat next to John Holms (of porn fame). He uses Adobe for all of his photo shoot and he was telling us that he now lives in Key West and has a "studio" there. He was telling us (warning us) about Fantasy Fest. We visited a couple of years later. Just warning but it is something to experience. If you do go, most of the "extra curricular" activity is in bars, hotels, etc. and extra cost.
I guess my point is that there is something there for everybody.. And at certain times of the year, you may NOT want to go. Just checked and Fantasy Fest is next OCT. so your trip is golden.
http://www.fantasyfest.com/

KeysIslandArt

Key West is pricy, but first trip, bite the bullet. Mel Fishers Museum is a must! Sunset cruises in fair weather off Malory Square! Magnificent art is everywhere! Key West was on good side of hurricane Irma, have a ball, just being there is the experience!

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

Ah Fantasy Fest, America's great clothing optional celebration!

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Stop at Sombrero Beach on Marathon----good sunset or sunrise shots

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I recommend the Conch House on Truman Ave for a place to stay. For a great dinner, Pisces. For photography, of course Mallory Square at sunset, Fort Zachary, Hemingway House, and the real touristy Southernmost Point marker. There are a number of motorized trams that take you past other Key West landmarks which then allow you to go back and explore more. And also, the roosters are all over the place and make colorful subjects if they allow you to get close enough. Driving in can sometimes take longer than you want if there is construction or an accident on US1.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Have done both. I prefer the drive.