We flew to Ft. Lauderdale from Newark, NJ. We had the option of flying to Miami, but hearing some horror stories about car rental lines and lost luggage made me apprehensive. To be honest, Budget Car Rental was not fast in Ft. Lauderdale either, in fact it took about 2 hours to get an SUV from the connected garage. Sucks with kids in tow, prepare with snacks and entertainment. No food in that building either. To get to the car rental location you need to take a shuttle bus, but there is plenty of information when you leave the airport baggage area. Tip: Request the Sun Pass (highway toll pass) if they ask, Florida/Car rental agencies overcharge you without it.
We left the garage and headed to our hotel in the Florida Keys. I did bring inflatable booster seats from home and packed them in the check in bags. Affiliate Link: hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Booster Car Seat
We did stop along the way for some food, but otherwise it was an easy drive. We drove straight to our hotel, Cheeca Lodge & Spa. It was a beautiful hotel with great views and restaurants. The pools were perfect for the kids, but the ocean was rocky with the occasional seaweed stink. Not a deal breaker. I knew from the reviews before I got there. Tip: Always read the reviews!
The first night we ate at the hotel and we were able to walk around the cool lagoon area that they have. I would suggest to do it during the daytime and nighttime. A different experience depending on the time.
The next day, we headed to the Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, to swim with dolphins. This is probably every kids dream, so I wanted to find a place that gives back as well. This dolphin swim was very educational and the kids learned about why the environment needs them to protect it. We enjoyed a 45 minute intro/swim with the dolphins and the kids were on cloud nine all evening.
The same evening we headed to dinner at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar. It was around sunset so the wait was about 45 minutes. Luckily for us a marina is right by the restaurant so we wandered around there and we were lucky enough to see a manatee. The sun began to set as we were still waiting for our seats but we had a great view in the marina so it was fine. When we did finally get into the restaurant, a band was playing, and a magician was going to start in about 20 minutes. We lucked out with getting front row seats for the magician. Tip: The band was very loud, if you have sensitive ears or sensitive kids, please plan accordingly. Check the website for entertainment information. The food was simple but delicious and the entertainment was perfect for the kids, so a great evening out.
The next day we headed to Key West. The drive to Key West from Islamorada is 2 hours. We did have one hiccup along the way, and hopefully I can help prevent your troubles too. Tip: Do NOT stop at Dunkin’ Donuts in Florida if you are on a schedule. They will delay you. We did a pit stop and it took 40 minutes for a sandwich and a coffee. When we arrived in Key West for our tour, set to leave at 10:30am, it was 10:32am, I ran to see if the boat was still there and would they allow us on. They did allow us on and were laughing at our DD mishap. Crisis averted. The tour company, Sebago Watersports was a great choice for us and I would highly recommend the company. The tour was the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel, and Kayak. We set sail and went snorkeling first followed by kayaking around mangroves. Both were great but I enjoyed the mangroves because it was unique to the environment. We saw lots of birds and wildlife by the mangrove area. We also enjoyed a great lunch on board with unlimited drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Tip: Bring sunscreen (reef safe) and re-apply often, the sun is strong on the boat.
We spent the day in Key West to see the sights, do some shopping and have an early dinner. We headed to the Cuban Coffee Queen first for our cold coffee drinks. Then to get some key lime at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe and shells at the Key West Shell Warehouse for the kids. Dinner was at Bistro 245, which is close to Mallory Square and all the activity there at sunset. And finally a picture at the Southern Most Point in the US, of course. Tip: Be careful with the kids in shops, some sexual images on merchandise, they try to hide it by the register but my kid saw it. Was a wonderful day but exhausting day and now a 2 hour drive back to the hotel. Everyone slept well that night.
The next day we did a chill day, I always include a chill day at the hotel, pool or ocean right before we are leaving to head home. One more day to relax and just enjoy the resort and some pina coladas. Kids swam and I relaxed, a perfect day. For dinner we headed to the Islamorada Fish Company for dinner. It was easy parking and the food was delicious. The kids enjoyed seeing large tarpon in a lagoon in the restaurant. You can even purchase fish to feed them, gross yes, but we did it. The kids enjoyed it and they did give you gloves to feed the fish. Below: Nightly entertainment and tarpon feeding
Our last day in paradise we headed to Midway Cafe & Coffee Bar for breakfast. It was probably one of the best breakfast places we have ever been. The coffee was great and the food was perfect. I highly recommend a trip there to see for yourselves.
Our time in the Keys was up and we were heading back to Ft Lauderdale. Before we left, Shell World in Key Largo was the perfect place to grab some souvenirs and some fun stuff for the kids. Bathrooms were available as well. We had a great time in the Keys and I hope you do too!!! Cheers!
