It is not just the keys, but a state with two coast lines (Gulf and Atlantic) and some of the best bass fishing in America, has a lot of bragging grounds.  The Florida Keys has some mighty fine blue water fishing as well as some of the world's best bonefish flats.  Needless to say, "lots of fine seafood dining" to be enjoyed.

The town of Key West offers some fun things to do, and historic places to visit, but just walking the streets of this unique area is a "fun thing" to do.  There are golf carts, bikes, mopeds, tour trains, and a host of other means of transportation to enjoy in the commercial region.  On the water, there are jet boats, kayaks, and a wide choice of water sport toys to be rented and enjoyed. 

I choose the  Casa Marina for my stay in Key West, and it proved to be an excellent choice.  I had an "ocean view" room, and it was beyond expectations in every way.  The services by the hotel could not have been improved on, and the beach and outside facilities proved to be more than adequate.   The resort is centrally located to all the major activities, and just a short distance to all the major shopping and dining.  Among the activities they have available are:

• Rentals, including wave runners, kayaks, fun boats, scooters, bicycles, sun cat loungers, snorkel gear, wind surfers, and     electric cars
• Boat Trips, offering Hobie Cats, parasailing, and a sunset cruise with a two-hour catamaran sail and complimentary beer,     wine, and champagne
• Water Sports Package, featuring a half-hour wave runner rental, two-hour reef snorkeling trip, and one parasail flight
• Scuba Diving, offering a non-certified divers resort course, a full PADI certification course, and scuba diving gear rental for     certified divers
• Snorkeling Trips, a two-hour reef snorkeling trip with snorkel gear, instruction and refreshments included
• Dolphin Encounter Trip, featuring snorkeling with dolphins in back country reefs, including snorkel gear, instruction, and     refreshments
• Deep Sea Charter Sport Fishing, offshore sport fishing for six people with private charters for half and full day
• Light Tackle Charter, featuring reef and wreck fishing with private charters for half and full days
• Flats Charter Sport Fishing, back country fishing both spin and fly available for two people with private charters for half and  full day
• Casa Marina Resort

A half a day fishing provided us with enough fish for 20+ people and the charter company arranged for a local seafood place to have it prepared for us.   Not everyone is going to do that well -. as we had two boats chartered with four on each, and both boats went to different locations, and ours was the only one with significant catches - which included two sharks that went 150 - 200 lbs, as well as red snapper, grouper, and other fine eating fish.  (Above is me and one of fish to contribute to the evening meal.)  This was all arranged by the charter company that is located there at the hotel.  The guide ( Chuck Donney) was wonderful to work with the kids we had with us, as well as keeping our lines baited, and in the water - taking off fish, and taking time for the usual Kodak moments.  Having fished many of the world's choice locations, I can say that I never had a guide work harder to make the trip a success.  I was not on the other boat, but, Duck Burge, their Captain, worked hard to get them on fish, but as fishing goes, it did not work out as well that day for their location.  (Below is grandson, Zack Wilks with a fine catch.)

The house that Papa Hemingway lived in (above) while on the keys prior to his Cuba days is in excellent condition, and if you are a Hemingway fan, as am I, this is a time you will relive in the days to come. There is golf, the Harry Truman house, a lighthouse to tour if you have never done that, more museums than you can possibly visit, a wonderful butterfly & nature conservatory (The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory). 

The great thing about Key West, is all one needs to bring in the way of clothing is shorts, swim ware, casual shirts, and sandals - unless you golf, then clubs.   That is about as dressed up as the keys get.  If you tire of good seafood, then this is the only Mexican food dining I found in Key West in the downtown area.  The food is very good, and if you sit up near the front you can "people watch."  The Old Town Mexican Cafe.

Happy Traveling