I’ve been to Miami a million times. I’ve taken the kids to Miami a few times. This time, we decided to try something a little different.
I did a ton of research to find kid friendly things to do in Key West. We did not stay down there the entire time because my attention span wouldn’t allow it. So, we did a mini vacay in Key West and then a mini vacay in Miami. This trip was semi-budget friendly.
Here’s what our plan entailed:
Day 1: we flew in via Spirit (to save money). Our flight for all four of us was $300. We packed bookbags instead of regular luggage. We rented a car from Alamo. Our SUV was a Ford Explorer. Nice deal and very spacious for our family. We wanted to be comfortable on our drive.
We ate at La Palapa Restaurant near the airport. It’s an Honduran restaurant that serves chicken and seafood. Then we chilled in our hotel room. We stayed at Radisson Red Miami Airport. This modern hotel has a pool, gym, restaurant, and gaming area. Its a beautiful hotel with a view of the docks. Plus, it’s super close to the airport.
Day 2: We woke up and had breakfast at the hotel. Then, we journeyed down to Key West. The drive is about 3 to 4 hours. But we enjoyed the entire ride. I loved the small towns along the way. Also, don’t fret. There are restaurants, gas stations, and beautiful scenery to help you pass the time. I love how the water starts off brackish and slowly lightens up to a luminescent teal.
We made it in around lunch time. You will have to pay to park on the street. For lunch, we visited Seaside Cafe. This open air restaurant is located on the beach. You will get to see tons of roosters, chicks/chickens, pigeons, and pelicans while you eat. Be careful not to drop anything. We had truffle pizza and conch fritters. The prices were perfect for a family of four!
Next, we decided to visit the beach. Some of the beach reviews were misleading. Skip Dog Beach (which was like 1 foot long) and head over to Clarence S Higgs Memorial Beach. It’s not as nice as Isle of Palms or Wrightsville, but it’ll do. Maybe I’m just a hardcore Carolina girl…lol. Not sure if it’s a seasonal thing, but there was tons of seaweed lining the shore. Plus, the shoreline is pretty short. There was also construction going on. On the plus side, there are volleyball nets, a swanky little restaurant nearby, plenty of parking, and a place to wash the sand off. Afterwards, we walked the streets.
Admiring the roosters who seem to know how to cross the road on the crosswalk. Random children from the local hotels chased chickens through the parking lots. We waved at all the kitties napping in front of Ernest Hemingway’s house. Finally, we watched my son get doused by the ocean at the Southernmost Point marker. I may or may not have dropped my phone while filming.
On our way back to Miami, we noticed a strip of red street lights. I found it strange, so I looked it up. Apparently, the town of Islamorada uses red street lights to help with the baby sea turtle nests. It helps prevent confusion (relating to the moon). I initially thought it had more sinister meanings.
Back in Miami, we visited several restaurants and the Venetian Pool. Overall, it was a great experience. If you’d like a list of things to do in Miami with your kids, be sure to check out my previous post. For videos and pictures, be sure to follow me on Tiktok, Youtube, and Instagram (Books and Soca).
For other things to do with kids in Key West, check them out!
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Shana Hannibal 