A Florida Keys Family Vacation: Sunshine, Seafood & Sea Turtles
Looking for a family getaway that goes beyond the usual Florida Panhandle summer vacation? If you’re ready to trade crowded beaches for turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable wildlife experiences—let us introduce you to your next adventure: The Florida Keys. 🐬🌴
✨ Ready to plan a trip your family will never forget? Click here to contact us and start planning your custom Florida Keys vacation today! ✨
Why the Florida Keys?
Just a few hours from major Florida airports, the Keys feel like a tropical escape without needing a passport. With crystal-clear waters, laid-back island towns, endless outdoor adventures, and some surprisingly great food, the Keys are perfect for families looking for something unique, educational, and relaxing all at once.
Day 1: Welcome to Duck Key
After flying into Miami and picking up our rental car, we headed south on U.S. 1. One of the best parts of this trip? Watching the landscape change as you leave mainland Florida and begin crossing over the blue-green waters of the Florida Keys.
Destination: Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, a family-focused resort about 2 hours from Miami and 1 hour from Key West. It’s an ideal location for exploring the Keys while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury resort.
We checked into a Villa in Sunset Village, offering full kitchen, washer/dryer, and a cozy screened-in porch for morning coffee with a water view. With options ranging from standard rooms to 2- and 3-bedroom villas, Hawks Cay is perfect for families of all sizes—including extended family getaways.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel like walking in the heat? Hawks Cay offers complimentary golf cart shuttles—a kid favorite!
Day 2: Dolphins, Pool Time & Putt-Putt
We kicked off our day with a relaxing morning on our villa porch—and were treated to a nurse shark and manateesighting right behind our villa! No aquarium needed. 🐶🐋
The morning was spent poolside at Hawks Cay’s main resort pool, where the kids swam, played Uno, and kept an eye on the nearby Dolphin Connection. Even if you’re not booked for a dolphin encounter (available for an additional fee), you can still watch the dolphins being trained and playing in their lagoon.
After a day in the sun, we headed into Marathon for some classic family fun—mini golf at Porky’s Bayside, followed by pizza night at the villa (though the BBQ next door smelled amazing). Laughter, lost golf balls, and a little friendly competition made it a perfect Keys evening.
Day 3: Exploring Key West
Today we made the scenic one-hour drive to Key West, crossing the breathtaking Seven Mile Bridge along the way. About halfway across, we passed Pigeon Key, a historic island you can visit by walking 2.2 miles or taking the Pigeon Key Train. It’s definitely on our list for next time!
In Key West, we parked at the Old Town Garage and walked through town. First up: Mile Marker 0, where we lucked out with no line and got our iconic photo. Then it was on to the Ernest Hemingway House, home to 60+ famous six-toed cats and packed with fascinating history.
But here’s a travel truth: Don’t push kids past their limit. After a hot day of walking, we headed back to the resort to cool down and freshen up.
Dinner that night? Our Anniversary Dinner at Salt & Ash—and the life-changing 72-Hour Beef Bacon Smash Burger. It was so good, our son ordered one instead of dessert. (No photo. We were too busy devouring it. 🙈)
Day 4: Poolside + Helping Turtles
Our last day started slow with a peaceful pool morning—and ended with what turned out to be our children’s favorite part of the whole trip: visiting The Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea turtles back into the wild. We toured the facility, learned about the turtles’ injuries and recoveries, and even got to feed some of the residents. No touching allowed, of course, but that didn’t take away from the magic of the experience.
Visiting the Turtle Hospital was a reminder that vacations can be both fun and meaningful—and a perfect way to end our Florida Keys adventure.
Why We’ll Be Back
From poolside memories and dolphin sightings to unforgettable burgers and turtle encounters, our weekend in the Florida Keys was everything a family vacation should be: relaxing, adventurous, and full of heart.
✨ Thinking about a family trip that’s fun, easy, and full of new experiences? Click here to contact us today and let us help you plan your perfect Florida Keys escape! ✨
