Florida Keys

Here's another resource Key West magazine

If you like old Florida off the beaten path stuff;

Before the Keys is an area called The Redlands outside Miami. There is a County park called Fruit and Spice Park (Homestead). Totally worth the time.

Also worth it nearby is the Coral Castle.

If you’re camping try to get into Larry Penny Thompson Park, another county Park. Built in a Mango Plantation.

There is a self guided driving tour of the Redlands.

Thanks for the responses! We've got stuff to check out...

JoeH wrote:
For your history quest, there is an abandoned Nike missile site on north Key Largo. It's pretty much grown over, but you might be interested in seeing the remains. The Carribean Club in Key Largo was where the movie Key Largo was filmed. Another movie relick is the boat African Queen which is located in Key Largo. You can take a cruise on it. Another possibility is to stop for a tour of Pigeon Key off Marathon. It's an old work camp for the overseas railway. Indian Key State park has an abandoned village. You can rent kayaks at Robbies and paddle out there. You can feed tarpon at Robbie's also. bahia Honda state park is worth a visit. It's still in recovery mode from Irma, but still worth stopping. Big Pine Key has the endangered key deer roaming about. Take the road back to No Name Key and you;ll likely see many of the dog sized deer. In KW, take a walk thru the cemetery- interesting inscriptions in the markers.

Thanks for this - exactly what we're looking for - great stuff! And - we were planning on watching "Key Largo" again before we go. :)

I hope places to stay are already booked.

For your history quest, there is an abandoned Nike missile site on north Key Largo. It's pretty much grown over, but you might be interested in seeing the remains. The Carribean Club in Key Largo was where the movie Key Largo was filmed. Another movie relick is the boat African Queen which is located in Key Largo. You can take a cruise on it. Another possibility is to stop for a tour of Pigeon Key off Marathon. It's an old work camp for the overseas railway. Indian Key State park has an abandoned village. You can rent kayaks at Robbies and paddle out there. You can feed tarpon at Robbie's also. bahia Honda state park is worth a visit. It's still in recovery mode from Irma, but still worth stopping. Big Pine Key has the endangered key deer roaming about. Take the road back to No Name Key and you;ll likely see many of the dog sized deer. In KW, take a walk thru the cemetery- interesting inscriptions in the markers.

On the way:
Savannah and St. Augustine.

Those are peak "snow bird" times so accommodations other than chain motels might be hard to come by.

pasusan wrote:
I'd like some advice on what to see and do. We are thinking of going down there this coming January or February - stopping and exploring as we go.

We like hiking, history, unusual things... Already planning to see the forts - Zachary Taylor and Jefferson.

We won't have an RV with us so no campground info is needed - just want to know where to stop and what not to miss. Any recommendations?

Well Ft. Zachary Taylor is easy with RV, not so much for Ft. Jefferson! :B

I will say been there done that and well worth it!!!

Do a Google search for `Florida Keys tourism' and read on. Don't forget to buy a Key Lime Pie at Marcus' place in Key West. He needs the money!

Dinner at Ziggy and Maddogs restaurant in or near Islamora around milepost 80. Incredible but pricy

Key lime pie in Keywest
Mallory Square Sunset festival