The +1 and myself are going to take and extended weekend trip (Wed-Sun) and we want to go somewhere warm. I thought the Keys would be cool, but there are some good deals on Tampa. So here are my questions....
(1) Anything much for younger (30's) couples to do in Tampa? i.e. cool local kind of stuff?
(2) Its pretty expensive to fly into the keys, has anyone ever driven there? If so, what's the best city to fly into?
(3) Hotel/resturant/bar recs for each place...
Any help would be appreciated and I can return the favor if you want to know about Austin/Dallas/Houston/Va Beach (don't bother with Va Beach, its a hole )

Thanks again

 

I don't know much about Tampa, but am pretty familiar with the Keys.

If you choose the Keys, my suggestion is to fly into MIA and rent a car. You'll want the car for roaming around the island chain, and the drive down isn't too bad (~ 1.5 hours to Key Largo). From there you can drive down to Key West, a must-see IMO, before heading back. The drive from Key Largo to Key West is about another 2.5-3 hours, but is quite beautiful. Be prepared for traffic on US 1 however, especially if you're travelling on the weekend. There are some interesting watering holes in Key West and strange "creatures" wandering around the streets, especially at dusk.

If you're into snorkelling or diving, Key Largo offers some excellent opportunities and I'd recommend a friend's boat - Island Ventures (866) 293-5006. Brian's boat is smaller than most, so you won't be mobbed by crowds. It costs about $30 each for snorkelling.

If you're interested in hanging out on a sandy beach, don't go to the Keys. The topography is mostly karstified limestone, thought there was a nice hangout by the water (with some sand) at the Southernmost Hotel in Key West.

 

Thanks CD! I actually was looking forward to hanging out on the beach. Good info though.

 

Theres nothing much to do in Tampa except Busch Gardens.

I suggest flying into Miami International Airport (MIA). From there you can go to South Beach, Coconut Grove or Downtown.

I'm not sure what your budget is, but on the high end side, I recommend staying at the Loews in South Beach or the Mandarin Oriental in Downtown. There are plenty of awesome restaurants. Some of my personal favorites are Porc

 

Thanks Mav.... kayaking and snokeling sound GREAT! So is there is a beach, of any sort, there? I would think that there is, but Coral Doc's reply implied there was not.

 

In the Keys, there are beaches, but they are small compared to Miami Beach where you will see miles of sand and ocean.

 

cool...thanks

 

...and topless South American chicks (but don't tell the +1).

 

check out "Bahia Honda Key"

There is a state park there that has a great beach.....I love it every time I go....and besides its "HONDA".....LOL

on MapPoint type inf Bahia Honda Key, FL...its just south of Marathon Key (major island)

 

[QUOTE=PENROD,Apr 6 2005, 10:45 AM]...and topless South American chicks