BIGGEST Mistakes to Avoid In The Florida Keys | Watch This Before You Visit The Keys!

[@SusanLicht]

While in the keys last year, we rented a golf cart to get around. It was so easy fun to use.

[@FollowMeAway]

That sounds so fun!

[@zerowaste7117]

How much was it? We are thinking of doing the same.

[@vedderadder7890]

I’m going to rent a golf cart and party in your front yard yard. Like you do ours. How about that. Plz leave us alone.

[@Tim2me]

Love your key lime pie picks. Moondog is my family’s #1 pick.

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!! They are so good I dream about that place!

[@joehernandez5466]

I don’t really wear sunscreen but that was a neat idea I never even thought off the reef safe sunscreen

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you! It’s good to know bc really who would have even thought!

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

1/2/25 I live in key West. Margaret Street. Your video just popped up on my KZbin list.

[@FollowMeAway]

I’m honored! What a cool place to live!

[@rolfduscha2358]

Thx for the vid. I'll use it to plan my vacation on Key West starting in September

[@FollowMeAway]

Great time to go!

[@Honeycomblife]

Dry tortugas national Park,fort Zachary, smathers Beach, Bahia Honda , sombrero Beach thanks!!!

[@FollowMeAway]

Of course!

[@sammcvea1069]

Frank's in marathon makes the absolute best key lime pie 🥧, just buy the whole pie 29.00, then you have breakfast the next morning, 😆 🤣 😂 .

[@FollowMeAway]

Omgggg need to try!

[@711Arigna]

Thank you for the information.

[@FollowMeAway]

Our pleasure!

[@bierschlumpf1962]

Believe me, there is no mistake in emigrating to Florida if you come from Germany! For me it's just paradise, even with a few disadvantages! I love Florida and the Keys...🥰😍🤩

[@rickclark4714]

The ferry trip to Fort Jefferson is a bucket list experience. The place is extraordinary

[@FollowMeAway]

It’s so epic!!!

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

The best thing to do!!!!

[@teddasher8539]

If you are a certified diver, there is a third option for hitting Fort Jefferson/Dry Tortugas. Finz runs public and private charters where you can do 4 tank dive trip or 3 tanks + the fort. Much more expensive than the ferry or seaplane but you get to hit multiple smaller islands during surface intervals and see the fort early before the crowds arrive as they leave early and the boat is fast. Also doesn't tend to book up as far in advance. Their boats are "6 packs" so no more than 6 passengers plus captain and dive master.

[@teddasher8539]

Actually, I think you can also do their trip as a snorkeler as well.

[@FollowMeAway]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@bmcbg]

Love the Keys but don't go there if you expect a great beach. There aren't any and the ones that are there are small and rocky. Rent a scooter and ride around and enjoy, go there for the fun of walking up and down Duval St and partying but not on the scooter lol.

[@FollowMeAway]

Great tips!

[@runltdan]

Thankssss great presentation 👍. The Air is even different in the Keys. I have been there a number of times. We are going there on a cruise in January… As I live in Pennsylvania, can’t wait for the weather.

[@FollowMeAway]

Yay!!! It’s going to be great! Enjoy :)

[@cgirl111]

I would advise checking the cruise ship schedule in Key West. Try to plan your trip when no ships are in port. If you plan on chartering a fishing trip I recommend Islamorada or Marathon instead of Key West.

[@FollowMeAway]

Great advice!!

[@aliciawhitlock6396]

How do you check that?

[@cgirl111]

@@FollowMeAway Just ask google with something like cruise ship schedule.

[@ctsean]

Nice - didn't know Moondog has meringue key lime pie, will definitely try it this year. I'm a big fan of Blonde Giraffe. It's a shame all the Key West locations disappeared and now it's only way up in Tavernier.

[@carloscarney8471]

Love your videos! Just subscribed! What’s the best marina to dock my boat and park my truck with trailer there?😊

[@davidpaulweaver7792]

Hey! Thanks for the information. My girlfriend and I are making the 12 hour drive to Marathon this weekend!

[@FollowMeAway]

Yay!! You will not regret it!!! Go to Bahia Honda!

[@Fluttershiez]

Thanks for these tips! I'm planning my first visit to the Keys sometime next year. As someone who doesn't drive, I'll be sticking around Key West for the beaches and the Dry Tortuga ferry trip. Really looking forward to exploring this beautiful area!

[@FollowMeAway]

Yay!!! Key West is the perfect area for those who don’t drive. Check out our video on things to do in Key West and our video about Dry Tortugas too!

[@stevegiblin270]

Great info Steve from Boston Ma😊🇺🇸😎☘️

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!

[@gpttigers]

The key lime pie at 915 on Duval was great. It isn't traditional bright grewn but the taste is fantastic.

[@FollowMeAway]

Ooooo need to try

[@thefitzs]

Real key lime pie is not green. Key limes & egg yolks make real key lime pie yellow.

[@carolsmith9120]

As someone who has lived in the Keys for 52 years, it makes my heart so sad to see that green murky water surrounding our islands now. It used to be turquoise crystal clear ("back in the day" when the Keys actually were paradise). Reefs in Florida have lost an estimated 90% of their coral! And, not to be mean, but it's pronounced Bay-a-honda, not Ba-hee-a-honda. And you're right that there are "sooooo many touristy places in the Keys". For those of us who live here, it's too too many! Major environmental impact and quality of life issues.

[@captainjocassee]

I completely feel your pain. Same thing is happening up here in upstate South Carolina.

[@carolsmith9120]

@@captainjocassee Thanks Captain. And I'm sorry to hear that! Overtourism is definitely a thing -- and it ruins beautiful places.

[@markklafter5124]

Thanks for the great Florida Keys advice, especially on the key lime pie! Question about that - I found two Mrs. Mac's restaurants in proximity of each other - does it matter which, one gets the pie from?

[@FollowMeAway]

Good point!!! No it does not matter!!! Enjoy!!

[@jpindahaus]

Let's be clear; most people that plan to visit the Florida Keys will likely not be able to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, which is only accessible by plane or boat. The other beaches are fine.

[@antandshell]

Amen brother. They told me that you have to book the boat ride a year in advance 😮 I don't know why they don't double there fleet.

[@teddasher8539]

@@antandshell NPS has a hard limit on how many people can visit. They don't have the option and it's a good thing. The place would be ruined if 2-3X people were visiting.

[@antandshell]

@@teddasher8539 Thanks for clarifying that for me.

[@heazilla]

The ferry doesn't even sell out a day in advance now.

[@muskietime]

@@heazillaDepends on the Season. The website will give you an idea as to how many seats are available. Start checking ASAP and if seats are filling up, make a decision. Of course, sea state and weather will not be known ahead of time. Alternatively, you can arrive 3+ hours before the departure time and wait for “no-shows”. It is quite risky but….

[@alexsakon]

Best info vid about the keys, thanks ❤

[@FollowMeAway]

Yay! So glad it helped! Thanks ❤️

[@Travelinalong5553]

I like your key lime pie antics I'd like to add that real key lime pie is not green! It is not gel it's a creamy mixture.. pale yellow..

[@bevans7772]

Dive Charters like Captain’s Corner and Looe Key Reef Resort on Ramrod Key have FREE reef safe sunscreen available on their boat.

[@FollowMeAway]

This is great!

[@C5gogo]

Hello, is there a port schedule that shows cruise ship port dates so to avoid those days to visit key west? Thanks for your tips and suggestions. What about a ferry boat to key west from West Palm Beach, is that a thing?

[@FollowMeAway]

Okay so I just looked into this! If you do a web search you can find the port schedule online! There are no ferries to west palm but there is one from fort Myers area!!!

[@VikkiTG]

Thanks for posting! My son and I are going down to Port St. Lucie to visit our favorite aunt and uncle and while we’re down there we’re going to take a day trip down to the keys ❤ I’m looking so forward to coming down. I’ve traveled a lot of places but oddly enough I’ve never been to Florida 😂 So it’s going to be a nice change from what we’re used to up here in Buffalo 😂

[@FollowMeAway]

You are going to love it!!! it is so different than other parts of Florida and definitely different than Buffalo😂 enjoy!!!

[@xpallodoc1147]

It’s like 3-4 hours to get to the keys from Port St.Lucie and that’s just the closes keys. Likely 5+ hours depending on traffic to get to key west from Port St Lucie. I think it would be worth the trip even if just a day trip but just prepared for a lot of driving. Cool driving but a lot

[@thadcalvert7466]

Thanks for the great video! I'm visiting the Keys next week and my girlfriend has never been before! 😂

[@FollowMeAway]

Enjoy!!!! It’s so fun!

[@caliracer1]

Thank you!

[@FollowMeAway]

You're welcome!

[@strange924]

I just booked the ferry to Dry Tortugas for a date over 6 months from now and there were only 20 tickets left for that day!

[@FollowMeAway]

It is SO popular! It’s a must-do, I hope you have a good time!

[@KevinNordstrom]

I'm hoping to move to the keys in a few years. It's beautiful there.

[@FollowMeAway]

That would be an incredible experience!

[@lindamcnealy3121]

We will be coming down this month, staying in Key Largo. We will have a rental vehicle. Is there somewhere we can park reasonably cheap and rent a bike or golf cart?

[@FollowMeAway]

Are you able to park your rental at your accommodation/wherever you are staying? Key largo is kind of big and I’m not sure if golf carts are allowed on the road so I would ask your hotel or vacation rental owner! Thanks!

[@IrishTexan09]

@@FollowMeAwayWe had to pay $25ma day to park at Playa De Largo in December. $50 per day “resort fee”.:The WORST vacation I have ever had in my life.

[@Tweetybird5994]

Hi we are traveling to Miami and keywest this winter for 7 days. Please suggest us some places/things to do which we should not miss..

[@FollowMeAway]

Amazing!!!! Yes! I have a video on Key West! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHLUiYmMn6qsgJIsi=3XJKEZyvJjczBbD9

[@sailingschooners8668]

Correct....been twice, wouldn't go again...kids will be bored.

[@AngelZLopez]

Exactly how I learned

[@oscarschuit]

My daughter and I fly from cold Netherlands to superhot Miami next month and will definitely use our rentalcar to explore the Keys, and of course eat our way through. Thanks for your info and nice presentation! Hungry already 😋

[@FollowMeAway]

Yay!! Have so much fun! It’s a great trip!

[@oscarschuit]

@@FollowMeAway Thanks!! And great tip about the reef safe sunscreen, I ordered a few spraybottles online.

[@FollowMeAway]

Good job!!!!!!!

[@stevenkramer230]

Dusting ​@@FollowMeAway

[@americanazheck]

I lived there in the 70s n 80s. It was much better. After the cuban boat lift which I involved in as a navy veteran, things started to erode. Fast forward to 2017, I lived in homestead which is 20 miles from key largo. From Florida city to key largo is a traffic nightmare unless You're traveling 4am. Way too many people. From marathon to key west has some less congestion and places to chill and kayak. Duval street has been inundated with t shirts and tourists. Cruise ship tourist congestion adds to the already packed street. The classic bars like sloppy joes, captain Tonys and the green parrot haveeen expanded to accommodate the masses.

[@DebLavern]

Wanting to go for my birthday next month. Do I have to worry about hurricanes or bad storms?

[@whiskeylies4221]

Probably not. You should go.

[@lextacy2008]

7 mile bridge at night is usually the symptom of Key West pricing you out of a hotel.

[@FollowMeAway]

Honestly find the lie!

[@cuba1234100]

thanks....

[@RobertMould]

Destin

[@dovygoodguy1296]

What would you recommend to older first time visitors (as opposed to the younger demographic most KZbinrs appeal to) to the Keys who want to have a relaxing visit without any hustle and bustle, crowds and noise?

[@FollowMeAway]

Actually my demographic skews on the older side! I would recommend Fort Zachary Taylor State Park so that you can see the historic fort and the beautiful beach, I highly recommend the Key West butterfly conservatory. It is absolutely incredible as well as the Hemingway museum and old lighthouse!!! Moon dog cafe for food. If you have a car, you could also go to Bahia Honda State Park. So so many great things! With more $ and proper planning dry Tortugas national park

[@starshineinthelight]

I personally wouldn’t go in the summer or early fall. It’s very very hot in the keys and nearly impossible to walk around without getting overheated.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@starshineinthelight And then the high season is packed with crowds.

[@starshineinthelight]

@@dovygoodguy1296 I guess. I’ve been to Key West over 20 times. It can get crowded, but I never had a problem with it. I never thought to myself, “oh it’s so crowded here” and let it hamper my day. It’s such a fun, historical, beautiful place to visit, imo.

[@patrickfanelli]

There are no mistakes when visiting the keys . Just start your drive in the morning and stop at places on the way that look interesting. There’s only one highway in and out . If you start at 8 am from the Miami area and head South , you can take a nice leisurely drive to key west and take your time it’s only a 120 miles or so and find nice places to stop along the way to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner .

[@CID-j4k]

Do not get wasted at Captain Tony's and then go lay on the beach, for you will fall asleep and wake-up with a third to first degree sunburn.

[@FollowMeAway]

Ahahaha omg!!!

[@CID-j4k]

@@FollowMeAway True story!

[@bradleylove8606]

No walmarts?

[@nickmclay]

Dumb question, but I am flying in to Florida to go to Key West. Is Miami where I should fly into?

[@FollowMeAway]

Yes! You can it is the larger airport! Depending on where you live, you may also be able to fly directly into Key West! I would check both options!

[@craiggirolami5895]

Or marathon, it’s pricey though

[@nicolew101]

Would the Dry Tortugas trip worth it if we do not snorkel? Just curious?

[@FollowMeAway]

Both times I went I did not snorkel and it is one of my top 3 travel experiences of all time. My friend went and doesn’t snorkel either and it was even a cloudy day and she still thought it was epic

[@nicolew101]

@@FollowMeAway Thanks!

[@carolsommers411]

Why would you sant meringue on keylime pie.??

[@FollowMeAway]

Because it’s good?

[@rwhclo]

Because that is how they do it at some places in the Keys.

[@Miriam-p2g]

You also don’t say where to stay to go to these places you mention

[@joepalo6600]

love the keys, hope for another video

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!! We have two on resorts, one on Dry Tortugas, and one on things to do in Key West! Have you checked those out yet?

[@joepalo6600]

@@FollowMeAway i have not but love key west

[@johnmilo5740]

Talking about the 7-mile bridge please do not drive across the 7 mile bridge at 30 mph trying to film it we live here we work here the speed limit is 55. If you want to piss us off drive across bridge at 35 miles an hour with your phone in your hand

[@FollowMeAway]

Yes please drive the speed limit!!! Def not under and plz don’t speed insane either

[@alexandreleite2541]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👊🏻

[@heazilla]

Honestly do not care if I piss off anyone who willingly lives in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. My day vacationing there is far more important than your typical day so be prepared to go 30mph

[@Jefferson1969-u4s]

@@heazilla😂

[@championwon]

May be you should move. You signed up for living in a tourist area. It comes with the territory

[@dkhealing5665]

Tip: Don’t book a vacation during hurricane seasons!!

[@lindamalysyore7864]

Wait, what?????? $10-$15 for a *slice* of Key Lime Pie? Yikes.

[@FollowMeAway]

I know 🥲 that’s why you gotta make it worth it

[@travelexplore9724]

And I tried in many places who claimed they have the best, which they aren’t the best… ​​⁠ Four Marlins is by far the best Key Lime Pie!

[@samlovesvball13]

hi

[@IrishTexan09]

Yes, the Keys are beautiful by helicopter. But driving…..not so much.

[@FollowMeAway]

Wow I’ve never done helicopter yet!

[@Miriam-p2g]

One thing wrong with your video. You don’t say prices. Everyone wants to know that 🇺🇸

[@FollowMeAway]

I cannot say prices because they differ at every time of year! In summer it is easily 1/3 price of winter. Also depends on length of stay etc

[@ozziecalienes116]

Ok first of all, Key lime pie DOES NOT have meringue on top that’s a lemon meringue pie. Key lime has a touch of whipped cream.

[@rwhclo]

That's going to be your little secret. Key Lime pie with meringue IS NOT lemon meringue pie, not even close. Key Lime pie originated in Key West and either whipped cream or meringue is perfectly acceptable and a personal preference.

[@FloridaMarlinWrangler]

Also keep in mind that key west has some freaks down there as well so expect to see weirdo's bearing their birthday suit on display for the puplic to "enjoy." Me personally i would go no further than bahia honda. I went to key west once and said hell no. Never again. Its a nice place to visit when there are not many people but that is never going to happen

[@starshineinthelight]

I’ve been to Key West around 20 times and never saw anyone walking around in their birthday suit. Unless you go on a Fantasy Fest week, I don’t think people walking around naked is the norm there.

[@FloridaMarlinWrangler]

@@starshineinthelight Miami has a nudist beach that I never plan to go to.

[@starshineinthelight]

@@FloridaMarlinWrangler Yes, Miami has nude beaches. But this video was about Key West.

[@rwhclo]

LMAO.😅🤣😂

[@peteh8077]

Tip #1 avoid the FK

[@vedderadder7890]

My advice is to stay away from the Florida Keys. It is completely over crowded with tourists. It is a commercialized rank pool of festering cruise ship effluent.

[@cgirl111]

Stick to the middle keys and look for "reef safe" label on your sun screen.

[@vedderadder7890]

@@cgirl111 Or just stay away.

[@brandoncruise6398]

Be a better planner. People go there during the summer, so avoid the summer months. It's not hard to beat the crowds throughout most of the year. It's perfect for a nice winter vacation.

[@gregoryburows2585]

Harsh, but thank you.

[@gregoryburows2585]

I'll redirect my compass headings...

[@billbaber6653]

You all know Dry Tartugus is 60 miles out?

[@rwhclo]

That is part of the fun and adventure of the visit there.

[@travelexplore9724]

Sister the place you tried Key Lime Pie is Garbage Key lime Pie… FOUR MARLINS restaurant in Key West has the best Key lime pie, not too crazy sugar great balance!

[@FollowMeAway]

I literally included key lime pie from four marlins in this list?! 😂😂😂

[@maireamerica1850]

Mrs. Mac's isn't garbage. You just happened to like the other pie better. Why you gotta hate?

[@bigbamboo936]

You asked your viewers to make suggestions….. so here is mine. Stop buying and wearing swimsuits that do not suit your derrière. Gravity is not your friend, so get a swimsuit that will enhance your lack of natural support instead of appearing numerous times in the video advertising that your better years are behind you (no pun intended).

[@FollowMeAway]

I wear what swimsuits I’ve had for the last 8 years so as not to waste and contribute to fast fashion