Pre or Post Cruise Stay help

We are doing an 8day Carnival Cruise and thought it would be fun to do either a pre or port cruise stay to Key West since we've never been. My question is are there enough fun things to do for a family of 4 with a 16yr old and 12yr old boys? They arent big museum buffs, but do like the beach.

We are going end of March early April. It would probably be either a Sunday after we get kicked off the ship, Monday and head back to the airport Tuesday to fly out. Or we might go before the cruise as we can fly in and head down Thur, Fri then head to the ship Saturday morning. Is one set of days better than the other for fun and things to do?

In doing more research would it be better to stay somewhere else in the keys then drive into key west? Cheaper maybe too?

Is there a great beach that shouldn't be missed? Somewhere to do parasailing? Thanks all

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Forums

In doing more research would it be better to stay somewhere else in the keys then drive into key west? Cheaper maybe too?

 

Is there a great beach that shouldn't be missed? Somewhere to do parasailing? Thanks all

No great beaches anywhere in the keys as they are all man made with hauled in sand contrary to popular belief.

Yes it would be cheaper to stay outside of Key West.

Mike:)

The Keys are NOT beach destinations...sorry! Miami or Ft. Laud. might be a better fit!

Bahia Honda State Park at the 37 mile marker has been awarded as one of America's best beaches. It really is beautiful and parts of it have long sand bars where you can lay in waste deep water on white sand. Plus, you can walk out on the old Bahia Honda bridge, which is art of the old Flagler railroad.

Problem is, no good hotels in that area. But it would be a good stop on your way up or down.