monorailmedic

Smathers may be the best option if you're looking for a beach, just know that the Keys only have small man-made beaches. With kids, the transportation options are either cabs, rental cars, or 'hop on - hop off' options such as Conch Train or Old Town Trolley. Old Town is about $26 if purchased on-board (about $5 cheaper than going at it on your own actually). That will get you all around Key West, trolleys run regularly, and they provide information as you go along between stops. The downside of this option is likely the cost compared to a cab (since there are 5 of you), but the upside is that you'll get a full tour of the island with the opportunity to check out any other areas you'd like. If even for only a few minutes, you'll want to check out the Southernmost Point, Mallory Square (you'll either doc right next to the square or at the Naval pier where you'll be shuttled to the square).

Matt, just checked out our Ubers between Coconut Creek and Port Everglades (and back). The trip for us was about 19 miles, took about 37 minutes, and was $25 each way.

We just got back to Port Everglades yesterday. If I recall there was a max rate per pax schedule of $25 to MIA, and maybe $15 to FLL? Don't hold me to that. Again, the sign was listing the max charges. Port Everglades and FLL are right next to each other, so the time navigating the port and airport will likely be equal to the actual drive time. If you want to get a cab right at the port you'll find plenty of cabs ready and waiting. Uber is indeed available, but Uber having access to the port and airport is a bit of a new thing in Broward Country, so not all drivers know how to tackle this. My wife met me at the port and the first Uber didn't think he could go there and cancelled. When leaving, the first two drivers cancelled when they got to security (another driver explained they probably didn't know how to show the electronic credentials to the port security), but the third had no issue. I live ~30 min from the port, and cabs in South Florida are very pricey, so I'd have taken a cab to a nearby restaurant and requested an Uber from there if the last driver hadn't worked out. In the end, the multiple drivers issue cost us an extra 10 mins or so, but wasn't a big deal.