We are thinking of flying into Miami, renting a car and driving the Keys. We don't want to spend anytime in Key West, we've been there several times.

Probably 7-8 nights.

Any itineraries or must sees? Any hotel suggestions?

Thanks in advance for information.

I am very interested in this thread as we are planning to do the same. We are searching properties through VRBO. For the same reason as Colleen, not really interested in Key West.

In Marathon,

Burdines Waterfront ( great lunch and happy hour)
7 Mile Grille ( Historically great breakfast)
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar ( Sunset? duh!)

Islamorada!

Cheeka Lodge in Islamarada

Have done this trip 4 or 5 times. One big tip we got from locals was to was to use Ft Lauderdale instead of Miami. The drive is 20 minutes longer and the stress is 90% less.

Have always flown into Miami with absolutely no problems/stress.

Second Cheeca as we've stayed there several times the 1st being before it burned years ago. Can be pricy but they are often running very good sales on their website.
Another good place is Drop Anchor but surprisingly they can be a bit more expensive than Cheeca.

I've looked at a couple of small properties on VRBO just south of Robbies that we'll likely do for our next trip.

Has Hawks Cay ever been remodeled?

We are thinking of the resort also. We are planning to get a 3 bdr villa facing angler and ale. Taking the 5 yr grand daughter and both my kids families. Trip advisor has good and not so good reviews - like everywhere. With covid everone is short handed. we'll probably not eat out there and just visit the resort area occasionally. Any info someone could provide would be most helpful.

Jim