With sunny, warm weather year-round, it's no surprise that Key West consistently ranks as one of the most popular spots for spring breakers. The Conch Republic always feels like a getaway, regardless of how the spring weather is where you’re coming from. So whether you’re in need of some vitamin D, a recharge to take your college finals, or simply a place to unwind from your day job, our spring break guide is designed to offer tips and tricks when visiting the land of sun, sand, and sea (Key West’s Higgs Beach pictured above!).

Follow along to discover everything you need to know, and everything there is to do, during spring break in Key West 2024.

When is Spring Break 2024 in Key West?

This year the Monroe County primary and secondary schools will observe spring break from March 18 - 22, 2024, with most U.S. colleges taking their week-long break anywhere from late February to late March.

Where to Stay in Key West for Spring Break?

Before you snag a spot on the pool lounger, you’ll need to beat the spring break crowd by booking your Key West hotel stay in advance. A top-rated destination in Key West, The Gates Hotel caters to all those looking for a fun getaway come spring. In addition to rooms with cozy poolside terraces, a host of amenities designed to delight, and shuttle service to Old Town, The Gates Hotel has convenient on-site drinking and dining venues. Our poolside specialty rum bar, Rum Row, serves up rum cocktails and nightly live music, and our food truck, The Blind Pig, dishes out a selection of ‘Conch fusion’ small bites and tapas. Plus, there’s a Starbucks just next door.

Check out our Events Calendar. You may just be in town to participate in one of our many on-site events like ‘Na Ma Sit and Stay’ Puppy Yoga, Paint & Sip, Shakedown on the Green: A Key West Island Night Market, Live at Sunset: Monthly Concert Series, Flocktail Friday, and more.

10 Things to Do for Spring Break 2024 in Key West

1. Spend all day by the pool

Who says spring break thrills need to only come from partying? Sometimes all you need is some R&R. Dive into The Gates Hotel pool, sink into your comfy poolside post in a luxury cabana rental, and indulge in a mojito or key lime pie cocktail from Rum Row. When you book your Key West stay with The Gates, you also get exclusive access to the pool at our sister hotel next door, 24 North Hotel.

2. Soak up the sun at Key West beaches

For some saltwater-infused fun, visit the island’s many beaches. Smathers Beach is just down the road from us in New Town and is the largest and most popular, with soft sand and endless opportunities for watersports. Then there’s South Beach, Higgs Memorial Beach Park, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, Simonton Beach, Rest Beach, County Beach, and Dog Beach, where your four-legged friend is most definitely welcome (The Gates Hotel is proudly dog-friendly! See our Pawsome Package to save up to 15%).

3. Dance the night away

After dark, hit the clubs on Duval Street. Places like Aqua Bar and Nightclub, Sidebar Key West, Fat Tuesday, Durty Harry’s, and Rick’s Bar are all worthy of your dance moves.

4. Enjoy drinks with a view

Don’t let the island’s sweeping ocean views, sunshine, and sunsets go to waste. They’re meant to be savored, just like the cocktail in your hand. Check out Key West’s best outdoor spots for a drink. Our Key West Travel Guide is full of recommendations for springtime sipping, from the best bars on Duval Street, to the best bars to watch the sunset, top gay bars, friendliest bars, and so much more.

5. Amp up your social media presence with Key West spring break pictures

If you didn’t post about spring break, did it even happen? A break from the real world may give you extra time to spend on your feed. Snap a selfie and capture memories on the island. Check out some of the most Instagrammable places in Key West and along the Overseas Highway for some inspiration. We want to see your shots! Be sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram.

6. Stay cool at an ocean waterpark

Hop on Fury’s state-of-the-art catamaran to reach Key West’s largest ocean waterpark. The park consists of over 3,500 sq. ft. of inflatable water toys, plus extras like parasailing, a banana boat ride, and jet skis.

7. Plan a special spring break excursion

Whether it's biking around the island, diving or snorkeling along North America’s only living coral reef, or taking a sunset sail accompanied by drinks and live music, The Gates Hotel has the package for a memorable excursion. See out special offers only available on our website.

8. Go on a food tour of Key West

One of the best ways to discover Key West culture is through its cuisine. See our Key West Food and Dining Guide to get pointed in the right direction, from the most iconic restaurants on the island to top raw bars and the best joints to indulge in plates featuring Key West pink shrimp.

9. Dive into the culture

If you desire a more experiential sort of spring break, Key West is a culturally rewarding locale. Famously, there’s the Ernest Hemingwy Home and Museum and the Truman Little White House, but also more obscure educational destinations like the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House, and Key West Shipwreck Museum.

10. Have a relaxing Key West spa experience

Into more of a chill vibe on spring break? Consider pampering yourself at a spa, of which the island offers many, where personal care and beauty needs are attended to in indulgent experiences like massages, facials, and body treatments, acupuncture modalities, pedicures, and body wraps and scrubs.

How will you spend your spring break in Key West? Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct with The Gates Hotel, a Conde Nast award-winning Key West destination.

Did we miss any of the best spring break spots in Key West? Let us know below!

See what past spring breakers had to say about us:

“A great spring break trip!...Our room was at The Gates but we also used the pool and bar at 24 North…The beds were comfortable, room was clean…The pools were clean and inviting!..The nachos at the Blind Pig food truck are huge enough for 2 people. Right by the gulf and perfect for morning walks! Only 10 min from Duval St. We will definitely recommend and definitely be back!” - lyndsay2022 from Bainbridge, Indiana, TripAdvisor

“We stayed here in March, right around spring break season…The room was clean and smelled nice. The staff was very courteous and prompt...They offer a shuttle to the downtown area…which was very convenient, and their drivers are extremely nice…I enjoyed our stay here and would recommend it highly, especially the price, which was an excellent bargain.” - Pam C from Wilmington, Delaware, TripAdvisor

“Spring break! I stayed here with a friend during spring break, for a relaxing time away…The Gates Hotel felt like home while we were in Key West. The pool area was really nice and relaxed, with friendly people everywhere…Nice and mellow live music, delicious food, and the best mojito I ever had. I would suggest this hotel to anyone, of any age. A family-friendly hotel with a super relaxed feel.” - jennifernaze38 from Woodstock, New Hampshire, TripAdvisor

“Very Pleasant Stay. We are locals who needed a pet-friendly place to stay…during spring break. The people were very friendly…the front desk staff…bartenders I encountered were polite and helpful…Breakfast at the Blind Pig was good…the omelet was delish!...The bed was extremely comfortable, with the softest pillows I have ever had in a hotel...I'd stay here again…it's clean, friendly and less costly than a lot of other properties in KW …” - Fe2O3 from Key West, Florida, TripAdvisor