Guide to Key West Spring Break 2023

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. Key West will always feel like a getaway, regardless of how cold 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 find solace 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 Smathers Beach pictured above!). Follow along to discover everything you need to know about spring break in Key West.

When is Spring Break 2023 in Key West?

This year the Monroe County primary and secondary schools will observe spring break from March 20 - 24, 2023, with most US colleges taking their week-long break in March.

Where to Stay in Key West for Spring Break?

Before you snag a spot on that pool lounger, you’ll need to beat the spring break crowd and book your Key West hotel stay. 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 (and a cigar lounge!). 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 Special 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, Flocktail Friday, and more.

5 Things to do on Spring Break in Key West

1. Soak up the sun at Key West beaches

For some saltwater-infused fun, visit the island’s many beaches. Smathers Beach in New Town 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%).

2. Dance the night away

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

3. Enjoy drinks with a view

Don’t let the island’s sweeping ocean views, sunshine, and sunsets go to waste. Check out Key West’s best outdoor spots for a drink. Our Key West Travel Blog is chock-full of recommendations for springtime sipping, from the best bars on Duval Street, to the best bars to watch the sunset, best gay bars, friendliest bars, and so much more.

4. 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 with a book from our Underwater Library, and indulge in a mojito or key lime pie cocktail from Rum Row.

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

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

How will you spend your spring break in Key West 2023? 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! We had a great stay!...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

We’re proud to announce that The Gates Hotel has been nominated to the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award 2023! Vote here.