Spring Break in the Florida Keys: What You Need to Know
If sun, fun, and water activities are on your agenda for spring break — there’s no better place than the Florida Keys.
Spend your days out on the water and your nights enjoying the cool ocean breeze, tropical drinks, and some world-famous Key lime pie. Traveling with kids? Don’t worry; it’s not all just parties on Duval Street. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and places to stay in the Florida Keys.
So, grab your flip-flops and sunglasses — here’s everything you need to know to navigate a Florida Keys spring break!
When is Spring Break in the Florida Keys?
The spring break season in the Florida Keys typically runs from early March to mid-April, with spring breakers arriving in “waves” as schools across the state and the country let out at different times. Sometimes, spring break coincides with the week of the Easter holiday.
Spring Break Crowds in the Florida Keys
Photo Credit: Fotoluminate LLC
While the Keys get crowded during spring break, you typically won’t find droves of college students or wild beach parties like in other Florida spring break destinations such as Miami or Daytona Beach.
A Florida Keys spring break is much more laid back, with each key offering a slightly different experience. Key West and Key Largo tend to get the most crowded with spring breakers, while communities like Marathon and Sombrero can see more visitors than usual but still remain relatively tranquil.
Spring Break Weather in the Florida Keys
Spring is an ideal time of year to visit as far as the weather is concerned with daytime temperatures ranging in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Nighttimes can be cool and breezy with temperatures in the low to mid-70s.
There can be occasional rain showers during the spring (particularly in April), but they don’t usually last long. Overall, the weather during spring break is perfect for all the outdoor and water-related activities the Keys are known and loved for!
Things To Do in The Keys on Spring Break
Book a Beachfront Rental and Enjoy the Sand
There’s no shortage of beautiful white sand beaches to lounge around under the swaying palm trees. Putting your toes in the sugary sand or taking a paddle board out and floating in the tranquil, turquoise water is a Keys rite of passage!
In this little slice of paradise, you’re never more than a few minutes from a beach. You can even book a beachfront vacation rental and have the ocean right at your front door.
Explore Nature at a State Park
The Keys have dozens of parks, trails, and nature preserves where you can hike, bike, snorkel, and more. Hike nature trails that are home to over 80 protected species of plants and animals at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Botanical State Park.
Get in the water and explore the largest coral reef system in the continental US at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Or, take a walk on the beach and enjoy epic views of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge at Bahia Honda State Park.
Get Out on the Water
Photo Credit: Inspired By Maps
Whether you like kayaking, paddle boarding, or snorkeling — the Keys have almost every type of water sport you can imagine. Looking for adventure? Try jet skiing, parasailing, or even try out SCUBA or SNUBA diving with one of the many dive shops that offer lessons and tours. You can rent gear and head out alone or take an eco-tour with a guide.
Catch Dinner on a Fishing Tour
Photo Credit: Main Attraction Fishing Charters
Want to go fishing? There are plenty of fishing charters or boat rentals to choose from. When it comes to fishing, the Florida Keys present an angler's paradise with an abundance of opportunities.
Whether you're an experienced fisher looking to battle tarpon in the backcountry waters or a novice hoping to reel in snapper along the reefs, seasoned captains are available to guide you through the best fishing spots, or rent your own vessel for a personal adventure in these rich waters.
Visit the Keys Museums
Photo Credit: Chris Allan
When you want to get out of the sun for a bit and learn some local history, the Keys are home to some unique and fascinating museums. Watch the evolution of SCUBA at The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada, learn about marine life at Crane Point Hammock and Museum in Marathon, or visit the iconic Ernest Hemingway Home or Fort Zachary Historic State Park in Key West.
Go Island Hopping, Dining, and Shopping
Photo Credit: Erika Cristina Manno
The Keys are full of unique shops, quirky art galleries, and some of the most delicious food all along the scenic Overseas Highway. Pop into the Sandal Factory for a fresh pair of flip-flops and stop by the iconic Rain Barrel Village to shop the artisan market and take photos with their famous 30-foot-tall lobster.
If you need any island essentials like sunscreen or beachwear or just want to snag some souvenirs, you’ll find a wide variety of gift shops and convenience stores with everything you need.
When hunger hits, head to Island Fish Company for fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and unbeatable bayside views.
Don’t forget dessert — the Key Lime Pie Factory is a must-visit to try the islands’ most famous sweet treat! As the sun sets, you’ll find plenty of live music in Marathon at Barnacle Barney’s Tiki Bar and Grill or Overseas Pub and Grill.
Want some fresh fish to cook up in your vacation rental instead? Head to one of the local seafood markets, where you’ll have your pick of the catch of the day to throw on the grill later.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Photo Credit: Cheryl N
The Keys are famous for their colorful sunsets, and there’s no better way to watch one than on a sunset cruise. There are plenty of tour operators offering sunset cruises, from large boats to cozy catamarans and even kayak-led tours. If you’re lucky, you may even get to spot some dolphins for a truly remarkable experience.
Attend Local Festivals
There are always fun happenings in the Keys, and spring break is no exception! The Marathon Seafood Festival is a ca n’t-miss for fresh seafood, music, games, and family fun in March. Islamorada Island Fest also takes place in March and features an art show, music, and sand sculpture competitions.
In April, you can chase thrills at the Seven Mile Offshore Grand Prix boat race or find out who reels in the biggest catch at the Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament.
Where to Stay for Spring Break in The Florida Keys
Getting There
The Florida Keys are a chain of hundreds of small islands that are divided into regions known as the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys. It takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from the first Key — Key Largo to the last Key — Key West. And, of course, there’s lots to see in between!
Finding the Perfect Spot
One of the best places to stay for spring break in the Florida Keys is in the city of Marathon — which puts you right in the center of everything. Marathon is a 10-mile stretch of islands located in the Middle Keys. It’s home to the beautiful Sombrero Beach, Curry Hammock State Park, and has plenty of things to do like watersports, fishing, shopping, dining, and more.
Marathon Vacation Homes
Staying in Marathon also means you’ll have your choice of many luxury vacation rentals with gorgeous views, spacious layouts, and family-friendly amenities you just won’t find at crowded Key West hotels. A stay in Marathon means you can be almost anywhere in the Keys in about an hour and then retreat back to your peaceful oasis at the end of the day!
Tips For The Perfect Spring Break in the Florida Keys
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Florida Keys spring break!
- Wear sun protection — The sun shines bright in the Florida Keys, so be sure to use your sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. If you plan to spend the day on the water, consider a long-sleeved sun protection tee or rashguard.
- Book boat tours early — Spring break can be busy in the Florida Keys. If you want to snag a spot on one of the highly coveted snorkel tours, fishing charters, or ferries to Dry Tortugas National Park, it’s best to book early!
- Stay in the Middle Keys — The Middle Keys offer easy access to all the best Florida Keys attractions while providing a quiet oasis away from the noise and crowds. It’s also very family-friendly for those traveling with children.
- Have a backup plan in case of rain — While most spring days in the Keys are sunny and beautiful, Mother Nature can throw a curveball every so often! It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, like checking out the museums, going shopping, or visiting the Turtle Hospital.
- Take a scenic drive — If you weren’t planning it, be sure to add a scenic drive to your Keys itinerary. The islands are full of postcard-perfect sights, especially along the seven-mile bridge, where you’ll see pelicans flying and boats bobbing along the shimmering turquoise waters.
- Try the Key lime pie — No matter where you go in the Keys, it’s always worth it to try the Key lime pie! It’s what the Keys are famous for and every restaurant has its own special version. From fried Key lime pie to chocolate-dipped Key lime pie, never turn down an opportunity to try a slice while visiting the Keys.
A Relaxing Spring Break in the Florida Keys
Ready to relax? Avoid the crowds and chaos of a typical Key West spring break and stay in Marathon. You’ll enjoy a relaxing vacation but still have easy access to all the best the Florida Keys have to offer and plenty of places to put your toes in the sand.
Whether you're looking for a beachfront bungalow for a couples retreat, a seaside condo for a group getaway, or a house with a pool for a family vacation — you’ll find it all at Coco Plum Vacation Rentals.
Book your stay now for spring break in paradise!
