I'm getting really nervous about our planned trip to KW at the end of March (24-29), based on what I read here and on other forums.

While lots of people are positive on taking kids, I get the feeling that teens will be bored unless taken on lots of water activities, since there aren't great beaches except for Bahia Honda. My young teens really enjoy exploring cool towns (like Charleston), and are somewhat sophisticated and accepting. I think some pool time Bahia Honda, Ft. Zach, maybe Dry Tortugas might be good for a few days in addition to town exploration.

What I'm really worried about is whether the Spg Brk groups are very dominant everywhere, or whether it's only an issue on Duval. I don't want to feel like we have to hide in our room by 9pm. (Were hoping to stay at Island City, btw, which I understand is very nice for families.) I've read posts about running into inappropriate behavior in places and at times of the night that wouldn't ordinarily seem "adults only".

I would appreciate any thoughts from those of you who have experience w/ taking kids this age w/ no problems. Thanks for our patience!

try tripadvisor.com
for info

Tell me where in Key West you are staying.

Pjk

I have booked us into the Paradise Inn. It seems quiet w/ a very pretty pool and grounds.

I'm feeling more comfortable w/ our options. I think our "family" interests will keep us out of the path of college kids. We also are going to spend a couple of nts up the keys in Marathon or Isla.

thanks!

I wouldn't worry too much about spring breakers. They'll sleep til noon (or later), probably hang out on a beach during the day then be out at the bars late at night.

I think you and your teens will love Key West!

The Paradice Inn is about half way down Whitehead Street, close to the Hemingway House. Spring Breakers generally don't have reasons to go too far away from the north side so you probably won't even know they are on the island.

You can walk to the Southernmost point from where you are staying in 10 minutes, then over to the Southernmost House which has a small museum inside. If you rented bikes, you could ride east on South Streeet, then onto Reynolds, and explore the Casa Marina and Reach grounds. A little farther is Higgs Beach and the White Street pier. Then, at the end of Atlantic Blvd and Bertha Street is Smathers. This is one of the nicest areas to ride or walk in the morning in Key West.

Out on Smathers is Sunset Watersports which will rent you a Hobie Cat and you could sail around off the shore out there.

And on the grounds at the Reach is IIRC Barefoot Bob's Watersports where you can book trips.


hth
Pjk