Spring Break in Key West!!
 

We will be in Key West for 6 nights over Spring Break. This was not my idea, but now that we're going, I'm kinda looking forward to it. We have 2 or 3 couples going and 4 teens (ages 12-16). The kids tend to be easily bored and enjoy lots of stuff going on. For instance, they were bored after one day in Fort Myers, but loved South Beach. Is Key West at spring break too much? or is it possible for us to have fun without being exposed to nudity and other 'over the top' behaviors? Also, we are staying at the Holiday Inn Beachside which I understand is away from Old Town, but is it OK? I think they chose it since it did have a small beach area and we made our plans so late! Any input would be appreciated! <BR>Megan

As a male teenager who spent (at least) two weeks every summer in the Keys, I can say that the Keys are FUN!! But it all depends. At the risk of sounding I'm getting on a soapbox, it seems that kids nowadays expect too much. We fished, swam, boated during the day; and ate, laughed and partied at night. What do your kids like? What did they like about South Beach? I mean, nowhere in the Keys is there a beach like at Miami. There is some nudity in Key West, but it's usually in private areas and is (usually) discreet. Key West is only as hedonistic as you want to make it. If it's the Holiday inn I'm thinking of, it's old. It was old when I was there as a teenager and that was years, years, years . . . years ago. I like to stay in Old Town. I like to be able to walk everywhere I want to go. But that's me. Have fun.

The Keys are not noted for their beaches. If you are looking for a nice beach, check out the Sanibel/Captiva area. As to the atmosphere--if you condone partying and drinking, then KW is your place. Otherwise, you would be better off taking your family elsewhere.

I think you all will have a great time in Key West! It has lots of things to entertain folks of all ages. I've never been there during spring break, but don't doubt that there'll be more partying during that time then there normally is. But there's LOTS more to Key West than partying. Having said that, I'd sure advise you to try and get a place to stay in Old Town. Parking in Key West is difficult to find and expensive. The Holiday Inn Beachside is on North Roosevelt Road, which is filled with strip malls and and not much more. If you get someplace in Old Town, you won't need a car at all.

What's a Strip Mall? <BR> <BR>I'll be in KW from April 15th. Aare the kids back at school by then? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Strip Mall = a strip of land which has been asphalted and turned into a group of stores, one of which is nearly always a dry cleaner. Strip Malls are the blight of America. <BR>Unfortunately, though most Spring Breaks are over by April 15, that date happens to be Easter weekend. So, the Keys will no doubt be busier that usual. Actually, from the middle of March through the middle of April, the Keys will be packed. If it's any consolation, I will be there the end of March, right smack dab in the middle of the pack.

Just returned from a stay at the Holiday Inn Beachside..true the hotel is older and could use a facelift...but..It was just great the staff couldn't be nicer...The new pool is FANTASTIC!!!!The shuttle to old town was convinent...Old town trolly and Conch train tour just across the street..hotel served a great breakfast.and poolside bar serving drinks and lunch...Don't reserve the bay view rooms!!!view is dissapointing to say the least..poolside was best..watersport rental on site...for the cost I was quite pleased..and could spend the extra on entertainment

Jim-The kids aren't back in school until after Easter. That's the best time to go, it's still plenty cold up north.

My wife and I have been to Key West several times. We don't drink, keep our clothes on in public, don't like rowdy crowds and we loved it every time. We normally stay in a B&B in Old Town and walk everywhere. We have gone during spring break too and the crowds weren't a problem at all. We kept different schedules and typically wouldn't see anyone come out until 11:00. By the time the bars were getting busy, we were off having a decaf at the pier. Although Key West does live up to its eclectic artist reputation I'd hardly call it hedonistic. <BR> <BR>Honestly the Holiday Inn is not the best. It is located just over the bridge by the strip malls and the charter boats. The beach area is very small and is near the channel, if you're looking at a beach vacation drive up the keys a bit. You can take the trolley to Old Town or rent scooters without any trouble. Don't rent a car because there is nowhere in Old Town to park. If you have time you may what to call around for something walking distance to town. The Hilton or the Pier House, which has a private beach and wonderful pool, is exceptionally nice. If you have the Holiday Inn booked then don't worry about it and look foreword to a great trip. It's like no other place.

"Miler's" comments are on the mark. I was there a few weeks ago and as a result of recent threads on this forum that had some coments on nudity, "alternate" life-styles etc. I tried to be a bit more aware than I had been on a previous visit several years ago. In short - I saw no nudity and the hard core party scene seems to be confined to a short stretch of Duval Street a few blocks long. If you visit KW during Fantasy Fest (sometime in October?) things may be much different but I think you'll have a great time on a spring visit and won't encounter over the top behaviors in public. I just wish someone could cover up all the crass, vuulgar and not-so-funny T-shirts on display in every other store window on Duval Street...