Post # 1

Member
105 posts
Blushing bee
Anybody who has been to Key West, or really just anyone who knows…
We are considering going to Key West for our honeymoon, and it would be the first week in May..Is that spring break season?
My mother mentioned to me the other day, “Isn’t that prime spring break season?”
I really have no idea, please tell me she is wrong?
Post # 3

Member
2392 posts
Buzzing bee
First week in May is a few weeks late for Spring Break – that’s usually March or April. Most colleges are almost done with the term by May.
Key West is a little bit “Spring Break for All Ages” (that’s how my brother’s girlfriend described it and my family’s new favorite term for it), in that certain areas of it are a party-type destination. But it won’t be overwhelmed with ridiculous college parties.
Post # 4

Member
129 posts
Blushing bee
Key West is beautiful. I actually lived there for a while and have family there still. That’s late for Spring break. It’s usually done by the 3rd week in April. There can definitely be wild college kids around…but they typically go to the wild college kids bars and beached. There is very much a “classy” side of Key West and a college side. You should be fine. I would recommend staying at a nice hotel or even a little B&B…there are so many gorgeous ones, and avoiding the spring break bars (namely Ricks and the Lazy Gecko).
Also, if you go, go to Fort Zachary Taylor beach. It is the prettiest beach on the island and you’ll avoid the spring break crowd.
I’m not sure what you’re budget is…but you could also stay on sunset key (very pricey) and just ferry over to Key West (it’s about a 5 min ferry ride).
Post # 5

Member
6998 posts
Busy Beekeeper
We went to Bahamas last year in early march (9th to be exact) and it was college spring break so i think you are a few weeks off…though it made for great fun! but not for a honeymoon.
Post # 6

Member
4137 posts
Honey bee
may would be late for spring break…you should be fine!
Post # 7

Member
1166 posts
Bumble bee
Your timing should be fine! I second the advice to stay at a B&B vs. a hotel to get a real feel for authentic Key West. (Sunset Key is another great option if it fits your budget.)
Choose a B&B that’s within walking distance to Duval St. (there are dozens to choose from!), and if you want to stay in the “quieter” section of Old Town, stay closer to Southernmost Point vs. Mallory Square. From there, you can walk or rent a bike to most of the things you’ll want to see (including the bars and nightlife). Oh, and be sure to check out Blue Heaven for breakfast.
Have fun! It’s a great place for a honeymoon!
Post # 8

Member
1285 posts
Bumble bee
Do people go to Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break??
Post # 9

Member
44 posts
Newbee
I went to Key West for my honeymoon in May this year and I didn’t think it was a Spring Break type crowd at all! Feel free to PM me for more details or suggestions/advice.
Post # 10

Member
101 posts
Blushing bee
We’re actually getting married in Key West on May 21, and we’re down there quite a bit (we live in South Florida, near Miami). Even during Spring Break time, it’s still not your usual “Spring Break” type of place. It’s no Daytona Beach, thankfully.
Either way, the first week of May would be totally fine. Typical SB weeks are in April. The weather will be absolutely perfect for you!
I like what a previous poster said about it being spring break for all ages – that sums it up perfectly! Everyone (young and old) are there to relax and just have a fun time. I absolutely love Key West (and this coming from someone who really hates the always-trashed-college-kid vibe). 😉 Have fun!
Post # 11

Member
1184 posts
Bumble bee
key west in may will be great. i spend a lot of time in south florida (my family is from there, most of them still live there) but i really try to avoid it in march/april because of all the spring breakers. may and october are my favorite times of year there, and not overwhelmingly tourist-y.
ETA: your mom may be thinking of high school spring break, which comes after college spring breaks and is usually in mid-late april….but honestly, it’s the college kids you’re trying to avoid, not high school kids on vacation with their families. and i don’t think key west is a big destination for high school seniors….it’s kind of a pain to get to. also, i don’t think even HS spring breaks are going to be in may….at that point, there’s less than 2 months of school left.
Post # 12

Member
302 posts
Helper bee
Key West has 2 really crazy times (well, 3 including general summer vacationers). The first being college spring break, which is typically early March thru sometime in April (no later than Easter). The second crazy time is Fantasy Fest, which occurs the 2 weeks prior to and including Halloween, and it is like a Mardi Gras street party. You should be fine in May–it’s right between spring break and summer. THe only questionable time may be Cinco de Mayo, but I don’t think it will get too crazy down there, just a few extra fiestas, which could be nice 🙂
Post # 13

Member
1927 posts
Buzzing bee
I was in Florida the last week of April this year and it wasn’t bad at all. I think that the first week of May woud be perfect because you wouldn’t have the spring breakers, and kids are still in school so you don’t have to deal with that.
Have a great time and make sure you do the Duval Crawl!