Key West is USA the only Caribbean island.  Key West is exotic, warm and tropical. Key West considers itself an independent republic; it separated from the Union on April 23rd, 1982. It is a perfect place for getting wild without anyone raising an eyebrow. Key West is a place with that kind of a quirky sense of humor and so much diversity is perfect for Spring Break.

Another advantage of Key West is the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. The water in Panama City, Destin, and Daytona in March is quite chilly, while in Key West it is actually comfortable and you never have to worry about a sudden cold front dipping temperatures into the 60's. Key West is matchless with its warm weather and it's a paradise unlike any other. The time on the beach in Key West can be a lot of fun. They aren't actually "nude beaches" but you'll find the locals are more tolerant, especially if you're respectful of them.
The place where most of the breakers spend their waking hours until the sun goes down is Smathers Beach. It is lined with vendors selling and renting everything from lemonade and beer to jet-skis and parasailing. The aroma of sunscreen quickly fills the beach, games of volleyball ignite and music fills the air. There's little surf, there's also no danger of an undertow. Smather's Beach is free and it's right across from the airport.

Of course the beaches and the weather are a greater part of Key West's lure as a Spring Break destination. It boasts a subtropical climate and a 2 by 4 island surrounded by sparkling turquoise water that's ideal for diving, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, wave running and just swimming. It is the paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Higgs Beach, Indigenous Park, Simonton Beach and Smathers Beach are Key West's public beaches. Each has a feel all their own, but Smather's and Higgs have the most water sports equipment, as well as essentials like beach chairs, umbrellas, jet-skis, and kayaks. Camping is not allowed anywhere in Key West but Boyd's Campground on Stock Island, just outside Key West, might have space if you make a reservation well in advance.

The party atmosphere in Key West can be only compared to the one New Orleans has. The night clubs and bars along Duval Street get wild and are pretty crazy year-round, but it does pick up during Spring Break.
Those who not content to sit on the beach all day generally do plenty of other activities like fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or boating. The island boasts the only living coral reef in the United States and you can watch all the marine life that's just below the surface. You will need breathing apparatus and large fins on your feet for snorkeling. Wear lots of sunscreen on your back as you'll spend your time drifting face down in the water totally amazed at what you're observing. Another Key West specialty is sunset cruises and if you're lucky, you may see the renowned "green flash".

Your one stop Spring Break Street in Key West is Duval Street and it's the only street in the world that spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. It stretches on a mile and a quarter of shops, boutiques, galleries and clubs and bars. All of them are on one street and open until 4AM. The majority of bars has live music, DJ's and if you need a taxi, the island's small and the fares are cheap.

Students don't usually stay at Key West's fine hotels and Bed & Breakfasts, though some do and that list is endless and it's a tremendous experience if you can afford it. The Key West beaches are closed at 11:00 PM and they are regularly patrolled. You will need a room somewhere so you shouldn't abuse the law.
Absolutely Key West is one of the nation's hot spots. It has been spring break destination for years and years. An island paradise with splendor that can compete with any Caribbean island, yet it's in the US, just at the western tip of Florida. If you drive, it will be a long but also extraordinarily beautiful once you get on the Overseas Highway just past Miami and into the Florida Keys.