reefs, watch breathtaking sunsets, swim with the dolphins then party through the night at clubs that know how to heat up the night? Then you’re ready for Spring Break in Gay Key West. This is the kind of spring break that you can remember with a grin and wish you had never left. This is a place where you can be yourself and feel welcome safe and free to let loose. This is Gay Key West.
Here’s what about.com had to say about what we have to offer.
The quirky, historic community at the southern tip of Florida (it’s actually in the Caribbean, about 80 miles from Cuba), Key West has been a mecca for gay travelers for more than a half century (and it discreetly cultivated a “family” following long before that). As a spring break option, it has a lot going for it – it’s among the warmest destinations in the country, so even when cooler temps prevail elsewhere in Florida, Key West tends to remain ideal for beach-combing and sunning by the pool. The palm-shaded community abounds with gay bars and funky restaurants, most of which are within easy walking distance of the several gay resorts in town (you’ll find a mix of gay-male-exclusive and mixed gay/lesbian resorts).
In recent years, Key West has actively courted gay college students, hosting an official Gay Spring Break Key West celebration, that’s helped raise its image and popularity during the spring break season. A number of businesses in town offer discounts to participants – just drop by the Key West Business Guild (513 Truman Ave.) when you arrive in town, present a student ID, and you’ll be given a pass entitled you to deals at gay-popular resorts, restaurants, and bars.
As a gay party destination, Key West works well because it’s a compact, welcoming community where a car isn’t needed to get around, and where it’s easy to mingle with and meet others at gay resorts and bars. It’s upscale but not excessively expensive, and it’s easy to find flights directly to the island from Miami, Atlanta, Tampa, and Charlotte (major carrier include American, Delta, Continental, and United). If it’s massive crowds, miles of beaches, and a circuit-party scene you’re after, Key West might not be your best bet – it’s happily laid-back and has a population of just 25,000 or so. But balancing cool diversions, gay-friendliness, value, climate, and beauty, Key West is a terrific overall gay spring break getaway.
Getting to Key West!
Delta Airlines
Fly Delta to Key West and save during Gay Spring Break 2013. Just go to www.delta.com and use Meeting Event Code NM8QY or call 800-328-111 ($25 service fee for booking by phone).
Where to stay
Island House Resort for Men
1129 Fleming Street . 800-890-6284 . This clothing-optional resort for men has a poolside cafe and bar, fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, two Jacuzzis, and an erotic video room. Bring your Gay Key West Spring Break card and receive access to the Island House’s amenities – for free! www.Islandhousekeywest.com
Alexander’s Guest House
1118 Fleming Street. 800-654-9919. This luxurious LGBTA guest house sets the standard for island comfort and style. Complimentary breakfast and happy hour. Pool and hot tub. Multiple sun decks. Ask about their special Gay Key West Spring Break discount when you make your reservation. www.alexanderskeywest.com
Big Ruby’s Key West
409 Appelrouth Lane. 800-477-7829. This beautiful LGBT guesthouse is conveniently located in the heart of Key West’s thriving night life. Heated pool, hot tub, and a gym. Complimentary breakfast and happy hour. Voted by Out Traveler readers as the #1 Gay Bed & Breakfast Internationally.bigrubys.com
Equator Resort
818 Fleming Street • 800-305-296-5765 • Luxurious all male clothing-optional guesthouse with private grounds, heated pool & hot tub. Elegantly furnished rooms with private baths. Complimentary breakfast & happy hour. High speed internet. It’s always hottest at the Equator!equatorkeywest.com
Casa Marina Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
1500 Reynolds Street. 888-303-5717. Enjoy a taste of tropical living at the legendary Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Be a part of this grand tradition and enjoy modern luxury and over 1,000 feet of private beach, two ocean front pools, and onsite booking for exciting water adventures.casamarinaresort.com
The Reach, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
1435 Simonton Street. 888-318-4316. Discover a Caribbean playground at The Reach, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. This chic 150-room hotel offers a natural beach, beautiful pool, onsite water sports, and a balcony with every room. Only one block from Duval and the night life of Key West.reachresort.com
New Orleans House
724 Duval Street. 305-293-9800. Stay at the center of the Duval action. Located above the world-famous Bourbon Street Pub. Features a men-only, clothing optional pool and Jacuzzi with a tiki bar. Complimentary breakfast. Secure hotel parking. Ask about your Gay Key West Spring Break discount when you book.neworleanshousekw.com
Bars Nightclubs & Entertainment
Bourbon Street Pub
724 Duval Street. Whether you’re looking for male strippers, a specialty party, great club music, or a dip in the men-only outdoor pool, Bourbon Street Pub can deliver! Bring your Gay Spring Break Card and get free admission along with a special drink discount. www.bourbonstpub.com
801 Bourbon Bar
801 Duval Street. Home of the world famous 801 Girls Drag show, this legendary landmark has been a Key west institution for over 30 years and has been regularly featured on CNN. Overlooking Duval Street, the downstairs bar is perfect for people watching and draws a friendly local crowd that ebbs and flows everyday from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Opens at noon on Sunday) Karaoke on Thurs. and Sun. is always a hoot and starts at 5 p.m. Headliner Sushi and her troupe of female impersonators wow crowds with their outrageous, ever changing performance in the upstairs cabaret nightly at 9 and 11 p.m. On Sundays, the Cabaret opens at 4 p.m. for “Drag Bingo” – Key West’s longest running benefit and not for the faint of heart. The Karaoke on Thurs. and Sun. nights at 5 p.m. is also always a hoot. Daily Happy Hour 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. 801bourbon.com
Activities
Gay Key West Trolley Tour
700 Duval (Corner of Duval and Angela). 800-535-7797. Every Saturday at 4pm, the Gay Key West Trolley Tour sets out on a historical and cultural tour of Key West that includes mainstream and not-so-mainstream sites including the Key West AIDS Memorial, Southernmost Point, Gay Guesthouse Row, and more! $5.00 off your ticket price with a Gay Spring Break card. www.gaykeywestfl.com
Danger Charters
245 Front Street. 305-304-7999. Snorkeling. Sunset Sails. Kayaking. Eco Tours. Wind & Wine Sails. Special Charters. Your great Key West adventure on the high seas begins with Danger Charters. Call Danger Charters directly and get 20% off when you mention Gay Spring Break. www.dangercharters.com
Blu Q
Key West Bight Historic Seaport 305-923-7245. #1 Gay men’s adventure for over 15 years. Clothing-optional sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Call Capt Steve today, and get 10% off when you mention Gay Spring Break. www.bluqkeywest.com
Venus Charters
Garrison Bight Marina. 305-304-1181. The finest in personalized, eco-friendly charters. Snorkel trips to the reef, dolphin watching in the Gulf, or back country and exploration. Call today! Women Only Sunset Sails every Thursday. www.venuscharters.com
Moped Hospital
601 Truman. 866-296-1625. Park your car and rent a scooter, moped, or bicycle from the Moped Hospital. Our equipment is some of the newest, and our rates some of the lowest. Get 10% off when you mention Gay Spring Break.www.mopedhospital.com
Paddle Island
At Paddle Island we provide Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) tours in the Lower Florida Keys around Key West. Our tours include all of the basic SUP instruction and technique you may need. Our office is in the pristine mangrove forests of the Southern Florida Keys. A perfect location to both learn SUP and explore the numerous mangrove islands and forests of the Southern Florida Keys. Our tours are tailored to make SUP fun for both experienced and first time paddlers. 305.393.2886. paddleisland.wordpress.com/
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
108 Duval Street – Come see the newly 2013 renovated Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Housing one of the largest museum collections in Key West along with live sword swallowing shows come see why we pride ourselves as being the strangest place in Key West. Show your Student ID for a Buy One Get One 50% off ticket! 305-293-9939 Ripleys.com
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
200 Greene Street. 305-294-2633. Visit the Mel Fisher Museum and discover a place of amazing journeys. Atocha Treasure. Harry Potter Magic. Horrific Slave Ships. Authentic artifacts and priceless treasures from our historical shipwreck collection tell the story of New World ambition and exploration. Save $2 off the price of admission. melfishermuseum.org
Discounts
Sturtz Lock & Safe
Locked out? We can help! Just call Sturtz for a quick, friendly response. Mention Gay Spring Break and receive 20% off our standard mobile fee. Sturtz Lock & Safe. We’re here for you! 3255 Flagler Ave. 305-797-0859. sturtz@sturtzlock.net
Evolution Key West
701 Duval Street. 305-293-2940. Distinctive and innovative brands typically found in New York, San Fran, or London including Superdry, Original Paperback, Handsome Boy, Deadbury Dead, and Andrew Christian. Your Gay Spring Break card will get you a 10% discount on your purchase. Check them out on Facebook.
Moped Hospital
601 Truman. 866-296-1625. Park your car and rent a scooter, moped, or bicycle from the Moped Hospital. Our equipment is some of the newest, and our rates some of the lowest. Get 10% off when you mention Gay Spring Break.www.mopedhospital.com
American Boy Key West
806 Duval Street 305-292-1120. Features contemporary stylish mens apparel. Designed and made in Key West. Swim wear, shirts, shorts, hats, belts and buckles. Present your Gay Spring Break Card and receive 10% off your purchase. Check us out on Facebook!
Key West Madhatter
Westin Resort, 253 Front Street. 305.294.1364. The Store with over 2000 Hats! 10% discount. kw-madhatter.com
