Florida vacations to Key West: 4 hot spring break bars

Live bands and stiff drinks amp up the scene at Sloppy Joe's, a spring break favorite. Credit: John Beagle.

By Maria Mora

Most visitors to Florida equate Florida vacations with beach vacations. But Key West, the southernmost point of the United States, is much more than a beach. It’s a cultural hot spot with some of the wildest bars in the country. Spring break festivities light up Key West each year, making it an off the beaten path destination for spring break vacations. Here are some of my favorite bars in Key West:

Finnegan’s Wake
When I visited Key West, I wasn’t expecting to find an authentic Irish pub. When I think Florida vacations, I’m usually thinking margaritas on the beach. But this exciting little hideaway offered pints of refreshing beer and a fun mix of locals and vacationers. My husband was thrilled to find some of his favorite beers on tap.

Sloppy Joe’s
This is an iconic bar in Key West. Whether you hit it in the morning to get geared up for your day or you wind down after a long day, you’ll find great bar food and live entertainment to go with your mixed drinks. Come in early; it gets crowded at night.

Hog’s Breath Saloon
You’ve probably seen the famous Hog’s Breath Saloon logo on tee shirts. It’s one of the most famous bars in the lively city and a top spring break destination. Hit Hog’s Breath for a rowdy, fun atmosphere including live music and bikini contests. Don’t forget to pick up a tee shirt before you leave.

The Lazy Gecko
Serving 12 frozen daiquiri flavors, The Lazy Gecko is a great place to stop on a pub crawl for a frozen drink and some cheap pizza. Try it during happy hour between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. when frozen drinks are discounted, or come in for lunch to try one of their fresh sandwiches. I’m a fan of the Gunny, the smoked gouda and turkey.

Related resources

• Cheap Fort Lauderdale flights
• Cheap Miami flights
• Florida Keys vacation packages

Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.

Tagged: Florida