7 Things to do in Key West in March: When most of the country is still bundled up in coats or knee deep in snow, the folks in Key West are sunning themselves on the beach and walking around in shorts and t-shirts. Worlds apart, right?! March marks the official end of high season so for those seeking to avoid large crowds, visiting Key West in March is a good time to go. Prices start to go down, tourist attractions and restaurants are less busy and as a cherry on top the early spring weather is warm and mild. There are also some really fun and quirky events in town during the month of March ranging from the offbeat Conch Blowing Contest to a bar-hopping tradition of over 40 years! If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Key West in March, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of things to add to your trip itinerary.
Weather in Key West in March
The weather in Key West in March is warm and mild with plenty of sunshine and very little chance of rain ruining your trip. Daytime temperatures range between a pleasant 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Key West overrun by Spring Breakers in March?
While it can be noted that a handful of college students do flock to Key West for Spring Break from around mid-March, the crowds are nowhere near as big or rowdy as those you’ll find in Cabo, Cancun, Miami or the likes. Because Key West is a lot more expensive than these destinations, it does tend to draw a more mature crowd along with couples and families. The main beach where Spring Break parties do happen is Smathers Beach but you can stick to some of the other quieter beaches to avoid the partygoers.
Things to do in Key West in March
As the party island in the Florida Keys, there is always something on the go in Key West! Here’s what we recommend doing in March.
Conch Shell Blowing Contest
March starts off with the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest, a long-held tradition of over 50 years which sees participants of all ages attempting to make music through conch shells. The conch shell can very much be considered the symbol of Key West with the island even attempting to gain independence as the Conch Republic. Register to enter at the Oldest House in Duval Street and see if you can get that conch to honk!
Party like a Spring Breaker
As we mentioned above, Key West does draw much smaller crowds of Spring Breakers but things don’t get as rowdy and loud as the Spring Break hot spots do. However, if you want to join in on the party, head on over to Smathers Beach where you’ll find all day beach parties or to Dante’s Pool Bar for music and delicious drinks poolside. If you want good fun without the wild teens around, book an Ultimate Adventure through Fury Water Adventures Key West for a full day of fun on the water. Set sail on a stylish catamaran and spend your day snorkeling in the coral reefs, parasailing, jet skiing, going on banana boat rides or playing on the massive inflatable water toys. The excursion includes snorkeling gear, reef safe sunscreen, 2 meals and drinks. Breakfast consists of egg sandwiches, seasonal fruit, yoghurt and granola while from lunch you can expect a selection of sandwiches, Key West coleslaw and pasta salad.
Go on a tour of Historic Homes and Gardens
Are you curious what lies behind the white picket fences of some of Key West’s oldest and most prestigious homes? Wonder no more! Architecture, interior design and gardening enthusiasts will love joining a tour during the Annual Key West House and Garden Tour, running from 12 – 13 March. Be wowed by remarkable restorations, lush tropical secret gardens and priceless collectibles and artworks.
Join the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll
This annual St. Patrick’s day event was started in 1979 and has grown in popularity year on year, earning its place on Key West’s social calendar. What started as a running race of chugging beers and running along to the next bar resulted in a few too many people feeling a little too green in between chugs, even for St. Patricks Day standards! Hence the event became a bar stroll.
Celebrate Tennessee Williams Birthday
Famous playwright Tennessee Williams called Key West home for more than 30 years so it’s no wonder the locals celebrate his birthday for the whole month of March. Events to look out for include poetry and painting competitions, staged readings of his plays, film showings and a special exhibition in his honor at 513 Truman Avenue.
Try your hand at paddleboarding
With calm seas and sunny skies ahead, if you’re visiting Key West in March it’s the perfect time to give paddleboarding a try. The lack of rainfall gives you a clear view of the underwater world below you as you’re paddling. The mangroves are a special area to paddleboard as they’re home to some fascinating fish and birds, so take a moment to just float around on your board and be one with nature again.
Tuck in to fresh lobster
The lobsters in Key West are a little different than what you’ll find in the rest of the country but they’re no less tasty by any means! If you want them fresh off the boat, March is a great time for fresh lobster dishes before the end of harvest season. Head to the Historic Seaport district to a charming eatery called Fisherman’s Cafe. They serve up a mean lobster taco along with other local favorites.
Thinned out crowds, great weather and some fun events make visiting Key West in March an all round fantastic idea.
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