Springtime often means beach time and there isn’t a better way to spend that annual late March or early April vacation than by cruising over to the spectacular shores of the Floridian coast, where you’ll find ample sun, sand, salt, surf, and special events going on all throughout the Sunshine State’s most popular time of year.
Go on and welcome the changing seasons with a spring break beach vacay. Here are the six best spring break beaches in Florida.
It’s been deemed as “The World’s Most Famous Beach” and has long been a popular Spring Break destination—and for good reason, too. The town loves to party hard, which is why it always kicks off the spring season with events like the Daytona 500 and Bike Week in mid-March, with festivities continuing well into the month of April. Spend the days basking on 23-miles of white sand beaches or by getting super crazy near the newly renovated Main Street Pier and Boardwalk. For something a bit quieter and way less rowdy, dodge the crowds by drifting north to Flagler Beach or south to New Smyrna Beach and the pristine Canaveral National Seashore.
Come nightfall though, get ready to get that groove on because Daytona Beach offers some of the wildest nightlife in the entire state, including Ocean Deck Club,Razzles,Bank & Blues Club, and numerous other dance spots that bump the latest music and run until the sun comes up. What’s more is that Orlando’s mega theme parks are just an hour’s drive inland, so get ready to party-hardy before returning to the daily humdrums of school or work.
Though a longer drive out than most spring break destinations, it’s definitely well worth a visit for any party-loving youngin' hoping to spend a much-deserved week away in the glorious, sunbaked Key West – i.e. the southernmost point in the continental United States. Let’s just say that life in the Florida Keys screams diversity, so leave all that baggage behind and just bring plenty of sunscreen, as well as a willingness to try anything and everything!
Forget the rules and embrace a variety of local activities like an awesome sunset celebration, bar hopping until 4 a.m. at spots such as the Schooner Wharf Bar or the Green Parrot, kicking it down on Duval Street or Mallory Square, soaking up hot sun at Smathers Beach, or by checking out the fabulous Lower Keys along the way. And as they say, what happens in Key West always stays in Key West. What are you waiting for?!
Known as the granddaddy and king of all spring break destinations, this one of a kind Miami hotspot is basically an amusement park built solely for the over-21 crowd, as you’ll find beach-bound babes and bums flocking over from all around the globe come March, all looking to have themselves a good old time under the hot Florida sun.
Sip on mojitos beneath swaying palm trees, cruise around in cherry-red convertibles, stare in wonder at the unique architecture of various Art Deco buildings, and join in on the fun at the district’s many lively bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and clubs-- all of which are just a few footsteps away from one of the best beaches in the world. It’s no wonder why South Beach is often referred to as “America's Riviera.” This place trendy, hip, and the first-class choice for any spring break extravaganza.
Another one of Florida’s most sizzling spring break destination, this "Spring Break Capital" welcomes just about a half a million spring breakers each and every year. Not only do hotshot companies like Banana Boat, GEICO, and Victoria Secret regularly sponsor special events and hand out freebies in the area, but you’ll also find almost thirty miles of sugary white sands to explore, as well as plenty of places offering booze, wild contests, and the ultimate chance to party hard. Added bonus? MTV is usually on hand to provide plenty of live entertainment. Yowza.
There’s nothing like the mix of beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters and powdery white-sands — and that’s exactly what you’ll find at St. Pete-Clearwater area beaches, which have been called the most beautiful in all of Florida. Try Caladesi Island, America's number one beach, or the neighboring Honeymoon Island southward to Clearwater Beach and Egmont Key. Not only are the shores crystal clear and gorgeous, but they also offer tons to see and do for any spring break crowd.
After partying it up on the main beach, try trickling off to some of the Gulf Coast’s other prettiest spots, such as Fort Desoto. You’ll also be just half an hour away from Tampa's Busch Gardens or The Florida Aquarium, as well as a little under two hour drive from Orlando's trio of mega attractions — Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. Fun, for sure.
Surf through your spring break at none other than the surfing capital of Florida, where you can gear up at the Original Ron Jon Surf Shop, the only 24-hour surf shop in the state. The beaches in this area are also extremely lively come Spring Break time, and over the years, the small town has continued to accommodate and cater to the needs and wants of young people wanting just to get away and have a good time.
Make sure to watch a rocket launch at the nearby Kennedy Space Center, or to take a cruise on a Disney ship. You’ll also be super close to popular attractions in Central Florida, so get ready to keep busy.
This article was written by Pamela Chan.
March 04, 2021