Florida is known for its lovely seashores and heat sunny days. The Sunshine State boasts lengthy stretches of sandy shoreline, excellent for a tropical getaway. It is not any marvel why a Florida spring break is so in style.
Spring break is a superb time of yr to plan an escape to paradise. While the month of March can get crowded right here, there are nonetheless loads of Florida spring break locations the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a visit to those salty seafronts.
The year-round heat climate all the time makes Florida an attractive spot for a soothing trip with the little ones. Whether you’re in search of an action-packed itinerary in an enormous metropolis or searching for peace on a extra tranquil waterfront, there’s one thing for each plan and desire. Here are all the most effective Florida spring break locations for the entire household.
Florida Spring Break FAQ
Q: Where can I’m going in Florida to keep away from school spring break crowds?
A: If you’re hoping to keep away from crowds of partying school youngsters throughout spring break in Florida, there are many family-friendly locations to go. Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach are thought-about a number of the favourite shores for youngsters and the entire clan to go to.
Q: Where do school college students go for spring break in school?
A: College college students have a fame for heading to Florida to let free and occasion throughout spring break. The seashores most recognized for extra wild conduct are Key West, Panama City Beach, and naturally, Miami. It’s higher to remain clear of those coasts when you’ve any little ones in tow.
We can attest to this as a result of Adam and I each got here to Panama City seaside throughout spring break in school. I got here to Florida throughout spring break in school twice, truly.Â
Q: What vacation spot in Florida is the preferred for spring break?
A: The hottest vacation spot in Florida for spring break is often considered Orlando. It continues to be on the prime of the listing for all kinds of vacationers and has been classically thought-about an iconic location for all ages.
1. Orlando
Orlando is without doubt one of the hottest spring break locations in all of Florida. This might be as a result of it’s packed filled with thrilling theme parks. Walt Disney World is, in fact, probably the most well-known. This globally iconic vacation spot contains three journey parks, two water parks, a buying and eating district, and a golf course alone. It’s simple, although expensive, to spend an entire week inside this magical wonderland.
Orlando can be house to the beloved Universal Orlando. Aside from these action-filled points of interest, you too can discover a various vary of world-class eating places, outlets, and resorts. More off-the-beaten-path spots which can be additionally superb for any little ones embrace the Crayola Experience, the Wheel at Icon Park, and the Sea Life Aquarium. Regardless of finances, one thing awaits in Orlando for everybody.Â
We recommend saving a day or two to go to a number of the finest seashores close to Disney World. There are a number of seashores simply an hour away which can be definitely worth the journey.Â
If you’re taking a household spring break to Florida and visiting Disney with youthful youngsters, learn our Disney stroller article. There are so many stroller guidelines. You wouldn’t need to get to Disney and have your stroller turned away.Â
2. St. Petersburg/Clearwater
St. Pete Beach and the shut by Clearwater Beach are each thought-about hotspots for households on spring break. It’s recognized for its scenic Gulf shoreline marked by delicate white sands and heat azure seas. There are an array of water sports activities to partake in right here, together with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It’s simple to e-book excursions and classes or lease tools. to get out on the waves.
From out of doors journey on the Weedon Island Preserve, Sunken Gardens, and the Florida Botanical Gardens to state-of-the-art cultural points of interest just like the Dali Museum and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, there’s a lot to see and do in Clearwater. Many say watching the sundown from the Clearwater Pier is without doubt one of the most breathtaking sights in the entire state.
On our final household journey to St Petersburg, we stayed on St. Pete seaside on the Beach House Suites. There are tons of issues to do in St. Petersburg too. You can select to remain in both metropolis. You can simply drive between the 2 cities.
Related: Best Beaches in Clearwater
3. Tampa
Tampa has earned a fame as a cosmopolitan coastal metropolis with a retro fashion. Busch Gardens is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go for time right here, particularly for any daredevils and thrill seekers. The river stroll can be completely idyllic to partake in scenic strolls, leisurely buying, and chowing down on a number of the coolest foodie cuisines within the nation.
This metropolis boasts an thrilling mixture of historic structure and fashionable tradition, all with Cuban affect. There are loads of choices for nature lovers too. You can spot native wildlife or hike and bike by means of the plush panorama on the Hillsborough River State Park or the Lettuce Lake Park. Every age can get pleasure from exploring all Tampa has to supply. Plus, there are comfy lodging for each finances and curiosity.
4. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is without doubt one of the calmer Florida seashores to go to throughout spring break. It’s set alongside what’s often called the Space Coast. As such, the Kennedy Space Center is effectively value a go to whereas right here. Many households head over to get pleasure from per week of sunbathing, browsing, swimming, and strolling alongside the world-famous pier. The historic Cocoa Village is a quaint inventive group to wander by means of as effectively.
If you like to get off the sand and out of the solar, there are such a lot of different thrilling actions to strive. You can meet a number of the cutest mild creatures of the ocean on the Manatee Sanctuary Park. Mini Golf can be a well-liked pastime right here, and there are a number of kitschy programs to select from. The huge and iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop is an important cease whereas in Cocoa Beach for all of your beach-going requirements, from sports activities gear to memento towels.
5. Fort MyersÂ
Fort Myers is situated on Estero Island, simply off the southwest coast of Florida. It’s a small seaside city with loads of appeal, and there are some nice restaurants in Fort Myers too. The clear waters listed below are recognized for accommodating a variety of enjoyable water sports activities, from deep sea fishing to wave operating. You also can cruise on eco-friendly dolphin excursions to see a number of the most well-known marine residents right here.
You can be taught extra in regards to the enchanting pure panorama of Fort Myers by testing Ostego Bay Marine Science Center and the Matanzas Pass Preserve. There are additionally fascinating archeological stays to find on the 1900s Mound House. Of course, a day merely spent absorbing some sunshine on the lengthy stretches of shoreline all the time guarantees an incredible time as effectively.
***Update*** The image above was taken earlier than Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022. Hurricane Ian devastated most of Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Captiva. The Fort Myers space is one in all our favourite locations in Florida and among the finest Florida spring break locations. We can’t wait to revisit once more quickly.Â
6. Sarasota
Sarasota is a bustling hub excellent for a household Florida spring break alongside the Gulf of Mexico. The sugar sands and crystal clear waters are undoubtedly the primary draw right here. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is certain to entertain the children for hours, particularly when the lovable otters are round. Keep in thoughts that Bayfront Park is the right spot to spend a day filled with surf and sunshine.
The sweeping views of the waterfront and skyline from Sarasota are beautiful. There are a wide range of gardens, eating places, and museums to discover, such because the John and Mable Ringling Museum and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You may even take in the tradition on the Sarasota Opera House and the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. Myakka State Park can be one of many greatest and oldest pure areas of its variety in the complete state.
7. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is situated alongside Florida’s Atlantic coast and is understood for its colourful tradition, world-class facilities, and historic downtown. While it might be most well-known for NASCAR, because it’s house to the International Speedway, there’s a lot extra to find on this metropolis. There are 23 miles of gorgeous white sandy seashores, typically with 4x4s cruising up and down them. The vibrant boardwalk right here is the guts of the entire city. You can all the time discover themed rides, arcades, and stay music performances alongside it.
Daytona Lagoon Water Park is an effective way to have enjoyable within the solar away from the waterfront. It’s a kid-friendly vacation spot with a number of points of interest for a youthful viewers, just like the Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory. Throughout the yr, you’ll be able to attend all types of celebratory festivities and occasions right here, corresponding to Shrimp and Seafood Fest or Art Festival Wine Walk. Many come right here to buy till they drop as effectively, with unbiased boutiques and retailers galore.
8. Key Largo
Set within the Upper Florida Keys, the identify Key Largo truly interprets to lengthy key in Spanish. It provides a slice of paradise life, boasting scenic beachfront throughout. It’s the self-proclaimed dive capital of the world, and other people flock right here to find the underwater treasures of those calm and clear waters. There’s a pure protected coral reef state park to take a look at, together with the world’s largest synthetic coral reef sight.
If you don’t need to scuba, snorkeling and glass backside boating are different favourite pastimes to strive right here too. The Everglades National Park is ready simply outdoors of Key Largo for anybody eager on extra out of doors adventures like kayaking, fishing, and swimming. It’s additionally the place the place the entire household will need to chow down on recent seafood as they watch the colourful sundown over the ocean. After a busy day, head to one of many finest eating places in Key Largo, our private favourite is Buzzard’s Roost.Â
On our final three journeys, we drove from Miami to Key West and spent a number of nights in Key Largo. There are tons of issues to do in Key Largo, so it’s best to remain a number of nights earlier than driving straight all the way down to Key West.Â
9. Destin
Destin guarantees time for all ages whereas vacationing on a Florida spring break journey. In what’s often called the panhandle, this northeastern Florida hotspot is a vibrant metropolis for each stress-free and enjoying. Many households flock right here for the seashores alone, whether or not it’s for fishing, parasailing, or just sunbathing. For family-friendly enjoyable out of the solar, head to the well-known Gulfarium. Here you’ll be able to see a number of the native marine life, together with dolphins and stingrays. There are so many issues to do in Destin you’ll by no means get bored.
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk all the time makes for a quaint and delightful afternoon on the seaside as effectively. Henderson Beach State Park is house to some spectacular sand dunes and wonderful nature walks. The Big Kahuna Water Park boasts thrilling slides, waterfalls, and swimming pools for splashing round away from the ocean. You can be taught extra in regards to the native historical past of this charming hamlet on the Destin History and Fishing Museum.
Related: Where to seek out the Clearest Water in Florida
10. Pensacola
Pensacola is situated on the tip of the Florida panhandle alongside the Emerald Coast. Named for glowing inexperienced waters, it’s one of many state’s finest spots for a seaside spring break. There’s a slew of actions which can be designed only for youngsters right here, so the entire household is certain to have a blast.
The Pensacola Children’s Museum is straightforward, however youthful guests may even love climbing aboard actual fighter jets on the National Naval Aviation Museum. The historic downtown provides loads of methods to spend a while wandering quaint streets and popping into native unbiased outlets. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a pristine and guarded stretch of coast for mountaineering, admiring the surroundings, and recognizing native wildlife.