11 Best Florida Cities For Spring Vacation
Florida is a truly diverse state as a party mecca, a place of high-end living, and in possession of some cool, tranquil hotspots to suit any taste when choosing how to spend one's week or two away from studies. Whether looking to relax, chill out, or chillax, these cities have got it all as the best places to get out for a memorable spring break vacation.
Daytona Beach
The sun-soaked city known as "The World's Most Famous Beach" is filled with people who know how to party, perfect for like-minded spring breakers. One can easily make new acquaintances at the Main Street Pier, known as the spot for its own kind of "networking'. There are unique festivities geared to spring-breakers' culture, such as the Daytona 500 and the street celebrations of Bike Week in mid-March for the active among the crowd. The 23-mile stretch of lush white-sanded beaches calls for some R&R and sun-soaking to perfect one's tan. There is also a wide array of choices for the happening nightlife spots, including the Seabreeze Taphouse with great craft beers, the 509 Lounge with colorful cocktails, and the Razzles with one of the biggest dance floors around. The Daytona party bus is a free-ride service into town.
Anna Maria
Anna Maria is a rare find as a perfect spring-breaker's vacation getaway without the big crowds innate to such destinations. As a seven-mile island, there are various beaches, from secluded hideaways to proper-fashioned ones that call for all-night fun. The nearby Egmont Key National Wildlife Reserve has only boat access for an adventure in solitude with nature during the day before the wild night spent partying. Lacking in big chains and high-rise buildings-departments, the small-town feel of the island also comes with horseback rides and dolphin spotting from the beach for a laid-back pastime that is adored by couples. The various unique festivals throughout the year include the "Symphony on the Sand" with live music, all the food imaginable, and art. There are also art galleries, museums, and aquariums, while taking the free Monkey bus trolley with live music, running every 20 minutes, is a must in-town to go along with the spring break theme.
Fort Lauderdale
Hosting spring breakers since 1930, Fort Lauderdale is a hotspot home to the coolest beaches in the nation and much lower prices than its southern neighbor of Miami. For the few who look to feel rejuvenated during a spring break or some R&R after all the fun of the sleepless nights prior to returning home, the Harbor Beach Spa is one of the state's best. It is widely known for the outrageous beach scene and vibrant nightlife with many nightclubs all within walking distance of each other and places without rowdy beach meet-ups. The bustling beach scene next to the noteworthy nightlife of the sun-kissed vibes of Fort Lauderdale town comes inclusive with chilling in cool spots like the Broward County beach bars, including the Elbo Room on Beach Boulevard. The Las Olas Boulevard, known as "The Strip," contains all of the area's hotspots.
Fort Myers
A fort in the 19th century before its abandonment in 1958, it was named after Colonel Abraham C. Myers, while in 1863, during the American Civil War, it was occupied by Union forces, still blissfully ignorant of its coming fame as a hotspot for tourists and spring-breakers. Fort Myers Beach on Florida's southwest Gulf coast is known for the excellent weather and idyllic beaches suitable to crowds with various interests. For the party-focused spring breakers, there are mecca hotspots along the beach that are home to some of the largest and most high-energy parties with beach games, prizes, and live entertainment, including top DJs that hold the crowd throughout the nights. The low-key spring breakers can seek out the quaint stretches of sand, perfect for soaking in the sun rays along with the salty breeze and waters. There is also a myriad of fishing and shopping opportunities in Fort Myers.
Jacksonville
The largest city by area in the continental U.S., Jacksonville is home to a stunning coastline and a range of outdoor adventures, making it the most underrated spring break paradise in Florida. Full of discoveries, one can get in touch with nature at the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, which is perfect for couples' strolls or relaxing with a book in the surroundings of art created by nature and humans. The Talbot Island State Park is one of the state's few undeveloped barrier islands with hike trails and dunes perfect for the active or as a hideaway for the romantics of the spring break crowd. After a day full of the much needed after studies, doing nothing, the city becomes a mecca of a buzzing craft beer scene and cosmopolitan nightlife upon sundown. Many popular bars on the beach come with live music, while there are also state parks, museums, restaurants, and golf waiting to be enjoyed without all the crowds. The secluded Amelia Island is only 45 minutes south, known as one of the prettiest islands in Florida.
Key Largo
Key Largo with a claim to fame as the cool urban jungle is known for partying along with the spectacular underwater adventures at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The first underwater park in the United States, there is diving into a world of tropical marine life, including turtles, tropical fish, and dolphins, for a unique experience during a spring break. The true animal lovers will also rejoice at the opportunity to swim alongside the dolphins. Boasting a buzzing nightlife scene, Key Largo is home to the happening Caribbean Club comprising an old dive bar on Florida bay with tasty cocktails intermixed with hazy sunsets. The Breezer's Tiki Bar is perfect for the stars of the dance floor, while the scenic dock at Sharkey's Pub & Galley Restaurant gives off the chilled-out end-of-the-night vibe with beautiful ocean views that creates memories to reminisce.
Key West
The southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West boasts a year-round party vibe with a diverse and laid-back charm where nothing is off-the-table for the perfect way to spend one's spring break vacation. The colourful vibe on the famous Duval Street comes from the free-spirited locals and visitors alike, along with the plenty of attractions and entertainment options, such as beach bars and restaurants. The Mallory Square is known for the nightly sunset celebrations, while the Smathers Beach is ideal for soaking up some vitamin D. Although slightly longer drive away, the dedicated spring breakers will enjoy the incredibly scenic ride to Key West, and find everything they are looking for at location, including boat-hopping and bar-hopping until 5 am. There are the beaches' crystal-clear waters, the Dante's bar cocktails and pool parties, and the glass-bottomed boat riding the welcoming waves, while in town, only flip-flops and an open-minded attitude is accepted.
Miami
The premier getaway for realizing the "fresh mojito-sipping under a palm tree swaying in the sea breeze" spring break trademark, Miami is a vibrant mix of cultures, stylish sidewalk cafes, and Art Deco architecture, to make it feel like visiting a destination far away. The prepped South Beach and bars brim with beautiful people and celebrities along its pristine shores known as the "America's Riviera". The trendy and chic downtown including the scenic Ocean Drive is filled with outdoor cafes heeled with a well-off crowd. The list of energetic nightclubs is too extensive, along with the abundance of land and water-based activities for the more laid-back crowd. The Wynwood Arts District features incredible street art to stroll along, while the great museums include the Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Science Museum. There are art galleries, showrooms, boutiques, and cultural events throughout the year on the colorful streets. Little Havana is a vibrant district of Cuban flavor filled with lively bars, tasty authentic eateries, and music venues showcasing the best of Latin style.
Naples
This paradise for nature lovers with 30 miles of white sandy beaches and bright blue waters is perfect for relaxing on the beach or some fun through the night along the same shore. Set picturesquely along the Gulf Coast, days can be spent lounging at the Lowdermilk Beach, swimming at the shady Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, or utilizing the slides at the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon to the heart's content. The Naples Beach Brewery is a great get-together over a couple of beers, following an explorative outing to the nearby Everglades National Park or a pastime with a book at the floral-filled Naples Botanical Garden. Possessing an upscale vibe, there are plenty of waterfront dining options specializing in fresh seafood and the best sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The Naples Pier is one of the most tranquil spots in town and state, offering strolls in the sunshine to the sounds of calming waters and sightings of dolphins. In-town, one will find dozens of extravagant homes, high-end art galleries, chic and trendy boutiques along the legendary Fifth Avenue South.
Orlando
If one has not been to Orlando, one has not experienced Florida of endless nights on the vibrant beaches, back-dropped by the famed attractions. The theme park capital drawing large crowds for spring break contains all the soul desires after tedious studies, with Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Legoland adored by all ages. There's Epcot hosting the International Flower and Garden Festival in March, and Universal Studio's Mardi Gras from February through April. For everyday, there are countless breweries in the area to unwind. The incredible selection of restaurants offers everything from BBQ joints for a quick filling bite to exquisite fine dining establishments, with cuisine varying from Southern to innovative farm-to-table dishes, to internationally themed. There's the Chocolate Kingdom, the Orlando Magic home game, the Kennedy Space Center, the Bok Towers, the Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Lake Eola Park for more activities. For adrenaline junkies, there are Gatorland and airboat rides through Florida's swamps, while the science museum offers rope obstacle courses, zip lines, and laser tag.
St. Petersburg
Known for the blissful beaches and wonderful downtown scene with historically marvelous structures, St. Pete is beautiful inside and out for the picture-perfect spring break that will be imprinted in one's memory. Inclusive with top-rated attractions and recreational options in the vicinity, there is Fort De Soto Park, Madeira Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Treasure Island, while the populated St. Pete Beach is great for everyday mingling and lounging around with a newfound crowd. The marvelous Salvador Dali Museum offers artwork to browse for hours, while the tropical plants in Sunken Gardens give off a true relaxation vibe for all senses when cozying up with a book or taking a stroll with a special someone. Set along miles of white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg is an LGTBQ-friendly hotspot with a laid-back vibe, along with renowned nightlife in downtown comprised of the best bars and clubs in the area.
While spring break feels too short, one can make it last forever during the seemingly endless nights on the beaches of one of these cities. The too-long list of daytime activities to engage in will make one feel overwhelmed upon barely scratching the surface and with a lifetime of memories to bring back.
