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 isn’t any marvel why a Florida spring break is so fashionable.
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 may get pleasure from a visit to those salty seafronts.
The year-round heat climate all the time makes Florida an attractive spot for a calming trip with the little ones. Whether you’re searching for an action-packed itinerary in a giant metropolis or searching for peace on a extra tranquil waterfront, there’s one thing for each plan and choice. Here are all the very best 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 of a few of the favourite shores for kids 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 repute for heading to Florida to let unfastened and social gathering throughout spring break. The seashores most identified for extra wild habits are Key West, Panama City Beach, and naturally, Miami. It’s higher to remain clear of those coasts when you might have 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, really.
Q: What vacation spot in Florida is the preferred for spring break?
A: The hottest vacation spot in Florida for spring break is usually regarded as Orlando. It continues to be on the high of the checklist for all kinds of vacationers and has been classically thought of an iconic location for all ages.
1. Orlando
Orlando is likely 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, after all, essentially the most well-known. This globally iconic vacation spot consists of three journey parks, two water parks, a procuring and eating district, and a golf course alone. It’s simple, although expensive, to spend a complete week inside this magical wonderland.
Orlando can be residence to the beloved Universal Orlando. Aside from these action-filled points of interest, it’s also possible to discover a various vary of world-class eating places, outlets, and resorts. More off-the-beaten-path spots which can be additionally wonderful for any little ones embody the Crayola Experience, the Wheel at Icon Park, and the Sea Life Aquarium. Regardless of funds, one thing awaits in Orlando for everybody.
We recommend saving a day or two to go to a few of the greatest seashores close to Disney World. There are a number of seashores simply an hour away which can be definitely worth the journey.
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 wish to get to Disney and have your stroller turned away.
2. St. Petersburg/Clearwater
St. Pete Beach and the shut by Clearwater Beach are each thought of hotspots for households on spring break. It’s identified for its scenic Gulf shoreline marked by comfortable 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 gear. 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 likely 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 repute as a cosmopolitan coastal metropolis with a retro fashion. Busch Gardens is likely 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 procuring, and chowing down on a few 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 via the luxurious 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 snug lodging for each funds and curiosity.
4. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is likely one of the calmer Florida seashores to go to throughout spring break. It’s set alongside what’s generally known as 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 every week of sunbathing, browsing, swimming, and strolling alongside the world-famous pier. The historic Cocoa Village is a quaint inventive group to wander via as effectively.
If you favor to get off the sand and out of the solar, there are such a lot of different thrilling actions to attempt. You can meet a few 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 a vital cease whereas in Cocoa Beach for all of your beach-going requirements, from sports activities gear to memento towels.
5. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is situated on Estero Island, simply off the southwest coast of Florida. It’s a small seaside city with loads of allure, and there are some nice restaurants in Fort Myers too. The clear waters listed below are identified for accommodating a variety of enjoyable water sports activities, from deep sea fishing to wave working. You may cruise on eco-friendly dolphin excursions to see a few of the most well-known marine residents right here.
You can be taught extra concerning 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 a tremendous 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 considered one of our favourite locations in Florida and probably the greatest Florida spring break locations. We can’t wait to revisit once more quickly.
6. Sarasota
Sarasota is a bustling hub best 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 proper spot to spend a day filled with surf and sunshine.
The sweeping views of the waterfront and skyline from Sarasota are gorgeous. There are quite a lot 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 type in the whole state.
7. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is situated alongside Florida’s Atlantic coast and is thought for its colourful tradition, world-class facilities, and historic downtown. While it could be most well-known for NASCAR, because it’s residence to the International Speedway, there’s a lot extra to find on this metropolis. There are 23 miles of gorgeous white sandy seashores, usually with 4x4s cruising up and down them. The vibrant boardwalk right here is the center of the entire city. You can all the time discover themed rides, arcades, and dwell 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 may attend every kind of celebratory festivities and occasions right here, equivalent 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 title Key Largo really interprets to lengthy key in Spanish. It affords 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 wish to scuba, snorkeling and glass backside boating are different favourite pastimes to attempt right here too. The Everglades National Park is about 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 wish to chow down on contemporary seafood as they watch the colourful sundown over the ocean. After a busy day, head to one of many greatest eating places in Key Largo, our private favourite is Buzzard’s Roost.
On our final three journeys, we drove from Miami to Key West and spent just a few nights in Key Largo. There are tons of issues to do in Key Largo, so it’s best to remain just a few nights earlier than driving straight all the way down to Key West.
9. Destin
Destin guarantees time for all ages whereas vacationing on a Florida spring break journey. In what’s generally known as the panhandle, this northeastern Florida hotspot is a vibrant metropolis for each enjoyable and taking part in. 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 may see lots 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 residence to some spectacular sand dunes and beautiful 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 concerning 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 greatest 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 also love climbing aboard actual fighter jets on the National Naval Aviation Museum. The historic downtown affords 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 climbing, admiring the surroundings, and recognizing native wildlife.