Florida is legendary for its stunning seashores and heat sunny days. The Sunshine State boasts lengthy stretches of sandy shoreline, good for a tropical getaway. It’s no marvel why a Florida spring break is so standard.
Spring break is a good time of 12 months to plan an escape to paradise. Whereas 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 at all times makes Florida an attractive spot for a calming trip with the little ones. Whether or not 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 desire. Listed below are all the very best Florida spring break locations for the entire household.
Florida Spring Break FAQ
Q: The place can I’m going in Florida to keep away from school spring break crowds?
A: Should 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 Seaside and Clearwater Seaside are thought of a number of the favourite shores for youngsters and the entire clan to go to.
Q: The place do school college students go for spring break in school?
A: School college students have a popularity for heading to Florida to let free and get together throughout spring break. The seashores most identified for extra wild habits are Key West, Panama Metropolis Seaside, and naturally, Miami. It’s higher to remain clear of those coasts when you may have any little ones in tow.
We are able to attest to this as a result of Adam and I each got here to Panama Metropolis seaside spring break in school. I got here to Florida throughout spring break in school twice, really.
Q: What vacation spot in Florida is the most well-liked for spring break?
A: The most well-liked vacation spot in Florida for spring break is usually considered Orlando. It continues to be on the high of the listing 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. That is in all probability 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 buying and eating district, and a golf course alone. It’s simple, although expensive, to spend a complete week inside this magical wonderland.
Orlando can also be house to the beloved Common Orlando. Apart from these action-filled sights, you may as well discover a various vary of world-class eating places, retailers, and resorts. Extra off-the-beaten-path spots which are additionally superb for any little ones embrace the Crayola Expertise, the Wheel at Icon Park, and the Sea Life Aquarium. No matter finances, one thing awaits in Orlando for everybody.
We propose saving a day or two to go to a number of the greatest seashores close to Disney World. There are a number of seashores simply an hour away which are well 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 such a lot of stroller guidelines. You wouldn’t wish to get to Disney and have your stroller turned away.
2. St. Petersburg/Clearwater
St. Pete Seaside and the shut by Clearwater Seaside are each thought of hotspots for households on spring break. It’s identified for its scenic Gulf shoreline marked by smooth 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 ebook excursions and classes or hire tools. to get out on the waves.
From outside journey on the Weedon Island Protect, Sunken Gardens, and the Florida Botanical Gardens to state-of-the-art cultural sights 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 Seaside Home Suites. There are tons of issues to do in St. Petersburg too. You’ll be able to select to remain in both metropolis. You’ll be able to simply drive between the 2 cities.
3. Tampa
Tampa has earned a popularity as a cosmopolitan coastal metropolis with a retro model. Busch Gardens is likely one of the hottest locations to go for a very good time right here, particularly for any daredevils and thrill seekers. The river stroll can also 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 trendy tradition, all with Cuban affect. There are many choices for nature lovers too. You’ll be able to spot native wildlife or hike and bike by way of the luxurious panorama on the Hillsborough River State Park or the Lettuce Lake Park. All ages can get pleasure from exploring all Tampa has to supply. Plus, there are comfy lodging for each finances and curiosity.
4. Cocoa Seaside
Cocoa Seaside is likely one of the calmer Florida seashores to go to throughout spring break. It’s set alongside what’s generally known as the House Coast. As such, the Kennedy House Middle is effectively price 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 artistic neighborhood to wander by way of as effectively.
Should you favor to get off the sand and out of the solar, there are such a lot of different thrilling actions to strive. You’ll be able to meet a number of the cutest mild creatures of the ocean on the Manatee Sanctuary Park. Mini Golf can also be a preferred pastime right here, and there are a number of kitschy programs to select from. The large and iconic Ron Jon Surf Store is a necessary cease whereas in Cocoa Seaside for all of your beach-going requirements, from sports activities gear to memento towels.
5. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is positioned 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 eating places in Fort Myers too. The clear waters listed here are identified for accommodating a variety of enjoyable water sports activities, from deep sea fishing to wave working. You may as well cruise on eco-friendly dolphin excursions to see a number of the most well-known marine residents right here.
You’ll be able to study extra in regards to the enchanting pure panorama of Fort Myers by testing Ostego Bay Marine Science Middle and the Matanzas Go Protect. There are additionally fascinating archeological stays to find on the 1900s Mound Home. After all, a day merely spent absorbing some sunshine on the lengthy stretches of shoreline at all times guarantees a tremendous time as effectively.
***Replace*** The image above was taken earlier than Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022. Hurricane Ian devastated most of Fort Myers Seaside, Sanibel Island, and Captiva. The Fort Myers space is one in every of our favourite locations in Florida and probably the greatest Florida spring break locations. We can not wait to revisit once more quickly.
6. Sarasota
Sarasota is a bustling hub supreme for a household Florida spring break alongside the Gulf of Mexico. The sugar sands and crystal clear waters are positively the primary draw right here. The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is bound to entertain the children for hours, particularly when the lovable otters are round. Needless to say 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 beautiful. There are a number of gardens, eating places, and museums to discover, such because the John and Mable Ringling Museum and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You’ll be able to even take in the tradition on the Sarasota Opera Home and the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Middle. Myakka State Park can also be one of many greatest and oldest pure areas of its type in your entire state.
7. Daytona Seaside
Daytona Seaside is positioned alongside Florida’s Atlantic coast and is thought for its colourful tradition, world-class facilities, and historic downtown. Whereas it could be most well-known for NASCAR, because it’s house to the Worldwide Speedway, there’s a lot extra to find on this metropolis. There are 23 miles of lovely white sandy seashores, typically with 4x4s cruising up and down them. The colourful boardwalk right here is the center of the entire city. You’ll be able to at all times 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 sights for a youthful viewers, just like the Angel & Phelps Chocolate Manufacturing facility. All year long, you’ll be able to attend all types of celebratory festivities and occasions right here, akin to Shrimp and Seafood Fest or Artwork Competition Wine Stroll. Many come right here to buy till they drop as effectively, with unbiased boutiques and shops galore.
8. Key Largo
Set within the Higher 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.
Should you don’t wish to scuba, snorkeling and glass backside boating are different favourite pastimes to strive right here too. The Everglades Nationwide Park is about simply outdoors of Key Largo for anybody eager on extra outside 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 a very good 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 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. Right here you’ll be able to see plenty of the native marine life, together with dolphins and stingrays. There are such a lot of issues to do in Destin you’ll by no means get bored.
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk at all times makes for a quaint and exquisite afternoon on the seaside as effectively. Henderson Seaside State Park is house to some spectacular sand dunes and wonderful nature walks. The Large Kahuna Water Park boasts thrilling slides, waterfalls, and swimming pools for splashing round away from the ocean. You’ll be able to study extra in regards to the native historical past of this charming hamlet on the Destin Historical past and Fishing Museum.
10. Pensacola
Pensacola is positioned 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 are designed only for youngsters right here, so the entire household is bound to have a blast.
The Pensacola Youngsters’s Museum is straightforward, however youthful guests will even love climbing aboard actual fighter jets on the Nationwide Naval Aviation Museum. The historic downtown affords loads of methods to spend a while wandering quaint streets and popping into native unbiased retailers. The Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore is a pristine and guarded stretch of coast for climbing, admiring the surroundings, and recognizing native wildlife.
