Florida is legendary for its lovely seashores and heat sunny days. The Sunshine State boasts lengthy stretches of sandy shoreline, excellent for a tropical getaway. It’s no marvel why a Florida spring break is so standard.
Spring break is a superb time of yr 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 soothing trip with the little ones. Whether or not you’re searching for an action-packed itinerary in an enormous metropolis or looking for peace on a extra tranquil waterfront, there’s one thing for each plan and desire. Listed here are all one of the best Florida spring break locations for the entire household.
Florida Spring Break FAQ
Q: The place can I am going in Florida to keep away from faculty spring break crowds?
A: Should you’re hoping to keep away from crowds of partying faculty children throughout spring break in Florida, there are many family-friendly locations to go. Cocoa Seashore and Clearwater Seashore are thought of a number of the favourite shores for kids and the entire clan to go to.
Q: The place do faculty college students go for spring break in faculty?
A: School college students have a status for heading to Florida to let free and celebration throughout spring break. The seashores most recognized for extra wild habits are Key West, Panama Metropolis Seashore, and naturally, Miami. It’s higher to remain clear of those coasts when you may have any little ones in tow.
We will attest to this as a result of Adam and I each got here to Panama Metropolis seashore spring break in faculty. I got here to Florida throughout spring break in faculty twice, really.
Q: What vacation spot in Florida is the preferred for spring break?
A: The preferred 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 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 stuffed 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 purchasing and eating district, and a golf course alone. It’s straightforward, although dear, to spend an entire week inside this magical wonderland.
Orlando can also be house to the beloved Common Orlando. Other than these action-filled points of interest, it’s also possible to discover a numerous vary of world-class eating places, retailers, and resorts. Extra off-the-beaten-path spots which can be additionally wonderful for any little ones embrace the Crayola Expertise, the Wheel at Icon Park, and the Sea Life Aquarium. No matter funds, one thing awaits in Orlando for everybody.
We propose 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.
If you’re taking a household spring break to Florida and visiting Disney with youthful children, learn our Disney stroller article. There are such a lot of stroller guidelines. You wouldn’t need to get to Disney and have your stroller turned away.
2. St. Petersburg/Clearwater
St. Pete Seashore and the shut by Clearwater Seashore are each thought of hotspots for households on spring break. It’s recognized for its scenic Gulf shoreline marked by gentle 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 straightforward to guide excursions and classes or hire tools. to get out on the waves.
From out of doors journey on the Weedon Island Protect, 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 seashore on the Seashore Home Suites. There are tons of issues to do in St. Petersburg too. You may select to remain in both metropolis. You may simply drive between the 2 cities.
3. Tampa
Tampa has earned a status 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 purchasing, 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 many choices for nature lovers too. You may 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 funds and curiosity.
4. Cocoa Seashore
Cocoa Seashore is likely one of the calmer Florida seashores to go to throughout spring break. It’s set alongside what’s referred to as the Area Coast. As such, the Kennedy Area Heart is nicely 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 inventive neighborhood to wander by way of as nicely.
Should you desire to get off the sand and out of the solar, there are such a lot of different thrilling actions to strive. You may 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 huge and iconic Ron Jon Surf Store is a necessary cease whereas in Cocoa Seashore 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 allure, and there are some nice eating places in Fort Myers too. The clear waters listed here are recognized for accommodating a variety of enjoyable water sports activities, from deep sea fishing to wave operating. You too can cruise on eco-friendly dolphin excursions to see a number of the most well-known marine residents right here.
You may be taught extra concerning the enchanting pure panorama of Fort Myers by testing Ostego Bay Marine Science Heart and the Matanzas Go Protect. There are additionally fascinating archeological stays to find on the 1900s Mound Home. In fact, a day merely spent absorbing some sunshine on the lengthy stretches of shoreline at all times guarantees a tremendous time as nicely.
***Replace*** The image above was taken earlier than Hurricane Ian hit in September 2022. Hurricane Ian devastated most of Fort Myers Seashore, Sanibel Island, and Captiva. The Fort Myers space is one in all our favourite locations in Florida and the most effective Florida spring break locations. We can’t wait to revisit once more quickly.
6. Sarasota
Sarasota is a bustling hub perfect 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 certain to entertain the children for hours, particularly when the lovable otters are round. Remember that Bayfront Park is the right spot to spend a day stuffed 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 may even absorb the tradition on the Sarasota Opera Home and the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Heart. Myakka State Park can also be one of many greatest and oldest pure areas of its sort in your complete state.
7. Daytona Seashore
Daytona Seashore is positioned alongside Florida’s Atlantic coast and is understood for its colourful tradition, world-class facilities, and historic downtown. Whereas it might 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 gorgeous white sandy seashores, usually with 4x4s cruising up and down them. The colourful boardwalk right here is the center of the entire city. You may 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 points of interest for a youthful viewers, just like the Angel & Phelps Chocolate Manufacturing unit. All year long, you’ll be able to attend every kind 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 nicely, with unbiased boutiques and retailers galore.
8. Key Largo
Set within the Higher Florida Keys, the identify 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 folks 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 need 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 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 contemporary 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.
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 right 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 referred to as the panhandle, this northeastern Florida hotspot is a vibrant metropolis for each stress-free 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. Right here you’ll be able to see lots 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 delightful afternoon on the seaside as nicely. Henderson Seashore State Park is house to some spectacular sand dunes and beautiful nature walks. The Huge Kahuna Water Park boasts thrilling slides, waterfalls, and swimming pools for splashing round away from the ocean. You may be taught extra concerning 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 finest spots for a seaside spring break. There’s a slew of actions which can be designed only for children right here, so the entire household is certain to have a blast.
The Pensacola Youngsters’s Museum is simple, however youthful guests can 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.
