Best Florida Destinations for Spring Break

As spring break nears and many look for places to travel with their friends and/or family, many find Florida on top of their list. As one of the longest states in the United States, Florida has a plethora of entertainment options on every corner. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation, a thrilling ride, or a week-long party, Florida has something for everyone, you just have to pick the right spot. As someone who has lived in Florida my entire life and explored each beach and backroad, I have found the best Florida Destinations for spring break and love helping others find the best destination for them and their family. Let’s explore 5 of the best destinations for spring break so you can book your flight and get down to business. 

5 Key West, Florida

Last on the list of best Florida Destinations for Spring Break is Key West. Many people from young to old aren’t into the crazy party scene and dangerous thrills, and that is okay. However, that is no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy spring break travel like everyone else. If you are looking for a low-key spring break trip, Key West is the perfect place for you. Key West is all the way at the end of Florida and about a 3 hour drive from Miami. Here you will find beautiful calm beaches and many historic landmarks. Since the beaches won’t be as packed as in other parts of the state, you can take part in many water adventures, such as snorkeling with bright-colored fish and kayaking through mangroves. 

Apart from beach activities, Key West is home to the shipwreck museum, southernmost point, Hemingway House, and Harry Truman’s Little white house. These places are perfect for the history buff in your group and make your spring break a learning experience and a trip to the past. If you are looking for a mild party, head to Duval Street where you’ll find many exciting bars and events that take place throughout the spring. If you’ve got more to spend, you can take a sunset cruise on a catamaran or take a sailboat to Dry Tortugas National Park. There is so much to do in Key West. Though it is not the stereotypical spring break, it is the perfect spring break for the calm and mellow travelers looking to explore the southernmost town in the United States. 

4 Panama City Beach, Florida

Located in Florida’s panhandle, between Tallahassee and Pensacola, Panama City Beach is one of the most famous Florida destinations for spring break. Since the 80s, Panama City Beach has hosted a plethora of parties for college students and party lovers all over the United States. After all, it is the spring break capital of the world. Not only is there a plethora of parties on the shore, but Panama City’s waters offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in watersports. This means jet skiing, wakeboarding, yachting, parasailing, and overall fun in the sun. 

Outside of the sandy side of Panama City Beach, you’ll also top top-tier amusement at the exciting pier park. There you will find a Ferris wheel, plenty of stores to shop, and fun arcades to spend all night playing. There is plenty to do and so many exciting ways to spend your week here at Panama City Beach. 

However, the reason it is number four on the list is because of the crowd. Though it is the spring break capital of the world, I wouldn’t name it number one simply because it isn’t for everyone. Panama City Beach is solely for party-goers, and the crowds can get overwhelming and dangerous if you bring anyone unprepared for it. So I recommend Panama City beach if you are looking for a full week of partying on the beach and unadulterated fun. Otherwise, check out the other locations on the list that suit your spring break travel goals. 

3 St Petersburg, Florida

The third of the best Florida Destinations for Spring Break is St. Petersburg Florida. St Petersburg is located on the west coast of Florida and offers a beautiful experience for beachgoers. Because the city is on the west coast, you’ll find gorgeous white powdery sands and glistening blue warm waters. If you are looking for a beach town without the crowd of major spring break attractions, you’ll find a moderate crowd level here and hours of relaxation. Since the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico spread throughout the beach, you can take advantage of water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating. These all make for a memorable beach experience for both young children and adults. 

If you are missing the excitement of the usual spring break, you don’t have to go too far. About forty minutes from the beach of St Pete, you’ll find the exciting theme park Busch Gardens Tampa. Busch Gardens Tampa is filled with safari-themed roller coasters mimicking the speeds of cheetahs and strong ocean waves. Admission to Busch Gardens is significantly cheaper than theme parks in other parts of the state, so if you are looking for both relaxation and thrills in the same week while saving a few dollars. St Petersburg Florida is the place to be. 

2 Miami, Florida

Miami Florida fits every image that has been painted of the city, from Miami Vice, to Will Smith’s Welcome to Miami and MTV’s spring breakers. Miami is the perfect location for any spring break travelers looking for an exciting party with exciting people. During spring break South Beach is full of travelers looking for a party on the warm sands of Miami and a great opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime party. After the sun sets and the beaches clear out, the same strip of ocean drive is filled with clubs and all night Latin dancing. Miami is a lively city all year round but is heightened during spring break. If you are looking for gorgeous beaches and a party you’ll never forget, you’ll find everything you want in Miami.

If a party isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy everything Miami has to offer. Other than the beach, Miami is filled with luxury shopping malls, historic Cuban streets, and beautiful landmarks. If you are a foodie excited to try new things, you’ll be delighted to find authentic Latin food straight from countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. There are also many museums to indulge in and many sporting events taking place in the spring.

All in all, Miami has something for every single person. Miami is a bustling city full of life, flavor, and culture, and there is always a party to take part in. I recommend Miami Florida during the spring break for everyone. Not just for partiers, this city also has an extensive history and provides a once in a lifetime experience for those around the world. 

1 Orlando, Florida

Orlando Florida is the number one best Florida destination for Spring Break. Orlando has everything anyone could be looking for for their week break. If you are looking for a thrill, you can travel to distant worlds for a quarter of the cost. Do this by visiting either Universal Orlando theme park or Walt Disney World. These theme parks are perfect for both college students looking for excitement and families looking to bond. It will surely be an unforgettable trip for everyone involved. 

Orlando Florida, though in Florida happens to be an hour away from any beach. However, if you are craving water, sand, and a tropical paradise, you can find yourself at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park like no other. With a giant volcano and pool leading into a sandy shore, it gives you the feel of being on a tropical island. All without the cost of such a flight or the need to renew your passport. Along with this, you’ll find water coasters and exciting slides everyone will love. 

Apart from the main attractions, the city of Orlando is filled with a plethora of activities to fill your week-long vacation. From exciting nightlife in the downtown area, museums, and smaller theme parks, Orlando Florida proves to be the best Florida destination for Spring Break. 

Here is a tips and tricks list for those going to Disney World this spring break!

Where will you go?

Now that you have everything you need to know about the 5 best Florida destinations for spring break, you can book your flight and follow your heart. There are many corners of the state of Florida and each of them offers a completely different energy for travelers. In my years, I have found that Florida has something for everyone and it definitely has a place for you and your spring break trip. All you have to do now is decide which one is best for you and your group, the sand and the excitement are waiting for you!

If you are looking to leave the United States for Spring Break instead. Here is a top 5 list of the best European destinations for spring!