Florida, the well known and beloved “Sunshine State” is a popular tourist destination all year round, prized for its wildlife, natural parks and theme parks alike, as well as its vibrant culture and history. It is also now a prized destination for spring break, thanks to its pristine white sand beaches, its entertainment hubs, and its world-renowned theme parks. From relaxing to party vibes, Florida has something for everyone, and its tropical atmosphere is sure to charm you. And to ensure that you make the most of your spring break, we have selected the best destinations that Florida has to offer! Scroll below for the top places to go to during spring break in Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Jacksonville (from USD 250)
Florida’s most populous city, a historic and cultural place, Jacksonville is full of activities and sights to see. Whether you want to explore its quieter side with museums and city parks and gardens, its history with the Kingsley plantation or the 16th-century Fort Caroline, or its nightlife with its several bars and nightclubs. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is also a popular tourist destination. There is much to do for everyone in the great city of Jacksonville!
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Address: 225 East Coastline Drive
284.32 km (176.7 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
2. Universal Orlando Florida (from USD 201)
And finally, what would be a trip to Florida without going to Universal Studios? With attractions from your favorite movies, most notably the Harry Potter saga, Universal Orlando makes for a perfect destination for teens or students in need of thrill and adventure! With tickets starting at 115 USD, it’s worth splurging on, especially since you can also stay on site and soak in the atmosphere all day.
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Address: 6550 Adventure Way
142.39 km (88.5 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
3. Anna Maria Island (from USD 237)
This island with a peculiar shape is a gem for people looking for a relaxing yet exciting destination. You can either enjoy a day of sunbathing, mini-golfing, strolling along the beach and eating the freshest seafood, or you can be adventurous and try out the boat excursions to perhaps see dolphins! There is even a very casual nightlife with lounges and bars if you want to have a sip while taking in a beautiful sunset. Bridge Street is a shopping hub and who knows you might spot a great bargain.
Anna Maria Island Retreat
Address: 1301 Bay Drive North
57.26 km (35.6 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. St. George Island (from USD 179)
St. George Island is located in the northwest part of Florida, 76 miles (122 kilometers) away from Tallahassee. This destination makes for a peaceful and relaxing location, with lots of nature to enjoy. Notably, every year starting in May, loggerhead sea turtles come to St. George Island’s beaches to lay their eggs! On top of that, the island has its own State Park and State Reserve. The island is also known for its beautiful lighthouses namely the St. George Island Lighthouse, the Cape St. George Light, and the Crooked River Lighthouse.
Buccaneer Inn
Address: 160 West Gorrie Drive
273.61 km (170.1 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
5. Panama City Beach (from USD 59)
Affordable beachfront property with competitive pricing and free amenities like washers and dryers for guests.
On-site tiki bar with food, pool with beautiful views, lawn area with games, and friendly and accommodating staff.
Ideal beachfront location with proximity to restaurants, shops, and attractions like Pier Park.
Enjoyable dining experiences at the on-site tiki bar and grill, with the convenience of nearby restaurants within walking distance.
Panama City Beach stands on Florida’s beloved “Emerald Coast”. The beach is very large, adorned with white sand, and the water is clear and warm even during spring. This makes it a great relaxing destination. Even if it’s on the quiet side for spring breaks, Panama City Beach still offers activities like water sports or scuba diving and has lots of shops and amenities. You are also sure to enjoy their water park i.e. the Shipwreck Island Waterpark!
Chateau Beachfront Resort - BW Signature Collection
Address: 12525 Front Beach Rd
382.93 km (238.0 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
6. Daytona Beach (from USD 74)
Daytona Beach, on the east coast of Florida, between Jacksonville and Orlando, is a vibrant city full of fun activities. You can enjoy a good day with friends at the Daytona Lagoon, a water park with go-karts, mini-golf, an arcade, a laser tag, and a climbing wall! And Daytona has even more activities for outside fun, such as water sports, strolling in the gardens or at the beachfront park, or taking a dip in its beautiful waters. Daytona also has loads of bars, clubs, and lounges for the party-goers. It is also home to one of the largest museums in Florida, the Museum of Arts & Sciences.
Ocean Breeze Club Hotel
Address: 640 North Atlantic Avenue
225.11 km (139.9 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
7. Sanibel Island (from USD 410)
Sanibel Island is an island off the west coast of Florida and near Cape Coral in Fort Myers. It makes for a great exotic destination, without actually breaking the bank or having to travel overseas. Its white sand beaches are popular with surfers, shell collectors, or really anyone who loves a good sunbath. The island is also known for its wonderful flora and fauna, which you can enjoy in its wildlife refuges (the largest one, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, is a must see) or in the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Be sure to visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum with your children for a fun interactive experience.
West Wind Inn
Address: 3345 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL, USA, 33957
186.23 km (115.8 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
8. Fort Myers Beach (from USD 339)
Fort Myers Beach is a coastal town on an island off the coast of Cape Coral. It offers a great mix of family-friendly activities such as wildlife exploration, walking avenues with cute shops and places to eat, while also having a vibrant yet casual nightlife with its many bars. And for a quirky experience during spring break, enjoy the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival, held in March every year. Visitors may also try their hand at parasailing in Estero Island, near Fort Myers Beach.
Diamond Head Beach Resort
Address: 2000 Estero Boulevard
190.43 km (118.4 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
9. Amelia Island (from USD 129)
Reasonable pricing, especially for beach proximity and amenities offered.
Pool, hot tub, bikes, beach chairs, wagons, board games, and beach toys provided. Complimentary breakfast and pet-friendly for a one-time fee.
Conveniently close to the beach, restaurants, and shops. Walking distance to attractions and short drive to Old Town.
Plentiful breakfast options, including make-it-yourself waffles, bagels, fruit, and biscuits and gravy. On-site pizza restaurant and bar with entertainment.
Amelia Island is a place full of colonial and civil war history and culture, while also being an incredible place for nature lovers. This family-friendly location boasts outdoor sports, wildlife viewings, and beautiful peaceful beaches. Amelia Island is also a great place for golf lovers. Families can even go horse backing riding in the Amelia Island State Park.
Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island
Address: 2707 Sadler Road
324.87 km (201.9 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
10. Clearwater Beach (from USD 100)
Clearwater Beach is known for its water sports such as jet-skiing, fishing, or on a less sportive note, cruises! It has been ranked several times one of the best beaches in the USA, with some of the best resorts in the country. It’s a safe bet with loads of activities along its large beach and its laid-back vibe.
Island Cay at Clearwater Beach
Address: 648 Poinsettia Avenue
1.45 km (0.9 mi) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Entertainment with a tropical vibe
These places make for wonderful destinations for your spring break. They offer a beautiful change of scenery and have a plethora of activities and sights to see. So why don’t you book a room at one of our recommended accommodations, hop on a car or a plane and enjoy all that Florida has to offer this spring!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to