Florida’s Hottest Spring Break Destinations

By Jenny Hunt

March, 16, 2012

It’s that time of the year when college students around the nation are putting their books away, grabbing some sunscreen and heading to Florida for Spring Break 2012. Spring Break in Florida means a lot of fun in the sun and partying at night. From the many beaches to choose from to the seemingly never-ending pool and beach parties at local hot spots Florida is on every college students list for Spring Break. Whether you are on a budget or can afford to spend a little more Florida is a great Spring Break destination.

Panama City Beach

Between the sports bars, clubs and nightlife Panama City Beach is wild. Year after year, Panama City is one of the top destinations for Spring Break in Florida. Students from nearby colleges like University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University are known to flock to the area so local hotels are student friendly. There always seems to be plenty of booze, wild contests, parties, events and MTV is usually on hand to provide plenty of entertainment.

If you want to visit Panama City for Spring Break but are on a budget, don’t fret!  The hotels, restaurants, bars, and transportation are reasonably priced. The best part is that Panama City is a “beach” town with most businesses located within walking distance of the beach, each other and vice versa. During the day you can shop at Pier Park, have a few drinks at a Tiki bar (they have drink specials all day long) or hang out at one of the many beach parties complete with DJ’s and bikini contests! At night you can party at popular Panama City Beach clubs like La Vila, Coyote Ugly, Sharky’s, Harpoon Harry’s, Spinnaker Beach Club and Margaritaville. If you want a break from the college crowd you can visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, Gulf World Marine Park, or any number of eco-touring excursions via hover boat or helicopter.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, located on the central East coast, has long been a Spring Break hot spot. Daytona is also a great destination for those looking for a reasonably priced Spring Break trip with its affordable hotels. Daytona Beach is one of the very few places in Florida where it is still legal to drive on the beach. A sixteen-mile stretch is available for beach driving during the day.  You can really have a blast on the beach by either cruising in your car, sunbathing on the sand, hitting the waves to surf or by having some fun behind a jet ski! There are also many pool deck parties with live DJs, free concerts and parties. Daytona Beach doesn’t fall behind in nightclubs either. Daytona offers some of the wildest nightlife with venues like the Ocean Deck, Aqua Lounge, and Razzles.

The Florida Keys and Key West

Young, old, tall, short, gay, straight…the Florida Keys are as diverse as those who inhabit and visit them. Key West is one of the most exotic locations you will find in the continental United States. The atmosphere is laid back, the people are interesting, warm and inviting plus the weather is just gorgeous! Key West is also a great place to go if you are with a large group.  The island is very small (5.9 square miles), so almost everything is within walking distance. Key West hotels are a little pricier, but you can easily stay on the nearby Marathon Key and drive into Key West to party. Besides the people, Duval Street is the main attraction in Key West. Duval Street is lined with bars and clubs including Sloppy Joe’s, The Green Parrot, Willie T’s, Capt. Tony’s Saloon and Margaritaville. During the day you can tour the island on a scooter, visit Ernest Hemmingway’s house, shop in the funky, charming shops on Duval, or chow down on some amazing seafood.

Miami Beach

Miami’s South Beach is THE place to see and be seen in Florida for Spring Break. A popular destination for celebrities, South Beach is home to some of the hottest bars and clubs in the country. Admission and drinks at the clubs can be expensive, but you can find reasonable accommodations at South Beach hostels. Hotels on South Beach are a little pricier, starting at about $300 a night. Beach parties, great food and shopping, and amazing nightlife are all part of Spring Break in Miami Beach. The hottest South Beach clubs include Wet Willie’s, Mansion, Mango’s Tropical Café, Finnegan’s Way and the Clevelander.

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