With spring break just around the corner, our minds are focused on lazy days on the beach, lounging by the pool, and hitting up the best bars with our friends. As many of us collegiettes are planning our spring break destinations on a budget, a great way to save some money is by staying in Florida! It may not seem as glamorous as Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, but you would be surprised at how much the various beaches in Florida have to offer!
1. South Beach
South Beach in Miami is renowned for its lively atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. Anybody looking for great nightlife and bars should consider South Beach for his or her ultimate spring break destination. Boasting a huge variety of bars, clubs, and beaches, South Beach never fails to deliver an incredible vacation experience.
Best Bar: Last Weekend
Best Nightclub: LIV
Best Hotel: Delano Hotel
Best Shopping: Aventura Mall
Best Things to Do: Zoo Miami, Perez Art Museum Miami
2. Panama City Beach
One of the ultimate destinations for spring break is undoubtedly Panama City Beach. When you’re not taking advantage of the blazing sun and numerous tanning opportunities, try swimming with dolphins or zip-lining over the beach! With free concerts hosted by some huge celebrities and nightclubs lining the beach, Panama City Beach won’t disappoint!
Best Bar: Tiki Bar at Sandpiper Beach
Best Nightclub: Club La Vela
Best Hotel: Sandpiper Beacon Resort
Best Shopping: Pier Park
Best Things to Do: Shell Island Shuttle, Panama City Beach Fly Board
3. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach truly offers something for every type of collegiette. Whether you want to hit up bustling bars and clubs or spend the day in quaint ocean front shops, Daytona has it all. Main attractions include the Daytona Lagoon Water Park that can be a fun day out for everyone! And for those who are thrill seekers, the Speed Park racing track is the place to go!
Best Bar: The Ocean Deck
Best Nightclub: 509 Lounge
Best Hotel: Hawaiian Inn Beach Resort
Best Shopping: Ocean Walk Shoppes
Best Things to Do: Daytona Lagoon Water Park, Speed Park
4. Key West
Key West is another ideal hotspot for spring breakers looking for a relaxed beach atmosphere but still want to have the option of a busy nightlife scene! Key West features modern cocktail bars as well as hot nightclubs and beachfront bars with live music. I definitely suggest taking a Rampage Fishing Charter boat for a day trip. They are classified as party fishing boats, meaning you get to have the traditional fishing experience while hanging out with friends!
Best Bar: Orchid Bar
Best Nightclub: Virgilio’s
Best Hotel: Southernmost Hotel in the USA
Best Shopping: Dockside Market
Best Things to Do: Rampage Fishing Charters, White Knuckle Thrill Boat Ride
5. Captiva Island
For collegiettes looking for a relaxing and refreshing spring break with a laid back vibe, Captiva Island provides the supreme tranquilizing destination. Boasting a wide range of local wildlife and calming water activities such as a sailing trip, the island is a dream paradise to get rid of all the stress that college inevitably brings. Although Captiva Island is not widely known for its crazy nightclubs, the majority of the bars offer live music that keep up with the island beach theme!
Best Bar: Plantation Beach Club
Best Nightclub: Crow’s Nest Lounge
Best Hotel: Jensen’s “On the Gulf”
Best Shopping: The Island Store
Best Things to Do: New Moon Sailing, Parasailing