Sun, Sand, and Sea: Top 11 Spring Break Cities in Florida

The best Florida cities for spring break promise the perfect blend of sun, sand and cultural streets. Whether you’re looking for a haven of boozy beach parties and happening club hotspots, or a blissful place to check out of everyday life and soak up sun-kissed vibes and local sights, there can only be one place that tops the list. The warm and welcoming Sunshine State.

Dive head first into crystal seas for unique underwater exploration, spend all day and all night dancing on the beach, or just kick back with a cold drink on a bustling beachfront. No matter what you’re seeking, we’ve uncovered the best cities in Florida for every spring breaker to check into before seriously checking out.

1. Daytona Beach

A legendary party and beach city

Good for: Nightlife, Photo

There’s a reason why the sun-soaked Dayton Beach is known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach”. Top up your tan on the 23-mile stretch of lush white sands and then head to Main Street Pier to make new friends to party with. Embrace unique spring break festivities from the Daytona 500 to the street celebrations of Bike Week in mid-March.

As the sun starts to set, bust a move at some of the most happening nightlife spots. You can try out craft beers, then hit up a chic lounge for colorful cocktails, before moving to buzzing dance floors around. Not ready for the night to end? Hop on the Daytona party bus for a ride back to your digs.

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2. St. Petersburg

Miles of soft sandy beaches

Good for: Budget, Nightlife, Photo

St. Petersburg boasts blissful beaches spread around the area for more laidback visitors to dip eager toes into. Explore the strech from the swaying palm trees of North Redington Beach to the world’s longest waterfront bar at Treasure Island. Don’t forget to take in the sea-themed John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk at Madeira Beach, too.

One particular welcoming shorefront made for the more chilled-out spring breaker is St. Pete Beach. Take a break from homework and lectures with a game of volleyball and take in breathtaking sunsets while popping open a cold one. Grab your pals and check out the cool bars and clubs around Baum Ave and the surrounding area.

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3. Orlando

A Florida party central

Good for: Adventure, Nightlife, Photo

If your spring break is about all cramming as much into your hazy, sun-filled days as you can, look no further than the delights of Orlando. Experience theme park festivals all over the city, such as the unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando. Think live music, street food, eclectic exhibits, and colorful beads everywhere.

Cool off at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and LEGOLAND Florida Water Park by day and catch a game of baseball at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. After all that wet and wild adventure, fill up on tacos and sushi as you head to Downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park Neighborhood.

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4. Key Largo

For water sports enthusiasts

Good for: Nightlife, Photo

If you’re seeking a cool break outside of the urban jungle, get down to Key Largo and get ready to party it up. Experience spectacular underwater adventures at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the USA. Strap on your snorkeling gear and dive into a world of tropical marine life. In between dolphin watching, you’ll make extraordinary spring break memories.

Key Largo also boasts a buzzing nightlife scene and the best place to start is one of the old dive bars on Florida bay for tasty cocktails and hazy sunsets. If you fancy busting move, head to the cool tiki bars and clubs on the waterfront.

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5. Naples

Beaches and beers

If non-stop studying has been getting you down, enter the super-relaxed ambiance of Naples. This might well be the ultimate spring break city stop for those wishing to wind down and chill out on beautiful beaches.

Speaking of enjoying a cold one, every March, Naples hosts the ever-popular craft beer fest. Starting on Bayfront Place, beer fans can grab a ticket and taste a wide variety of beers from breweries around the globe while feasting on the perfect food pairings from local restaurants. Relax and get to know people from all over the USA, and you’ll quickly see why Naples makes for one of the best cultural spring breaks around.

6. Jacksonville

Nature, music, and seafood

Good for: Food, Nightlife

If seafood, surfing and the sounds of live music are your thing, head to the jamming streets of Jacksonville. Eat tasty shrimpbefore swaying in the Floridian breeze to the sounds of local folk bands, just inches away from the beach. And that’s not all. Every year, there’s a bustling social schedule set up for visitors to enjoy, from large-scale photography festivals to family spring break cruises.

Welcoming visitors all year round, head to Little Talbot and Big Talbot Island, the scenic state parks of Jacksonville, to camp, surf and hike by day before relaxing into an intimate music scene when the sun goes down. Check out Jacksonville’s live music clubs before calling it a night.

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7. Miami

An iconic and sophisticated party spot

Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo

As well as being the cultural center of South Florida, Miami is one of the go-to places for a wild spring break. Start your partying adventure at any one of the bustling beaches, from South Beach to Wynwood, and experience the diverse partying destinations for college students from around the world.

While VIP parties set the spring break scene, Miami is also the place to feast on mouth-watering Spanish food, from the Collins Avenue’s taco joints to the seafood eateries at Brickell Avenue, not to mention the delights of the stellar kitchens in downtown’s busy streets. Once you’ve had your fill of authentic gourmet tapas, check out the famous nightlife and head to the city’s all-night discos.

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8. Panama City Beach

The essence of a great Spring Break

Good for: Nightlife, Photo

As one of the most popular beaches in Florida, you can experience the kind of ideal spring break trip you’ve only seen in the movies in Panama City Beach. Spend your days partying on the beach and your nights reveling at any number of beach bars and clubs. Here, you’ll get to meet other hardcore spring breakers from all across the country to sit back and sip on craft beers and cocktails.

Get straight into it and head to the celebrated bars around the city known for hosting MTV’s first Spring Break. Then check out the party vibes in the center of Pier Park. Don’t miss the legendary hangouts around the waterfront for cool drinks and stunning sunsets.

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9. Sanibel Island

For more tranquil celebrations

Good for: Adventure, Food, Photo

Step into the inviting warmth of the stunning Sanibel Island. As the antidote to wild spring break parties, the secluded beach escapes of this peaceful city welcome visitors to stretches of pure white sands and coastal charm. Enjoy a more slow-paced spring break as you board sunset cruises and day trips to Cabbage Key, Boca Grande, and Cayo Costa State Park.

Immerse yourself into the Gulf of Mexico’s warming waters and dine beachfront al fresco-style. Top off your hazy spring break experience by dipping a toe into laid-back paddleboard adventures before admiring the abundant wildlife at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, open all year round.

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10. Fort Lauderdale

Laidback beach and party vibes

Good for: Budget, Nightlife, Photo

If bustling beaches next to noteworthy nightlife is your spring break scene, it can only be the sunkissed vibes of Fort Lauderdale. But think more relaxed party vibes on the strip, not rowdy beach meetups. One minute you’re basking in the Florida sun on Central Beach, the next you’re a couple of blocks away, chilling in super-cool beach bars, on Beach Boulevard and just off Hollywood Beach.

And there are excellent options for spring break sun worshippers also seeking indoor activities, from the museums of downtown Las Olas Boulevard to the nearby grounds of Bonnet House. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some memorable Spring Break photos.

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11. Key West

Dancing till dawn

Good for: Nightlife, Photo

As the southernmost point in the USA, Key West is a sun-swathed destination full of diversity for dedicated spring breakers willing to make the journey. Think boat-hopping and bar-hopping until 5 am. As a place where rules were made to be broken, ditch the formality. This is a destination where the only uniform is flip-flops and an open-minded attitude.

There are party spots aplenty to indulge in, from sunbaked soirees at the beach, cool bars for cocktails, and pool parties come sundown, and downtown Duval Street for dancefloors and sunset celebrations. But what really makes this spring break spot are the crystal-clear waters. Get on board a glass-bottomed boat and ride those welcoming waves.

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This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.