9 Amazing Beaches In Florida For Spring Break 

If you’re looking for the perfect spring break destination, look no further than the beautiful beaches of Florida.  With its sunny weather, crystal clear waters, and white sands, it’s no surprise that spring breakers flock to Florida year after year.

From Key West to Honeymoon Island to Fort Lauderdale Beach, there are plenty of stunning spots that offer everything from beach parties to snorkeling and plenty of fun in the sun.

Whether you’re looking for a spring break adventure or want to just relax on a tropical getaway, Florida’s spring break beaches are sure to provide endless days of sunshine and memories that will last a lifetime.

Read on for some of the best spring break beaches in Florida that you won’t want to miss.

9 Must-Visit Beaches For Spring Break In Florida!

1. Sombrero Beach- Marathon

Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Florida is the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy a beach vacation during Spring Break.

With its beautiful white sand and crystal clear water, Sombrero Beach offers something for everyone – from families seeking fun activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding to those searching for delicious restaurants along the shoreline.

There are plenty of activities to do in and around Sombrero Beach, as on Marathon Key you can relax in the sun, enjoy water sports, snorkel, and much more.

And if you want to try something typical, I suggest you go to Keys Fisheries for their delicious fresh seafood.

If you are looking for the ideal accommodation, one of my favorites is Grassy Flats and Beach Club, a family-friendly beach resort with breathtaking ocean views.

Be sure not to miss this gem of Florida’s beaches when planning your next spring break getaway!

Recommended By Sarah From Mindful Travel By Sarah

2. Honeymoon Island- Dunedin

Home to one of the best beaches in Florida for Spring Break, Honeymoon Island is a total hidden gem that is a barrier island off the coast of Palm Harbor.

In fact, this incredible state park is home to more than 4 miles of beaches and 3 miles of trails that meander through the last remaining slash pine forest in the state. 

So, if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and want to enjoy a bit of solitude then Honeymoon Island is the place for you. 

In particular, Main Beach, Dog Beach, and North Beach are the most popular stretches of sand on the island, with Main Beach being the most traditional and relaxing white sand beach of them all. 

However, if you want more adventure then you can go surfing at North Beach by Bathhouse 3 or go hiking on The Osprey Trail to see the area’s unique pine forest.

You can then rent a kayak on-site and explore nearby Pelican Cove before visiting the Rotary Centennial Nature Center to better understand the park’s history and the creatures that live there.

It’s also worth noting that because this is a state park, no alcohol is allowed on the island. Therefore, this is more of a family-friendly spot than a wild party spot for spring break.

Recommended By Victoria From Florida Trippers

3. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando and is a recommended destination for a spring break getaway.

Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere, pristine beaches, and a variety of fun activities to enjoy.

Cocoa Beach is a family-friendly beach that offers plenty of options for outdoor recreation. Surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular activities on the water, while fishing and wildlife watching are also popular pastimes.

Additionally, the beach is home to the Cocoa Beach Pier, a historic landmark that offers great views, shopping, and dining.

In the area during spring break, visitors can experience the annual Spring Beach Fest, which features live music, food, and drink vendors, and beach games.

For those interested in exploring nearby attractions, the Kennedy Space Center is just a short drive away and offers a fascinating look at the history of space exploration and the future of space travel.

When it comes to dining, Cocoa Beach offers a variety of options ranging from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants.

For a unique dining experience, try visiting one of the local food trucks for a taste of the best street food in the area.

For those looking for a place to stay, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is a recommended option.

This luxurious hotel offers oceanfront views, a heated pool, and a great location close to all of the attractions and activities in Cocoa Beach.

In conclusion, Cocoa Beach is a great destination for a spring break getaway, offering a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of outdoor activities, and a variety of dining and accommodation options.

Whether you are looking for a party beach or a family-friendly destination, Cocoa Beach has something to offer for everyone.

Recommended By Trijit From Budget Travel Buff

4. Fort Lauderdale

When you think of spring break, I am sure the thoughts of sun, sand, and drinks with little umbrellas in them come to mind. 

Fort Lauderdale is the king of spring break in Florida.  It hosts over 4 miles of pristine beach where you will find something for everyone.  Outside of relaxing in the sun with a good book you can always cool off in the “pool.”

With an average water temp of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, relaxing in the shallow surf, tossing the ball, or bodysurfing you will be sure to find it just right. 

Looking for a little more motion outside the ocean there are plenty of things to do in Fort Lauderdale. 

To refuel and hydrate just slip on your flip-flops and walk across the street.  The main drag on Fort Lauderdale beach is littered with restaurants, and plenty of bars to choose from. 

Stay awhile, with live music and cold beer at the Elbow room (one of the oldest and longest-lasting bars on the beach, and they claim to be the original Spring Break Bar).

There are also pool tables at blondies with drink specials all night you will laugh and smile your way through a great spring break.

When it’s time to call it, an uber ride is easy but jumping on a local peddle-cab or sponsored gulf cart is a much more enjoyable way to get home.

Recommended By Megan From The Florida Wanderers

5. Smathers Beach- Key West

Key West, Florida is a hidden gem when it comes to the Best Beaches in Florida as there are so many great beaches however, Smathers Beach wins the top award in my opinion, and is a must-visit location.

Smathers beach is rather large in size and has beautiful white sand, which feels nice between your toes and is a great beach to walk on as there aren’t many rocks.

The beach has a nice sandbar, and the water is often clear and inviting for swimming, though sometimes it can have a lot of seaweed.

Thanks to the sandbar, you can go out quite a ways before it gets deep, so it is a great beach for families with young children.

There is a company called Sunset Company that rents out beach chairs and umbrellas for a reasonable price for day use.

This beach is the perfect destination for a day of relaxing and offers a beautiful sunset in the evening.

Smathers Beach tends to be less busy in terms of crowds which can be very inviting during popular weeks like Spring Break.

At the end of a beach day you are often left exhausted, sun-kissed, and hungry so why not check out the Best Restaurants in Key West that are located super close to Smathers Beach.

Our favorite hotel is the Southernmost Beach Resort, which is about 2 miles away from Smathers Beach.

Recommended By Hannah & Adam From Florida Vacation Expert

6. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach (PCB), or the “Spring Break Capital Of The World”, is definitely primarily a party beach at Spring Break time!

College students flock here for the 27 miles of pure white sand, and turquoise-water beaches that are some of the best you’ll find in the US, plus the amazing nightlife, restaurants, and things to do.

PCB is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has more than beaches and party spots. There are two state parks, events, and other attractions, including for families.

As for the beach, snorkelers and scuba divers love it because there are dozens of artificial reefs. You can see some of the best sunsets over the water.

Events during Spring Break include:

• Scottish Festival (March 4)

• UNwineD (March 31-April 1)

• Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April 19-23)

• Maniac, the biggest Spring Break event for students with parties, concerts, and more

Family attractions include the boardwalk, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Gulf World Marine Park, Shipwreck Island Water Park, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, ZooWorld, and more.

Casa Loma is exactly what you’d envision for a stay in PCB.  It’s a beachfront hotel with private balconies that boast panoramic views of the ocean, a pool, and vintage art inside.  There are room options for any budget or group, too.

Restaurants to check out include Harpoon Harry’s, which has amazing seafood; Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market; Schooners Last Local Beach Club; Pineapple Willy’s Beachside Bar and Grill; PCB Winery; and The Craft Bar.

Head to Pier Park, a 900,000-sq-ft shopping and entertainment complex, for more restaurants and things to do.

PB definitely gets crowded, so be sure to keep an eye on yourself and your belongings and be careful crossing the street.

Try kayaking or SUP on the water for a fun experience!

Recommended By Sarah From Mukikapup’s Travels

7. Siesta Key

Siesta Key is known as America’s number one beach and is often coined the best beach in the States.

This vast quartz sand beach hugs the Gulf of Mexico, where you can jump the waves, watch birds dive into the water, and see hopeful locals try to catch fish.

The facilities are outstanding – a free car park, clean restrooms and showers, picnic tables, a shop selling beach items, and a cafe.

Siesta Beach is accessible, it has dedicated disabled parking and a wheel-friendly path leading down to the sand.  The beach is looked after by lifeguards in towers, and the sheriff team paroles by segway. 

While most locals pack their own beach stuff, you can rent beds and umbrellas for the day. Siesta Key is by no means a party beach but you can pack alcohol in plastic containers.

If you fancy a cold cocktail, make your way to Siesta Key Village where you can enjoy a frozen daiquiri at the Daiquiri Deck, a beer at Old Salty Dog, or a coffee at the Village Cafe.  You can walk to the village along the beach, which takes around 30 minutes.

If Siesta Key is a little too tame for you, you can take a day trip to the city of Sarasota in 15 minutes or the more lively beaches of Anna Maria Island in less than an hour. 

Recommended By Amanda From Hey! East Coast USA

8. St Pete Beach

Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the world during Spring Break, as the state offers world-class beaches, interesting dining experiences, and beautiful natural scenery. 

St.Petersburg makes the list of must-visit beaches as there are so many things to do in St.Petersburg, Florida, other than just swimming and sun tanning.  St.Petersburg offers white sandy beaches that are located on the Gulf Coast. 

While visiting St.Petersburg, you will want to stop at visit the pier, which is a waterfront attraction that leads to the Downtown core of St. Petersburg.

The pier is over 3000 feet and is home to gardens, public art displays, a splash pad, amazing cafes, and bars.  Lastly, a unique fine dining experience called Teak is located at the end of the Pier.

If you are looking to take a break from the hot afternoon sun, check out the Sunken Garden.  This is a live museum home to over 50,000 species of plants, some of which are over a century old. 

Lastly, if you want to enjoy some fishing or boating, the Shell Key Preserve is the perfect destination for a day trip from St.Petersburg, either by ferry or private boat.

Shell Key Preserve is home to lots of wildlife, including dolphins, and also offers a unique clear bottom kayak boat rental to experience what’s under the sea truly.

Recommended By Hannah & Adam From Getting Stamped

9. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach of Central Florida is regarded as the most popular Spring Break destination.

The 23-mile-long stretch of white sand beside the blue Atlantic Ocean waters is a breathtaking view.

The warm weather in March lures in crowds of all ages during spring break.  There are numerous events and activities to experience here as well.

Swimming and surfing in the Atlantic Ocean are the major attractions here.  You can also try jet skiing, parasailing, boogie boarding, and rock climbing here.

During the Spring Break period, beach volleyball or frisbee tournaments are held at several beach regions.

Daytona Beach is drivable.  Hence, there are shops providing motorbikes and cycles for rent.

This dog-friendly beach in Florida witnesses many special events to entertain the massive crowd during this time.

The Beach Bash Music Fest is a famous annual spring concert in Daytona Beach.  A lineup of some of the biggest music stars in the United States can be seen performing here.  Apart from this, the nightlife at Daytona is vibrant and exciting.

There are several clubs offering booze and live music.  A Maniac VIP Card will help you navigate through all these electrifying places for free. It’s a must-have for all party lovers at Daytona during spring break.

Even though the crowd of party goers is more, Daytona Beach is also an excellent family-friendly destination.

The location of Daytona Beach is just an hour’s drive from Disney World.  You can easily spend a day enjoying Disney World while vacationing at the beach.

Other nearby attractions include Universal Studios in Orlando, Daytona, USA, and Daytona International Speedway.

The Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront is a great accommodation option. There are several beachside restaurants and cafes too.

The crowd favorites are Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar and Crabby’s Oceanside.

Recommended By Ruma From Places Allow Pets 

Summary: 9 Must-Visit Beaches For Spring Break In Florida!

As spring break quickly approaches, it’s time to start planning your beach escape.  From the historic sands of Daytona Beach to the vibrant shores of Key West, Florida has some of the best spring break beaches in the world.

If it’s secluded escapes or spring break party hotspots that you’re in search of, the list above is full of beaches that will suit your needs.  With miles of white sand and warm waters, you can find the perfect spring break destination in Florida.

So start planning now and hit the beach this spring!