Spring is upon us, but for many, winter’s cold temperatures and snow accumulations are lingering. Looking to escape the dreary skies and plan a short-term spring break getaway? With more than 300 sunny days, it’s no surprise that Florida is one of the top destinations for spring breakers. Not sure which Florida city to escape to? To help you with your vacay plans, we’ve put together our list of the top 5 Florida cities to consider for a short-term spring break stay. So beat the cold, grab your beach towel and find out what awaits you in warmer temperatures.
5 Florida cities for a spring break getaway
1. Miami
When you think of spring break, chances are you’ll first think of Miami. The city of Miami is home to some of the best beaches in Florida, and also some of the best nightclubs and bars to disconnect from your everyday life and let loose. With a large number of short-term rentals available, you’ll also have a wide range of selections to choose from for your best spring break getaway.
Miami is known for its nightlife, and when you arrive for spring break you’ll have many options to choose from for your night on the town. Consider top destinations like Club Space, Treehouse, and ATV Records. Looking for the best beaches to set down your towel and catch the rays? You can’t go wrong with Lumus Park Beach. Here you’ll not only have access to the ocean, but areas for picnics, volleyball, and many options for dining along the boardwalk. We recommend A Fish Called Avalon for more upscale dining, and Pink Taco for a more laid back taste of Miami.
2. Fort Lauderdale
While Fort Lauderdale is only a short drive from Miami, it’s an entirely different vibe. Here you’ll find a more lush and tropical atmosphere, but with just as many options for dining and entertainment, and most importantly access to the sandy Florida beaches.
If you’re looking for fun activities to do while on spring break in Fort Lauderdale, you should definitely check out Las Olas Boulevard, where you can shop at the chic boutiques and dine at lively establishments such as El Camino. You can also easily access the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District from here. Riverwalk is where you’ll find events, galeries, and museums to enjoy. Home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, you can take in a show or experience a live music performance. Looking for something truly unique? A favorite spot for both drinks and entertainment in Fort Lauderdale is the world famous Wreck Bar, where you can sip on tropical drinks as you watch a live choreographed mermaid show. Wreck Bar has show options for dinner and brunch and is guaranteed to be an experience you won’t forget.
You’ll have many options in Fort Lauderdale for your beach days. Some of the top beaches include Pompano Beach, Dania Beach, and Hallandale Beach. Pompano Beach is known as the spot to be in the spring with the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival taking place every April. During the festival you’ll be treated to live music, crafts, and most importantly- seafood. With so many options for locals and visitors to enjoy, Fort Lauderdale sounds like the perfect destination for your spring break retreat.
3. Tampa
If you’re looking for the best Florida destination for attractions, beyond Disney of course, then Tampa is the place for you. Home to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, ZooTampa, and the Florida Aquarium, you’ll have endless options for entertainment during your spring break trip.
When the sun goes down, you’ll want to enjoy a cocktail and meal after a long day of fun. Bahama Breeze is a great choice for Caribbean inspired food, tropical cocktails, and live music. If beer is your drink of choice, you’ll love Cigar City Brewing and Barriehus Beer Co. For something unique and swanky, head to CW’s Gin Joint where you can enjoy the 1920’s atmosphere as you listen to live music in the evening and taste cuisine from the upscale menu of grilled octopus, oysters rockefeller and ribeye.
Tampa is known for its Hillsborough Bay cruises and excursions. During your stay we recommend booking a tiki boat tour where you can select from public or private tours, including the private sunset tour. For families, The Lost Pearl Pirate Cruise is a fun and interactive activity on the bay waters. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Hillsborough River. Canoe tours are available for fishing, bird watching, and opportunities to see other Florida creatures, including turtles and alligators.
4. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has been a popular spring break destination for decades. With 23 miles of white-sand beaches, endless local eateries, and fun attractions, you’ll have a great spring break getaway here. Daytona Beach has even been awarded the title of “The World’s Most Famous Beach” which is a great indication of the vacation you’ll experience. While on the beach, be sure to visit the Daytona Beach boardwalk and pier. Here you’ll find gift shops, thrill rides, restaurants, and even a classic arcade.
Daytona is also known for its arts and culture. Not only will you enjoy the street art by local artists, but you’ll have the opportunity to visit the many museums and galleries, including the Museum of Arts & Sciences, and the Southeast Museum of Photography. But, what Daytona is most popular for is its speedway. The Daytona International Speedway is the home of NASCAR racing, and it’s a great attraction to visit during your spring break stay. Visitors can schedule an all access or VIP speedway track tour.
As with most Florida spring break destinations, Daytona offers a wide range of waterfront dining options. 5 Senses Restaurant at Coquina Marina offers a delicious menu with complementary views of the marina. For a more casual setting, try Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar. This three-story bar and restaurant offers seafood, small bites, burgers, and a reggae bar with live music. The Mai Tai Bar is a great place to have a cocktail as you watch the sunset, with one of the best happy hours and live music to serenade you into the evening.
5. West Palm Beach
Rounding out our list for the best Florida cities for a spring break getaway is West Palm Beach. This Southern Florida city is not only known for great beaches, but is also known for its arts and culture. The Norton Museum of Art is a popular cultural destination, featuring special exhibits and an extensive permanent collection of art. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is where you’ll enjoy various options for entertainment including live music, ballet, comedy shows, and opera. Antique Row Art & Design District is where you’ll find more than 40 antique and specialty shops.
For Daytona nightlife, you’ll want to visit Clematis Street, located in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Here you’ll find options for nightlife, live music, and renowned restaurants. Clematis By Night is a weekly concert series taking place every Thursday night in the beautiful setting of Centennial Square on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. For oceanview dining, we recommend Seafood Bar, offering fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. For drinks and dancing, you can’t go wrong with Roxy’s pub, offering great music to dance to, and one of the best rooftop bars in West Palm Beach.
If you’re anything like us, you are itching to get your toes in the sand and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Now is the perfect time to book your short-term spring break trip to one of our selections of top Florida cities. After a much needed vacation you’ll be ready to welcome the warmer temperatures back home.
To determine our selections for the top Florida cities for a short-term spring break getaway, we utilized Zumper data to identify the number of available short-term rentals in each city at the time of publishing.
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