The 10 Best Florida Spring Break Destinations For Families

After a long winter, there’s nothing quite like heading to the sunshine and warmth of Florida’s sunny coastal areas. Florida provides numerous locations for families to enjoy spring break and avoid those areas well known for a rowdier scene. Here are some of our favorite destinations to spend a relaxing week on the beaches and in the warmth Florida provides.

Sarasota

Sarasota makes for a wonderful destination for those families that plan on spending as much time outdoors as possible for their spring break! The sandy shores and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make this city a no-brainer. After your family is done splashing in the water, you can head over to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to enjoy the butterflies or the kids play structures. Or, visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to watch the otters put on a show. You can even listen to live music at Bayfront Park or head over to O’Leary’s Tiki Bar to eat outside while the kids play in the sand.

Amelia Island

Looking for a big city escape? Head out to Amelia Island for an uncrowded, picturesque, and low-key family adventure. Along the shoreline, you can find mom-and-pop shops, explore the island by bike, or enjoy a quaint trolley ride on the Amelia Island Trolley. If you are wanting to catch the sunset, make sure to head to the waterfront in the evenings then stroll the brick streets of Fernandina Beach.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is another splendid choice for families who love all things outdoors. From the laid-back tropical vibes to its abundance of water activities, there’s no shortage of experiences here! Take your family to explore the colorful reefs, snorkeling, the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Key West Shipwreck Museum, or even the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Whichever you decide to do, there are plenty of hands-on opportunities for memory making at the Keys.

Weeki Wachee

About an hour north of Tampa, the small town of Weeki Wachee can be found. Between the crystal clear springs and the mesmerizing mermaids, you are sure to find family fun in and around the town. Since Weeki Wachee is outside of a major travel destination, many of the attractions have low crowds depending on the time you visit. The low crowds and beautiful scenery make it the perfect town for a relaxing family visit or a day trip out of the city.

Orlando

Do you really visit Florida if you don’t visit Orlando at least once? Walt Disney World is such a popular destination year round, but especially for spring break. You can stay on the Disney property for extra magic hours away from the crowds or pick up a VIP tour to save time and skip the lines. If you visit Epcot, be sure to attend the Epcot Flower and Garden festival where you can find delicious fresh food, a playground for kids, and all the normal spring magic at Disney. Other than Disney or Universal Orlando, there is still tons of fun to be had in Orlando! You can visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, the Discovery Cove, the Crayola Experience in the Florida Mall, or visit the many wonderful restaurants and accommodations.

St. Petersburg/ Clearwater

Head to the gulf coast beaches full of white sand and calm waters near St. Petersburg for spring break this year. In St. Petersburg, you can find bike rentals, the Dalí Museum, cute shopping, fun playgrounds and splash pads! Or, head over to Clearwater for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a dolphin cruise, and a lovely sunset at Pier 60.

A quick vacation tip: head to your destinations in the morning or afternoons to beat the heat or to indoor areas when they first open or during typical nap times to have the building more to yourself.

Port Charlotte

Nestled on the southern west coast of Florida is the colorful city of Port Charlotte. This city is full of life and color bringing about a diverse selection of recreational activities for any family. You can relax on the many beaches, explore the many parks, head out on a kayak or boat tour, and spend a day shopping the local boutiques. Don’t forget to check their list of events to see if your family can attend a free concert too!

Fort Lauderdale

You can head to the charming city of Fort Lauderdale for year-round arts and cultural events, beautiful beaches, and upscale views. If you are looking for a high-class experience, you can find luxury hotels, quaint boutiques, and upscale restaurants lining the brick paved pathways along the coast. Shop over on Las Olas Boulevard, visit the International Swimming Hall of Fame, take a gondola ride on the canal, or visit the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has all of the attractions that are at popular spring breaker areas without the crowds or party scenes. You can play mini golf at Gator Golf. The Kennedy Space Center is only a short distance away with a whole days worth of space-related education. You can then head to Cape Canaveral to watch for manatees at the Manatee Sanctuary Park or watch the cruise ships come and go from the port. Afterwards, visit the beach scenes full of surfing, swimming, and all the sunbathing.

St. Augustine

Any history buffs in the family? St. Augustine is a wonderful historical attraction for those who want to admire the grand 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the Fountain of Youth, Colonia Quarters, and even the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. Or, you can head over to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm to witness some albino alligators. Interested in seeing all the iconic areas? Take a tour with the Old Trolley Tour or just soak up all the vitamin D along the quiet shores. Don’t forget to climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse after your trip to the beach!

I hope you enjoyed this quick spring break guide for families! I would love to hear what your favorite things to do in Florida are in the comments below.