Beaches are some of the most popular Spring Break destinations, and with their sand, sea and attractions, it’s not hard to see why. It’s fairly easy to have a good time at any of the following beaches, but the best options depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re a family with young kids, you’ll want plenty of age-appropriate activities to keep them busy. But if you’re a college student, you may be looking for more parties and large gatherings.
The following are six of the best beach destinations for Spring Breakers with small kids, teens or college students and young adults:
Families with small kids
If you’re a family with small kids, Myrtle Beach will keep them busy with loads of attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, which has multiple levels dedicated to sea animals. Kids will love stopping at the penguin nursery to see baby waddlers. Alligator Adventure, has feeding shows, live gator-handling shows and additional animals including a reptile house with deadly venomous snakes. And if your little ones enjoy miniature golf, you’ll be able to visit countless courses that are found all along Ocean Boulevard.
Credit: Gabriel Gibson
Credit: Gabriel Gibson
For a more laid-back Spring Break beach trip with small kids, Jekyll Island fits the bill. Take the kids to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to see the creatures up close at a hospital for ill and injured turtles. Or visit the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, which has lots of programs for kids as well as guided kayak tours, canoe rentals and an exhibit where they can see and learn about animals native to the state’s coast. Since the island has over 20 miles of paths and trails, consider renting bicycles or tricycles to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
Families with teens
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Located in LA (Lower Alabama), Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has 32 miles of beautiful sugar-white sand beaches that serve as a backdrop for a bounty of teen- and family-friendly activities. Take a dolphin tour, or if you’d like to be more active, let the whole family bicycle through paved trails at Gulf State Park. Waterville USA, a large water and amusement park, will also keep teens and adults having fun with 17 water slides, go-karts, a large arcade and a roller coaster. For more fun, head to The Wharf, an entertainment district that features a nightly laser light experience show and also hosts shows in its amphitheater.
HGTV.com named Clearwater Beach, Florida, as one of the best Spring Break destinations for families with teens in tow, citing its status as one of the top-ranked beaches in the U.S. Beach-related activities like snorkeling and dolphin-watching cruises are popular with teens and their families, and a nightly festival provides plenty of entertainment with live music, stilt walkers, musicians and more. Teens will also enjoy a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which, in addition to its other activities, offers boat tours around Clearwater Bay. And if you’re up for a short drive, you can also visit Busch Gardens Tampa during your trip for rides and shows.
College students and young adults
Daytona Beach has long been a quintessential Spring Break destination for college students and young adults looking for raucous fun, and it still remains a favorite. Each year, they’re drawn to the beach parties and beach-front clubs, along with others throughout the town, with parties that keep going throughout the day and all night. Surfing is popular along the 23-mile beach, and lessons are available if you need them. You’ll also be able to join other Spring Breakers in playing beach volleyball, parasailing and jet skiing.
Credit: From pcbeachspringbreak.com
Credit: From pcbeachspringbreak.com
If you’re looking for a fairly traditional Spring Break destination for college students and young adults, Panama City Beach fits the bill. It’s home to large beachfront nightclubs, so you’ll always be able to find a crowd to have fun with. The beach area has also become a popular destination for music entertainment, with artists heading to Panama City Beach for concerts held throughout the day and evening. Featuring everything from EDM to country music, the area lets you easily fill your calendar with a practically non-stop party and finds something to please everyone in your group.
About the Author
