Spring Break Ideas in Florida: Top 20 Activities To Do

Finally, winter is almost over, and nature is ready to wake up from its hibernation. Although winter gives us such magical moments and views, it also has a downturn. The cold weather is not ideal for more extended outdoor activities, and the lack of sunshine may even lead to seasonal depression. Now that spring is around the corner, we can all sigh in relief knowing we can find more comfort in the warmer season. Not to mention that the waking-up process of nature is super beautiful and seems unreal.

Spring break also gives us a little breather. Even though it is not as long as summer break, we can still use it to recharge and travel. So what are you going to do in the upcoming spring break? If you plan to spend it in Florida, then you are in the right place because we will discuss the best spring break ideas in Florida.

Table of Contents

What Is The Busiest Spring Break Time In Florida?
What Is The #1 Vacation Spot In Florida?

BEST Spring Break Ideas In Florida
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Is The Busiest Spring Break Time In Florida?

The busiest spring break time in Florida typically occurs in March. This is when most colleges and universities in the United States have spring break, and many students travel to Florida to enjoy the warm weather and beaches. The peak spring break weeks can vary depending on the school schedules but typically fall between the first week of March and the first week of April.

What Is The #1 Vacation Spot In Florida?

What is considered the #1 vacation spot in Florida can vary based on individual preferences and interests. However, some top spots are very popular among visitors. According to Visit Florida, the official tourism marketing corporation for the state, the most visited travel destination in Florida in 2022 was Orlando. This is unsurprising, given that Orlando has many popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Other popular travel destinations in Florida include Miami, Tampa Bay, and the Florida Keys.

BEST Spring Break Ideas In Florida

1. Visit Theme Parks In Orlando

When thinking of spring break ideas in Florida, one of the top activities that come to mind is visiting a theme park. Florida has many famous theme parks that have become the most favorable Florida spring break destination. You can choose a theme park that better suits your travel goal. For instance, you can visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studio, or LegoLand. If you plan to stay longer, you can even go to every single one of those theme parks and cross a lot of your wish list in one go.

2. Enjoy Fresh Strawberry Treats In Plant City

Plant City is known as the “Strawberry Capital” due to its thriving strawberry industry. The city hosts the annual Florida Strawberry Festival, making it an excellent place for spring break in Florida. The festival usually begins in the last week of February and ends in the first week of March. It features a variety of exhibits, including agriculture, commerce, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and of course, strawberries. Tickets range from $4 to $8 for a single-day admission, but you have to purchase additional tickets for some of their shows.

3. Glass Bottom Boat Tour At Silver Springs State Park

Witnessing wildlife through crystal clear water is an activity many spring breakers should not miss. Silver Spring State Park, located in Ocala, offers just the perfect activities to do so. One of the most popular activities to join is the bottom glass boat, where you can take a boat tour and observe the wildlife under your feet. You can get an unforgettable experience with only $12 to $25. Besides the magnificent activity, you can also rent canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks for the ultimate water activity experience.

4. Dolphin Research Tour At Marco Island

Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Marco Island is the perfect destination for families who want to experience an easy-paced lifestyle. Sunshine, white sand beaches, and frolicking dolphins are some of the island’s best attractions. You can join their unique dolphin research tour, where you can be a scientist for a day and contribute to actual dolphin research. The cost varies, starting from only $69 per person for the eco-cruise.

5. Stay and Explore At Gainesville

If you are on a budget and looking for a cheap place for spring break ideas in Florida, we recommend going to Gainesville. Being a college town, Gainesville has various accommodation options, including budget hotels with affordable rates. You can do plenty of activities, such as visiting the Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rainforest at the University of Florida for free. You may only be charged for their special exhibits and events. You can also try various cuisines from many food trucks downtown.

6. Watersports At Islamorada

Islamorada is a fantastic spring break place for college students. This sunny paradise offers a break from the college bustle offering various excitement such as snorkeling, parasailing, and sunset cruise. Head to Sundance Watersports to book one of those activities. The fee varies for each activity, but it ranges from $30 for a parasail trip.

7. Florida Renaissance Festival

March is when a lot of festivals happen, so it is a great idea to visit Florida in March. One of the most exciting events you can attend is the Renaissance Festival. It is an annual festival where you can travel back to the 16th century. The festival usually starts in February and ends in March. There are over 100 artists selling their goods and 100 more performers ready to keep you entertained. You can get tickets for $199 for adults and $29,50 for kids.

8. Clearwater Beach Day Trip

Going to the beach to catch some sunshine is no brainer. But do you ever spend a day at an award-winning beach? Yes, it is a thing. Clearwater Beach has been named America’s No. 1 Beach several times in recent years. There are literally hundreds of things to do here, from a casual walk along the white sand to seeing sea turtles and dolphins. You can go on an adventure by boarding a replica pirate ship and savor the sunset with a cocktail on a cruise.

9. Take a Walk In Miami Art Deco District

If you look forward to a more artsy vacation spot, there is no better choice than Miami Art Deco District. Located just south of South Beach, the Miami Art Deco District is composed of hundreds of different buildings with this particular architectural style. These buildings are centered on basic geometric shapes and are characterized by their heavy ornamentation, making them more decorative and Instagram-worthy. You can stay at one of the hotels and book a tour that starts from around $25.

10. Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival

Looking for a hard-to-miss event in Tampa Florida? Say no more as the Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival is back this April. The four-day destination event will feature a variety of experiences that will bring together national wine and spirits producers and brands curated to highlight and celebrate the remarkable culinary abilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. You can watch the chef showdown and participate in the grand tasting. It is not an exaggeration to say that this festival is a paradise for foodies.

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11. Horseback Riding Tour In Ocala National Forest

Ocala was officially named The Horse Capital in The World, so it is the perfect spot for horseback riding to complete your spring break adventures. Many local horse farms offer equestrian enthusiasts with guided tours of their properties, often populated by international champions and legends. One of them is Diamond Oak Farms, where you can book a horseback riding tour or lesson starting from $85.

12. Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

One of the best reasons to spend spring break in Florida is that you can join a tropical party everywhere. But you can still step it up by having a tropical cruise party such as Calypso Queen by Starlite Cruises. It offers a fun vibe with a buffet and an open bar. The evening cruise even includes DJ so you can dance your heart with a full tummy and unlimited rum punch, beer, or wine. You can book one of these cruise trips at an affordable price, starting from only $45 per pax.

13. Sunset Beach Walk Along Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Beach is another beach destination in Florida you don’t want to miss. The soft white sands meet clearwater, making it the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or shell hunting. There are plenty of accommodations available around the beach, too, so you don’t have to worry about where to stay. However, the beach will typically get crowded during spring break. Our tip is to explore further south to get a less crowded spot.

14. Deep-Sea Fishing Trip In Destin

When discussing water activities, we often think of kayaking, sailing, and other water sports. But there is one captivity that is actually fun, which is fishing. In Destin, plenty of fishing charters offer various fishing trips. One of them is Captain Experience, where you can book a deep-sea fishing trip. The tour is a little bit pricey, up to $1000 but fishing professionals will find it worth the price.

15. Visit The Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower is so impressive it seems almost like a villain tower from a fantasy movie. Going to the Bok Tower Gardens is one of the outdoor activities you can do during spring break in Florida. Besides the surreal tower, the garden offers beautiful views along with the finest events to attend. It is open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Adult admission is $17, Children (ages 5-12) $5, children under 5 are free, and dogs are $5.

16. Ringling Museum of Art In Sarasota

Going after a more cultural experience, you can visit art museums such as the Ringling Museum of Art. It features fascinating exhibitions from around the world and the classical sculptures that fill the grand courtyard. You can also attend their special events as well as talks and lectures. They are open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission fees are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $5 for children.

17. Miami Seaquarium

It is easy to find a family-friendly attraction in Florida. For instance, you can go to the Miami Seaquarium, which is very kid friendly. Your kids can swim with dolphins, make friends with the seals, and participate in their conservation & care program. The general admission starts from $43,99 and you need to pay more for the animal encounters and other experiences.

18. BYOB Party Bike Tour

BYOB party bike tour is a surprising spring break idea in Florida that will give you a lot of fun and unforgettable spring memories. You’ll get to have fun with your friends or with strangers if you are open to new adventures. Pedal Pub offers an hour-and-a-half-guided tour through Wynwood and Miami’s art district while enjoying your favorite alcoholic beverage. You can book a private tour for $500 or individual seats for $40.

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19. Kennedy Space Center Tour

You have unlimited options when it comes to day trips in central Florida. This city has the most diverse activity options, from beautiful beaches to space exploration. Yes, you can actually touch a moon rock and ride the shuttle launch experience simulator at the Kennedy Space Center. There are thousands of experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, rocket garden, shuttle launch experience, and many more. The tickets are also very affordable, only $75 for adults and $65 for children for single-day admission.

20. Florida Film Festival

What can be an ideal spring break destination for a film lover? A film festival, of course. The good news is you can attend the Florida Film Festival, usually held in April. Not only get the chance to see an Oscar-qualifying screening, but film lovers can also mingle with filmmakers and celebrities over hand-crafted cocktails. The Florida Film Festival takes place in Central Florida with primary venues in Winter Park and Maitland. Tickets vary depending on the passes and packages you choose, but it starts from $125 for a regular entry.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where in Florida should you go for spring break?

You can go to many places in Florida during spring break, depending on your travel goal. If you want to catch the sun and get an overall fun tropical party vibe, you can go to one of its beautiful beaches. If you want a unique spring break idea in Florida, you can go to the space center, and if you want to cross out several lists on your theme park wishlist, head over to one of its most incredible theme parks.

What is the cheapest place in Florida to go on spring break?

Gainesville is known as one of the most affordable places in Florida to go on spring break. This is because it is a college town. Therefore, there are pretty cheap accommodations available. It also has various museums you can visit for free. You can also get food at affordable prices here. After all, exploring a city and its free sites is always a good spring break idea in Florida.

Where do college kids go in Florida for spring break?

It depends on every individual’s preferences, but college students often go to popular beach destinations in Florida for spring break. Some of the most popular beaches for spring breakers are Miami Beach, Panama Beach, and the Florida Keys. This is why these beaches often get crowded during spring break.

What can kids do in Florida on spring break?

There are a lot of activities kids can do in Florida, such as visiting the seaquarium. It is a kids-friendly place where they can learn about marine life and even interact with the animals. They can also go to one of the popular theme parks in Florida, which will give them an unforgettable experience.