Top 10 Spring Break Destinations in Florida for Families in 2025

Last Updated on February 16, 2025 by Oliver

Finding the best spring break destinations in Florida can be tricky—there are so many amazing beach towns and quiet spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. If you’re after a laid-back family vacation with white sandy beaches and calm waters, the west coast is definitely the place to go.

The Atlantic Coast offers a completely different vibe. It’s where you’ll find bigger cities, theme parks, and luxury resorts and restaurants. So, it can be a little harder to pick the right Florida spring break spot.

Carae grew up in Texas, and for her family, the yearly Florida spring break trip was a big deal. She’s been to many of these destinations, so trust me when I say she knows her stuff.

Let’s dive into our guide to the best spring break destinations in Florida for your family in 2025!

Popular Spring Break Destinations in Florida

Florida is basically THE Spring Break Destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The best beaches and chill vibes on the Gulf Coast (The State’s West Coast) in places like Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key, where you can just kick back and enjoy the sunshine.

Then there’s the Atlantic side, with spots like Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, where you can hit the sand during the day and enjoy dinners at the beach clubs or explore the Florida Everglades.

And, of course, if you’ve got the family with you, Florida’s got you covered. Whether it’s the thrill of Disney in Orlando, watching dolphins in Clearwater, or heading to Key West in southwest Florida, there’s no shortage of things to do

Of course there is so many spring break destinations outside of Florida as well. To find out more, take a look at our guide for the best spring break destinations in the USA.

1.Key West – Sandy Beaches & Scuba Diving at the Florida Keys

Key West is one of those places that just screams “vacation.” The beaches are perfect for chilling while the kids play in the water, and if you’re into snorkeling or scuba diving, the coral reefs are amazing. We went scuba diving in Key Largo, and it felt like swimming in an aquarium—sea turtles, bright fish, and the clearest water you can imagine.

If you need a break from the stunning beaches, check out Mallory Square at sunset. The street performers are super fun to watch.

There are also some great restaurants in Key West and Key Largo. Our go-to is Two Friends Patio—it’s perfect for seafood.

Why families love it: Chill beaches, epic snorkeling & scuba diving, and plenty to explore without feeling rushed.

Where to Stay in Key West
($) Southwinds Motel // ($$) Ibis Bay Beach Resort // ($$$) Ocean Key Resort & Spa

2.Panama City Beach – Nature Trails and Family Fun

Panama City Beach is such a great spot for families—it’s the perfect mix of fun and activities while also being lazy and relaxing on the beach. The beaches here are gorgeous (sugar-white sand, turquoise water), but what surprised me most was all the outdoor adventures beyond the beach.

One spring break, we rented bikes and hit the trails at Conservation Park. It’s such a peaceful escape, and the kids loved spotting turtles and birds along the way. If you’ve got little adventurers, you can’t miss St. Andrews State Park. Between kayaking, hiking, and spotting dolphins, it’s a guaranteed good time.

And, of course, there’s plenty of classic family fun—think mini golf, go-karts, and the quirky (but always fun) WonderWorks Museum. We ended our day with sunset pizza on the beach, which honestly might’ve been my favorite part.

Why families love it: Beautiful beaches, easy outdoor adventures, and tons of fun activities to keep everyone happy.

Where to Stay in Panama City Beach
($) Casa Loma Panama City Beach // ($$) Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach // ($$$) Homewood Suites by Hilton

3.Anna Maria Island – Cute Beach Towns & Pristine Beaches

Anna Maria Island feels like stepping into old Florida, and I mean that in the best way. It’s quiet, charming, and has some of the prettiest beaches I’ve ever seen. The soft sand and calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families with younger kids.

The best part is that the whole island has this laid-back, small-town vibe. No chain restaurants or high-rises—just cute local shops, ice cream spots, and cute outdoor cafes (North Shore Cafe is my go to!)

For a fun adventure, take the kids out on a dolphin-watching tour or rent a kayak to explore the mangroves. We spotted manatees last time we went, and it was such a cool experience.

We also have a guide on where to stay in Anna Maria Island if you’d like to explore it further.

Why families love it: Peaceful beaches, a charming small-town feel, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Where to Stay in Anna Maria Island
($) The Retreat at Anna Maria Island Inn // ($$) Mello on the Beach // ($$$) Bungalow Beach Resort

4.Siesta Key Beach – A Budget Friendly Spring Break Destination

Siesta Beach is hands down one of my favorite spots in Florida, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a spring break getaway that won’t empty your wallet. The sand here is ridiculously soft—it’s like walking on powdered sugar—and the water is shallow and calm, which is great for kids.

We stayed at a little vacation rental (Siesta Key Oasis) just a short walk from the beach, and it made everything so easy. Mornings were for building sandcastles and afternoons for grabbing ice cream at Siesta Key Village (highly recommend Big Olaf Creamery—classic, but so good).

If you like the sound of Siesta Beach, take a look at our Full Siesta Key Guide!

Why families love it: Affordable, family-friendly, and the kind of beach where you could happily spend the whole day.

Where to Stay in Siesta Key Beach Florida
($) Kompose Boutique Hotel Sarasota // ($$) Tropical Breeze Resort // ($$$) The Residences on Siesta Key Beach

5.New Smyrna Beach – Fishing Trips for the Whole Family

If your family loves fishing (or you’ve been wanting to give it a try), New Smyrna Beach is the place to go. It’s got a small-town Florida charm with plenty of ways to get out on the water.

Last time we were here, we booked a half-day fishing charter, and it was so much fun. Even if you’re not an expert, the guides are super helpful, and the kids were thrilled every time they reeled something in. (Okay, I got a little competitive, too.) If fishing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the water with dolphin tours, paddleboarding, or just relaxing on the beach.

Why families love it: Laid-back beaches, great fishing, and a fun, easygoing vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.

Where to Stay in New Smyrna Beach
($) The Riverview Hotel // ($$) Anchor Inn Bed & Breakfast // ($$$) Springhill Suites

6.Fort Lauderdale – Luxury Spring Break Destinations on the Atlantic Coast

Fort Lauderdale might sound fancy, or you might think it’s all about nightlife, but don’t let that fool you—it’s totally family-friendly, too. The beaches are stunning, and there are plenty of restaurants and activities you can enjoy with the kids.

What I love about Fort Lauderdale is how much there is to do beyond the beach. One year, we took a water taxi around the canals—it’s like a mini Venice! The kids were obsessed with spotting the huge yachts and mansions, while I just enjoyed the breeze and the views. For animal lovers, the Flamingo Gardens is a great destination, but of course, if you have the time, you should take an Everglades airboat tour!

And let’s not forget the food—there are tons of great spots for seafood and even a few fancy restaurants where you can treat yourself. Our absolute favorite for seafood is Coconuts. It has a super chill vibe and is perfect for drinks at sunset.

Why families love it: Beautiful beaches, fun boat tours, and a little splash of luxury that makes it feel extra special.

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
($) Coral Key Inn // ($$) Villa Venezia // ($$$) The Pillars Hotel & Club

7.Miami Beach – South Beach, Art Deco & Nightlife

Okay, so I know Miami Beach might have the reputation of a party town, but we went with the whole family, and it was super cool. It is definitely the place to go if you want a mix of sun, culture, and a little excitement. South Beach is iconic, with its pastel-colored Art Deco buildings lining the streets, and the best beaches are just across the street.

If your family loves to explore, you can spend hours just wandering around, checking out the architecture, and hanging out by the beach.

While Miami Beach is known for its nightlife, it’s also super family-friendly during the day. Head to Lincoln Road for shopping, grab some Cuban food for lunch, and end the day with a sunset walk along the beach.

Why families love it: famous beaches, cool culture, amazing food

Where to Stay in Miami Beach
($) Generator Miami // ($$) Freehand Miami // ($$$) Kimpton – Hotel Palomar South Beach

8.Clearwater Florida – White Sandy Beaches & The Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Beach is one of those places that’s hard to beat for families. The sand is so soft it feels like powder, and the water is calm and shallow. We spent most of our time just relaxing on the beach, but if you’re up for more activities, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must.

It’s not your typical aquarium—it’s where Winter the dolphin, from Dolphin Tale, used to call home. They also rescue and rehabilitate turtles and other dolphins, which is great compared to just being a regular aquarium.

Why families love it: Soft beaches, a fun aquarium experience

Where to Stay in Clearwater Florida
($) Tropical Breeze // ($$) Legacy Vacation Resorts-Indian Shores // ($$$) Opal Sands

9.Orlando Florida – Best Theme Parks in Florida (Disney World & Universal Studios)

Orlando is pretty much synonymous with theme parks, and for good reason—it’s got Disney World and Universal Studios, two of the most iconic spring break destinations.

We’ve done Disney World a few times, and every trip feels like a new adventure. We just love everything about it: the rides, the food, and the parades.

Universal Studios is the perfect next stop if your kids are into movies and thrill rides. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an absolute must if you’re a fan (we might have spent a little too much time in Diagon Alley). Plus, the rides at Universal are next-level—just the right amount of thrills for older kids and adults.

Why families love it: The thrill of Disney magic and Universal excitement—there’s no shortage of things to do, and the memories you make here will stick with you long after the trip ends.

Where to Stay in Orlando Florida
($) Formosa Valley // ($$) Tropical Palms Resort // ($$$) Hyatt Regency Orlando

10.St Petersburg – Sunshine & Live Music in Tampa Bay

St. Petersburg, also known as St. Pete, is located just outside of Tampa Bay and offers both great city vibes and beautiful beaches. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, this spring break destination lives up to the name “Sunshine State.”

St. Pete is not only known for its gorgeous white sand beaches but also for its amazing arts scene, with plenty of art galleries, antique stores, and live music venues.

If you’re a baseball fan, don’t miss out on catching a game at Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays play!

Why families love it: Cheap vacation rentals, family outdoor activities

Where to Stay in St Petersburg
($) Mari Jean Hotel // ($$) Crystal Bay Historic Hotel // ($$$) SkyBeach Hotel

Florida Spring Break Destinations to Avoid for Family Trips

When it comes to spring break destinations in Florida, there’s a clear divide between spots suitable for families and those dominated by parties and mayhem on the beach. While most places are great for kids, some stand out as locations I personally wouldn’t recommend for a family vacation.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is famous for its speedway, but during spring break, it transforms into a hotspot for partying college students. The beaches get overcrowded, and the atmosphere can become rowdy, making it less than ideal for a peaceful family getaway.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is another spring break favorite for college students and spring breakers, known for its crazy nightlife and party scene. The beaches are typically packed with young adults looking to let loose, which might not be the best environment for families.

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