While South Florida is often a prime destination for spring break, many residents usually want to escape and go on their own little getaway or staycation during that time.
Palm Beach County Schools spring break is the week of March 24. If you don’t have a vacation planned just yet, no worries.
There are plenty of places to explore that are just a car drive away. Whatever direction you want to go, north, south, east or west, here are some spring break options to explore.
Hard-core spring break party days might be behind you, but you can still party like a rock star on one of the most well-known beaches in the country.
Where to stay:
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach – This is a relatively short drive from Brevard County. Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, this beachfront resort offers something for the entire family.
Children will have fun bouncing between the pool, beach and large, indoor arcade. Adults will enjoy live, poolside music, bars and cabanas.
Something unique this resort does, a Fender guitar can be delivered to your room for your family’s own personal jam session. Guitars come with a Fender Mustang amp and a pair of headphones – something your hotel neighbors might appreciate.
If you’re a fan of vinyl records, you can get a collection of 10 carefully-curated records delivered to your room. They’ll of course come with a turntable to spin the tunes.
What to do:
Daytona International Speedway – If you feel like peeling yourself away from the rock-star lifestyle, head to the Daytona International Speedway. This world-famous attraction is home to the annual Daytona 500, NASCARS’s premier stock-car race. Even if an event is not going on while you there, you can still take a tour of the massive facility.
You don’t have to head all the way to South Beach for spring break. You can still get the “South Florida experience,” in Palm Beach County, but it’s far enough from Miami to avoid the college crowds.
Where to stay:
PGA National Resort – The property recently underwent a $100 million renovation. The sprawling 807-acre resort pays homage to the charm and elegance of 1960s Palm Beach chic, with lots of palm trees, period furniture pieces and grandiose chandeliers. Accommodations include rooms with balconies to two-bedroom cottages. Florida residents can take advantage of discounts of up to 15% off.
What to do:
Flagler Mansion – The mansion is the winter retreat of Henry Flagler and his wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. Today it’s a museum that shows off the home’s luxurious ballrooms, dining rooms, library, as well as the intricate architecture and furnishings.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – The grounds includes two museum buildings and a 16-acre expansive garden with walking paths and a world-class bonsai collection. A 200-acres park features wildlife and lakes stocked with koi.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse – Climb this landmark, built in 1860, for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Jupiter (the city. Not the planet). The spiraling staircase to the top has 105 cast irons steps. Children must be at least 48″ to climb the lighthouse.
Sure Orlando is most known for its theme parks, but those places are packed (with a capital P) during spring break. Instead, take the time to explore other Orlando offerings that can easily be day trips from Brevard or quick getaways.
Where to stay:
Evermore Orlando Resort – Barely a year old, this resort is straight out of the Caribbean. The center of it, Evermore Bay, is a tropical paradise that includes a sparkling eight-acres manmade lagoon and plenty of sandy beach space. Enjoy the water by paddleboard, kayak or from your private cabana complete with over-the-water hammock. If you’re feeling adventurous you can enter the lagoon via a rope swing or 8-foot jump. The accommodations at the resort are equally as stunning as the Bay. Options range from two- to four-bedroom villas, to flats, which are essentially four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments complete with full kitchens and bunk rooms. The resort also includes massive vacation homes that range from five to 11 bedrooms and sleep as many as 32 people. There also is a traditional hotel on property, the Conrad Resort.
What to do:
Artifact Candle Foundry -At this unique candle shop you can create your very own, one-of-a-kind candle. Start from sniffing more than 60 different fragrances to select your scent, then pick the vessel you want to hold your candle and finally combine it all together. It’s a fun way to create a long-lasting spring break memory.
The Great Southern Box Co. – This recently-opened food hall has a dozen different culinary options, as well as a bar. There’s easily something for the whole family to find – from Mexican to Brazilian to Japanese and more. The space also includes a large, outdoor lawn where people can enjoy food and sometimes listen to live music.
Wanting a Disney spring break, but not wanting the Disney-spring-break-theme-park crowds? Head to one of the Disney Vacation Properties outside of Walt Disney World.
Where to stay:
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – Located right on the beach, this Disney-owned property has all the Disney magic without the Disney crowds. The resort offers bicycle rentals, has tennis and basketball courts and even catch-and-release fishing. There’s also a community room where guests can participate in various activities and create art projects. You’ll even have a chance to interact with Disney characters. Goofy and Pluto host a breakfast on property. And here’s a little hint: You can make a reservation for the breakfast even if you aren’t staying on property.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort – Located on the coast of South Carolina, this resort was built to resemble a 1940s hunting and fishing lodge. Guests get a taste of local charm, outdoor fun and the Disney magic. It includes 12 miles of beaches, lots of recreational activities and campfire sing-a-longs.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
