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Florida Spring Break Visitors' Guide
02/08/2024
Florida Spring Break Visitors' Guide
Florida Spring Break Visitors' Guide Special Guide To Florida Spring Breakers Welcome to Florida! Welcome to Florida, home of breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an abundance of sunshine year-round. Explore the enchanting Everglades, where alligators glide through marshy waters, or indulge in the magic of Disney World, where fairy tales come to life. Experience the rich cultural tapestry of Miami, where salsa rhythms and art deco architecture blend seamlessly. In today’s special podcast, we’ll tell you about the places to stay, the day trips to explore, the foods to experience, and we’ll even throw in some history, some little known factoids, and even some of Florida’s mysterious folklore. Whether you're seeking adventure in the Keys or relaxation on the Gulf Coast, Florida offers something for everyone. So, kick back, soak up the rays, and embrace the laid-back charm of the Sunshine State as we present our special Florida Guide For Spring Break guests! A Look Back at Spring Breaks of the Past. You could say that the modern-day week-long Spring Break dates back to the 1960s. The release of the classic road trip film “Where the Boys Are” which tells the story of four very different college girls who drive to Fort Lauderdale in Florida looking for boys, fun, sun and romance. During the hippy period of the late 60s and early 70s, alcohol and free love took its toll and some beach communities tried to deter spring breakers. A number of Florida towns make the top 10 most popular Spring Break destinations including Daytona Beach, Panama City Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers and Tampa. By the time of the 80s, Spring Break started to mature, becoming less about getting drunk and more about concerts and parties, visiting theme parks, taking part in sports and other activities like surfing, scuba diving and parasailing. Each year more and more students are also looking at charity programs helping people in the developing world. Before we go any further, here’s what your Mom wants you to bring: · Light Clothing: Bring plenty of lightweight and breathable clothing like shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and swimsuits. · Sun Protection: Don't forget sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a beach umbrella for shade. · Beach Gear: Towels, beach chairs, flip-flops or sandals, and a beach bag to carry your essentials. · Waterproof Accessories: Waterproof phone case, waterproof camera, and waterproof pouch for valuables if you plan on spending time in the water. · Hydration: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle and electrolyte drinks, especially if you'll be in the sun for long periods. · Entertainment: Bring along a good book, a portable speaker for music, or games like beach volleyball or a frisbee. · Snacks: Pack some snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or fruit to keep you energized throughout the day. · Casual Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring, as well as a pair of sneakers if you plan on engaging in any outdoor activities. · Rain Gear: While it's usually sunny in Florida, it's good to be prepared for sudden showers. Bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho just in case. · Evening Attire: If you're planning on going out in the evenings, pack some nicer outfits and shoes for dinners or nights out on the town. Okay, now aim your GPS: Panama City Beach Panama City Beach (known as PCB) with its 27 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches is one of the most popular Spring Break destinations. With free shuttle buses to take you from the hotels to the nightclubs and bars. It lays claim to being the “Spring Break Capital of the World”. Orlando would dispute that as it is now the #1 Florida Spring Break destination. Panama City Beach has some of the world’s largest beach clubs. Places like Harpoon Harry’s, Club La Vela (largest club in the United States), Hammerhead Fred’s, Latitudes and Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant. The Spinnaker Club has shut its nightclub and is now the Spinnaker Beachside Grill. It is not over-developed, it is still reasonably priced and regulations were fairly relaxed. However, after some bad incidents in 2015, laws have been tightened and alcohol is no longer allowed on the beach and clubs must stop selling alcohol by 2 a.m. This resulted in a big drop off in student numbers but it still attracts around 2 million students each year. Daytona Beach Daytona Beach is still an inexpensive choice and hence an important Spring Break destination. Despite the dramatic rise in popularity of Panama City Beach. The Daytona International Speedway and the Kennedy Space Center are all close by. Orlando and Florida’s many theme parks are only a day trip away. One of Daytona’s claims to fame is the 23 miles of beach, most of which you can drive along in your car. A few years ago, a mile-long strip of beach in front of the historic Boardwalk was declared a vehicle-free zone but you can still drive and park on 16 miles of beach, tide permitting. Being on the Atlantic coast, unlike the Gulf of Mexico, brings the opportunity to go surfing. Like all the Florida destinations, Daytona has its fair share of top-class nightclubs including Baja Beach Club, Club 600 North, Razzles, Ocean Deck and Fat Tuesday. Orlando If the beach is not your thing, then Orlando makes a good destination. With Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld all within a few miles of each other. There are still plenty of opportunities to swim at water parks. There is Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Aquatica and Volcano Bay, not forgetting Discovery Cove. For nightclubs you cannot beat Universal’s CityWalk for choice. There is also no shortage of great resort hotels with pools, private villas and condominiums. Miami South Beach Miami, and in particular South Beach, is an up-and-coming Spring Break destination. With its vibrant culture and amazing nightlife and is popular with the more sophisticated partygoers. There are not many places that beat Miami when it comes to upmarket restaurants and nightclubs and being further south, the weather is even better. Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale has some amazing beaches, boating canals and stunning nature. Its slightly more relaxed vibe is perfect for spring breakers looking for a mix of beach fun and a touch of sophistication. Other Florida Destinations Amongst the other Florida top spots is Jacksonville. With its vibrant night scene, laid-back Key West, Hollywood Beach, St Pete Clearwater Beach and Naples. The Theme Parks: Walt Disney World What is the best way to buy Disney World tickets? To answer your question as simply as possible, the best way to purchase tickets in my opinion is as early as possible online via the Walt Disney World Resort website which has always been the most efficient option for us overall. With more than 120 attractions, 50 entertainment options and 140 dining destinations in our 4 theme parks and 2 water parks, there’s plenty of fun for a multi-day stay at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. Prices below are for a one-day ticket (unless otherwise noted) before tax, for ages 10+. Prices and Products for All Guests Theme Park Ticket 1 to 10-day standard date-based ticket Date-based ticket that requires you to choose a start date. 1-day ticket (Ages 10+) from: $109 to $189 Theme Park Ticket Standard date-based theme park tickets require you to choose a start date at purchase. Receive admission to one theme park per day for each day of your ticket. Choose from 4 amazing theme parks: Magic Kingdom park EPCOT Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park Park Hopper option: Visit more than one theme park on the same day. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations. Water Park and Sports option: Visit one theme park per day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows two visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. For each visit, you can choose one of the following: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (Currently Unavailable) Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course FootGolf at Disney's Oak Trail Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round; prior to 4:00 PM) Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round; prior to 4:00 PM) Park Hopper Plus option: Visit more than one theme park on the same day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. A 2-day ticket allows 2 visits, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations. Universal Studios Orlando Do you have to buy Universal Studios tickets in advance? Tickets are available online in advance at universalstudioshollywood.com to save vs. Front Gate pricing. While tickets are available at the Front Gate, we do advise visiting our online ticket store before leaving for the park to check if the visit date is shown as “Sold Out.” 1-Day One Park Ticket Adults (10+) $119.00 Other Day Trip and Theme Park Ideas Busch Gardens SeaWorld LegoLand Kennedy Space Center Hidden Gems: St. George Island State Park Located in Northwest Florida on the Forgotten Coast, one word perfectly sums up St. George Island State Park: Pristine. Nine miles of white sand beaches, towering sand dunes and untouched, natural beauty make it one the best secluded beaches in the Sunshine State. Mere minutes away from great seafood, park activities include camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking and biking. Canaveral National Seashore This barrier island promises a sanctuary for both people and wildlife. Hugged next to the Atlantic Ocean between Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach, Canaveral National Seashore encompasses a 140,000-acre wildlife refuge and long expanses of natural beaches, stretching as far as you can see along sandy dunes. The park offers opportunities for back-country camping, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, surfing, swimming, boating and bird watching. Caladesi Island State Park The real Florida awaits you at Caladesi, situated north of Clearwater and south of Tarpon Springs. Accessible via the Caladesi Island Ferry, a boat shuttle service that runs daily from Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi delivers miles of glistening white sandy beaches surrounded by bluish-green water. You can often spot dolphins off shore, and wooden benches provide a place to relax and enjoy the Gulf beach view. For the perfect end to the day, visit a local seafood favorite, Olde Bay Café. It overlooks St. Joseph Sound with a view of Caladesi Island on Main Street in Dunedin. Navarre Beach Navarre Beach is a little off of the beaten path- and that’s one of the best things about it. Sited east of Pensacola, this quiet destination boasts a generous white-sand beach snuggled against the emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico. It’s a serene retreat, renowned for fishing and its pier, 1,545 feet long and 30 feet tall. Stroll out onto it for sweeping views of the beach and the dunes, rolling both directions as far as the eye can see. From atop the pier you’ll almost always spot schools of fish. But you might see a stingray too, looking for all the world as if it’s flying underwater, or even dolphins, out on a fishing expedition of their own. Dry Tortugas National Park Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, and sited 70 miles west of Key West across open water, this most-remote national park is a true escape. But you won’t miss civilization. Dominated by Fort Jefferson, the largest brick building in the western hemisphere, the Dry Tortugas are something you’d conjure up in a dream. Surrounded by impossibly crystalline, emerald-tinted waters, its beaches are lush with powdery-white sand. Santa Rosa Beach Famed for its pristine beauty, turquoise waters and glorious, white-sand shores, Santa Rosa Beach invites you to discover local boutiques, browse art galleries and indulge in award-winning cuisine. Located on Northwest Florida’s famed Emerald Coast, this laid-back getaway is short on crowds and long on relaxation. You can’t beat it for an idyllic combination of upscale amenities and stretches of sand where you’ll never struggle to find a place to spread out your beach towel. Don Pedro Island A three minute ferry ride will whisk you away to Don Pedro Island—and transport you to another world, one that’s ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and a peaceful retreat. Just a splash away from Englewood on Florida's southern Gulf Coast, this seven mile long escape promises world-class shelling and birding, epic sunsets, and pristine beaches. The fishing is spectacular, with the area’s waters yielding trout, redfish, snook, tarpon and grouper. Accessible only by boat, ferry, or private watercraft, this barrier island encompasses Palm Island Resort, Don Pedro Island State Park, and single family homes. Cars are a rarity, and almost everyone gets around via golf carts, which are available for rental. Cape San Blas Unspoiled beaches laden with white sand, pet-friendly vacation rentals, and epic outdoor adventures like horseback riding on the beach await visitors to Cape San Blas. Linked to the Florida peninsula by a thread of land, Cape San Blas is sited close to Port St. Joe on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. This tranquil getaway is home to the 1,900-acre T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, named the best beach in America (2002) by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (a.k.a. Dr. Beach). It’s a place to relax and reconnect with nature, nosh on fresh Florida seafood at family-owned eateries, and enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, and hiking. Mexico Beach This charming, small coastal town, situated along Florida's panhandle in Bay County, is known for its serene, natural beaches and relaxed vibe. The area’s beaches boast sugar-white, pure quartz sand, a rarity that’s cool on your bare toes and a treat for the eyes. The water is gin-clear and emerald-colored. Due to its calm waters and abundant marine life, it’s an ideal spot for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Mexico Beach offers a variety of colorful vacation rentals, several beachfront hotels, and two RV parks. The town has local eateries serving fresh seafood and southern cuisine, including the iconic Killer Seafood, as well as shops offering beachwear and souvenirs. Gasparilla Island State Park Nestled along Florida's southwest coast in Boca Grande—an upscale, hidden gem--Gasparilla Island State Park boasts serene beaches and unspoiled Florida coastal beauty. The park invites you to swim and sunbathe; explore the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and its museum; snorkel or scuba dive in its clear waters; or embark on a treasure hunt for seashells on its uncrowded shores. It’s nirvana for anglers, with tarpon and other prized fish favoring the blue waters. MLB Spring Training Several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams conduct their spring training in Florida as part of the Grapefruit League. Here are the MLB teams that hold their spring training in Florida: Atlanta Braves: The Atlanta Braves conduct their spring training at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida. Baltimore Orioles: The Baltimore Orioles hold their spring training at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. Boston Red Sox: The Boston Red Sox conduct their spring training at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. Detroit Tigers: The Detroit Tigers hold their spring training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. Houston Astros: The Houston Astros conduct their spring training at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. Miami Marlins: The Miami Marlins hold their spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. Minnesota Twins: The Minnesota Twins conduct their spring training at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. New York Mets: The New York Mets hold their spring training at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. New York Yankees: The New York Yankees conduct their spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Philadelphia Phillies: The Philadelphia Phillies hold their spring training at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pittsburgh Pirates conduct their spring training at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. St. Louis Cardinals: The St. Louis Cardinals hold their spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida. What is the history of auto racing in Florida? The history of auto racing in Florida dates back to the early 20th century, with the state playing a significant role in the development of the sport in the United States. Here's an overview of key milestones and events in the history of auto racing in Florida: Daytona Beach and the Birth of Speed: Daytona Beach is often considered the birthplace of stock car racing. In the early 1900s, the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach provided an ideal setting for land speed record attempts. Racing enthusiasts and daredevils flocked to the beach to test the limits of their vehicles and compete for speed records. This era laid the foundation for the Daytona Beach Road Course, a legendary racing circuit that hosted events from the 1930s to the 1950s. Daytona International Speedway: In 1959, the iconic Daytona International Speedway opened its doors, ushering in a new era of professional racing in Florida. The inaugural race at the speedway was the first Daytona 500, now one of the most prestigious events in NASCAR. Daytona International Speedway quickly became a cornerstone of the NASCAR circuit, hosting major races like the Daytona 500, the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Sebring International Raceway: Located in central Florida, Sebring International Raceway is one of the oldest continuously operating race tracks in the United States. The track was originally built on a World War II airbase and hosted its first race, the Sebring 12 Hours, in 1952. The Sebring 12 Hours has since become one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, attracting top drivers and teams from around the globe. Homestead-Miami Speedway: Homestead-Miami Speedway, located south of Miami, opened in 1995 and has become a prominent venue for auto racing in Florida. The speedway hosts NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA races, including the NASCAR Cup Series finale, which determines the series champion. Street...
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