Florida
I just love South Beach in Miami. Some people think of it as the international playground for the rich, famous and beautiful people but not me; I live in Florida so I know the ‘real’ South Beach and trust me you find all kinds there.
I have a friend I met while in college recently come back for a visit. He’s French and is used to international type beaches, shops, cafes and clubs and often brags that there isn’t anything like them anywhere else in the world so while he was here I set out to change his mind.
The first place I took him was, of course, to Lummus Beach. It couldn’t have been more perfect if I had planned it, which I hadn’t. They where doing a photo shoot for some fashion magazine right there on the beach, my friend was impressed. As we walked along we saw people playing volleyball, building sand castles and wading.
After we finished our walk on the beach we went to a hotel in the Art Deco area, these hotels are dotted all along Ocean Ave. in South Beach and are really great to just walk on the other side of the street and look at. Some of the most recognized ones are the Colony and the Clevelander. South Beach has the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.
After we went back and got clean up from our day at the beach we headed back to Ocean Ave. for a early dinner at one of the many sidewalk cafes there. If you get there early or in the off season you can get some great deals for dinner and even happy hour drinks. The food in South Beach is world class, many of the chefs’ train abroad and then bring their culinary skills home to us. As you’d imagine there’s a strong Cuban influence as seen is dishes such as paella and all their wonderful pork and chicken dishes – yum. My friend was impressed with his dinner and I was pleased, after all he’s been to some of the best restaurants in France no less; this guy knows a good meal when he gets one and he did.
After we ate I took him to a place called Mango’s Tropical Cafe. This place is WILD. When you walk in the first thing you’ll notice is that the whole place is painted with bright florescent paint, then you’ll see this huge bar jutting out from the middle with dancers on it. Did a mention the dancers, and wait staff for that matter, are very scantily clad? I wasn’t able to drag my friend out of there so we could go clubbing until around midnight but that’s ok most of the clubs in South Beach don’t close until 4 a.m.
They have a whole section of town, mainly Washington Ave., that has several upscale clubs. One of the most well known is the Mansion, they have special guest DJ’s on occasion as well as musical guests. B.E.D. (Beverage, Entertainment and Dining) and Cameo are a couple more, B.E.D. New York was even featured on an episode of Sex and the City; all these clubs are located on Washington Ave. My friend and I dragged our butts in at about 2 a.m., which was relatively early by SoBe standards, because we still had one more day together and I had to take him shopping.
So as I was driving my friend to the airport we were discussing all we had seen and done and he agreed, finally, that South Beach was pretty international after all. I tried to tell him that but I’m glad he chose to come and see for himself, we really did have a blast.
If you’re looking for a vacation getaway with an international flavor where you don’t need a passport, try South Beach Miami in Florida. While you’re there you’ll want to check out Lummus Beach, one of Florida’s best beaches and a favorite with European travelers.
When people think of a premier spring break location their mind often ventures to the beaches of Florida, and with good reason. The climate provides a perfect break from colder conditions experienced throughout the United States. The getaway provides a much-needed break from college studies or a family work schedule.
Daytona Beach
This destination is not just for NASCAR fans. Twenty-three miles of beach provide the neutral zone between the ocean and the city. This zone is perfect for guests to meet others while enjoying hotel pricing designed to accommodate the college student’s budget.
Dancing, swimming, sun bathing and nightlife draw the crowds and develop the memories at Daytona Beach.
Orlando
Premier attractions await guests in Orlando. From Universal Studios to Disneyworld – from Wet’n Wild to Sea World this town provides the beach and then some.
Orlando has proven to be a great spring break destination for one of the greatest choices in activity during your college holiday. This city is also popular with families who want the most opportunity during a spring holiday.
Clearwater
Located on the ‘Gulf’ side of Florida this city boasts some of the most pristine and spectacular beaches in Florida. While they may not have as many overall people visiting as other larger cities this may actually be the primary draw of a spring break in Clearwater. The location of attractions in nearby Tampa may allow this to be a destination that actually offers more relaxation when needed while still providing an exceptional spring break atmosphere and experience.
Multiple nearby islands make this as much an adventure as a break from your regular schedule.
Sarasota
This smaller Florida city offers the perfect destination for family spring breaks. Expressing less tolerance for “college students behaving badly” this destination provides its greatest welcome for families. While there are college students who travel to Sarasota the atmosphere is more family oriented and relaxing than other spring break destinations in Florida. That being said we realize the above description will provide the positive tipping point for booking time on the coast in Sarasota for many.
Miami
This city provides a bold welcome to college students who want to visit the beaches of Florida for spring break vacation. Thousands of college students from across the U.S. make their way to South Beach in Miami for entertainment, nightlife and the ability to meet new people.
If you want to tour the Everglades or other natural destinations this is also available during spring break with lodging accommodations designed to fit almost any budget.
On a Budget?
These premier Florida destinations understand the desire to enjoy the dawning of spring – and they understand the financial pressures of both families and students. Most of the above cities will provide an all-inclusive package designed to allow you to plan for your trip while covering all of your primary needs.
A spring break vacation allows you the opportunity to enjoy Florida at a special time of the year with the potential of meeting others who are also determined to make the break a positive next step in finishing the school year.
Come for the sun – stay for the surprises. Return for the experience known as “Florida’s Spring Break”.
