Spring Break in Daytona Beach, FL
The tradition of Spring Break in Florida is decades old and many college students from northern universities wouldn’t dream of spending their mid-semester vacation anywhere else than in the Sunshine State. For many years, the stretch of beaches from Daytona to Miami have been the ultimate March destination for thousands of sun-starved kids, and Daytona Beach has long been at the center of the Spring Break craze, attracting young adults from all around the country (and beyond!) who head south to enjoy the warm temperatures and the 23 miles of sandy beaches at the “Most Famous Beach in the World”.
Spring Break is not a quiet time and most other tourists avoid the area like the plague when Spring Breakers are present. But for these young adults, visiting Daytona Beach is a right of passage that just can’t be missed, and the hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the area eagerly welcome the students with special pricing, package deals, and much more.
In some instances, colleges are served by tour companies who can assist students in making their own Daytona Spring Break plans, handling all the details so busy students won’t have to do it on their own. Others, however, do indeed prefer to make their own plans and with internet sites and other ways to do research, making arrangements isn’t too difficult. Students who are heading to Daytona for Spring Break should consider the following things:
· Getting there – Spring Break visitors will want to determine the best way to get to Daytona. Driving to Daytona isn’t difficult as the city is located at the intersection of two major highways – Interstates 95 and 4. Those who want to save time by flying to Daytona can book flights directly to Daytona International Airport, eliminating the need to rent a car. Another option is to fly to Orlando, about a 60-minute drive from Daytona, and rent a car and drive to this beach destination. Greyhound Bus Company also runs buses to Daytona from several cities throughout the country.
· Lodging – Most students prefer to book a room in a hotel or resort that’s located directly on the beach. Those, of course, are going to carry the highest price tags but do offer the most convenience. If budget is a concern, consider booking a hotel that is within walking distance of the beach but not directly on the sand. This will save a few dollars. Also, when booking a hotel, look for special package rates that might include meals and other perks. Search for hotels with great pools and decks, kitchenettes, and rooms large enough to allow you to share with others. Many hotels also offer entertainment daily during Spring Break week.
· Nightlife – There’s plenty of nighttime action during Spring Break, when clubs offer parties especially for Spring Break participants. They generally include lots of dancing and music and the alcohol flows fairly freely to those who are of legal drinking age. (Legal drinking age is 21 in Florida and rules are strictly enforced, especially during Spring Break.)
· Events – Clubs, restaurants, hotels, and the city plan many special events for Spring Breakers. If you plan to attend, arrive early as most are quite crowded by starting time. There’s no need to have a car as most of the events are within walking distance of each other and of the hotels in the downtown area.
· Safety – The city of Daytona Beach does everything possible to keep Spring Breakers safe. However, there are always a few individuals who lose control and initiate potentially dangerous situations. Remember to use your head and remove yourself from danger as soon as it seems apparent. The Daytona Beach police force is eager to help with any problems, so if you find yourself in a precarious situation, don’t hesitate to call them.
Return to Daytona Beach Guide Home Page