[emily0617]

My friend and I are both from California (San Francisco Bay Area) and have never been the East Coast. We would like to visit Florida for Spring Break this year and being that neither of us know anyone from the area, we are researching which cities to go too via internet.

So... Miami vs. Panama city?? We've read that Ft. Lauderdale isn't that popular anymore.

Any tips/places/where to stay would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!!!

[TXRyan23]

South Padre Island, TX.

[ferret111]

Well Panama City is known locally as the Redneck Riviera, since it's the closest major beach for lots of residents in North Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, et cetera. I've never actually been there, so I don't know if it's still like that.

[GLS2010]

Miami, west palm, daytona,

[JerseyPhanatic]

South Beach in Miami would be the only place I would consider.

Spring Break in South Beach

[chaotix]

deja vu all over again. . . coming from SanFran, nothing less than South Beach will do, but I get a feeling you already knew this

[daytonadewd]

I think it depends on what "type" of Spring Breakers you wish to hang out with, as Breakers tend to be attracted to specific spots of interest.

Your OP doesn't mention if the experience you're seeking is staying in a hotel packed with 20 people to a room (and hence sleeping on the beach during the day because of this and the fact you did too many jello shots).

Or maybe you're just looking for some low-key sun & beach fun to get some much needed R&R and still maybe hang out at the local crab shack (which will NOT have a wet t-shirt contest for you to win a free bar tab).

Being that you're from a major urban area (and can probably read), you would probably want to gravitate to other urban areas in Florida such as SoBe, FLL, Key West or Clearwater Beach. These areas would also be best option for not needing a car, as you can rent bicycles or scooters to tool around.

Obviously you will have a budget so you're best researching the best deal you can get on room rates + flights (and possible car) first.

If you want more low-key (but with some interesting options), try Daytona, Naples/Marco Island, Islamorada or St Augustine.

Or you can buy an open jaw ticket and rent a car to do a loop around the state, which is extremely large and diverse like CA.

[GLS2010]

Originally Posted by daytonadewd

I think it depends on what "type" of Spring Breakers you wish to hang out with, as Breakers tend to be attracted to specific spots of interest.

Your OP doesn't mention if the experience you're seeking is staying in a hotel packed with 20 people to a room (and hence sleeping on the beach during the day because of this and the fact you did too many jello shots).

Or maybe you're just looking for some low-key sun & beach fun to get some much needed R&R and still maybe hang out at the local crab shack (which will NOT have a wet t-shirt contest for you to win a free bar tab).

Being that you're from a major urban area (and can probably read), you would probably want to gravitate to other urban areas in Florida such as SoBe, FLL, Key West or Clearwater Beach. These areas would also be best option for not needing a car, as you can rent bicycles or scooters to tool around.

Obviously you will have a budget so you're best researching the best deal you can get on room rates + flights (and possible car) first.

If you want more low-key (but with some interesting options), try Daytona, Naples/Marco Island, Islamorada or St Augustine.

Or you can buy an open jaw ticket and rent a car to do a loop around the state, which is extremely large and diverse like CA.

good idea

[CAGringo]

I am also from Sf Bay Area and am very, very familiar with FL. For Spring Break, I would suggest Panama City Beach or Key West. Miami is more of an actual "city", and Miami Beach is not setup for college spring breakers - it's expensive and is better for the young professional crowd. If you are looking to booze in the sun, lay in the sand and mix it up with the college crowd - Panama City Beach is the perfect place. Panama City Beach is/will be INSANELY fun, trust me!

I also did Key West One year, it was great. That year, Spring Break was the same week of St. Patty's - Key West is a GREAT place for St. Patty's, plenty of college students.

Depending when your spring break week is, I would suggest you can fly into Tallahassee, party with the FSU students, and then head to PCB.

I think Daytona is past it's prime.

[AustinTraveler]

When is your Spring Break? Panama City can still be pretty cold in March.