The local’s guide to avoiding spring breakers in Florida

Floridians, it’s that time of the year! From March 2 through the 30th, colleges and universities take their spring semester break and thousands of college students descend on the Sunshine State, ready and willing to paaartay! 

You, however, are looking to escape the crowds and enjoy something fun, but … just a bit less crowded. 

If that’s the case, have we got the perfect places for you and your family to enjoy! 

But first, it’s important to know which places you need to steer clear of if you want to avoid the noisy revelers. These include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Panama City, and, of course, the big water parks and theme parks. 

You may be thinking this doesn’t leave much left to explore, but you’ll be surprised to know how many places you can still enjoy in beautiful Florida, away from the crowds!

Great places to relax in Orlando

Care to grab a drink and shoot the breeze with friends over some delicious food? The Montrose Street Market in Clermont features international gastronomy and tons of fun events, including happy hours and bingo nights.

If you are a bit of a gourmand, however, the Marketplace at Avalon Park could be the place to try unique creations from emerging chefs. With 13 foodie-approved culinary and beverage options, it’s sure to please any palate. And let’s not forget the Plant Street Market in the historic downtown Winter Garden. It’s a great place to enjoy natural, organic food, live entertainment, and a pet-friendly patio.

Photo courtesy of Montrose Street Market via Facebook.

If you’re a bona fide film buff, you can enjoy an outdoor movie with your family (or that special date) at Harry P. Leu Gardens.  Every month, the gardens host an outdoor movie for only $7 per person and $5 per child (4-7 years old). Best of all, you can bring your own blanket and snacks to enjoy a unique experience al fresco. Check the website for movie dates and times. 

Like nothing better than breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the peace and serenity of nature? Then Mead Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for you. This beautiful 47-acre property is packed with blooming flowers, wildlife, and an array of pavilions perfect for a picnic, as well as hiking and biking trails for the more sports-minded. They even have Tai Chi and Yoga in the garden!  

For the more urbane, there’s always the possibility of exploring beautiful Downtown Orlando on a scooter. You read that right. All around the town you’ll find scooters to rent and ride to your next destination. Orlando’s Scooter Share is made possible through smartphone apps, GPS technology, and dockless returns. Just check out some of the nearby return and pickup locations for scooters around the city, and hit the road for a fun adventure!

A memorable family vacation on the Emerald Coast

If cozy inns, azure waters, dolphin cruises, and glass-bottom boat tours are your cup of tea, then Destin is the place for you. Located in the northernmost part of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, this beautiful coastal area will feel miles away from the frenzied springtime rush. 

Hikers can hit the trails at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park just 20 minutes north of Destin. Or enjoy the Choctawhatchee Bay under the shade of beautiful long-leaf pines that are more than 300 years old. Kids may also get a glimpse of the local wildlife at Gator Beach, the area’s free alligator attraction. 

Photo courtesy of Gator Beach via Facebook.

For sea lovers, recreational opportunities include golf, tennis, and water sports, including diving and snorkeling.  

Places to enjoy a great food experience include Camille’s at Crystal Beach with its sidewalk cafe and a full restaurant just steps away from the beach. And for those with a sweet tooth, Pecan Jacks hits the spot with their ice cream that includes classic Oreo to alcohol-infused flavors.

A fun time on the Space Coast

The state’s Space Coast area is brimming with natural beauty and cool things to do. For example? 

An excellent place for families to visit, Merritt Island is the largest barrier island in the state. And although it is still popular with the college crowd, around March and April you will find an eclectic mix of families, seniors, and couples enjoying this classic Florida beach town. 

If you wish to connect with Mother Nature, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has 140,000 beautiful acres of marshes, dunes, scrub oaks, and pine forests inhabited by more than 500 species of wildlife, many of which are threatened or endangered.   

Photo courtesy of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge via Facebook.

Those more technologically minded can tour the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where kids and adults alike enjoy IMAX films and science exhibits.

All this activity will make you want to take a refreshing swim in the ocean, so when you’re ready to hit the water, try sunny Cocoa Beach, where you can sign up for surfing lessons. 

And if shopping is your thing, Merritt Island’s Grove Street Shopping District is ideal for strolling, shopping, and dining.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.