North Florida is known as a prime spring break destination for families. Stretching from St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach, the magnificent coast and reinvigorating environment lets you explore vibrant historical cities, enjoy the picturesque outdoors, or simply relax on the beautiful beaches.
Relaxing on North Florida’s Beaches
Let’s find out what makes North Florida an ideal spot for your spring break getaway.
Vacationing in St Augustine Beach
St. Augustine’s beaches are a perfect destination for vacationing families. One of the few beaches in North Florida where you can drive on the beach, you’ll find sandy shores that are perfect for building sandcastles or playing beach games. St. Augustine offers multiple hotels, vacation homes and resorts situated directly on the sand. The coastline has smaller waves perfect for boogie boarding, paddle boarding and swimming and larger waves during hurricane season, making it a surfer’s paradise.
You can also stay in nearby historical St. Augustine, where you can explore a long list of tourist attractions and historical sites. We highly recommend taking at least one day to explore the rich history and sites of downtown St. Augustine. Some of our favorite places to visit are: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Potter’s Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Fountain of Youth Park and of course walking along St George Street while enjoying quaint shops, delicious treats and historical hot spots.
St. Augustine is a great place to visit and a place we visit often. If you find yourself visiting around the holiday season, you’ll be blown away by their gorgeous nights of lights light display. We highly recommend booking a trolly tour with Old Town Trolley Tours during your visit where you can sit back, relax and listen to an in-depth history about the city. The combination of the gorgeous beaches, historical sites and exquisite town make St. Augustine a top destination for a perfectly memorable spring break.
Spring Break in Fernandina Beach
If you’re seeking a more laid-back beach vibe for your spring break, Fernandina Beach’s scenic beauty, unspoiled sands and scenic nature might be for you. It creates just the right atmosphere for families to bask in the bliss of a break. Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island are located side by side and share the same coastline. Both, perfect beach getaway destinations. There are limited areas where you can drive on the beach in this area, and you might need to purchase a pass ahead of time. So plan your beach spot ahead of time. We love Amelia Island State Park, but you will need 4-wheel drive to drive safely (and without getting stuck) onto this beach. If you can book a vacation home or stay at a resort directly on the beach, even better.
These beaches have a remarkable collection of exquisite seashells and shark teeth, keeping the kids engaged during your spring break in Florida. One of the top destinations for finding beach treasures is Fort Clinch State Park. And if you are lucky enough, you may even spot dolphins or join a guided nature walk to learn about local wildlife.
This part of Florida is known for its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere, offering both serene beaches, gorgeous resorts, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and a lovely downtown area to explore. You won’t want to miss Fernandina’s Main Street, where you’ll find delicious restaurants, a marina where you can charter a dinner or sunset cruise, and ample shops. We usually stay in between Fernandina Beach and Main Street, riding our bikes or golf cart back and forth. One of our favorite places to stay is The Amelia Schoolhouse Inn. It’s relaxing, picturesque, historical and absolute perfection for a getaway.
You’ll also want to connect with Amelia Island Board Rentals for a day of fun. They offer scooter rentals, electric skateboards right on the beach and arcimoto rentals. It’s an absolute blast and the owner, Hugh, is the best. You and your family will love the experiences they offer. Fernandina also offers huge annual events, like their Shrimp Festival, so be sure to check out their calendar of events! We love this area, and you’ll find us there often. Book your accommodations and enjoy your spring break in this charming costal town!
Night Life in Jacksonville Beach
If you’re looking for lots of nightlife, Jacksonville Beach has a lively pier and boardwalk lined with bars, shops and eateries and might be the destination for you. If you book a hotel or vacation property near the Jacksonville Pier, you’ll be able to walk or bike ride just about anywhere, enjoying some bar hopping, restaurant tasting and beach exploring. If you’re visiting during a peak time such as spring break or 4th of July, you’ll find Jacksonville Beach’s 1st Street crowded with bikers, skateboarders and both locals and visitors out and about all day and night.
If you are renting a golf cart (like from us! BOOK YOURS here), riding your bikes, renting an electric bike or standard beach cruiser, be sure to stay cautious, abide by street laws and stop signs and try to stay on the lower speed limit streets such as 1st street. We recommend you stay at a hotel or book a property with a swimming pool or outdoor shower to easily rinse off from the beach or cool down on a hot day.
You don’t even have to bring all your beach gear with you, you can rent everything from comfortable chairs, umbrellas and beach gear to bikes and boards with Beach Life Rentals. Or check with your rental property to see what gear they can provide for you upon arrival. Many of the area’s beautiful vacation homes are well equipped with beach gear and bikes, and if you rent a street legal golf cart with us, we’ll bring it right to your door!
Jacksonville Beach also hosts countless festivals, concerts, and special events. Most events are sponsored and completely free for attendees, but advanced tickets are required for VIP seating and special accommodations, so be sure to check the city’s calendar to find out what events are being hosted during your stay. Jacksonville Beach offers a lively, vibrant, high-energy vibe with beach front restaurants, rooftop bars, fishing pier, festivals, special events, and so much more. It’s why it’s become one of the top spring break and 4th of July destinations in Florida.
Ponte Vedra Beach & TPC
Nearby Ponte Vedra Beach is a stunning upscale golf and beach community where one of the largest events in Florida is hosted each year, THE PLAYERS Championship. TPC is usually held during spring break season, making it the perfect storm for tourists and golf enthusiasts traveling to North Florida. You’ll find that during this week accommodations quickly book up- particularly in Ponte Vedra. If you plan to attend TPC or visit Jacksonville Beach during this week, you’ll want to book your vacation earlier rather than later. TPC is an event that most locals look forward to each year, with a multiple day tournament, famous golfers, practice rounds and a yearly concert, it’s a good time for all, family friendly and exciting! TPC always has interactive tents, games, pop-up restaurants and bars and much more to entertain both you and your kiddos. It’s an event that our family looks forward to each year and one of the busiest for golf cart rentals for the year! So, book your cart way ahead if you’d like to use one during your stay, which I recommend, because- you know, it’s just more fun! And if you’re extra bougie or have an unlimited budget, I highly recommend purchasing tickets to a VIP tent or even better, landing a ticket to the prestigious 77,00 square foot clubhouse. It’s like whoa.
Aside from TPC, Ponte Vedra is a beautiful town filled with gorgeous homes (and mansions) and home to one of our favorite beaches for finding shark teeth, Mickler’s Landing. But being one of the few public access beaches with parking in Ponte Vedra, it does get packed. Like very packed. So, you’ll want to begin your day early at this location, particularly during the summer months. It’s also a pretty quick (and scenic) drive from Ponte Vedra to St. Augustine & Vilano Beaches, so you can easily take a day trip to or from this area.
Top 5 Resorts in North Florida
1. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra FL
Enjoy luxury and beautiful beaches at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. You’ll find various accommodations, from hotel rooms to entire condos and apartments, something for every size group. The grounds are enchanting, and the amenities are plentiful. One of the reasons this is our number 1 is due to its remarkable spa. The Spa is my favorite spa, ever. From their many spa services to their whirlpool and gorgeous pool with lounge chairs and pool side service, it’s a true treat of luxury.
This resort is also family friendly with two beachside pools (with water slides!), daily kids’ activities, and family friendly restaurants. The kid will feel like royalty staying here. Or if you’re seeking some time away from the kids, this resort can be your perfect romantic getaway. Book a full day of spa treatments for you and your partner and indulge in the resort’s room service and relaxing atmosphere.
2. Omni Amelia Island, Amelia Island, FL
The Omni Amelia Island is located on the tip of a barrier island in northeastern Florida, making it a serene and natural paradise. We love their variety of accommodations, from standard guest rooms to 1-bedroom suites, you can find a room that fits your group’s needs perfectly. We also love the expansiveness of this resort, spanning over multiple buildings, walkways, and grounds, you’ll feel like you’re on a private island.
This is also a great location for golf enthusiasts, with multiple perfectly groomed golf courses nearby. The resort also has a large spa with many services, completing your vacation getaway relaxation vibe. The beaches are exquisite, the pools are huge, and you’ll find daily activities and itineraries offered as well. We like to bring our tennis equipment and enjoy the courts. The Omni also offers tours and excursions, so call ahead and get your experience booked to enhance your spring break trip even more! You’ll love this resort just as much as the kids.
3. Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Ponte Vedra FL
If you plan to attend THE PLAYERS, this is where you’ll want to stay. If you can. They typically book up pretty early and will require at least a 2-night stay, but you’ll want to stay for even longer! Check with the property ahead of time to see if they offer a shuttle service to and from TPC. As a guest you can also enjoy some golf benefits, such as preferred course access and private lessons with a golf pro.
Golf not entirely your thing? No problem! The resort and spa are located a mile from the beach, and the property offers a shuttle service so that you don’t have to stress about limited parking. Here, you’ll enjoy Marriott’s private Cabana Beach Club where you can dine and walk out to the gorgeous white sand beach. When you return from your day of relaxation on the beach, enjoy one of the four superb pools around the property, surrounded by lush greenery.
And lastly, we can’t forget that spa. It’s wonderful and you’ll want to reserve your treatments way in advance, as they do book up quickly. The spa offers a private pool, steam room and fitness center that you can enjoy at any time. We love the lushness and natural beaty of Sawgrass Marriott and we know you will too.
4. Casa Monica Resort & Spa, St Augustine FL
If you’re seeking true opulence, Casa Monica is for you. It’s the priciest resort on my list, the oldest and most historical, located directly in downtown historical St. Augustine with riverfront views and direct walking access to downtown’s shops and restaurants. Each room feels designed for royalty with luxurious décor and a feeling of lavishness. From guest rooms to multi-level suites, you’ll feel as if you’re staying at a regal estate.
A popular resort for newlyweds, the location is prime and situated where all the action is, while keeping with the feel of seclusion while you’re at the resort. The property is home to one of the most magnificent restaurants you’ll ever find yourself in, Cordova Coastal Chophouse and a private and lavish pool hidden away at the center of the resort. And of course, the spa. I haven’t treated myself to the luxury of using their spa, but I am certain like everything else at Casa Monica, it’s perfection. If you want romantic, rich and extravagant, Casa Monica is your perfect destination.
5. Margaritaville Beach Hotel, Jacksonville Beach FL
Jacksonville Beach’s Margaritaville Beach Hotel is just fun. Perfect for group getaways or family vacations, it’s one of the newest hotels in Jacksonville Beach with very clean, modern accommodations. It’s also home to one of our favorite ocean view restaurants in Jacksonville Beach, Landshark Bar & Grill. With casual, family-friendly bites, it’s one of our kids’ favorite places to grab a meal on a gorgeous day.
Margaritaville has an island beach atmosphere and makes you feel like you are truly on vacation in Florida! Situated near the pier and amphitheater, it’s also the perfect location if you’re in town for one of Jacksonville Beach’s many festivals, making walking everywhere a breeze. We also love that in addition to beautiful guest rooms, the property offers a suite style room with separation between the beds and living room area, making it ideal for families. There is also a beautiful pool situated on the beach front, making it perfect for cooling off after a long hot day at the beach and rinsing that salt water and sand off the kiddos.
The pool can get quite packed during the peak weeks though! If you want to be right in the action, walk to countless restaurants and shops and feel the quintessential Florida beach vibe, Margaritaville is the perfect resort for you.
8 Tips for a Memorable Spring Break in North Florida
- Timing: To avoid big crowds, we recommend you visit popular destinations early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Many popular spots become busy during peak hours. Adjust your schedule for a more relaxed experience.
- Budgeting: Look for family discounts or combo tickets to save money. Many places offer special rates for children or discounted family packages. Be sure to indulge in the town’s free activities, such as the beautiful beaches, libraries, festivals, art shows and concerts.
- Packing Essentials: Bring sunscreen, shop hats, and pack sunglasses to protect your family from the sun. Consider packing your own cooler with water and snacks for your family, to avoid the higher costs of tourist heavy shops and grocery stores.
- Check the Weather: Check the weather forecast and decide your activities accordingly. North Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to have backup plans for indoor activities in case of unexpected rain.
- Choosing Local Dining: Explore local eateries for kid-friendly menus. Many restaurants in North Florida feature fresh seafood that you’ll salivate over. Some finer dining options might not have child-friendly menus. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s good to check to see if they can accommodate you ahead of time.
- Respecting Nature/ Leave only Footprints: Teach your children to respect wildlife and natural habitats. Remind them not to disturb animals, the sand dunes or remove plants. Help them learn to preserve these areas for future visitors. After peak tourist weeks, Florida’s beaches are inundated with trash left behind. Be sure to always clean up after yourselves and perhaps even join a morning beach clean-up!
- Planning for Down Time: While packing your schedule with activities is tempting, remember that downtime is essential, especially for kids. Allow for some unplanned time to relax at your resort. Or simply enjoy the local scenery to ensure everyone stays energized throughout the trip. Florida is your perfect destination for action and relaxation, so try to balance both.
- Make Reservations: When renting beach equipment, rental gear, golf carts or booking an excursion (such as our private boat charters or street legal golf carts), you’ll want to confirm your reservations ahead of time, peak season means peak reservations, many special events and bookings sell out ahead of time.
Conclusion:
Ready to have the time of your life this spring break? Dive into North Florida’s Atlantic Ocean! Don’t wait—plan your North Florida spring break adventure now. Get ready for a trip filled with fun, relaxation, and discovery. Your perfect spring break escape awaits!
