Spring Break: Amid Miami Heat, Boca, Myrtle Beach & Charleston Warms Up

Miami may be on the top of the list for many people heading out on spring break. However, local government is cracking down on this type of “March madness,” potentially opening the door to other Florida options and South Carolina as a picturesque destination.

Is the party over in Miami Beach for spring break? At least, that’s what Miami officials would have you believe. Needing a little break from the raucous revelry and drunken debauchery, Miami officials are planning on cracking down on any law-breaking and disorderly behavior. That could make some other spring break spots look better than ever.

Along with officers from the Miami Beach Police Department, Miami assures the involvement of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, and various other municipal law enforcement agencies. In response to a rise in crime in recent years, Miami police plan to implement further regulations on recreation as they launch an initiative they call “Reality Check.”

Visit the trailer (miamibeachfl.gov/mbrealitycheck) and view the faux reality show in which young partiers encounter the reality of rules in Miami Beach along with the words “Spring Break Rules Will Leave You Deflated.”

“We want visitors to enjoy their time here, but they need to do so responsibly,” a Miami Beach spokesperson told journalists. “If you break the law, there will be consequences.”

Noise restrictions, alcohol bans in certain areas, and increased police patrols are being promised, along with stricter enforcement. Drinking alcohol in public, smoking on beaches or in parks, using narcotics and marijuana, driving under the influence, operating a scooter or vehicle irresponsibly, and any form of violence are all illegal in Miami. Cigarettes, coolers, inflatable devices, tents or tables, loud music, glass containers, Styrofoam, plastic straws, and balloons are also banned from beaches.

All of this might be enough to push people back to their short-term rentals, including on Airbnb and VRBO, booked for less than six months and one day. The only problem is that those short-term rentals are illegal in the City of Miami Beach. It’s enough to make you want a vacation from spring break, maybe even by staying in New York City or looking at other options on your list.

The Other Big Florida Option

If Miami is urging spring breakers to stay home, Boca Raton presents a welcoming option in southeastern Florida with its stunning beaches, excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor activities. Boca boasts beautiful beaches like South Beach Park, featuring a sandy shore, calm waters, and scenic views that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and picnicking, along with a fishing pier.

Red Reef Park offers snorkeling and scuba diving due to its coral reef, alongside grills, trails, and a place for picnicking. Spanish River Park is situated between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, complete with a beautiful beach and paths. Deerfield Beach, just outside Boca, features beaches, a pier, restaurants, bars, and surfing opportunities.

Boca also offers a dizzying array of dining options, from casual to haute cuisine, including Kapow Noodle Bar, Abe & Louie’s, The Rebel House, and Tomasso’s Pizza & Subs. Reservations aren’t always necessary, but they’re typically recommended.

Boca is beautiful during the day, and it doesn’t slow down at night. Its nightlife scene features trendy bars and nightclubs, laid-back lounges, and beachfront bars. Beyond its sandy shores, Boca also offers enough shopping to keep spring breakers hopping from store to store.

The Town Center at Boca Raton offers over 200 stores, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Neiman Marcus. Mizner Park’s al fresco shopping and dining options also include a weekly farmers market, concerts, and art shows. Throw in the Royal Palm Place and Boca Center, and you’ve got a perfect spring break shopping experience.

You can also explore nature preserves or parks around Boca if you’re in the mood for a hike. Visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for a walk along boardwalk trails and through mangrove forests, or check out a sea turtle rehabilitation center. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens offer pathways through lush gardens.

If you’re looking for sport, Boca offers kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling, as well as the opportunity to rent a bike and ride down the 9-mile-long Boca Raton Scenic Greenway trail. Golf anyone? The Boca area is home to more than 140 golf courses, often with beautiful views.

For those who want to see artwork, the Boca Raton Museum of Art has pieces by Picasso, Degas, Warhol, and more. The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center offers an amphitheater, art galleries,

and black box theater.

South Carolina, Here I Come

If the Sunshine State is a top destination for many spring breakers, South Carolina ranks a strong second, attracting spring breakers of all ages with its variety of options. Myrtle Beach offers an excellent opportunity for warm weather and a friendly atmosphere, boasting 60 miles of coastline, numerous restaurants, golf courses, and attractions, including festivals, parties, events, and many activities. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance for festivals, events, shows, and marathons, as early bird discounts and deals can be advantageous.

While college students are beginning to discover Myrtle Beach, the area also attracts families who enjoy the beaches and indoor heated swimming pools. Its 1.2-mile-long oceanfront boardwalk offers a wonderful spot to stroll, eat, and shop. The SkyWheel is a great attraction, and family-friendly activities include the Broadway Grand Prix, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Aquarium, and even a Hollywood Wax Museum.

In Myrtle Beach, seek and you will find plenty of shopping options, whether at the Tanger Outlets, Market Common, or Coastal Grand Mall. Kids can explore Savannah’s Playground, along with various parks, arcades, and free play areas for toddlers. Sports enthusiasts can catch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at TicketReturn.com Field. Myrtle Beach also boasts various seafood restaurants, including waterfront spots like the Crooked Hammock Brewery and Lucy Buffet’s LuLus.

Do the Charleston

Charleston, S.C., offers charm as a historic town with beautiful beaches and has been named the top city in the nation by Travel and Leisure magazine. Charleston’s scenic beaches are just a hop and a skip from downtown, allowing you to stroll from sand to shopping. You can kayak, paddleboard, and fish as well as swim and stroll. Shoppers can also enjoy a stop at the Charleston City Market, one of the oldest markets in the nation, complete with more than 300 vendors selling artwork, jewelry, baked goods, and a wide range of other food items.

Folly Island is a 12-square-mile barrier island near Charleston. It provides a beautiful beach and a stunning pier that stretches more than 1,000 feet into the ocean. You can try surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or just soaking in the sun. A favorite spot for nesting loggerhead turtles, Folly is also a favorite for many travelers.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River, Folly Island offers six miles of beach along with surfing, fishing, biking, kayaking, boating, eco-tours, and sea wildlife, including endangered species. Few things are better than a beach sunset, and photographs of Folly’s sunsets provide some of the best souvenirs. Charleston wants and welcomes tourists with what is sometimes called Southern charm, as well as beautiful architecture that gives you a great atmosphere for a break.

Be a good guest wherever you travel.