Every year thousands of students flock to the beautiful shores of Destin, Florida to celebrate that rite of passage known as spring break. Breakers come not only for the warm gulf breezes, the sparkling waters, and the white beaches; they're also lured by the number of exciting activities Destin has to offer and by the great hotel rates. But students aren't the only ones hooked by Destin's lure; parents love it, too.
Destin celebrates spring each year with the annual Spring Splash. The city has all kinds of exciting activities and performances planned just for the spring break crowd. A lot of these take place right on the beach, so you won't have to interrupt your "fun in the sun" to take part. Just bring along your towel, blanket, or sand chair.
If you've always imagined yourself surfing your way through spring break, Destin has it. You can rent boards at several local surf shops and even take lessons at Ride On, next to Pompano Joe's. Ride On will even throw a "surf party" for you and your pals! The best location for surfing in the area is near the pier on Okaloosa Island, where the waves are bigger. While you're on the island, enjoy some thrilling windsurfing at the Gulf Island National Seashore.
Another favorite hangout for teens and college students is Crab Island, a large submerged sandbar located just off the Destin Bridge. Groups of young partiers get there by boat or jet ski, and it's a wonderful locale for meeting other spring breakers.
Because Destin's spring break is not as intense as Panama City's, it's a favorite with families on spring vacation, too, especially those with teenagers who aren't quite old enough to be on their own at PC or Daytona. The action is not as wild and crazy - it's more relaxing and laid back, a great place to join your friends or family in a "welcome spring" ritual. It's a paradise for beach lovers. The warm soft sand is the perfect spot for taking a siesta, working on your tan, or playing a friendly game of volleyball. The best beach hangout for the younger generation is Pompano Joe's, where you'll find plenty of other spring breakers. At night, groups of young folks gather on the beach to party, but don't get too crazy or drink under age: the Destin Police are a lot stricter than the PC Police. That said, don't let it scare you away. Destin law enforcement isn't "out to get" young people; they just want to make sure everyone stays safe.
Destin is a great place to swim, snorkel, rent a wave runner, parasail, or go diving. Local dive shops offer snorkeling and scuba trips out to the reefs and wrecks, where the awesome visibility in the clear waters makes for an unforgettable trip. Visit the underwater petrified forest, sunken planes and railroad cars, and ancient treasure ships. To go it on your own, take a pal and some snorkeling gear and explore the jetty and the Crystal Beach Pier pilings for some great underwater views of local marine life.
Here's another idea for some unique fun: get a group of friends or family members together and rent a pontoon boat. Meander around the turquoise waters, soaking up the sun. Add some "refreshments" and some portable music and have a floating party! Just be sure to have a designated driver - or captain. And don't forget to check out the action at Crab Island!
More fun is available at Big Kahuna Waterpark, with over 40 water attractions like slides, thrilling rides, a lazy river, the largest man-made waterfall in the world, and special attractions for small children. Pleasure Island Waterpark and the Track Recreation Center offer go-kart racing, miniature golf, bungee jumping, and bumper boats - the aquatic version of bumper cars. Adults and kids of all ages will be entertained for hours at any of these great parks.
Ah, for the nightlife: Harbor Grille's DJ spins top 40, dance, and rock, mingled with live band performances, and they have a great dance floor. Pompano Joe's bartender, Big Ed, makes a mean Rum Runner, so be sure to stop by there for a drink or two and maybe a mahi mahi sandwich. If sports bars are your thing, you'll love Sculley's on the Bayou. This popular night spot is right on the water and has casual outdoor dining and live music. With 18 TVs, including a giant 10-footer, you can keep up with your favorite team while downing some tasty New York-style pizza.
Lodging options in Destin are plentiful, and the best way to stretch your budget without skimping on style is to rent a condo or private home. Depending on the size of your group, you can even get ones right on the beach, all ready with every amenity of home. Plus, you can split the cost between all of the friends, and save a pretty penny--that can even make it cheaper than a hotel. Some of the condos have pools and game rooms and big clubhouses, and the private homes can range from luxurious mini-mansions to cozy villas. (And trust me, it is better to recover from a wild spring break night in a home with a kitchen and jetted tub than in a hotel!)
If you want a nice relaxing spring break, but still one with lots of activities, Destin is the place for you. It's beautiful, the seafood is legendary, and most of the "breaker" partying is limited to a few spots. Destin would be the perfect spring vacation destination for a family, for teens, or for college students who don't wish to take part in wall-to-wall enebriated pandemonium without a place to kick back. In Destin, there's a place for everyone: seekers of solace AND partiers. And if someone in your group DOES wish to experience a full-throttle, 24-hour-a-day spring break "throwdown," Panama City Beach is less than an hour away!
This guide to Spring Break was brought to you by Holle Abee.
Whether you like the idea of an MTV-free SB party, or just want to relax and revel on the warm sand, you won't be sorry to went to Destin. And you won't be sorry that you rented a gorgeous home-away-from-home, complete with every amenity you and your group need to enjoy your vacation!