Fort De Soto State Park in St. Petersburg. Credit Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater.
Sometimes you just want to chill on your spring getaway, and stay far, far away from around-the-clock partying, frat antics and general recklessness that conjure 2012’s Spring Breakers. But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid Florida’s endless miles of beautiful beaches for the entire months of March and April. For a family-friendly spring escape—or if you simply want a nice day at the beach left unruined by girls or guys gone wild—head to one of these super low-key Florida beaches.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach
1) Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach: Your Miami vacation will be turnt-up enough, what with the nightclubs and the designer boutiques and the feeling of “if I sleep, I might miss something.” Build a chill day into your trip, but instead of spending it on bustling South Beach, head to a place where you can actually relax: Key Biscayne. Drive to the tip of the key (along the way, stop by Sir Pizza to pick up a pie), where it’s just you, the sunshine and the lighthouse.
Marco Island Florida
2) Marco Island: Located between posh Naples and the unspoiled Florida Everglades, this popular destination offers the best of both worlds — pristine nature with the amenities of a bigger city. From boat tours and campsites to art galleries and luxury resorts, Marco Island offers something for everyone.
3) Mexico Beach: If Panama City Beach is Girls Gone Wild, then this coastal hamlet—just an hour’s drive to the south—is Girls Gone Mild. Instead of keg parties and wet T-shirt contests, the pastimes du jour include collecting seashells, watching dolphins play and dining al fresco at the many waterfront restaurants.
Fort de Soto
4) Fort De Soto Park: Much more chill than Clearwater Beach to the North, this group of five interconnected islands in St. Petersburg is a favorite among couples looking for a quiet picnic spot, as well as history buffs eager to explore the park’s century-old mortar battery. About a 20-minute drive from downtown St. Pete, you’re close enough to check out the Salvador Dali Museum, take in a Rays baseball game or have dinner on trendy Beach Drive.
Flagler Beach
5) Flagler Beach: Pack your polka dot bikini and Coke-bottle sunglasses for a trip to this retro town located between Daytona Beach and historic St. Augustine. Surf the Atlantic waves, cruise a rented bicycle along scenic A1A, take in some live music at a rooftop cafe or just enjoy the unobstructed ocean view. With no high rises around, book a stay in a fun vintage-style bungalow.
