Croissants and cheese? White sand beaches and margaritas? According to HomeAway, France and Florida top 2019 destinations for spring break based on the booking site’s year-to-year traveler demand growth. The study looked at statistics from 2017 to 2018 in the date range of March 8-24, so if you are still planning your March travel, these will be the destinations bustling with vacationers. Here are some of the best things to see and do in the 10 top Spring Break destinations along with some of HomeAway’s popular vacation rentals:
- Savoie, France
HomeAway saw demand from travelers worldwide to experience spring skiing in Savoie, France, which is situated along the French Alps. The province is known for the iconic mountain, Mont Blanc, as well as its cheeses (Beaufort, Tomme, Reblochon, and Raclette).
- Bradenton, Florida
Just south of Tampa lies Bradenton, Florida, where one can visit the Village of the Arts – a working artists community. Other attractions include the Robinson Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial Park, the Cortez fishing village and the Manatee Village Historical Park.
- Clearwater & St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is stretched between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, and is home to the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, Fort De Soto Park., and holds the title of “most consecutive days with sunshine” at 768 days.
- Fort Myers & Cape Coral, Florida
A popular Southwestern Florida destination for families, Fort Myers has a miniature train ride, rock climbing wall, bike rentals, and paddle boarding at Lakes Regional Park. In North Fort Myers, bumper boats and life-sized dinosaur models await at The Shell Factory & Nature Park.
- Sarasota, Florida
For outdoor enthusiasts, look no further than Sarasota, where you can bike the Legacy Trail; tour a horse show facility; or take a guided yoga class at Siesta Key Beach. If you like to collect seashells, then you can find shells like auger, cockle, turkey wings at many of the Gulf Coast beaches.
- Puerto Penasco, Mexico
A small fishing village located on the Sea of Cortes in Mexico, Puerto Penasco is a little over 60 miles from the US border which makes the seaside city a popular drive to destination (from Arizona, you can arrive in 3 hours). You can snorkel with sea lions at Bird Island or fish at Rocky Point beaches.
- Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Museum lovers can explore history from 14,000 BCE at the Indian Temple Mound Museum or take kids to the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach, which has interactive exhibits on robotics, physics, electricity, and color. To get outside, you can paddleboard on the Yellow River through cypress and gum swamps.
- Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is known for its 27 miles of white sand beaches. Springtime kicks off the destination’s event season, including UNwineD partnered with Southern Living, on March 22nd and 23rd, a two-day, garden party featuring culinary creations, beer, wine and spirits unique to Northwest Florida. Musical entertainment includes Brandi Carlile, with opening performances by JOHNNYSWIM.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The 1.2 mile-long Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade traverses through the sand from the 14th Avenue to 2nd Avenue Piers in Myrtle Beach. The promenade gives way to the Pavilion Amusement Park as well as live music during special events. You can also take Las Vegas-style casino cruises if you’re into gambling.
- Naples, Florida
The Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a great destination in Naples for birdwatching, paddle boarding, and kayaking along the natural estuaries of the Cocohatchee River, leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is comprised of over 13,000 acres of rare, undeveloped wildlife habitat for wildlife lovers.
