Do islands sound like great spring break ideas to you? If so, you don’t have to travel to the Caribbean for some tropical beach spring break destinations. There are some great islands right in our own “back yard,” in the beautiful state of Florida! And they’re not just in South Florida, either. In fact, the Sunshine State is loaded with islands in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Atlantic Ocean. Join me in a quick tour of island spring break destinations.
Amelia Island is located in northwest Florida, just north of Jacksonville. This is a pretty quiet spot, with nice beaches and great restaurants and shopping. If you want thrilling nightlife, Jacksonville is just a short trek down Interstate 95.
Anastasia Island is located at St. Augustine. Here, you’ll have all the benefits of a quiet island with wide beaches while being close to all that St. Augustine has to offer – history, museums, restaurants, outlet malls, and shopping centers. You’ll definitely want to tour the Old City and check out the ancient fort.
Anna Maria Island is located just south of Tampa and is absolutely stunning! The water here is crystal blue-green, and the beaches are clean and white. The island has several beaches, ranging from kid-safe to exciting. There’s not much nightlife on Anna Maria, but Sarasota is just a short drive away.
St. George Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of the Panhandle. The atmosphere is upscale, and the beaches are gorgeous. St. George Island would be better suited to family vacations than it would be for a rowdy spring break for college students.
The Florida Keys are a long chain of islands, connected by bridges. Each key has its own personality. If you’re looking for a wild party atmosphere for your spring break, you can’t go wrong with Key West.
It doesn’t come as a surprise to find islands claiming at so many of the top spots on the recently released U.S. World and News Report’s “Best Honeymoon Destinations” list. Secluded and surrounded by soothing waters certainly sounds like a sensuous way to begin a life together.
And, knowing Kauai intimately, finding it at the very top of that list doesn’t surprise, either. What’s so special about Kauai? Here is an abbreviated list:
#1 – It comes by its nickname – The Garden Isle – quite honestly. Plants absolutely thrive here, especially on the rainy North Shore and the island’s verdant East Side. You will see trees, plants and flowers that just about knock your eyes out.
#2 – There’s incredible natural diversity on its mere 562 square miles. In contrast to the North Shore’s rain forest, you simply need to drive a couple of hours to the island’s West Side to find dry, almost desert-like weather. (While you’re there, be sure to check out beautiful Waimea Canyon – dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain.)
#3 – Last, but certainly not least, the edges of this little garden-oasis in the middle of the Pacific Ocean make up Kauai’s incredible beaches. Wherever you go on the island, you are absolutely assured to find a beautiful beach nearby.
What’s not so easy to find, however, is a Kauai beachfront condo to rent. While many rental units afford an ocean view, there’s a difference between “oceanfront” and “beachfront.” The former simply means you can see the ocean from the property – often from high atop a rocky cliff – while the latter means the property abuts a beach you can walk on.
For our money, the best Kauai beach condo resort is Kaha Lani – Hawaiian for “heavenly place” – located on the East Side of the island. Not only is it a beachfront location, it’s about a five-minute walk to the rock-enclosed ocean pool at Lydgate Park:
Kaha Lani is secluded, surrounded by soothing waters – not to mention stunning scenery – and most certainly a lovely place to spend a honeymoon or any other kind of Kauai vacation or holiday.