Spring Has Sprung. Time to Break for These Fabulous Destinations
by Grayling Holmes / photos courtesy of The Dana Agency
Spring has sprung — officially. Time to break out! Get out! Spring break is not just for college kids. After all, as a grownup you have the means for more refined escapades.
St. Louis residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy a well-deserved escape. Boasting sun-drenched beaches, charming coastal towns, buzzing city escapes, award-winning dining and world-class attractions, Florida destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for spring break just a short flight away.
Here are some top Florida destinations and experiences that cater to the discriminating, sophisticated spring break traveler.
PANHANDLE
Boasting sugar-white beaches, emerald-green waters and charming coastal towns, the Florida Panhandle offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for spring break, whether traveling with your entire family, significant other or friends.
Where to Stay: For multigenerational families, the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort boasts over 70 charming neighborhoods with more than 1,000 vacation rentals, including its newest luxury offering, Osprey Pointe, which offers two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans in the heart of the resort. Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection offers luxurious guest rooms and suites, integrating coastal charm, personalized service and genuine Southern hospitality into every delightful detail. The Pensacola Beach Resort is ideal for families seeking privacy and luxury. The resort sits on over 800 feet of gulf-front beach property, with an additional 800 feet overlooking the bay, and features 161 guest rooms with unobstructed water views, an on-site fitness center, a full-service restaurant, an elevated pool deck and a Tiki bar all accessible exclusively to hotel guests.
Where to Dine: In Sandestin, Marina Bar & Grill serves daily lunch and dinner, weekend breakfast specials and the best seats overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. Adding to its unique charm, the restaurant is graced by the presence of Maryann the macaw, Sandestin’s beloved feathered ambassador. At Hotel Effie, the signature restaurant, Ovide, embraces local ingredients, presenting them with a sophisticated and refreshing style. At The Pensacola Beach Resort, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the upscale-casual on-site restaurant, Windrose, which features coastal cuisine inspired by the area’s Southern roots.
What to Do: Stretching over seven miles of pristine beaches and bayfront, Sandestin features a full complement of amenities, including four championship golf courses, 12 world-class HydroGrid clay and three hard tennis courts, six pickleball courts and a 226-slip marina with tons of water sports rentals. Bike and kayak rentals, beach parking, free tennis court time and discounted resort golf rates are included in each stay. Guests are also within walking distance of The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming waterfront village offering a diverse collection of specialty stores, award-winning restaurants, eclectic art galleries, exciting nightlife and more. Those visiting Pensacola can explore the Gulf Coast with dolphin-watching tours, golf, fishing, paddleboarding along Little Sabine Bay, snorkeling and boat charters through the resort’s local partners.
NAPLES
A destination renowned for its pristine beaches, sophisticated shopping, luxury golf communities and vibrant cultural scene, Naples, Florida, offers the perfect destination for a spring break getaway. From its breathtaking white “sugar” sand beaches to its range of culinary offerings, the coastal city makes for the perfect place for endless opportunities for leisure and adventure.
Where to Stay: Situated along the Cocohatchee River, The Perry Hotel Naples offers a blend of sophisticated comfort and unparalleled service. The 160-room boutique hotel in North Naples allows guests to indulge in world-class amenities, including resort-style ground-level and rooftop pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a neighborhood coffee bar and a casual tapas eatery. This spring, The Perry Hotel Naples is offering a 30% off discount on your stay.
Where to Dine: A standout feature of The Perry Hotel Naples is its signature on-site restaurant, Tigress, a rooftop venue with unbeatable views serving contemporary Cantonese cuisine by celebrity Chef Dale Talde using local, fresh ingredients. Adjacent to Tigress is the rooftop cocktail lounge, Easy Tiger, offering panoramic views of the Gulf and the Cocohatchee River, complemented by handcrafted cocktails by James Beard Award-winning mixologist Lynnette Marrero.
What to Do: The Perry Hotel Naples offers an unmatched spring break experience combining waterfront adventure with world-class golfing. Through a partnership with All Water Excursions, guests can enjoy guided kayak excursions, sunset cruises, fishing trips and private beach charters. The property has easy access to the river through its nature conservation area and includes an expansive pier featuring a scenic boardwalk and dock with eight boat slips. Additionally, The hotel’s prime location across a luxury golf community makes it the ideal spot for golf enthusiasts.
ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg, Florida, is the ultimate family-friendly spring break destination, offering white-sand beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and a lively arts and music scene. With 35 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, visitors can enjoy water sports, scenic parks, world-class museums, waterfront dining and outdoor concerts.
Where to Stay: SkyBeach Hotel & Marina is a new beachfront boutique hotel located on the southern tip of St. Petersburg. The hotel reflects the vibrant culture of St. Pete through its amenities, dining and unique guest experiences. Highlights include SouthSide Sports, an outdoor recreation complex featuring pickleball, beach volleyball and tennis courts, and a new state-of-the-art marina. Guests and locals can also enjoy live performances at the Azibi Stage, the hotel’s beachfront entertainment venue. Additional amenities include a private beachfront with cabanas and water sports, two pools, shuffleboard courts and fire pits. Pro Tip: SkyBeach offers a variety of complimentary family-friendly activities every week, including swim-up movie nights, s’mores at the fire pits, sand toys and beach crafts.
Where to Shop: Discover local charm at St. Pete’s famous Saturday Morning Market, where you can browse artisanal goods and fresh produce. Head to The Mall at Sundial for boutique shopping and high-end brands, or explore the funky art shops and vintage finds in the Central Arts District.
Where to Dine: Perched right on SkyBeach’s private beach, SkyBar & Grille is a two-story, open-air bar and restaurant serving tropical craft cocktails and casual coastal cuisine alongside breathtaking views of the Gulf and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Don’t miss Paradeco Coffee Roasters, which is opening a second outpost at SkyBeach Hotel & Marina this spring, for artisanal coffee and light bites.
MIAMI BEACH
Renowned for its art deco charm, pristine beaches and dynamic culture, Miami Beach blends relaxation and excitement. From soaking up the sun to indulging in world-class dining and exploring vibrant neighborhoods, it’s a destination that truly has it all. As spring break approaches, the City of Miami Beach has announced measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors and residents alike.
Where to Stay: Experience the newly renovated Hotel Continental in the vibrant Mid-Beach district, featuring a MiMo-era vintage pool, immersive social spaces and a private 34-foot Chris-Craft Launch available for scenic cruises, intimate gatherings or signature sunset charters for up to eight guests. Across the street along the iconic Beachwalk, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is perfect for families, exuding art deco elegance and European sophistication. Guests can relax by two pools, enjoy the beach just steps away or retreat to well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Further south on Ocean Drive, The Gabriel South Beach blends midcentury modernism with quintessential Floridian style, featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views and chic interiors. For a serene yet central location, The Gates Hotel South Beach provides a tranquil escape with timeless allure, a vibrant pool and easy access to nearby attractions. For art and culture enthusiasts, The Betsy is a family-owned and -operated oceanfront resort offering endless entertainment with jazz nine times a week, classical music pop-ups, major art exhibitions and poetry readings. Check in at The Goodtime Hotel, a stylish boutique property with an indoor-outdoor gym, an intimate library and a luxurious specialty suite. The high-energy South Beach hotel and its popular on-site restaurant, bar and pool club, Strawberry Moon, are dedicated to delivering a good time to each and every guest.
Where to Dine: Donna Mare Italian Chophouse at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is a must-visit for traditional Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and aged steaks. For a more casual vibe, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill serves light bites and refreshing drinks. For an evening of live music and epic cuisine, LT Steak & Seafood at The Betsy Hotel offers a New American menu with premium steaks, fresh fish, enticing vegetarian options and more, all inspired by Head Chef Laurent Tourondel’s global culinary experience. The airy dining room, adorned with ever-changing art displays, is set to nightly live music from the adjacent Piano Bar, which serves creative cocktails, light bites, and a lively happy hour every Monday through Thursday from 3-6 p.m.
What to Do: Lincoln Road is the place to be if you want the beach vibes without all the commotion. This iconic open-air promenade is packed with buzzy restaurants, cool cafés and tons of shopping – no street closures, no hassle. On Saturday, March 9 and 16, start the weekend strong with a free full-body boot camp at 9 a.m. led by Tony Thomas. Stroll through the Lincoln Road Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for fresh local bites, and take it easy with free Community Yoga in Euclid Courtyard at 10 a.m. Want something more lively? On Thursday, March 20, enjoy Miami Beach’s Culture Crawl and dance the night away with open-air tango lessons at the Euclid Oval from 6-10 p.m. Whether you’re unwinding or turning up the fun without the noise, Lincoln Road has everything to keep the spring break momentum going. You can also experience curated digital works from global artists at The Gates Hotel’s One Love Digital Art Gallery, created in partnership with NFTCLT and One Love Art DAO and powered by Metasill’s blockchain and AI-enabled displays.
MIAMI
Miami offers a welcoming embrace to visitors from every corner of the globe. The city’s rich cultural scene – including PAMM and Frost Science museums, the dynamic Wynwood Arts District, and the Kaseya Center’s entertainment and sporting events – invites visitors to explore and connect in this sun-kissed cosmopolitan destination. Come experience the spirit of inclusivity that defines Miami and enjoy every moment as an opportunity to discover, indulge and create memories that linger long after the sun sets.
Where to Stay: The Elser Hotel & Residences is a vibrant 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami near PortMiami, perfect for families and large group getaways. Its suites feature luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens and residential comforts such as washers and dryers in every unit. Arlo Wynwood, the first hotel to open in Miami’s preeminent creative and cultural district, serves as the cultural hub for residents and visitors while offering savvy travelers prime access to the best of Wynwood.
Where to Dine: For those looking for the perfect casual Italian spot, Salumeria 104 draws from Northern Italian traditions, offering signature salumi, house-made classics and seasonal specials that highlight fresh, authentic flavors. Over in Brickell, aim for an elevated experience at Delilah Miami, a modern supper club by The h.wood Group that blends roaring ’20s glamour with American fare, live entertainment and stunning Biscayne Bay views. A few blocks over on the 25th floor of AKA Brickell, ADRIFT Mare serves as a Mediterranean oasis, featuring grilled meats, fresh seafood and crafted pasta from Michelin-starred “Gypsy Chef” David Myers. For that NYC feel in the heart of Miami, head to Torno Subito, the innovative concept by Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura that combines traditional Italian flavors with international influences, rooftop views and can’t-miss cocktails by Dante NYC. For a night of fun, The Canvas Bar in Edgewater is a premier hangout haven with soul-warming global dishes and house-curated cocktails, while Higher Ground at Arlo Wynwood offers affordable American eats, beers and cocktails in a lush courtyard setting. Meanwhile, Wyn Wyn, also at Arlo Wynwood, offers a healthy yet dynamic culinary experience led by Hawaiian-born Chef David Robbins, blending Asian flavors with Florida’s finest local produce. One of the best culinary experiences in town is Uchi Miami, Hai Hospitality’s award-winning Japanese concept in Wynwood that serves hot and cool tastings, sushi, sashimi and a rotating omakase experience. For a late-night experience, Velvet Taco is the go-to spot, delivering a globally inspired menu of inventive tacos, signature sidekicks, frozen “Kick-Ass” margaritas and a Weekly Taco Feature (WTF). In Downtown Miami, experience the best of the city’s cultural scene with waterfront dining at Verde at Pérez Art Museum, a pre-show dinner at Teatro at the Adrienne Arsht Center, or casual science-inspired bites at Food@Science at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
What to Do: Just north of Miami and south of Fort Lauderdale, stimulate your senses at Mad Arts, a family-friendly playground and immersive art museum in Dania Beach.
Where to Shop: For modern and sophisticated fine dining, shopping and entertainment, visit Esplanade at Aventura. Visitors can experience a full-body workout at Pure Barre; visit Pinstripes for great eats, cocktails, bowling and bocce; or take a trip to The LEGO Store to unleash their creativity.
Key West
Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S., is a tropical paradise known for its lively culture, stunning sunsets and laid-back island vibes. With increased daily nonstop flights from various locations around the country, reaching this idyllic destination has never been easier.
Where to Stay: The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, located in a peaceful enclave near the Key West Historic Seaport. Just steps from the energy of Duval Street and the sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, this modern waterfront resort offers lush tropical gardens, three sparkling pools, an open-air restaurant and bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Its 96 spacious guest rooms feature private balconies and Key West-inspired design elements, inviting guests to relax and embrace the island’s charm.
Where to Dine: For breakfast, as well as fresh seafood and tropical cocktails throughout the day, Starboard Restaurant & Bar at The Marker provides an alfresco dining experience by the pool featuring live music most days. Don’t forget to stop by Kermit’s Key Lime Shop, just steps away from the hotel, for the quintessential Key West dessert: Key lime pie.
What to Do: A short stroll from The Marker, Mallory Square comes alive with its nightly sunset celebration, featuring street performers, local artisans and vibrant energy. The nearby Key West Historic Seaport is a hub for shopping, dining and water adventures such as snorkeling and sailing. Through The Marker’s partnership with Fury Water Adventures, guests can conveniently book thrilling excursions directly through the hotel’s concierge. Visitors can also take a guided walking tour of Papa’s Pilar Distillery to learn how their rum, attributed to Ernest Hemingway, is crafted.
