Two Florida Beach Cities Rank Among the Most Affordable Spring Break Destinations

Florida is one of the top destinations for spring breakers, particularly the classic party spots like Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach, and Miami Beach. Those long-time favorites not only draw big crowds, but they also come with a high price tag due to their desirability. If you’re looking for more affordable fun in the sun between mid-March and mid-April, you might want to consider Fort Myers or Jacksonville instead. 

Travel + Leisure recently reported on analysis conducted by travel search engine Kayak.com that looked at flight and hotel searches made from September through mid-December 2025 for trips in March and April. Focusing on the nightly hotel rates and round-trip economy airfares, two Florida cities landed among the most affordable spring break destinations: Fort Myers and Jacksonville. 

Fort Myers is known for its beaches with baby powder soft sands along the turquoise waters of the Gulf. Fort Myers Beach stretches for seven miles, while Lynn Hall Memorial Park is particularly ideal for families, with a sandy beach, a playground for the kids, and a pier for fishing or watching the local fishermen haul up their catch. Visitors also have easy access to the four barrier islands between Fort Myers and Bonita Beaches that make up Lovers Key, with boardwalks that make it easy to navigate two miles of unspoiled sand. Sanibel and Captiva islands are two of the most popular for shell collecting thanks to their unique geography. 

If you want to see manatees, Florida’s famous gentle giants are typically encountered throughout March (and the entire winter season) in Fort Myers’ Manatee Park. You can even paddle among them by renting a kayak or canoe. When it’s time to shop or dine, the historic Fort Myers River District serves as the downtown hub with a variety of eclectic shops, antique stores, galleries, bars, and restaurants.

Nestled in the northeast corner of the state, Jacksonville offers 22 miles of coastline along the Atlantic, which means you’ll have plenty of room to toss down your towels and enjoy all the usual beach activities. There’s a beach for just about everyone here, from the more serene, laid-back stretches at Mickler’s Landing and Huguenot Park to the posh Neptune and Atlantic beaches. 

Culture vultures will love Jacksonville, with a museum for every taste. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, overlooking the St. Johns River, displays more than 6,000 works, including pieces that date as far back as 21000 BC. The magnificently manicured gardens include some that were planted over a century ago and are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Jacksonville is also known for its thriving craft beer, dining, and nightlife scene, providing plenty to do after dark too.