Buh-bye scarves, boots, bonfires, and hot chocolate; hello sunhats, margaritas, bikinis and sandals. After what seemed like a harsh and long Florida winter, it’s finally warming up outside. Spring is near and I couldn’t be more excited. Hair gets lighter, skin gets darker, water gets warmer, nights get longer, and we finally feel like we live in Florida again.
The best part about spring? Spring Break; a week off from class when we get to unwind from the overwhelming pressures of college. Fortunately for us Florida residents, we live where others vacation, so if you’re like me and unable to go to the Caribbean for Spring Break due to limited time or funds, don’t fret, your spring break destination can be your own backyard. Yes, we staycation where others vacation, and we couldn’t be luckier. As for those of you who Spring Break no longer applies to, you still can participate in the festivities. Just going to beach during the month of March can give you the vacation fix you need. So for those of you of you who wish to staycation this spring, here are my top three favorite staycation destinations.
Welcome to Miami, Bienvenido a Miami. Most of you are probably familiar with these Willl Smith lyrics, but I am here to confirm that the lyrics speak truth. Miami is a city where the heat IS on and you CAN party all night until the break of dawn; clubs don’t close until 5 a.m. Spanish being the predominant language in this city, making you feel like you are on a Caribbean island. The food, music, culture, diversity, and energy are unreal. You can window shop at Lincoln Road, soak up the sun on the beach, visit the most interesting Art Deco architectures, dance the night away, and dine at one of the countless dining establishments that specialize in seafood, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian and American cuisine; sometimes all at once.
My favorite lounge in Miami Beach?
The Rooftop lounge at the Clevelander Hotel.
Sarasota
Sarasota has flourished tremendously in the past several years; some even consider it to be Florida’s Hollywood. I do. Whether its Casey Key, home of many celebrities such as Stephan King and Jerry Springer, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Manasota Key, or Siesta Key, one of America’s top beaches known for its 9% pure quartz, soft and cool sand; there are plenty beaches to choose from. If you’re looking for a more youthful scene, head to the Siesta Key Village where there’s a strip of beach bars and restaurants. You can go to Daiquiri Deck and indulge in their strongest daiquiri The Deck Diesel, a delicious orange, grain alcohol & vodka concoction, topped with Diesel Fuel Grain Alcohol. If that’s too much for you to handle there are plenty of other delicious daiquiris from which to choose. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, head downtown where you can enjoy a craft cocktail at Social Eatery Bar and Lounge or even a delicious espresso at Café Epicure. If you’re a foodie, Sarasota is definitely the staycation destination for you.
My favorite restaurant?
Shore Diner on Saint Armand’s Circle. Whether it’s for brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktails, every item on the menu is to die for!
Saint Pete Beach
Gorgeous Saint Pete Beach is also constantly voted one of America’s top beaches, just like Siesta Key. In my opinion it’s the perfect place to staycation this Spring Break, it’s not too wild, not too family oriented, it’s a happy medium between crazy Miami and laidback Sarasota. Visit the historically grand Don Cesar hotel, other world class museums such as the Dali, go to the Tropicana Field and watch our Tampa Bay Rays play, or stay on the beach the entire time. Soak up the sun, go Parasailing, jet skiing, or boating; the options are endless. There’s also plenty of beach bars; whether it’s The Post Card Inn or Toasted Monkey, you’re sure to have the time of your life on Saint Pete Beach.
My favorite beach bar?
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar: A laid back bar in a resort hotel that overlooks the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and has live music nightly. Need I say more?
Those of you Floridians who claim you don’t have enough time to go on a vacation now have a solution; a staycation. And if my top three staycations don’t sound appealing enough you; there’s plenty of other options. Just google other alternatives; it all depends on what you are looking to enjoy on your staycation. Whether it’s partying, relaxing, watersports, theme parks, art, or food; there’s a Florida city that will meet your needs.
Safe travels!
xoxo Jaimie