Florida’s 25 most popular beach destinations for Spring Break 2025
The month of March is synonymous with the beginning of Spring Break in Florida, bringing with it throngs of travelers from across the globe to beaches in the Sunshine State. Recently, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort conducted a study by analyzing over 550 beaches along Florida’s coasts. By tracking the number of posts and hashtags for each destination, they were able to determine where will be drawing in the biggest crowds this year.
South Beach in Miami Beach is set to be the top spring break destination in 2025, with over 9.08 million hashtags on Instagram. Known for its vibrant nightlife, beach parties, and electric atmosphere, it’s a top destination for spring breakers looking to soak up the sun. Stretching nearly 13,000 feet, Ocean Drive is lined with buzzing bars, clubs, and palm-fringed streets, where partygoers will experience non-stop entertainment. In March, temperatures are expected to reach up to 82°F.
The Top 10 Most Popular Florida Beaches for Spring Break
| Rank | Beach | County | Total Hashtag Count |
| 1 | South Beach (Miami Beach) | Miami-Dade County | 9,087,000 |
| 2 | Palm Beach | Palm Beach County | 6,213,000 |
| 3 | Clearwater Beach | Pinellas County | 1,792,000 |
| 4 | Daytona Beach | Volusia County | 1,638,000 |
| 5 | Panama City Beach | Bay County | 1,131,400 |
| 6 | Pompano Beach | Broward County | 1,120,900 |
| 7 | Sunny Isles Beach | Miami-Dade County | 1,097,000 |
| 8 | Vero Beach | Indian River County | 1,033,800 |
| 9 | Deerfield Beach | Broward County | 1,020,800 |
| 10 | Cocoa Beach | Brevard County | 975,800 |
Palm Beach in Palm Beach County ranks as the second most popular spring break destination, with 6.21 million hashtags. Located on a scenic barrier island, this beach is lined with swaying palm trees and pristine white sands, which is an ideal escape for spring breakers seeking a mix of relaxation and luxury. The region, known as The Palm Beaches (stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter), saw a record-breaking 5.19 million total visitors last year, making it one of Florida’s hottest spots.
Clearwater Beach in Pinellas County takes third place with 1.79 million hashtags on Instagram. This Gulf Coast paradise, stretching over two-and-a-half miles, is famous for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for sunbathing, beach games, and watersports. With nearly 13,000 glowing reviews on Tripadvisor and a 4.5-star rating, it’s a must-visit for spring breakers looking for picture-perfect sunsets and beachfront excitement.
Daytona Beach in Volusia County ranks fourth, with a total of 1.63 million hashtags. Known for its high-energy atmosphere, this 23-mile stretch is a magnet for spring breakers looking for non-stop action, thanks to its proximity to the iconic Daytona Beach International Speedway. With beachfront bars, restaurants, and shopping, it’s a prime spot for sun, sand, and fun.
Panama City Beach in Bay County claims the fifth spot with 1.13 million hashtags. Stretching over 27 miles, it’s a spring break classic, famous for its lively beach parties and stunning coastline. Home to St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen, this destination offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With a 4.5-star Tripadvisor rating and average water temperatures of 73°F, it’s the perfect spot for everything from wild beachside events to scuba diving and fishing.
Rounding out the top Florida beaches for spring break is Pompano Beach in Broward County with 1.12 million hashtags, Sunny Isles Beach in Miami-Dade County with 1.09 million, Vero Beach in Indian River County with 1.03 million, Deerfield Beach in Broward County with 1.02 million, and Cocoa Beach in Brevard County with 975,800.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort said, “Online traction from Instagram has done more than just boost Florida’s tourism, as it has turned the Sunshine State’s iconic beaches into must-visit spots for spring break travelers.
“Florida’s beaches offer an electric and immersive experience, with each stretch of coastline offering its own unique vibe, from the lively nightlife of Miami Beach to the calmer atmosphere of Destin. As social media continues to shape travel trends, Florida’s beaches are at the forefront, capturing the attention of partygoers and sun-seekers alike.”
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The 25 Most Popular Florida Beaches for Spring Break
| Rank | Beach | County | Total Hashtag Count |
| 1 | South Beach (Miami Beach) | Miami-Dade County | 9,087,000 |
| 2 | Palm Beach | Palm Beach County | 6,213,000 |
| 3 | Clearwater Beach | Pinellas County | 1,792,000 |
| 4 | Daytona Beach | Volusia County | 1,638,000 |
| 5 | Panama City Beach | Bay County | 1,131,400 |
| 6 | Pompano Beach | Broward County | 1,120,900 |
| 7 | Sunny Isles Beach | Miami-Dade County | 1,097,000 |
| 8 | Vero Beach | Indian River County | 1,033,800 |
| 9 | Deerfield Beach | Broward County | 1,020,800 |
| 10 | Cocoa Beach | Brevard County | 975,800 |
| 11 | Lake Worth Beach | Palm Beach County | 909,300 |
| 12 | Pensacola Beach | Escambia County | 801,900 |
| 13 | Fort Lauderdale Beach | Broward County | 622,710 |
| 14 | Las Olas Beach | Broward County | 609,700 |
| 15 | Hollywood Beach | Broward County | 497,500 |
| 16 | Ormond Beach | Volusia County | 484,400 |
| 17 | Rosemary Beach | Walton County | 481,010 |
| 18 | Longboat Key | Manatee County | 480,210 |
| 19 | Atlantic Beach | Duval County | 475,600 |
| 20 | Amelia Island State Park | Nassau County | 472,240 |
| 21 | Sanibel Island Northern Beach | Lee County | 470,970 |
| 22 | North Beach Park | St. Johns County | 467,470 |
| 23 | Fort Myers Beach | Lee County | 423,120 |
| 24 | Santa Rosa Beach | Walton County | 399,100 |
| 25 | Fort Walton Beach | Okaloosa County | 398,300 |
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Sources: Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort per Instagram, Sandee, Tripadvisor
Cover photo: Beach Park in Vero Beach, FL; Image credit: VisitIndianRiverCounty.com
Methodology: The study analyzed over 550 Florida beaches to determine the top spring break destinations, excluding lakes and locations with overly generic names (e.g., “Dog Beach” or “Memorial Park”).
- Each beach was individually searched on Instagram, collecting data from the three most frequently used hashtags. Variations, such as “#VeroBeach,” “#VeroBeachFL,” and “#VeroBeachFlorida,” were included to ensure accuracy.
- The final count reflects the all-time total number of hashtags used for each beach, highlighting the most popular spots for spring breakers. Data confirmed correct as of February 2025.
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Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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