I am trying to plan a five-night trip for four twenty-six year old girlfriends sometime in March, somewhere in Florida. We want this trip to be economical, so we need to be able to find cheap flights from NY, and reasonable hotels, food, and drinks (so South Beach is out). During the day, we would like to relax on good beaches. At night, we would like fun dinners and a decent party scene, preferably within walking distance or an easy cab ride. However, we would prefer that fellow partiers be of legal drinking age, and are thus trying to avoid college spring breakers. (We can travel any time in March – if we go in the first two weeks should we be fairly safe?) From this forum, it appears perhaps Clearwater fits the bill. Agree or disagree? Any specific suggestions? Thanks very much!

I'm not sure what type of beach weather you'll have in March, what about the Keys ?

Thanks SAnParis, we're basically open to anything (I know very little about FL outside of South Beach), but from reading this forum it seems as though Clearwater has much better beaches than the Keys. I read that the average high for March in Clearwater is 76, while the Keys are 79. Do the Keys feel much warmer? We obviously don't plan to swim in the ocean, but it would be nice to get in some beach time... Thanks!

Kiki,
i have not been to Clearwate in some time but I recall the crowd being very "senior". How about Lauderdale. It gets a spring break crowd but also have a more hip night life scene than just those party bars. Would also recomend South Beach - you could stay a few miles north on the beach and save big $$ on hotel.

Clearwater Beach is a nice area...I'm down there a couple of times a year. In March, Spring breakers will be all over Florida so there's really no way to avoid them. March should be nice but the water will be somewhat cool.

Clearwater is somewhat senior but Clearwater Beach (across the bridge)is less senior.

The best hotel is the Sheraton Sand Key which is across the bridge from Clearwater Beach. A very nice hotel with amenities on an awesome beach. You can get pictures of the hotel at SPG.com.

There are several bars/nightspots on Manadalay Boulevard to have fun.

Fly into Tampa and you have approximately a 30 minute drive.

Good Luck!