We are planning on a road trip exploring the coastal areas from Myrtle Beach through South Florida from March 5 to March 23. Is there anything we need to know to avoid getting into massive spring break crowds or traffic?

Go to the west coast of Florida rather than the east coast. Spring break madness is generally an east coast and panhandle phenomenon. Stick with upscale communities. When we wintered in Naples, we never saw a college student who was not staying in her grandmother's condo. Too expensive for college kids.

You can Google "spring break" for any of the communities you are thinking about visiting and see what it is like (esp if you turn off 'safe search' in your browser).

If traffic is your main concern, just be aware that the 2011 Bike Week in Daytona Beach will be held from March 4, 2011 to March 13, 2011. If this is one of your destinations, be aware that hotels/motels restaurants and roads will be jammed.


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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Spring break happens on the west coast also.
As has been said, go to an upscale resort. If you want Myrtle Beach AREA, go to Litchfield/Pawley's Island. You don't have to put up with MB anytime!!

Don't go where they are.

I don't think you need to avoid the East Coast between Myrtle Beach and South Florida to avoid springer breakers.

You won't find ANY on Jekyll Island GA, for example. The same is true of Key Biscayne FL. Or Hilton Head SC. Possibly even St. Augustine FL.

You might consider listing all possible stops you're think of along the route and asking Y or N as to whether to expect a party scene.

We don't get any in the Charleston area beaches either. The azaleas may be blooming that time of year, which is a real treat.

The way to avoid Spring Breakers is to stay at very expensive resorts and properties... Akislander is correct about Naples, but anywhere thats pricey will limit your exposure to the dredded youts...

Forgot to say, stay away from Savannah around St Patrick's Day.

South Carolina is not a typical spring break destination for the rowdy young crowd you want to avoid. The air and water temps in March are too cool for all day/night beach parties, wet teeshirt contests, etc. The Charleston area in March is focused on garden tours, golf, kayaking, etc. Even Myrtle Beach will still be pretty quiet in March.

Thanks for all the help. One poster mentioned MB Bike Week in March, but isn't it in May?

Daytona Bike Week is March 4-13th. http://www.officialbikeweek.com/


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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

I don't think many colleges have break in March.

Several large Florida universities - including UF - have Spring break the second week of March, and many beach areas will be packed with day trippers.

"I don't think many colleges have break in March."

Huh? The vast majority of US colleges have spring break in March, mostly between March 7-18 in 2011.

http://www.tripsmarter.com/panamacit...sbcalendar.htm

I thought I posted a link to the spring break calendars but now I can't see it . . . but the vast majority of US colleges will have spring break from March 7-18, 2011.

There are a handful of schools that might be in late Feb or the first week of April but not many. IME, the SEC schools love Panama City in particular and they will be all over the panhandle beaches in mid March.

That's weird -- sorry for the double post.

Sorry, I was confusing Myrtle Beach Bike Week with Daytona's. The one in May is in MB I believe.

gary beat me to it. stay at high-end places. most drunken college students can't afford them.

There are 2 in Myrtle Beach in May.