florida
FORT LAUDERDALE
THINGS TO DO
Hit the beach: Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the nicest beaches in the area. Grab your beach towel and snag a spot right by Beach Place, where there’s a ton of action. Or, hang out on South Beach Park if you’re into a quieter scene.
Kayak or Paddle boarding: Rent a kayak or paddle board and go along the inter-coastal. Rent through Riverwalk Activities [need link].
Tortuga Music Festival: If you’re a lover of county music, Tortuga is the perfect festival for you. It’s usually held in April, so the weather is always warm and sunny. The event is right on the beach, which is perfect for this time of year.
Boat rentals: Have a group of people you came down with? Renting a boat with a captain for the day is a perfect way to explore the area without having the responsibility of driving. Look online at Boatsetter.com and choose the perfect boat for your needs whether it be fishing, water sports, or a fun-filled boozy afternoon!
Shopping on Las Olas: This area has great little boutiques if you want to get clothes or accessories that aren’t in your local area! There are plenty of restaurants and bars if you need a pit stop during all of your shopping.
PLACES TO EAT
Brunch (Saturday/Sunday)
Tap 42: An amazing brunch spot that gives you the entire bottle of champagne! This place is the hottest spot for brunch on Sundays, so make sure you show up at least 15 minutes before they open at 11 to secure your spot.
Shooters on the Water: Right on the inter coastal so boats can pull up and enjoy their terrific brunch menu. Shoots will also give you the bottle of champagne for larger parties or if you just ask when you have a smaller group. Their buffet is also incredible with endless amounts of seafood, prime rib, pancakes and other brunch items for $40.
Lunch
Lulus: A surfer bar/restaurant that is right in the heart of beach place. Ideal spot if you spent the morning on the beach and want some fuel to keep you going. Try their chicken fingers or fish tacos!
Taco Craft: When you’re in south Florida, eating tacos is a must! Taco Craft offers unique tacos that meet almost anyone’s dietary restrictions. Come here from 3-7 p.m. and get BOGO drinks, or come on Taco Tuesday for $5 margaritas
New York Grilled Cheese: Up in Wilton Manor, this tiny place has gourmet grilled cheese that you’ll never forget! Pair any of their grilled cheeses, which have vegetarian and vegan options, with the Disco Fries and your taste buds will be beyond satisfied!
Dinner
Coconuts: Another joint right on the intercostal by the beach and has a laid back vibe for a more casual dinner. Their seafood is reasonably priced, and look for their specials of the day for the freshest seafood you’ll find!
Louis Bossi: Huge Italian restaurant in the heart of Las Olas with a great atmosphere. If it’s nice out, the patio is beautiful. Also a great option for brunch as well.
YOLO: Upscale vibe with memorable American cuisine. Great spot for a family or couples dinner.
El Camino: Perfect for that Mexican food fix and craft margs before a night out.
PLACES TO DRINK
Township: Fun, German-style beer haven with BOGO happy hour Monday-Thursday 4-7 p.m. Don’t leave without getting a giant pretzel.
Balcony: New, open-air bar with a New Orleans vibe.
Rock Bar on the Beach: If you spent the day around the beach and are looking for a giant margarita, this is the place for you. These are BOGO during happy hour, too.
Dicey’s: Irish bar is great for a late night out to sing to your favorite drunk song and get a little ratchet. Drinks are cheap and throw backs are always being played.
Rhythm and Vine: Casual bar with a great indoor and outdoor atmosphere. Try one of their specialty drinks at the outside bar like the Garden Mule.
Rooftop: The only rooftop bar in Fort Lauderdale with a stunning view of the city and a cool garden atmosphere. Perfect place to start your night off with a quality cocktail or beer.
Funky Buddha: If you like craft beers this is the place for you. A huge brewery with some of south Florida’s most famous beers, like the Floridian and Hop Gun. Get a group of people and play a round of giant Jenga or corn hole!
The Wharf: Fun outdoor space that gets rowdy on the weekends.
PLACES TO STAY
Bahia Mar: A relaxing hotel on the Fort Lauderdale beach. Right next to volleyball courts and games are always running.
Marriott at Beach Place: Nestled in the center of all the action near the beach. Enjoy their nice pool that overlooks the beach.
Airbnb: For any size party that you have, rent an Airbnb right by Las o Las, or right by the beach to keep your pulse on the city. There are many condos and different beach-style options available.
GENERAL TIPS
For a Spring Break destination you can’t go wrong with Fort Lauderdale, especially in March. This time will be a lot busier and rowdy, so if this is the goal of your trip then March is the perfect time.
For a more laidback vacation, go between April and June. It’ a time that’ll guarantee calm, warm weather
KEY WEST
THINGS TO DO
Ernest Hemingway House: Here you can see Hemingway’s studio and garden. This beautiful oasis in Key West is a must-see. Be on the lookout for 6-toed cats that are thought to be descendants of his cat.
Duval Street: The street that gives Key West it’s wild reputation. You cannot go wrong when walking around Duval Street. You’ll find jazz bars, crazy hats, $1 beers, and $5 large pizzas. Head to Duval street to explore Key West’s lively scene during the day and wildest spots after dark.
Fort Zachary Taylor: This state park has beach & water sport rentals, trails to walk, and a barbeque area. The sand is soft and the water is warm, this beach makes for a great afternoon.
Key West lighthouse: This lighthouse turned museum is worth the climb. See some of the best ocean views while experiencing a Key West landmark over 100 years old!
Mallory Square: A bustling boardwalk area lined with restaurants and bars. For anyone wanting to watch an incredible sunset or grab a fruity drink.
Southernmost point buoy: This monument is located at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. Only 90 miles north of Cuba, squint and you may be able to see it!
PLACES TO EAT
Blue Heaven: Have you been to Key West if you haven’t eaten at Blue Heaven? Debatable. It’s the quintessential island-vibes atmosphere. The friendly staff, spacious back patio, frequent live music, and mouth-watering key lime pie will have you considering permanent residence.
Conch Republic: This waterfront restaurant is just about as fresh as you can get with fish caught daily by local fishermen. Make sure to ask about specials of the day for second-to-none seafood.
First Flight: Beautiful outdoor set up under huge banyan trees and string lights. It is technically a brewery but the dining atmosphere is a bit more upscale.
Half Shell Raw Bar: Its does not get fresher than Half Shell Raw Bar. If you want delicious seafood with astounding waterfront views this is your place!
New York Pasta Garden: A quiet and cozy Italian spot, perfect for any meal away from the Duval street madness.
Mangia Mangia Pasta Cafe: An authentic Italian eatery with island inspired decor. Incredible wine and pasta selection in a space that is perfect for large groups.
Ramshead Southernmost: Cute and colorful and perfect for brunch. Usually has a line to get a table, so plan ahead.
PLACES TO DRINK
Dantes: Not for the faint of heart. Dantes is the ultimate day party location for any weekend in Key West. Almost every week, the pool is filled with large parties of friends traveling to Key West. With great bar food, bucket beer specials, and great music you can’t go wrong when spending some time at Dantes.
Irish Kevin’s Bar: Irish pub with nightly live music, an extensive beer list, and delicious pub food.
Rick’s: From karaoke to live music, Rick’s will not disappoint. Come here for some casual drinks but you will most likely stay until close.
PLACES TO STAY
Not Your Average Hotel: NYAH is the most bang for buck stay in Key West. It is walking distance from the action but tucked in a nice, quiet oasis, with pools and palm trees galore. This spot is great for large parties or a couple looking for a reasonably priced romantic getaway. Make sure to check out the happy hour!
Casablanca: Quaint, boutique hotel with a lot of character. Rooms are pretty affordable compared to the area and sits in a great location.
Airbnb: The Airbnb options in Key West are different from anywhere else, house boats and giant homes are easy to book at a reasonable a price.
TRANSPORTATION
Biking: Some hotels and stores offer bike rentals and it is easy and safe to bike around the island. Thankfully it’s mostly flat and absent of busy city traffic.
Pedicab: A fun way to get around this small town, one that will always be remembered-or not. Make sure to ask price to your destination before hopping in.
Walk: One of the best things about of Key West is it’s walkability. Home from the beach or home from the bars, any walk home will be palm tree lined and accompanied by the smell of the ocean.
Miami
THINGS TO DO
All Water Sports: Kitesurfing, parasailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling.
Boating: Renting a boat for the day is great for a big group. Look no further than the great service and price of Beach Boats Miami Beach. Anthony, the owner, and his staff are as reliable and accommodating as they come. Give him a call and he will take care of you!
Catch a Game: Miami is home of the Miami Heat and the Marlins. If the time is right, the games make for a fun outing with friends.
Take a day trip to the Everglades. Only about 45 mins west, expect a fun-filled day riding an air boat, seeing alligators and exploring the reeds. We recommend booking with Coopertown Airboats.
Shop on Lincoln Road: A pedestrian street with every store imaginable. Extremely touristy but if you want to shop, this is the place to be.
Rent Bikes: There are citi bikes available for rent all around the city, this is an ideal way to get around (especially on Miami Beach).
South Beach: Relax, tan, workout at muscle beach, or roller blade. The public beach access at 16th and Collins is a good place to enter.
Vizcaya Gardens: Beautiful estate with historic buildings and luscious gardens.
Wynwood: Explore Miami’s art district. Make sure to stop by Wynwood Walls & check out the breweries and food trucks.
PLACES TO EAT
South Beach
Brunch:
Cecconis: Gorgeous, courtyard-style set up and be sure to sit on the patio. Bottomless and buffet are available as well as al la carte menu options.
Juvia: Upscale, rooftop restaurant on South Beach. The seafood is top-notch and the decor is instagram-worthy.
The Front Porch Cafe: Good breakfast spot that’s reasonably priced for Ocean Drive.
Prime Fish: $60 for a gourmet buffet and bottomless mimosas/bloodys. Always a good time and the food is great.
Yardbird: A southern slice of heaven not often found in Miami. Known for their chicken and biscuits but the entire menu is superb.
Dinner:
Barceloneta: Chic, airy storefront serving Spanish small plates, cocktails & wines.
Byblos: A Mediterranean restaurant with a trendy atmosphere. Always playing the best music and serving incredible food.
Prime 112: Upscale steakhouse with gorgeous interior.
Prime Italian: Bustling Italian steakhouse serving generous portions. Enjoy the fresh ingredients in a posh atmosphere.
Naiyara: The best thai food on the beach. Trendy decor with a good mix of indoor and outdoor tables.
Sushi Garage: A great sushi restaurant with an unbeatable happy hour. Half off drinks and a large $2-$6 menu that extends 5-8pm daily.
Española Way is also a cute, pedestrian cobblestone street lined with tons of great restaurants for any type of cuisine. Day or night, it’s worth checking out.
Quick Bites:
Bodega: Casual, street-style Mexican joint serving delicious tacos all day and night. Also home to a popular speak easy in the back.
La Sandwicherie: Great, open-air deli serving a secret sauce you’ll want to bring home. Open until 5am.
Taquiza: Delicious tacos and the best chips (called totopos) we’ve ever had. There is a North Beach and South Beach location.
Brickell/Downtown
Coyo Taco: Causal Mexican joint in Brickell. Make sure to get a blended margarita and the chips and guacamole.
River Oyster Bar: Incredible seafood. Blue Crab Gnocchi is to die for.
Wynwood
Beaker & Gray: Fantastic cocktails and unique tapas style small plates. You’ll want to orde the whole menu – we swear.
Le Chick: Trendy spot with southern favorites. Think crispy brussels, truffle fries and fried chicken. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Morgans: Cute brunch spot in Wynwood. The Fried Chicken Waffle Sandwich is delicious, but the service is hit or miss — better to go on a weekday.
Wynwood Kitchen and Bar: Casual dinner spot at the Wynwood Walls. The happy hour is unbeatable.
1-800-LUCKY: Trendy food hall featuring Asian-inspired eateries in an interesting Miami space. Indoor/outdoor seating and turns into a bar wiht a live DJ at night.
Other
Amara at Paraiso: Picturesque, waterfront restaurant in Edgewater. Compared to others with similar views, this tapas style menu is delicious and relatively more affordable.
Crust: Amazing Italian spot in Riverside. The large portions are perfect for enjoying a meal family style. It gets loud inside, so if the weather is nice ask to sit on the patio.
Ironside Pizza: Fantastic pizza restaurant tucked into a cute courtyard in North Miami. This place is BYOB which is clutch and has a great set menu for large groups.
Lulus: Great brunch in The Grove, a more residential part of Miami. The waffles and Benedict’s are menu favorites.
Rusty Pelican: Incredible bayfront seafood restaurant on Virginia Key. Entrees are pricey but the view of the Miami Skyline is unbeatable.
PLACES TO DRINK
South Beach
Basement: A local favorite — has a bowling alley and ice skating rink on one side, with a big dance floor on the other.
Bodega: Mentioned above for a casual bite, but at night, it becomes a speakeasy with an upbeat vibe. Get there early though, the line is crazy after 11 p.m.
Broken Shaker: Hip, poolside cocktail bar that’s great for grabbing a few drinks to start the night or great place for a lowkey evening.
Hyde Beach: This is your spot for pool parties. Girls should contact promoters for free or discounted entry.
LIV: Inside the Fontainebleau hotel. Girls should find promoter for free entry (search Instagram). Big name DJs will be a ticketed event.
Monty’s Raw Bar: A great waterfront spot for happy hour. Laid-back atmosphere and be sure to order their signature drink, PK3. There are two locations-SoBe or The Grove but both are good options.
Mynt Lounge: Lively nightclub. Best if you have a table as there’s not much room for general admission.
Story: Another Miami mega-club staple. Same drill, girls should find promoters for free entry (search Instagram again) –and big name DJs will be a ticketed event here also.
Watr: Best rooftop in Miami hands down. Go for sunset cocktails and enjoy the tropical oasis. Usually has a live DJ on the weekends.
Brickell
Area 31: Posh rooftop bar on the bay. Has happy hour everyday and drinks are $8 on Fridays.
American Social: Sports bar on the river. Great for watching games but expect overpriced bar food (still good nonetheless).
Blackbird Ordinary: Count on fun music and a lot of dancing. Was just renovated with a big back patio.
Red Bar: Chill bar with a fun trivia night during the week. Good spot for games.
Sugar: Upscale rooftop bar full of beautiful plants that serves incredible views of Brickell.
Wharf: Outdoor AstroTurf bar on the river. It’s always popping any day of the week. Great for day drinking or grab a few mojitos to start the night.
Wynwood/Design District
Concrete Beach Brewery: Fun spot with a chill, jazz bar vibe. Get a bottle of wine and relax — the atmosphere is A+.
Brick: Chill beer garden and you must try their brewed beer. Saturday night is the best night to go — best before 11 p.m. to avoid large cover and long lines.
Lagniappe: A Miami favorite. Casual wine bar with a cool outdoor patio. Grab a bottle or two of wine and enjoy the live music that’s there everyday.
La Victoria: Popular Latin dance club in midtown. Best on Friday and Saturday — another spot to get there early because the line gets long after 11 p.m.
Space: 24 hour club that’s the home of deep house. Bring your sunglasses and dance until the sun rises.
Wood: Popular bar in Wynwood with relatively cheap drinks. Has a dope back patio that’s great for day drinking. Get there early at night — the line gets long (a common problem in Miami)
PLACES TO STAY
1 Hotel: Upscale and exclusive, offering an eco-friendly hotel experience with a nature-inspired ambiance. The facilities are top notch and the rooftop pool is great. But buyer beware- it is one of the most expensive hotels in the area.
Delano: Historic Miami luxury hotel. There are several lounges and restaurants within and the pool deck is impressive.
Faena: An over-the-top, opulent hotel on Collins Ave. This lavish spot has 5 star restaurants and incredible decor. There is also an intimate theater showing cabaret performances every weekend.
Freehand Miami Beach: Affordable Miami Beach accommodation offering private or shared hostel rooms. Only one block from the beach and has a popular restaurant, 27, and cocktail bar, Broken Shaker, as well.
Loews: Upscale South Beach hotel with an awesome pool.
Mondrian: Bayfront hotel with awesome views of the Miami skyline. This is a more affordable option for the area and has a great resort-style pool deck with cabanas and daybeds.
SLS Brickell: Solid option on the downtown side of Miami if you are looking to stay off of South Beach.
SLS SoBe: A less expensive, but posh South Beach option in a great location. Rooms can be on the smaller side. Guests get access to Saturday and Sunday pool parties at Hyde Beach.
SoBe Hostel: Another affordable hostel option with both coed and female-only rooms. Prime location, right near Story Nightclub.
Soho Beach House: Exclusive beach club in a stately art deco building. Offers members and guests a pool, full spa, two restaurants, and upscale hotel on the beach
PENSACOLA
THINGS TO DO
Museum of Naval Aviation History: Free and open to the Public. Hundreds of historic and modern aircraft and an IMAX theater with virtual reality rides. Located on NAS Pensacola.
Fort Pickens: State park and Military historical sight, including 1800’s era fortifications.
Go to the beach: Florida beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world! Pensacola Beach is beautiful with soft sugar white sand, and Navarre is a little further down and less crowded.
Walk downtown: Downtown Pensacola is quaint, cute, and almost always bustling. Tons of bars, restaurants, and shops.
Go scuba diving on wrecks, snorkeling, or fishing — basically, get out on the water!
PLACES TO EAT
Fish House: On the water near downtown with top rated Seafood and Southern cuisine. Both indoor and patio dining available, often has live music.
Hopjacks: A local joint downtown with a daily 4:20 happy hour with half priced drinks, food, and craft beers.
Global Grill: Located downtown. Featuring New-American cuisine and tapas.
McGuire’s: Long-established Irish Pub featuring their own beers brewed in house. Huge, juicy steaks, and equally good martinis — get the Key Lime Pie. The interior walls and ceiling are covered with signed dollar bills from patrons. Sometimes, a man with bagpipes plays.
Flounders: Well-known seafood joint nestled on the bay side. Beach volleyball, kids areas, and live music.
Hemingway’s: Seafood and tropical fusion with live music.
Peg Leg Pete’s: Well-known by locals. Pirate themed seafood restaurant with a kids area. West from the center of Pensacola Beach.
V. Paul’s Italian: Excellent Italian food and extensive wine collection!
The Vineyard: Housed in the first Pensacola Hospital that opened in 1915 as the first Catholic hospital in Florida. Great bottomless deal and quaint outdoor seating.
PLACES TO DRINK
Seville Quarter: A series of eight interconnected themed rooms including dance clubs, dining, and bar options.
Flora-Bama: Home of Pensacola’s famous Bushwacker drink! Beachfront concerts, local live music, and right on the ocean.
Wild Greg’s Saloon: Lively country bar with a balcony overlooking Palafox Street — hop on the mechanical bull if you’re feeling wild!
SARASOTA
THINGS TO DO
Go to one of the many beaches in town. They all have free parking which is convenient.
Siesta Key: Ranked #1 beach in the US multiple times. You’ll find soft, powdery white sand and pristine waters. It’s the most popular beach in Sarasota
Turtle Beach: Much smaller and more low-key than Siesta Key, but usually has bigger waves if you want to surf or enjoy the swell
Lido Beach: Medium speed. Lido is not as busy as Siesta Key but has great shopping in the area.
Kayak through the Mangrove Tunnels. Not too far off of Siesta Key, you can kayak through tunnels where you’ll see tons of fish and birds native to the area.
St Armand’s Circle: High-end shopping, restaurants and art galleries are plentiful. Close to Lido Beach, so stop by after a day in the sun or make an afternoon/night out of it.
Ringling Museum of Art: Home of John and Mable Ringling’s art collection from the early 20th century, showcased in a beautiful waterfront museum. The tours are excellent.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Beautiful gardens right on the Sarasota Bay.
Sarasota Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday morning downtown. Great organic foods and fresh produce. Always buzzing with people.
PLACES TO EAT
Shore: Serves really cool beach-inspired food and refreshing drinks in St. Armand’s Circle.
Marina Jack: Upscale, waterfront restaurant with excellent views.
Mattison’s: Great indoor/outdoor spot with a huge patio right in the heart of downtown.
Pacific Rim: Intimate venue with best sushi in town.
Boca: Popular brunch spot downtown with craft cocktails and bottomless mimosas.
Simon’s: Best for lunch and offers many vegetarian options.
The Original Egg: Delicious brunch spot in the Siesta Key Village
Monk’s: Sports bar with the best oysters in town. Get the Monkafellers (butter and Parmesan oysters). They’re amazing.
Gecko’s: Solid sports bar in a casual atmosphere.
Il Panificio: Best Pizza around.
Munchies 420 Cafe: Late-night drunk food spot open from 4:20pm-4:20am. It was featured on Man Vs Food. They offer crazy portions here — think 24 inch sandwiches with chicken fingers and mac and cheese and three burgers on it.
PLACES TO DRINK
Siesta Key Village: Strip of casual bars and restaurants that you can go to in your bathing suit during the day. Walking distance from the beach.
Daiquiri Deck: Elevated bar with tons of different daiquiris and cocktails. Usually has good drink specials.
Beach Club: Gets clubby at night, usually a $5 cover.
Downtown
Social: Upscale vibe with craft drinks and fire pits.
Smokin’ Joes: Large bar with a dive bar feel.
Rooftop of the Westin Hotel: May be the only rooftop bar in town. On the pricier side.
Z’s: Younger crowd. There’ usually a DJ playing top 40/EDM.
Gator Club: Older crowd and usually has a $5 cover. Live band downstairs and DJ Upstairs.
tampa
THINGS TO DO
Soak up the sun at one of the many beaches:
Clearwater Beach: Most popular beach in the area. White sand with tons of resorts around.
St. Pete Beach: More low-key option. Far less foot traffic.
Indian Rocks Beach: Local spot. Great to catch a sunset over the gulf waters.
Check out a theme park: Tampa is home to Busch Gardens, a famous amusement park full of awesome roller coasters and a wide range of wild life. If you’re too hot, get wet at Adventure Island, one of Florida’s best water parks.
Ybor City: One of the most historical areas of Tampa. Quaint vibe with plenty of tremendous restaurants, bars, shops, as well as the historic theater.
Florida Aquarium/Lowry Park Zoo: Both great attractions to see interesting wild life from all over the globe.
Salvador Dali Museum: Cool museum paying homage to one of the world’s most famous artists. Surreal location in Downtown St. Pete, right on the bay.
Tampa Bay Sports Teams: If you want to check out a sporting event, this area has all the major sports teams, including: football, hockey, baseball, and soccer.
PLACES TO EAT
Columbia Restaurant: Located in Ybor City, has an impressive one-of-a-kind Cuban sandwich.
Ulele: Hip, waterfront restaurant with an excellent view of Tampa’s Riverwalk and a great outdoor space for enjoying a few drinks.
Bern’s: Fine dining located in South Howard. Feast on dry-aged steaks, a huge wine list, and a desert room.
Ciccio’s Water: A Southern-California inspired restaurant with a generous bottomless brunch. Some cocktails come with a mini champagne bottle upside down in them.
Boca: Great brunch spot off of Platt Street with craft cocktails and bottomless mimosas.
Armature Works: A a large, rustic public market that has tons of options for food and drinks. Located right off of the Hillsborough River.
The Beach Restaurant: Tremendous restaurant right on the bay. Great for brunch or catching the sunset.
On Swann: One of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay, located in Hyde Park Village. Fantastic food and an amazing atmosphere.
The Getaway: A hidden gem in the heart of the mangroves. All outdoor, this relaxing spot has a great atmosphere and good bar food.
Hall on Franklin: Amazing brunch or dinner spot that hosts four different restaurants in one. Plenty of food/drink options for everyone.
Green Lemon: Lively Mexican restaurant that has authentic food and drinks.
New York New York: Quick and easy pizza place. Solid slices.
Daily Eats: Best breakfast or lunch spot in town.
