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These Are The 3 Most Crowded Beaches In Florida Right Now And Where You Should Go Instead

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The spring break season is in full swing, and that means many popular Florida beach destinations are more crowded than ever right now.

Florida is the number one spring break destination in the U.S., and many beach towns and cities swell in size during March and April due to a huge influx of visitors.

Coming in at number one on the list? Miami.

Miami Beach Florida

Despite taking measures to prevent massive, rowdy spring break crowds and bad behavior, Miami Beach still remains the most popular beach destination in Florida right now.

Here's a look at the rest of the most crowded beaches in Florida right now and where to go instead.

Crowds Flocking To Miami Beach

According to data from Florida Today, Miami is the most-searched spring break destination in Florida by travelers from many U.S. states, including most of the Northeast.

In particular, Miami Beach is a major spring break hotspot.

Beaches, restaurants, and bars in the area are totally packed right now and don't even think about finding parking.

Crowded beach in Miami

Destin & Panama City Beach

The next most crowded beaches in Florida are Destin and Panama City Beach.

Located on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast, these two cities, one hour apart from each other, are both extremely popular with travelers from the Southeastern U.S. for spring break.

The 25-mile stretch of beaches in between the two, known as 30A and filled with lovely, quaint beach towns, is also really crowded during this time of year.

I love visiting this part of Florida during the fall when it's less crowded, but I would personally avoid it during spring break because it becomes so crowded and the traffic is terrible.

Destin Florida Boats

Daytona Beach

Finally, Daytona Beach is a really crowded destination on Florida's Atlantic Coast right now.

This destination is popular year-round because it's home to the Daytona International Speedway, but it gets even more packed during spring break.

Things can get particularly rowdy in Daytona Beach during spring break, so if you're looking for a quiet and relaxing beach getaway, this is not the place to travel right now.

Daytona beach florida view from above the ocean

And Here's Where To Go Instead…

If you want to avoid the most crowded beaches in Florida right now, these are the best destinations to check out instead.

Basically, it's smart to choose beaches that aren't known as spring break hotspots if you want to enjoy a more chilled-out vibe.

Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is an amazing destination on the gorgeous Florida Panhandle that doesn't get the same level of crowds as Destin, which is about 30 minutes away.

However, you'll find the same stunning white sand beaches and clear turquoise water in Navarre Beach, which is also really close to the protected beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It's also a pretty affordable destination compared to many popular Florida beaches.

Navarre Beach Florida

Gasparilla Island

Recently named the best small beach town in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, Gasparilla Island is a great Florida beach destination if you want to get away from it all.

There's only one way to get to Gasparilla Island: driving across the Boca Grande Causeway. From Tampa, it's about one hour and 45 minutes, and from Fort Myers, it's about one hour and 20 minutes.

This small island combines luxury with laidback charm, making it the perfect place to get away from the crowds this spring.

Gasparilla Island FL

Perdido Key

Another underrated Florida beach destination is Perdido Key.

This beach community is located on the Florida Panhandle right along the border with Alabama.

You'll find beautiful beaches, a chilled-out atmosphere, fewer crowds, and affordable prices in Perdido Key, making it a great destination to visit this spring.

Perdido Key Florida

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