Family Spring Break in Florida

Jacksonville and Daytona Beach as Alternatives to Disney Vacation

Jan 4, 2008 Kara Williams

Instead of battling the crowds in Orlando, make fun family memories in Jacksonville or Daytona Beach (which is not just for college-age spring breakers anymore).

Who needs Mickey Mouse and his cartoon-character friends when you've got miles and miles of Florida coastline with its glorious beaches and ideal weather for visiting in March? If you don't have your family spring break vacation plans yet, and you'd like to soak up some sunshine on your child's school vacation, look no further than the Sunshine State.

Here are two Florida destinations to consider for your spring break family vacation:

Jacksonville, Florida

The folks in Jacksonville like to say that their city is "Where Florida Begins." That makes sense, since it's the northeast corner of the state, not far from the Georgia border, plus it has a rich history. Learn about life on a cotton plantation in the 1800s at the Kingsley Plantation, on Jacksonville's Fort George Island.

The St. Johns River runs through the heart of town, and visitors love strolling the downtown riverfront (plus the 20 miles of stunning ocean coastline). It's a green city, too: with 57,373 acres of parks, including the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the country.

For families, the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is a big hit, with its recently opened "Range of the Jaguar" and "Savannah Plains" exhibits. Children can play at Kids Kampus, a free, 10-acre public recreational facility with loads of playground equipment and mini versions of historic local landmarks. Enjoy free samples at the gourmet chocolatier Peterbrooke, which also gives free factory tours.

Golfers are bound to find a course they like among the 72 golf courses in Jacksonville. Or they can tour they can just admire the accomplishments of those stellar players who have been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach had long been plagued with a reputation for rowdy, beer-guzzling, college-age spring breakers. But it's shed that image and is now a safe, fun place for families to take young children--even during traditional college spring break times, such as mid- to end-March.

The coastal city's slogan is "Way More than a Beach." Although its 23 miles of gorgeous beaches are what it's best known for, Daytona Beach also offers families a bunch of adventures and activities. Kiddos (and adults!) who love an adrenaline rush need to check out the Daytona 500 Experience at the Daytona International Speedway, which includes a NASCAR 3D Movie. The multi-faceted attraction gives visitors a journey through racing history.

Marineland is the world's oldest "oceanarium," dating back to 1938. Here, kids can swim with dolphins at this Dolphin Conservation Center and teens can be a "Trainer for a Day." Another historic site in Daytona, the Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory, has been churning out delicious treats since 1925. Join a free factory tour and try the free samples!

Of course in both Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, active families can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.

For more family spring break destinations, read about Carlsbad & San Mateo County, California, Salt Lake City, Utah and Mazatlan, Mexico. Also see Family Beach Vacation Packing List. Have fun planning your spring break family vacation!

The copyright of the article Family Spring Break in Florida in Family Travel is owned by Kara Williams. Permission to republish Family Spring Break in Florida in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Yes, you can drive on Daytona Beach!

Kinglsey Plantation House, Jacksonville

See the big cats at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens