Spring Break on a Tank

Monday, 20 February 2012 09:58

With just a month left until crowds of students take over destinations like Cancun, South Beach and Panama City, time is running out to decide where to spend your hard-earned time off.

If a peek into your wallet has you rethinking that Vegas sojourn, take a look at our top choices for destinations that can be reached on a tank of gas.

Jacksonville
70 miles
This beachside metropolis has just the right mix of small town charm and big city attractions. Shake off your aversion to staying close to home and you’ll be rewarded with a plethora of beach bars, surfing lessons and the shopping treasure trove that is St. John’s Town Center. For as low as $60 a night you can stay near Jacksonville Beach and enjoy soaking up some sun before heading over to bars like Whiskey River and BlackFinn to catch a concert and some drinks with friends. If there’s anything you’ve learned from Florida vs. Georgia, it’s that Jacksonville can provide an unforgettable time.

Orlando
115 miles
Filled with more theme parks than anyone should handle in one week, this sprawling playground is the perfect escape for those with a short attention span. Once you get your fill of roller coasters and Butterbeer, bypass the long lines and tourist traps in favor of more spring break-worthy spots. Chill out at the Ice Bar, a destination that stays a cool 27 degrees to keep up its Artic ambiance, or Latitudes, a bar that offers three different bars in one building.

St. Simons Island, Ga.
145 miles
If you’re willing to navigate the marshy coastline of southern Georgia to this 43-square-mile island, you’ll be in for a week of laidback bar-hopping, outdoor adventures and plenty of time to catch up on some R&R. St. Simons is the largest of Georgia’s “Golden Isles,” a group of barrier islands that boast natural beaches, historical attractions and elite amenities. It’s a perfect match for anyone with an affinity for a slower-paced break from the hectic school grind. Once the playground for some of America’s wealthiest families, you can now find rooms along the beach for $79 a night.

Jupiter Beach
256 miles
Spend your break with Less Than Jake—no, really. Join them and 13 other Florida bands at Spring Jam 2012 Jupiter Beach on March 3 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater/Carlin Park. In addition to the art, food and drinks, soak in home-grown tunes like those from William Kimball and Hit Show, The Resolvers, The Kinected, Spred the Dub, Bryan Matthew and the L.O.C., Saltwater Grass, South Side Dub, Crazy Fingers, All the Pretty Cars, Honey Henny Lime, We Kill Giants and Scalawag. Become one with nature by camping nearby at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Did we mention tickets are only $20?

Clearwater
150 miles
Filled with all the party hotspots and miles of beaches you could hope for, this is Panama City all grown up. If you’re looking for a destination that has everything you need right outside your hotel door, this is it. Beach bars, seafood restaurants and tanned beauties offer a slice of the typical spring break lifestyle with a twist of sophisticated fun. It’s also just a short drive from Tampa, where you can explore urban hangouts like the Channelside district and the infamous MacDinton’s in the popular South Howard district.

Atlanta, Ga.
335 miles
Skip the beaches and taco stands for the best urban experience in the South. Atlanta is a mecca for entertainment and has options for any personality. Spend your nights hitting the clubs on the lookout for your favorite ATL rapper, and then take a day of recovery visiting the Georgia Aquarium or touring CNN Studios. More of a sports fanatic? Catch an Atlanta Hawks game at the Phillips Arena or check out an Atlanta Braves game. Call yourself a foodie? Go nostalgic and stop by famous food destinations like the Varsity or Fox Bros. Barbecue.

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