History of Miami's Spring Break

Spring break has been a tradition for college students and people from all walks of life for many years. It is still known as "the great escape" for students, and many make it a point to choose the Miami area as their spring break destination. Some of their favorite spots in Miami include the Florida Keys, Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale. These spring breakers travel from throughout the U.S., and even from abroad, to Florida and rent hotel rooms, apartments or vacation homes for their stay.

Miami became a major focus of spring break activity in the 1970s. The sunny days, gorgeous beaches and ever-flowing alcoholic beverages lured youngsters from all over the globe. It wasn't long until Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Panama City Beach were flooded with spring breakers, eager for some fun in the sun, drinks and, to the concern of locals, some debauchery, too. The 1970s and 1980s were considered the heyday for Miami's spring break. Many drunken college students would climb and swing from the balconies of hotels, acting like "crazy people." Unfortunately, a few famously fell to their deaths with such senseless acts.

More than drinking on tap
Not all of the students that come to Miami for spring break are looking for a way to get drunk and party. Many of them simply want to come and enjoy some of the live entertainment, beaches and sun. Miami boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with an ocean that is crystal blue and, at times, even warm. Many students love to simply hang out on the beach all day and perhaps take in a club scene at night - with or without the drinking involved, many students consider South Beach to be "where the party is at." The hot spot has seen its share of action over the years. This area is located right in the heart of the historic Art Deco district of Miami and has always been one of the best places to find a hotel and spend the entire vacation. Many students also find it to be a great idea to do a day or two of sailing around the Caribbean or simply strolling around the port to admire all of the giant ships. The nude beaches here (mostly unofficial) are also a hot commodity and attract the students who need an easy way to get an all-over tan.

Spring break took a turn toward manageability in the late 1980s and 1990s, when there was more authority exerted over the consumption of alcoholic beverages and more restrictions on the types of behaviors allowed in public. This was also the era when it seemed more and more students were willing to break the bank (the folks' credit cards) for a trip to Miami. Although there are always moralizing politicians and newspaper editors that try to counter the activities of spring break with the offer of planned activities, sporting events, scavenger hunts, drive trips and even church activities, few students really noticed or cared.

A big, big deal
By 1985, Fort Lauderdale spring break crowds had reached a whopping 350,000 and the local governments were ready to call it quits on the entire idea of spring break in the area due to all of the mayhem it was causing. However, with the cash flow being so huge, they decided to keep the party going with the exception that there would be strict laws and rules enforced to keep the mayhem under control. Police units and task forces were sent out to monitor public intoxication and out of control students. The tactic worked and helped to greatly reduce the injuries and public intoxication.

During the 1990s, spring breakers eased up a little bit due to other pastimes that were on offer. MTV, Superclubs and other corporate sponsors tried to put a different face on spring break with shows, concerts and special giveaways. With the presence of so many new additions like live TV and video cameras all over the place, spring break became more than just a simple vacation - now it was a chance to be in the spotlight, if only for a moment. Of course, the "Girls Gone Wild" folks were still coming around, too, as spring break had become a full-blown industry. Some companies even charter cruise ships for the events, heading from Port Everglades to the Bahamas and other destinations. Radio stations throughout the U.S. sponsor spring break events with special prizes, like free tickets to Miami and admission to the local events and parties.

Miami has been the spring break getaway for decades and continues to lure and attract students and families every year. It will continue to be the best place in the world for a great spring break experience, because there is only one Florida, only one Miami - and they are not making any more of either of them!BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Looking for a destin florida hotels to romanace your new bride? Visit online today for more information.Check out what our customers are saying about Bookit.com on YouTube.