Florida's best beaches for partying

Florida’s reputation for indulgence and parties precedes itself. Combine this with some of the best beaches in the US, and it’s easy to understand why travelers from all over flock to its glamorous coastline. These Florida destinations are not to miss for those looking for long days and nights out on the beach.

Visiting Panama City Beach is a rite of passage for many spring breakers, but they aren’t the only frequenters of this long curve of sand. These 8 miles of powdery sand are also a popular choice for beach lovers and partygoers in general. Days are best spent with a drink in hand, strolling along the beach, and working yourself up into a party mood by visiting the many beach bars and restaurants. Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant plays up the tropical theme with its thatched, cabana-style decor and a cocktail served in a watermelon half. There’s also Harpoon Harry’s, which draws a younger crowd for its frozen drinks and central location. When dusk descends, most people flock to Club La Vela—the USA’s largest nightclub—the rowdy Tiki Bar or Spinnaker Beach Club for live music. When the night’s finally over, a beachfront room at the Club Wyndham is the perfect place to crash.

Miami Beach is internationally renown for its sand, style, and selection of parties. Aquamarine waters lap its white sand, backed by glassy high-rises and opulent art deco mansions. But if anything’s going to get you up and moving, it’s the nightlife. South Beach is the most esteemed and glamorous area for going out. Club LIV is a tour de force on the scene and often a star-studded affair, with celebrities like Calvin Harris and the Kardashians gracing its dance floor. For those who want something a little more playful, BASEMENT at the Edition is a neon-lit disco complete with a bowling alley and ice skating rink. And the best way to start off the night? A cocktail at The Mondrian’s Sunset Lounge with a view of Miami’s famous sunset. Stay at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which also has an excellent cocktail bar to kick off your night.

Daytona Beach isn’t your ordinary beach. As the birthplace of NASCAR racing, it’s a destination for motor enthusiasts and spring breakers, with a fast-paced atmosphere that extends to the nightlife. You’ll find most of the high-octane clubs on Seabreeze Boulevard. Razzle’s is Daytona’s largest club, located in the heart of the Beachside Party District. The 509 Lounge is a more subdued spot, though you can head to the lounge’s more lively upstairs bar when you’re looking to kick the tempo up a notch. Thanks to Daytona’s motoring association, there are also plenty of biker bars that specialize in live music and rowdier atmospheres – try Boot Hill Saloon or Froggy’s Saloon, both on Main Street. Spend the night at The Streamline Hotel – Daytona Beach – Daytona Beach with its year-round outdoor pool.

Hollywood Beach certainly lives up to its glamorous name, with a lick of white sand fringed by turquoise waters and swaying palms, plus an array of bars and clubs in the eponymous city itself. If you’re a lover of Latin music, you’ll be in heaven here at venues like the Spice Resto Lounge in town. Then there’s Amsterdam Bar and Restaurant, a neon-lit restaurant by day and a popular lounge and bar by night. Once it’s time to unwind, the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort and its 11,000-square-foot spa will restore you.

Going out in Fort Myers Beach is a relaxed affair, thanks to its island location. Wide, white sands stretch along the entirety of Estero Island, past fisherman's cottages, family-friendly resorts, and parasailers bobbing out on the water. While there’s a calmer feel to this beach, there’s plenty to get your pulse racing once the sun goes down. The best way to enjoy Fort Myers beach is to bar hop. Start at Beached Whale for a beer or cocktail and live music, then head to Doc Fords and its dockside parties or try the popular Lani Kai Island Resort, which is the beating heart of the area’s party scene. Come the end of the night, Tiki on the Beach is a quieter spot to stay.