Spring Break 2026 in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is Florida's legendary Spring Break destination offering a perfect alternative to Miami - bigger beaches, more affordable hotels, massive college crowds, and iconic beach bars that have hosted Spring Breakers for decades. From the famous Elbo Room to miles of pristine coastline, Fort Lauderdale delivers an authentic Spring Break 2026 experience.
Why Fort Lauderdale Is Different from Miami
- 💰Cheaper Hotels: Fort Lauderdale hotels typically cost 30-50% less than Miami Beach equivalents while offering similar beachfront access. More money for activities and nightlife.
- 🏖️Bigger Beaches: Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches for miles with more space to spread out. Less crowded than South Beach, easier to find your spot in the sand.
- 🎓Big College Crowd: Fort Lauderdale attracts huge numbers of college students, creating an authentic Spring Break atmosphere without the ultra-upscale Miami vibe.
- 🍺Famous Beach Bars: Elbo Room, Rock Bar, and Blondies are Spring Break institutions where generations of college students have partied right on the sand.
- 🚶Walkable Strip: Everything centers around the beach strip and Las Olas Boulevard. Walk to bars, restaurants, hotels, and shopping without needing transportation.
Top Party Spots in Fort Lauderdale
Elbo Room
THE most famous Spring Break bar in Fort Lauderdale since 1938. Featured in the movie "Where the Boys Are," Elbo Room is a Fort Lauderdale institution. Right on the beach with live bands, cheap drinks, and non-stop Spring Break energy. This is a must-visit.
Rock Bar
A modern beachfront bar and nightclub with multiple levels, outdoor patios, and a rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. Rock Bar combines the beach bar atmosphere with nightclub energy, featuring DJs and live music nightly.
Blondies
An iconic Fort Lauderdale sports bar and nightclub known for its massive Spring Break crowds, beer pong tournaments, and party atmosphere. Multiple bars, outdoor areas, and nightly entertainment make this a Spring Break staple.
America's Backyard
A massive outdoor entertainment complex with multiple bars, stages for live music, beach volleyball courts, and a laid-back beach vibe. Great for daytime drinking that transitions into nighttime partying.
Popular Hotels for Spring Break
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa
$$$A premier beachfront resort perfect for Spring Break groups. Spacious rooms, direct beach access, multiple pools, and walking distance to all major bars and restaurants. The Westin is popular with college groups for its balance of quality and location.
Beach Access: Direct beachfront
Walking Distance: 5-10 min to Elbo Room
Best For: Large groups wanting amenities
Parking: Valet available (fee)
Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach
$$-$$$A DoubleTree by Hilton located right on the beach with a marina. Recently renovated rooms, great pool area, and convenient location make this an excellent Spring Break choice. Known for accommodating college groups.
Beach Access: Private beach area
Walking Distance: 10 min to main strip
Best For: Groups on a budget
Amenities: Pool, marina, restaurants
B Ocean Resort
$$$A trendy boutique resort with modern rooms, rooftop pool, and prime beachfront location. B Ocean attracts a younger crowd with its stylish design and proximity to the main Spring Break action. Great for Instagram-worthy photos.
Beach Access: Direct access
Walking Distance: In the heart of the action
Best For: Style-conscious groups
Highlight: Rooftop pool with ocean views
Daytime Attractions & Activities
🚤 Boat Tours
Fort Lauderdale is the "Venice of America" with miles of waterways. Take a boat tour through millionaire mansions, or rent a pontoon boat with friends for a floating party.
Cost: $30-$60 per person
🏄 Jet Ski Rentals
Multiple rental spots along the beach offer jet ski rentals by the hour. Cruise the coastline and get an adrenaline rush between beach sessions.
Cost: $80-$120 per hour
🏐 Beach Volleyball
Free beach volleyball courts are scattered along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Join pickup games or challenge other Spring Break groups.
Cost: FREE
Best Restaurants for Students
Coconuts
A waterfront restaurant and bar serving fresh seafood, burgers, and tropical drinks. Great views of the Intracoastal Waterway and perfect for lunch or dinner before hitting the bars.
Price: $12-$25 per person | Specialty: Seafood & tiki drinks
TacoCraft
Budget-friendly taco spot serving made-to-order tacos, burritos, and bowls. Perfect for quick meals between beach and bars. Multiple locations in Fort Lauderdale.
Price: $8-$15 per person | Specialty: Custom tacos & margaritas
Quarterdeck
A casual beachside restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for massive portions, reasonable prices, and a fun atmosphere popular with Spring Breakers.
Price: $10-$20 per person | Specialty: Breakfast & American fare
Transportation in Fort Lauderdale
Water Taxi
Fort Lauderdale's unique water taxi system is a fun and convenient way to get around. Routes connect beaches, downtown, and Las Olas with unlimited day passes available.
Cost: $28 all-day pass
Broward Bus Routes
Public buses run along A1A and connect to major hotels and attractions. Route 10 is the main beach route. Download the Broward County Transit app.
Cost: $2 per ride
Rideshare Zones
Uber and Lyft operate throughout Fort Lauderdale with designated pickup zones near major bars. More affordable than Miami with less surge pricing.
Cost: $8-$20 typical ride
Safety Tips for Fort Lauderdale Spring Break
- ⚠️Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Stick to the main beach strip and Las Olas Boulevard at night. Avoid walking alone on empty beach sections after dark.
- ⚠️Watch Your Belongings: Beach theft happens. Don't bring valuables to the beach. Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and electronics.
- ⚠️Stay Hydrated: Florida heat is intense. Drink water constantly, especially when drinking alcohol. Heat exhaustion is common during Spring Break.
- ⚠️Use Buddy System: Never let friends wander off alone. Keep track of everyone in your group, especially when bar hopping.
- ⚠️Know Alcohol Laws: Public drinking on the beach is illegal in Fort Lauderdale. Keep drinks in cups without logos. Police do enforce during Spring Break.
Fort Lauderdale Spring Break FAQ
When is Spring Break 2026 in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale's peak Spring Break season runs from early March through mid-April 2026. The busiest weeks are typically March 14-28 when most colleges have their Spring Break.
Is Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Miami for Spring Break?
Yes, Fort Lauderdale is typically 30-50% cheaper than Miami Beach. Hotels, food, and drinks all cost less while offering a similar beach experience. You get more value for your Spring Break budget.
What's the drinking age in Fort Lauderdale?
The drinking age is 21 throughout Florida. Bars and clubs strictly check IDs. Don't try using fake IDs - penalties are severe and you'll be banned from establishments.
Can you drink on Fort Lauderdale Beach?
No, drinking alcohol on Fort Lauderdale Beach is illegal. Police do patrol and issue citations during Spring Break. Keep drinks at beach bars or restaurants. Use unmarked cups if walking between venues.
How much should I budget for Fort Lauderdale Spring Break?
Budget $100-$200 per day including hotel ($40-$100/night split), food ($30-$50), drinks/bars ($40-$100), and activities. Total for 5-7 days: $500-$1400 per person depending on lifestyle.
Ready for Fort Lauderdale Spring Break 2026?
Legendary beach bars, affordable hotels, and authentic Spring Break vibes await.