Spring Break 2018: Florida Is Most Popular Destination

MIAMI, FL — Florida tops the list of spring break destinations in the United States, according to a new study that examined 800,000 social media posts. Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale were the most popular destinations in the Sunshine State. But other top 10 destinations included New York, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Juan.

Miami ranked as the No. 1 spring break destination in the United States, but nearby Fort Lauderdale ranked as the booziest U.S. destination and tenth overall with the highest number of social media posts that referenced alcohol.

"Tracking more than 800,000 Instagram posts tagged #springbreak, we’ve uncovered the most popular party spots in the nation and worldwide," declared website ProjectKnow.com in releasing the results of its study on Friday. "Additionally, we analyzed how these users talked about alcohol and which locations produced the most posts about liquor."

Internationally, Mexico topped the short list of spring break destinations outside the United States with Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Isla Mujeres ranked among the top three destinations south of the border. Other top 10 international destinations included Paris, London, Amsterdam, Punta Cana, Rome and Ciutat Vella in Spain.

After Fort Lauderdale, the booziest U.S. destinations included Las Vegas, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach and Seaside, Florida followed by Key West; Austin; Destin, Florida; Hollywood and San Diego.

The study found that nearly one in 10 posts from Fort Lauderdale included a drinking-related word in their captions.

Internationally, Mexico dominated the booziest destinations with at least one surprise on the list.

"Posts from Italy were also likely to mention alcohol as Rome and Milan were the top-ranked European cities on this international list. Amsterdam was 13th, justifying its reputation for intense partying," according to the study. "The most eye-catching result was Vatican City, which made a surprise appearance in the 17th spot."

The study also looked at the most popular alcoholic libations for spring breakers.

Beer was the drink of choice in all U.S. states for breakers, but particularly in Colorado, North Carolina and Arizona.

Margaritas, Mojitos and Pina Coladas were the top non-beer choices in Florida, while breakers preferred Mai Tais, rum and wine in California. They chose Daiquiris, the Bloody Mary and champagne in Georgia. Texas breakers kept the party real with tequila while North Carolina breakers threw back whiskey and Arizona breakers partied with vodka.

Click here to read more from the study. ProjectKnow.com offers educational resources on substance abuse and behavioral issues among teens. It is funded by California-based Recovery Brands, LLC.

Miami topped the list of spring break destinations in the U.S. Mango's Tropical Cafe gets the party started in South Beach. Photo by Paul Scicchitano