Spring break location mid-April with older teens

Question

Hi. We are a family of 5 with 3 older teens. Trying to decide between staying in Vilano Beach (to be near St. Augustine) or Indian Rocks Beach (to be near Clearwater and St. Petes) for spring break in mid-April. A nice beach and swimming is kids' number one criteria for this trip! Ideally, we'd love to stay in St. Augustine Beach, Clearwater, or Siesta Key but rental houses are slim pickings at this late point in time within our budget! Looking for white sandy beach on the quieter, less crowded side with restaurants close by. Downtown, walkable area with restaurants and entertainment would be our evenings. Realizing we have narrowed our two choices to opposite sides of Florida, hoping for opinions on those who have been to both areas and can recommend one over the other!

Answer

Both Vilano Beach near St. Augustine and Indian Rocks Beach near Clearwater/St. Pete offer very different experiences for a spring break trip with older teens, so your choice will largely depend on the kind of vibe and activities you want.

Vilano Beach / St. Augustine area:

Vilano Beach is quieter and less crowded than many Florida beaches. The sand is nice but not as powdery white as the Gulf Coast. The Atlantic water tends to be cooler in April, and waves can be slightly stronger, which may be fun for teens who like boogie boarding or surfing. St. Augustine itself offers historic charm, walkable streets, shops, and restaurants, so evening strolls and dining are easy to do.

Pros: Less crowded, historic downtown nearby, walkable restaurants, quieter beach experience.
Cons: Atlantic water cooler, fewer white sand beaches, fewer modern beachfront attractions compared to Gulf Coast.

Indian Rocks Beach / Clearwater / St. Pete area:

Indian Rocks Beach is on the Gulf Coast, so the sand is soft, white, and powdery. The water is warmer and calmer in mid-April, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. There are several nearby beaches like Clearwater Beach and Sand Key for more activity, plus plenty of restaurants and casual dining. Evening activities can include local bars, boardwalks, or simply enjoying the beach sunset. The area is generally more touristy but still quieter than central Clearwater Beach.

Pros: Soft white sand, warmer and calmer water, great for swimming, more beach activities, easy access to restaurants and entertainment.
Cons: Slightly more crowded than Vilano, farther from historical attractions.

Recommendation for your family:

Since your primary goal is nice beaches and swimming for older teens, Indian Rocks Beach would likely be the better choice. The Gulf Coast water in mid-April will be much more comfortable for long swim sessions, and the sand quality is superior for beach games or lounging. It also offers walkable dining and casual evening options while staying relaxed and not overly crowded. Vilano Beach would be more for a quieter, historic-focused trip with less emphasis on swimming.

Additional tip: For accommodations, try to check smaller vacation rentals, condos, or boutique inns in Indian Rocks Beach or nearby Madeira Beach; these can often be more flexible than larger resorts, especially if you’re booking late.

Spring break location mid-April with older teens

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