Nearby options won’t break bank for spring

The carnival-like atmosphere of Myrtle Beach beckons teens and young adults to the South Carolina coast each spring for a week of beach parties, dancing, music and “cruisin’ the ’vard”– a reference to the stream of youthful visitors that famously circulates up and down the main drag of Ocean Boulevard.

Although it is a spring break tradition for students to descend upon South Carolina’s Grand Strand, a strip that encompasses Myrtle Beach as well as several neighboring beach towns, tourism officials prefer that teens bring their folks along.

Even so, several area hotels and businesses cater to young visitors. Although most hotels and motels have a 21-and-up policy, some permit guests as young as 18 to secure accommodations with some restrictions. Area resort hotels also welcome spring breakers with packages that include beach parties, dining deals and nightlife options.

Don’t miss:

● Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Water Park. One of the few remaining beachside amusement parks in the United States featuring more than 30 rides. Water park across the street is directly on the ocean. No admission price for the amusement park. Amusement park all-day ride wristband is $23.50. Water park all-day wristband is $18.95. Combo all-day wristband for amusement park and water park is $33. 300 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. 843-626-3447, www.family-kingdom.com.

● Club Boca. Features Latin, techno and hip-hop, with weekly college night specials. At Broadway at the Beach, between 21st Avenue and 29th Avenue North off the U.S. 17 bypass. 843-444-3500, www.celebrationsnitelife.com/boca.htm.

Stay: Sandcastle at the Pavilion. This property features an oceanfront pool and deck, endless river and indoor pool. Guests ages 18 to 25 are eligible for a student rate. A maximum of four students permitted per room. A refundable $100 cash security deposit is required per bed at check-in. Average daily rates per room begin at $90. 1802 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. 1-800-749-1213. www.sand castleatthepavilion.com.

Eat: Mrs. Fish Seafood Grill. This eatery features generous portions of fresh local shrimp, oysters, fish and more. Entrees, $4.99-$10. 919 Broadway St., Myrtle Beach. 843-946-6869.

Info: Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. 843-626-7444, www. visitmyrtlebeach.com.

Tampa

Tampa offers affordable options for couples seeking togetherness, entertainment and culture in an exciting environment.

Don’t miss:

● The TECO Line Streetcar. Tampa's newest tourist activity lets you explore downtown Tampa, Channelside and historic Ybor City by vintage streetcar. Downtown Tampa station at the Dick Greco Plaza transportation center on St. Pete Times Forum Drive between Franklin Street and Florida Avenue. $5 per person, daily unlimited rides. 813-254-4278, www.tecoline streetcar.org.

● USF Botanical Gardens. Thrill to the colorful sights of orchids, begonias, palms, tropical, carnivorous plants, birds, butterflies and more at the University of South Florida's Botanical Gardens. $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 children ages 6-13; students $1 (with valid ID). 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa. 813-910-3274.

● Lettuce Lake Park. Start the day with a picnic in Tampa Bay's ecological jewel. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the park's 3,500-foot boardwalk. $2 per car for up to eight people. 6920 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6204, www. hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/regionalparks.cfm.

Stay: Mainsail Suites Hotel. A locally owned hotel offering suites, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, Jacuzzi and shuttle service to local attractions. Rates for a one-bedroom suite, featuring full-size kitchen, begin at $139 during March. Call for rates. 5108 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa. 813-243-2600, www.mainsailtampa.com.

Eat: Columbia Restaurant. Dine on award-winning Spanish and Cuban cuisine in Tampa Bay's historic Ybor City. The restaurant's cafe features live jazz performances Thursday-Saturday. For $5 each, diners can enjoy a live flamenco show performed twice nightly (except Sunday) at the restaurant. Entrees, $20-$30; tapas, $5.95-$12.95. 2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-248-4961, www.columbia restaurant.com/ybor.asp.

Info: Tampa Bay & Co. 401 E. Jackson St., Suite 2100, Tampa. 813-223-1111, www.visittampabay.com.

Callaway Gardens

Family-focused activities, educational programs and abundant recreational options make Callaway Gardens a quintessential spring break escape for families.

A Spring Celebration overnight package includes accommodations, breakfast for two adults and up to two children (ages 6-12) and admission to the gardens, starting at $129 in the Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway Gardens.

Among the many attractions at Callaway Gardens is its 40-acre azalea garden. Bike trails and an educational program presented daily about free-flighted birds of prey make the must-do list.

Admission, March-December, $15 adults; $7.50 children (6-12); free children 5 and younger and military families. U.S. 27, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281, general information; 1-800-225-5292, reservations; www.callawaygardens.com.

Stay: Valley Inn Resort. Off-site budget-minded accommodations featuring guest rooms and cottages, RV campsites, pool and playground. Rates begin at $59. Three miles from Callaway Gardens. 14420 U.S. 27, Hamilton. 1-800-944-9393, www.valleyinn resort.com.

Dine: Cricket's Restaurant. A dedicated children's menu as well as steak, seafood and Cajun offerings. Entrees: $8.95-$15.95, adult; $3.95-$6.50, children. U.S. 18 West, Pine Mountain. 706-663-8136, www.crickets restaurant.com.

Info: Pine Mountain Tourism Association. 101 E Broad St., Pine Mountain. 706-663-4000, www.pinemountain.org.

Provided by Demand Studios