If Florida Isn't Open...

Other Spring Break Hot Spots to Stow the Books for Beach Time

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Lake Havasu City, AZ

For most folks, a relocated old stone bridge -- the London -- and a dammed river -- the Colorado -- are what puts Lake Havasu on the map. For 25,000 students from California, Utah, New Mexico, and the Dakotas, it's a water-lover's spring-break paradise in the middle of the desert.

Since there isn't much here in the way of beaches, the action takes place on the lake. During the day, the vast green-tinted surface turns into a speed-limit-free cross-hatch of jet-skiers, water-skiers, wake-boarders and boaters. If you can find a quiet spot, cliff-diving and bass-fishing are also popular.

At night, the focus shifts on land, to English Village, where Kokomo's dance club famously thumps till late. When the feet start hurting, some head to bed on houseboats, which can be rented in town like most other water-crafts. A less expensive choice is to pitch a tent at one of 1,500 campsites, close to the village under palm trees.

Yet most partiers just pick a hotel room, since there are 2,400 of them and cost between $100 and $300. And even though Lake Havasu does get rowdy, it's definitely a much more mellow (West Coast influence?) version of the Florida Panhandle.

"We don't promote spring break, but we have a great base of kids who are very well-behaved," said Dan Cunning, president of the visitor bureau. "It's safe and sane."

Myrtle Beach, SC

From the state that brought us the odd, vaguely racist, themed-truck stop known as "South of the Border" comes a similarly gaudy attraction: Myrtle Beach, a throwback that gives "kitsch" new meaning.

The beach itself, nicknamed the Grand Strand, is huge -- 60 miles of it, curving from North Myrtle Beach to Pawleys Island -- and entirely public.

After a swim, cruise the area known as The Strip, that part of Ocean Boulevard near the Pavilion amusement park -- but don't think about riding the rollercoaster with a Jagermeister buzz. And for those who like to flaunt their pecs appeal, keep in mind that most restaurants here require shoes and shirts.

At night, the scene shifts to Broadway at the Beach, a medley of bars, shops, and night clubs, as well as an aquarium and IMAX theater, clustered around a lake. This is where the party gets going, but if you loaded up on Roman candles (perfectly legal in South Carolina), you may want to leave them in the car.

Hotels, too, are located near the Strip, typically between 30th Ave. North and 30th Ave. South. At the Holiday Inn, doubles start around $300 for a five-night stay, but many hotels won't rent to whippersnappers under 25.

Also, watch out for what Myrtle calls "Can-Am Week," this year, held from March 11 to 18. Yes, Canadians, used to cold weather, don't seem to mind that Myrtle is still a bit chilly in March and migrate south in droves.