Spring Break Hot Spots The Best of the Beaches By Nicole Peters

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About this time every year the words Panama, Padre and Cancun replace Jung, Kierkegaard and Dickinson on college campuses as students prepare for the time-honored tradition of spring break. With perennial favorites Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach and Palm Springs practically begging college students not to show up, other climes will be packing them in this season. This brief overview of some of the hottest spots for college students this spring break, including advice on where to go to let off steam, should be helpful to students more than ready for the week of midterms to end.

South Padre Island, Texas

Easily one of the hottest spots for college students, Padre is packed during spring break season. Swaying palm trees, subtropical weather and miles of white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are just a few of the reasons why so many students choose Padre. The law allowing open containers of alcohol on the beaches may also have something to do with it. Padre's nightlife is also enticing; last year Charlie's (90 Park Road) reportedly packed in over 5,000 people. Check out some of these other watering holes. Louie's Backyard (2305 Laguna Blvd.): Boasting the largest entertainment center in the city, Louie's has daily activities, nightly dancing which has been shown on MTV and the Bungee Tower. Parrot Eye's Island (6101 Padre Blvd.): An open-air, bayside bar offering water sports, beer, wine, or BYOB if you prefer. Coconuts (2301 Laguna Blvd.): Live bands nightly at this bayside, thatched-roof open-air decks. Tequila Sunset (200 W. Pike): Open-air bar with water sports.

Panama City Beach, Florida

One of the bigger spring break hangouts, Panama City officials estimate 550,000 spring breakers this season. With 27 miles of white sand beaches on the Gulf, Panama City offers water sports, daily activities and beach clubs for the spring breaker. Miniature golf, for some unknown reason, is also popular. For diving and snorkeling try Hydrospace Dive Shop (1-800-874-3483). Captain Anderson's (904-234-3435) offers dolphin watch, dinner or dancing cruises. Check out Alvin's Island Tropical Department Stores for shopping and the daily shark and alligator feedings. To fill the nights, Spinnaker's (8795 Thomas Drive), Sharky's (15201 Front Beach Road) and Club La Vela (8813 Thomas Drive) along the strip are always popular.


Cancun, Mexico

Cancun attracts an abundance of spring breakers every year and never seems to let them down. Expect to find live reggae shows, booze cruises and bargaining, not to mention fine sand beaches, Mayan ruins and jet-skiing. For the traditional debauchery of wet T-shirt contests, low-budget entertainment and buffet dinners, the booze cruises can be a worthwhile time despite the watered-down drinks. Cancun sports a variety of worthwhile bars. Senor Frog's and Carlos 'n' Charlies: Both bars attract large crowds for tequila poppers. Good reggae and American dance music to boogie the night away. La Boom: Dance in this contained atmosphere while watching yourself on the TV monitors. Fat Tuesday's: For a multitude of long-named colorful drinks, Fat Tuesday's is the place. With a great outdoor dance floor, one can dance right out onto the beach and take a break by the waves. Cat's: The place to go for live reggae shows. Daddy'O: A bit more of a controlled atmosphere, this large scale disco has a lot to offer for a hefty cover price.

Montego Bay & Negril, Jamaica

The cities of Montego Bay and Negril provide students with the much needed break away from the crystal blue waters, abundant sunshine, free-range geckos and reggae music of the Caribbean shore. Despite the plethora of good resorts in both areas, many breakers venture out on their own to escape the resorts' core clientele of couples and families. While the pace at which life moves in Jamaica may be slower than you are used to, chances are you'll be moving a bit slower by the end of the week as well. In Montego Bay, Cornwall Beach provides everything a breaker needs. Water sports, volleyball contests, snack-bars and the Almond Tree Bar highlight the beach during the day while concerts fill the night. Walter's Bar 'n' Grill (Gloucester Avenue), is a great bar for good food, big-screen TVs and a great nightlife. Zulu's (also on Gloucester), should be checked out for spring break specials. Lyle's Intensified Inn (Barnett Street), offers rum shots for a penny. For shopping, try the stores during the day and the flea market at night on Gloucester. Also check out the flea market in downtown Montego Bay during the day, but be prepared to bargain.

Though a little more relaxed than Montego Bay, Negril offers just as much to the spring breaker. Widely known for the reggae music, Negril nightspots host a variety of bands during the season. To be sure not to miss any good shows try DeBuss, Kaiser's Cafe, and Sam Sara where such acts as Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley and Yellowman have played during the spring break season.

Discos can be found in Port Antonio like The Roof Club and Centre Point Club. For eats, Archway Cafe in the west end provides great food in their semi-indoor/outdoor restaurant. Also in the west end, Rick's Cave is a great place to eat and drink overlooking the water. Set in and around minor cliffs, Rick's provides beautiful scenery along with food at American prices. While it is not recommended, many visitors at Rick's dive off the cliffs into the bright blue water below. While in Jamaica, be certain to take only licensed taxis, distinguishable by red license plates, to avoid problems. Agree on the fare before getting in the taxi.