Spring break is coming up soon and you’re probably thinking about which beach you’re going to go to. Most college students go to Destin, Gulf Breeze, or Panama. While these places are nice, there’s nothing quite like Pensacola, FL. I lived in Pensacola for six years and I still cannot understand why anyone would want to go anywhere else (except maybe St. Augustine). Here are a few reasons why you need to go to Pensacola this spring break:

1. FLOUNDERS!

There’s a fantastic restaurant called Flounders on the beach and it is a must! Usually, a live band is playing and the majority of the restaurant is outside. You are literally eating on the beach. If you want to go play volleyball after dinner all you have to do is just walk out of your booth! There’s normally a fantastic breeze and their daiquiris are delicious!

2. Bands on the beach

Starting on the first Tuesday of April (and continuing until October) bands come out and play on Pensacola beach from 7pm-9pm on Tuesdays. The weather is nice, the crowds aren’t body-to-body insane, and the music will make you want to dance.

3. Crowd control

Yes, Pensacola beach is filled with traffic during the spring and summer months, but it’s nothing like Panama beach. If you’re looking for a sociable, but relaxing time, then you need to get down to the beach now! This is a plus for a lot of the upperclassmen looking to have a week of relief from that school stress. You can jam out to your music, catch a few waves, or get a nice tan without the thousands of drunk party-goers and just enjoy your time away from school.

4. The buried TREASURE

There’s an old legend in Pensacola that the founder, Tristan DeLuna, buried treasure on the beach just before his death. Annually WEAR3 hosts a “treasure hunt” around the city and nearby cities. Information for this year’s hunt haven't been posted, but you should still bring a metal detector because there really could be some treasure on the beach. Several of DeLuna’s ships have been found off the coast of Pensacola as well as priceless artifacts. Who knows what you could find?

5. The history

If you want to explore, and are a major history buff, then you have to go to Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island in Pensacola, FL. It was first opened in 1834 and includes some intriguing stories that you’ll have to experience for yourself. Plus, head on to the top of the fort during sunset for the perfect Snapchat photo.

6. They have GHOSTS!

Do you believe in ghosts? No? Well, then you need to visit the Pensacola lighthouse for yourself and decide if those ghosts are real! The Pensacola lighthouse was inspected by Ghost Hunters in one of their episodes!

7. An "All-American" game

Even if you aren’t a fan of baseball, watching Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos is a delight! The stadium is beautiful and the spring weather and hot-dogs (or nachos) will make for a fantastic night. Games during spring break are from April 17-19 at 6:35pm for all three games. Get your tickets while you can!

This spring break, if you are looking for skin-to-skin contact and booze flowing from funnels, then I suggest you go to Panama beach. But if you are looking for a getaway, a place to let go of your worries and just enjoy the week, then head on over to Pensacola. Go book a flight to tan on the beach, enjoy a land of rich history, get scared by some ghosts, watch a fun game or two at the Wahoo stadium, and eat some yummy seafood at Flounders. It’s time for a break, not a hangover.