Each March, schools and colleges all over the country let out for a weeklong hiatus infamously known as spring break. Many of those students flock to Sarasota for the weather, beaches and bars. Adults settled into their professions long for that carefree break they haven't seen in years; recent college graduates reminisce about a time not too long ago, when all that mattered was an ice cold daiquiri on the beach to celebrate the midway point in the semester.

All March long, you'll see inviting crowds on the beaches of Sarasota--throngs of girls tanning while groups of guys run around laughing, playing games in the sand. Among them, Sarasota's older locals and visitors, sunning, swimming, playing Frisbee or even just reading a book under a shady umbrella. Off the beach, you'll find people filling the bars, enjoying frozen drinks in an island paradise.

Why not join them? Who says you have to be in your early 20s to throw back a few margaritas or even do a pub crawl? The phenomenon known as "adult spring break" is calling your name.

Visitors coming to the area can map out a weeklong spring break adventure while locals can enjoy a weekday off or the whole weekend living it up like a college junior, without a worry in the world other than the paper that's due the day you get back. You only live once. Relive the best times of your life.

Not only is Sarasota incredibly beautiful, with the perfect ratio of peaceful relaxation to exciting adventure, it's also safe. As crime rates all over Mexico, a popular spring break destination, continue to rise, Sarasota remains one of the safest cities in the country.

Here's the scoop on the adult spring break essentials: beaches and bars!

The Beaches

Siesta Beach is not only among the most popular and desirable beaches in Sarasota, it's rated No. 1 in the nation (www.drbeach.org).

Its soft sand and proximity to Siesta Village, the beach bar and restaurant-filled area around the corner, make it the prime spot for spring breakers.

Quick facts: infamous powdery white sand, often crowded (but plenty of room to spread out), tennis courts, beach volleyball, large concessions area, free parking lot.

Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach are nearby. If you're looking for a little more privacy in the Siesta vicinity, these are the spots to check out. At Crescent Beach, you'll find Siesta-quality sand. Turtle Beach's incline and slightly darker, shellier sand make it a fun, different beach for Sarasota, one almost reminiscent of a small beach in Europe.

Lido Beach is another local favorite. Peaceful and luxurious, it maintains an Old Florida feel.

Its location by major shopping and dining destination St. Armands Circle makes it perfect for unwinding or long walks at sunset. The Lido Pool makes it extra special.

Quick facts: great view, Lido Pool, free parking lot, concessions building

Longboat Beach is largely private, but there is still quite a bit of beach open to the public. The drive is beautiful and it's arguably one of the most serene spots in the Sarasota area.

Quick facts: scenic, quiet spot, free parking

Down in South County you'll find Venice Beach, Nokomis Beach on Casey Key, and many others, including the secluded and lovely Manasota Beach, toward the very south end of Sarasota County.

Beach Bars

With the opening of the newest Daiquiri Deck location on Lido Key, spring breakers have even more opportunities to expand their horizons. There are great watering holes all over Sarasota and certainly no shortage of spots just steps off the sands of Siesta Beach and Lido Beach.

Siesta Village bars include Daiquiri Deck, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Gilligan's, Beach Club and The Cottage. Most of the bars double as restaurants and all are conveniently located in a row, ideal for a create-your-own pub crawl. Daiquiri Deck and Siesta Key Oyster Bar are among the most popular spots for day drinking, a favorite spring break pastime. All make great options for lunch and dinner and double (or is that triple?) as nightlife hotspots. Daiquiri Deck in particular will conjure up visions of a wild day at Senor Frogs down in Mexico. The ice cold daiquiris are refreshing and you can even invent your own concoctions and add an extra shot on top. Seafood is abundant all over the Village, as well.

St. Armands Circle is known more for its upscale shopping, delicious restaurants and art galleries, but the new Daiquiri Deck there just adds to the charm. If you're longing for a slightly less rowdy spring break re-enactment and plan to head to Lido Beach, grab a daiquiri and sit outside on the second-story deck. Pre-game before the beach and unwind afterward.

If you want to do all your drinking and eating right on the sand, grab some Publix subs or get a to-go order at any of the restaurants in Siesta Village or St. Armands Circle. You can make your own sandwiches and stock up on beer at the Village's Crescent Market. Remember: you can't have bottles on the beach, so buy cans or a pack of Solo cups.

Also, if you're seeking a tropical, spring break vibe off the beach or spending the day on the boat, stop at O'Leary's Tiki Bar at the marina. One rum runner under the little tiki hut and you'll feel a million miles away (but why would you want to be? You're in Sarasota)!

There are many resorts and hotels on the beaches, so you can spend a week right on a beach without ever leaving. Visit www.sarasotafl.org, click on "Lodging" and scroll through your options by area.

Whether you're a visitor or a local, be safe! If you really want to let loose, walk or call a cab. Call Yellow Cab of Sarasota at (941) 955-3341, Metro Taxi at (941) 365-4075, Emerald Green Taxi at (941) 554-8598, or pick up your Smartphone and do a search. Make sure your phone is charged and a taxi service's number is plugged in ahead of time...or don't be afraid to ask your bartender to call you a cab. Now, go have fun. Woo, spring break!