Four friends from Penmore College—Carole Singer, Laurie Jameson, Sandra Roxbury, and Jennie Cooper—set their sights on an adventurous spring break in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Eager to break free from her long-term relationship, Carole wishes to enjoy some time away from her boyfriend Chip. Laurie is hoping for a romantic connection with an attractive stranger, while the elite Sandra would rather spend her time in Bermuda than engage in what she perceives as the "debauchery" of Ft. Lauderdale. However, she reluctantly agrees to join her friends and introduce them to her famous cousin Camden Roxbury III, a successful composer performing in a benefit piano concert.
Despite her responsibilities as a classical music major and pending term paper, Jennie's admiration for Camden prompts her decision to join the trip. During their drive to the beach, the women pick up a charming hitchhiker named Scott Nash, who is on his way to promote his band, Scott Nash and the Ramblers. Upon their arrival, the group is immediately immersed in the lively atmosphere of the young crowds flooding the streets. Scott expresses his gratitude towards the women and shows a particular interest in Jennie before rushing off to meet with his band members.
After checking into a low-cost hotel, the friends are dismayed by their unkempt accommodations but attempt to make the best of their stay. Sandra reaches out to her affluent aunt, Barbara Roxbury, who is at the airport to welcome her talented son Camden home. He informs her that his time in Ft. Lauderdale is fleeting, as he will soon head back to St. Tropez, France.
On the beach, a police officer named Ernie Grasso engages in flirtation with the ladies, but Sandra insists they should focus on dating professionals instead. That night, the group plans to attend a performance by Scott and his band at the City Limits nightclub. Sandra, eager to include her family, invites Barbara and Camden, but Camden quickly dismisses the crowded rock scene upon arrival. Disheartened, the four friends confront an unpleasant surprise when they discover Scott isn't performing due to a last-minute cancellation.
Feeling awkward after disregarding Scott, Jennie takes a step forward to apologize and learns he will walk her back to the hotel after his shift. As the night progresses, Sandra gets caught up in the excitement, dancing wildly on a table, which leads to her and Laurie being arrested for reckless driving and disorderly conduct.
At dawn, Jennie shares a sweet moment on the beach with Scott, highlighted by a tender kiss. Soon after, she discovers that Laurie and Sandra need $200 for bail. Determined to help, Jennie convinces Carole to participate in a "Hot Bod" dance contest. This leads to an awkward confrontation when Chip sees Carole dancing in a swimsuit. Stunned, he proposes a breakup, leaving Carole distressed.
In the midst of scantily clad contestants, Camden invites Jennie and her friends to a cocktail party the next day. This newfound social event makes Scott feel jealous of Camden's charm. Carole manages to secure a second-place finish that only raises enough money for one friend's bail. A coin flip determines that Laurie escapes jail, and Officer Grasso, showing sympathy, also lets Sandra go. After spending time together, Sandra confesses to her friends about her newfound affection for a married man, leaving them bewildered.
The next day, the friends attend the Roxbury cocktail gathering, where Laurie finds herself on a date with a handsome man she dubs "Conan." However, she leaves in disgust upon discovering he's a male escort. As the party winds down, Scott promotes the gathering's location, causing young party-goers to overrun the estate. While Scott searches for Jennie, he finds her alone with Camden, and a conflict arises between the two men over Jennie's attention.
The following day unfolds on the beach, with Sandra reveling in a romantic night spent with Ernie, while Jennie feels torn between Scott and Camden. During the benefit concert, Barbara introduces her son, and as Camden plays, an unexpected turn of events occurs when Scott joins in on stage, prompting an electrifying collaboration that draws admiration from the audience. This culmination ends with a heartfelt kiss shared between Scott and Jennie.
After the concert wraps up, Chip and Carole reconcile, while Laurie surprises everyone with a bold proposal to Camden. In a final twist of fate, as the four friends head back to Penmore College, they spot Scott hitchhiking and eagerly welcome him into their lives once more.
