One blustery winter day at a nondescript Midwestern university, undergraduate freshman Merritt Andrews and her friend Melanie Coleman find themselves in a lecture about the perils of random dating. In a bold move, Merritt poses a provocative question to the teacher regarding whether a girl should engage in sexual relations prior to marriage. Taken aback by her brashness, the instructor promptly sends Merritt to endure a stern warning from Dean Caldwell, who informs her that despite her impressive IQ, her poor grades and disruptive behavior in class could lead to her expulsion. This stern admonition hardly deters Merritt; she ultimately chooses to join Melanie and their friends, Tuggle Carpenter and Angie, on a spirited spring break trip to the sun-kissed shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a popular hotspot for countless college students seeking adventure and relaxation.
The drive south quickly becomes an adventure of its own when the girls pick up TV Thompson, a captivating hitchhiker sporting an unconventional fashion sense and hailing from Michigan State University. Tuggle, towering at 5'10", immediately feels a spark with the tall, 6'4" TV, as her only dating requirement is height. Upon arriving at the Fairview apartments, a bustling hub of Ivy League students nicknamed "Yalies," Melanie swiftly entices their neighbor, Dill (John Brennan), into joining her for a date. A recurring gag throughout the movie involves other college girls, unable to afford the pricey motel rates, crashing in their increasingly cramped room, escalating from six to over a dozen in attendance.
Days blend together on the beach as Dill spends time exclusively with Melanie, while Tuggle gets swept away by TV, who introduces her to the thrilling world of police radio chatter and the wild antics of college life. The two eventually find themselves at the famed Elbow Room bar, consuming drinks with a fake ID. However, Tuggle grows uneasy when the conversation shifts to sex, desperately steering the dialogue elsewhere, confessing that she remains a virgin.
As the evening unfolds, TV confides in Tuggle about his struggles in attracting women, prompting her to reveal her feelings for him but ultimately rejecting his proposition for sex. Meanwhile, Melanie returns from her date with Dill, having established a request for confidentiality regarding their romantic encounters. With aspirations for a committed relationship, Melanie shares her enthusiasm about a couple who fell in love during their spring break, prompting a practical Merritt to recount that while they did meet during their vacation, their wedding took place in October, coinciding with the impending arrival of their baby.
Unexpectedly, Melanie is greeted by Dill’s roommate, Franklin, who reveals that Dill has departed to meet his father in Ft. Myers. Despite Franklin's invitation for her to spend time with him, the subsequent days create rising tension as the girls openly discuss their futures by the beach. Tuggle fantasizes about dropping out of school to become a "walking, talking baby factory" with TV, while Angie, in her pursuit of romance, seems less concerned about any sort of commitment. Meanwhile, Merritt remains detached from feelings for men until she encounters the charming senior Ryder Smith, who invites her to a cocktail date.
During an upscale bar outing, Merritt grapples with her defensiveness related to her Midwestern roots, while Ryder imparts the wisdom that true "sophistication" is derived from one’s mindset rather than background. Captivated by his insights, Merritt joins Ryder aboard his grandfather's lavish yacht, where she articulates her classifications for different types of romantic advances: "Sweepers attempt to sweep you off your feet, Strokers charm you with gentle caresses, whereas Subtles captivate by quoting risqué literature." Although Ryder mistakenly interprets her thoughts as based on extensive experience, Merritt discreetly conceals the truth about her lack of actual sexual encounters.
Later, the trio encounters an avant-garde jazz band at the Elbow Room bar, which captivates audiences with free beer and experimental music. After both Merritt and Tuggle turn down the bandleader, Basil Demotomes, Angie is delighted to finally have a date. However, Ryder’s continuous attempts to entice Merritt into sexual relations lead to conflicting emotional currents as she grapples with traditional values versus emerging passions.
One one tumultuous evening, a drunken Melanie bursts into their hotel room, exclaiming her love for Franklin, but her enthusiasm leads to chaotic antics where Merritt and Tuggle must assist her in sobering up. As their spring break inches towards conclusion, the group prepares for a grand night out, pondering the complexities of relationships and engagements without compromising their principles. However, Melanie's desire to remain tied to Franklin constricts her from joining the fun.
The group’s night out at the Tropical Isle nightclub spirals into absurdity when Basil’s glasses break, and TV has an unexpected underwater encounter with stage performer Lola. In a flurry of chaos, TV plunges into the tank, prompting Tuggle to dive in after him, and the ensuing mischief results in everyone tumbling in. Their adventurous night is abruptly interrupted by police intervention, but the chief, Chill Wills, graciously forgives the petty misdeeds.
When the dust settles, the night’s antics reach a point of reckoning as tragic events unfurl. Melanie is left vulnerable as she awaits Franklin in a motel, but he does not arrive. Instead, Dill shows up and makes unwanted advances, leaving Melanie traumatized. Meanwhile, Tuggle receives a distressing call from a shaken Melanie, begging for Merritt's support.
Back at the beach party, Merritt experiences a moment of passion with Ryder, only to be interrupted by Tuggle as they both set out to locate Melanie. Tragedy strikes when they find Melanie in a perilous state and rush her to the hospital, where Merritt confronts Ryder about his insensitivity. Alone with Melanie, they process the fallout of their choices, and their realities clash when TV reassures Tuggle of his loyalty.
As their vacation concludes, TV, Basil, Angie, and Tuggle prepare to return home, while Merritt chooses to stay and support Melanie. Wandering the deserted beach, Merritt encounters Ryder once again, and their conversation ignites introspection regarding love and relationships. Ryder invites her to his graduation ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in both their lives as they share a tender kiss and walk down the beach side by side. Their narrative may have begun in carefree college pursuits, but it culminates in meaningful reflections about love, loyalty, and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. The End.
