After a long winter, spring breakers are raring to dash out the gates, jumping on planes, trains, and automobiles to enjoy their perfect holiday. For college students especially, this holiday marks a much-needed break, but families flock to sand and sunshine as well. I know that our families always took off for spring break every year for some much-needed fun in the sun. Spring Break dates change a little each year, but in general, fall between mid-February and mid-April. This leaves travelers with plenty of choices. So, what are the best Spring Break destinations?
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Top Spring Break Destinations For 2024
You could be sightseeing in New York City or spending endless days on beaches in Punta Cana. It all depends on what floats your boat. The fantastic thing about Spring Break is that there’s so much variety in weather and activities at this time of year. If you head to southern states, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you can be guaranteed sunshine and incredible hot weather. You can also find skiing holidays in places like Aspen and Park City or book cheaper off season flights to European destinations like Paris.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the very best spring break destination to suit your needs. Whether you want to stay in the USA, jet down to South and Central America, or cross the Atlantic to Europe, these destinations are perfect for Spring Break.
1. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is gorgeous, with beautiful beaches and crystal clear green waters. It sits on the Dominican Republic’s Coconut Coast, a stunning coastline of luxe resorts and striking white sand beaches. Punta Cana is the perfect place to go if you want a Caribbean fix. It is an excellent destination for water sports, like windsurfing and sailing, and sightseeing natural attractions like Cotubanama National Park.
Punta Cana temperatures are already touching the low 80s Fahrenheit in March, while April brings comfortable mid-80s temperatures. It’s our top recommendation for anyone wanting warm weather during Spring Break.
March is also a great time to visit the Caribbean to dodge the dreaded hurricane season. So Punta Cana gets double points in March for avoiding hurricanes and providing beach weather already.
- Where to Stay: Live Aqua Punta Cana
2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Myrtle Beach is the Spring Break capital of South Carolina and one of the top beaches in the USA. (And, it was the place we always went to during Spring Break) South Carolina is somewhat of an underdog on the US tourism scene, but Myrtle Beach destroys all notion that the state isn’t a worthy Spring Break candidate. This resort city has an expansive beach sitting on 60 miles of beautiful white sand. And its sands are lined by a traditional beachfront boardwalk with kitschy arcades and souvenir shops. Kids love it, trust me, I did!
It’s a great place to head for a beach holiday in the spring. Temperatures hover at around 70 Fahrenheit in March, so you can sunbathe and enjoy the coastline in its now warming weather.
Myrtle Beach is the perfect alternative to Miami and other Florida destinations in Spring Break, with way fewer crowds. It’s also family-friendly, so it’s ideal for anyone looking to take a gaggle of kids of mixed ages away. You can check out all the best things to do in Myrtle Beach here.
- Where to Stay: Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city if you want to visit Europe over Spring Break. The walled city is in stunning terracotta orange, and it’s so eye-catching that it was chosen as the set for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. With the new House of the Dragons episodes coming out this year, there’s no spot more topical to visit in Croatia. If you haven’t visited yet, you should make this your year.
There’s a long list of things to do in Dubrovnik, including walking the old city walls and visiting the Red History Museum. There are plenty of beaches in the city center as well, like Bellevue Beach and Banje Beach. Read our full guide for Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
In March, the Dubrovnik temperatures are mild, at around 55 Fahrenheit, so you can start enjoying beach days before the rest of the crowds arrive. We’d suggest booking a trip to Dubrovnik in March, leaving time to take day trips to Croatian islands and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Where to Stay: Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas is one of the closest Mexican destinations to the US on the West Coast. If you want to go easy on the ‘travel’ part of your Spring Break holiday, choosing Cabo San Lucas may drastically reduce your flight time. The resort city sits on the Baja California peninsula and has a fun reputation for nightlife, water sports, and beaches; what’s not to love? ‘Cabo’ is an iconic choice when it comes to Spring Break destinations.
Primarily, we’d suggest Cabo San Lucas if you love nightlife and party culture. In Spring Break, the city transforms into one big social scene, so it’s the place to be to dance until the early hours and hear the latest DJs. You can also check out San Jose Del Cabo for a more relaxed pace.
Cabo temperatures hover at the low 70s in March, rising to mid-70s in April. It’s the perfect weather to enjoy the beaches and party culture. However, it’s also mild enough to enjoy things like hiking to Mt.Solmar.
- Where to Stay: Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica might be a fairly general addition to this guide, but we’ll explain why in a second. Costa Rica is a beautiful place to visit on Spring Break. It’s full of volcanoes, wildlife like sloths and jaguars, and hidden waterfalls in rainforests. If you want an adventurous getaway in spring, Costa Rica is our top recommendation. This is especially true for college students studying wildlife and conservation-related subjects.
There are a few places we’d suggest in Costa Rica, depending on your interests. La Fortuna is known as the access point to the Arenal Volcano, with gorgeous hiking, rural hiking, plenty of sloth encounters, and rainforest chocolate tours. Jaco is a town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast known for its nightlife and amazing surfing. Finally, San Juan is the sprawling Costa Rican capital. It is best chosen for a city break with day trips to its nearby volcanoes in Poas Volcano National Park.
Costa Rica is a place that you could visit in March without losing out on high temperatures. It sits at an average of 83 Fahrenheit throughout both March and April. And needless to say, it’s fantastic for a thrilling adventure-style holiday.
- Where to Stay: Hotel Arte Natura
6. Cancun, Mexico
Who doesn’t love Cancun? The Mexican city sprawls across the northern end of the Yucatan Peninsula in a bold affray of pristine resorts and rows upon rows of nightclubs. Spring breakers have been going to Cancun for what seems like decades, and it’s a favorite destination for college students at this time of year.
You can party with live music, work on your tan on white sand, or enjoy outdoor activities like jet skiing and paragliding. However, Cancun is more than just a resort-style destination. You can also take day trips to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or go swimming in pristine cenotes. Read more 12 Best Cenotes In Mexico To Visit
There are plenty of adventures to be had in the Yucatan’s natural beauty, so it won’t all be partying. Just make sure to keep these safety tips in mind if you are out partying the night away.
March to April in Cancun sees temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You can enjoy the full spectrum of amazing things to do in comfortable temperatures; it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
- Where to Stay: You can see our entire guide on where to stay in Cancun, which includes a rundown of the best neighborhoods. Fiesta Americana CondesaExcellence Riviera Cancun is our favorite.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana, US
New Orleans may be famous for Mardi Graz, but it’s also a top spot for Spring Break trips. The Louisiana city got its nickname the ‘Big Easy’ for good reason. With endless nightlife and round-the-clock entertainment, New Orleans is the perfect place to let off some steam.
History buffs will love the beautiful French Quarter architecture and the city’s fascinating history. Those with a bit more flexibility can even plan their travel dates around February’s Mardi Gras for an early Spring Break.
With jazz bars scattered throughout the French Quarter and wrought iron Victorian balconies overlooking Bourbon Street there’s plenty of energy in New Orleans. Brass bands march through the streets and revelers carry their drinks as they go bar hopping.
Its scenic location on the Mississippi River also makes it naturally beautiful.
We’d most recommend New Orleans for foodies – it has a famous creole mixture of French, African, and American cuisine – and culture lovers. If you can appreciate nightlife, you’ll take to New Orleans like a duck in water.
- Where to Stay: We’ve collected a list of the best boutique hotels in New Orleans, but our favorite is Maison de la Luz.
8. Napa Valley, California, US
Napa Valley is nothing short of idyllic. Napa Valley is where to book if you want a laidback, classy-yet-wine-drunk getaway this Spring Break. This famous Californian wine country is easily one of the best Spring Break destinations. It is located just over an hour’s drive from major San Francisco on the west coast, yet has a country and rural appeal.
You can soar over vineyards by hot air balloon or score the best deals for wine-tasting experiences. You can stay in either Napa or Yountville, where the region has over 475 vineyards to visit or admire from afar.
We’d suggest Napa Valley for anyone planning a couple’s trip this Spring Break or, alternatively, as the perfect trip with the girls.
- Where to Stay: The Estate Yountville
9. Orlando, Florida, US
Sometimes, you have to embrace your inner child and head to the theme parks. Orlando is the theme park capital of the USA and an ideal place to either take the whole family or visit as an adult for an indulgent Spring Break. The city has more than a dozen theme parks, including Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. It’s home to wild rollercoasters and kid-friendly costumed characters to bring the magic of Disney to life; beat that, Paris.
There are so many things to do in Orlando. It’s easy to see why Orlando frequently rates as one of the best destinations for Spring Break. The whole city is tailored towards fun and nostalgia. For families visiting with an age range of kids, that’s perfect. And even the adults can cash in on those nostalgic feelings to let their hair down for a bit.
Orlando is busy at Spring Break, so we’d suggest booking advance tickets and skipping the queue passes where possible. You should also be flexible with your dates, traveling a little before or after Spring Break dates if you can.
- Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
10. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
We’ve talked about Cancun, but what about beautiful Playa del Carmen? This resort town is also located on the Yucatan Peninsula, scenically dotted on the Riviera Maya strip along the Caribbean Sea. If you want the Mexican culture and weather, just without Cancun’s rather rigid infrastructure and big crowds, Playa del Carmen is a quieter alternative.
Playa del Carmen is better for those who aren’t as fussed about non-stop partying and instead want beautiful beaches and turquoise waters on the east coast of Mexico. You can still take a day trip to cenotes and places like Chichen Itza. But you can also embrace a quieter pace of life, enjoying sleepy urban parks and white sand beaches within easy walking distance of your accommodation.
Temperatures hover comfortably around the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit mark in March and April; Playa del Carmen has the perfect climate for a beach-focused Spring Break.
- Where to Stay: Hotel Ambra
11. Key West, Florida
We couldn’t just mention Orlando and call Florida a day. When it comes to Spring Break ideas, the Florida Keys just had to feature, especially Key West. Key West is the final island on the barrier island chain and is the most southern point of the US. It’s actually only around 90 miles north of Cuba – so it’s as close to Caribbean weather as you can get in the US.
Key West is walkable and much like a ‘town at the end of the world’. It has The Hemingway Home and Museum, Truman Little White House, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. However, it’s most famed for its coral reefs and deep sea fishing opportunities. It has some of the best water-related things to do in the Florida Keys.
Book accommodation as far as possible in advance when planning Spring Break in Key West. It’s a popular destination and the most built-up key in the Florida Keys. If accommodation does sell out, you can find spaces in nearby keys, like Big Pine Key and Marathon Key, but you will find less in the way of nightlife and facilities.
- Where to Stay: The Ocean Key Resort
12. Grand Canyon, Arizona, US
It’s impossible to resist the Grand Canyon at the best of times, but for Spring Break trips, it’s just even more exciting. The canyon’s North Rim is closed from November until May because of icy conditions. Still, the South Rim remains open and good for use. March is when the Grand Canyon is just becoming more accessible again. And if you want to tick off a bucket list attraction in the USA, visiting the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to shake off any winter woes.
You can go rock climbing, hiking around the rim trails, and admire the canyon views by helicopter. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the country’s top national parks, with tons of incredible things to do.
For extra fun, you could take a road trip to Forrest Gump Highway. It’s only around a 3.5-hour drive from the canyon, but you’ll get to embrace the perfect backdrop from one of your all-time favorite movies.
- Where to Stay: You can check out our where to stay guide here, but our favorite hotel is Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon.
13. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay is a match made in heaven for a Spring Break with friends. The city has a pulsing nightlife and a drinking age of 18, which attracts springbreakers like bees to honey. The beach and resort parties are extra fun, with drinking games, water activities, and themed extravaganzas. Montego Bay is the extroverted destination to pick in Jamaica if you want fun Spring Break trips. It has loads of things to do, like reggae tours and Fort Montego.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter scene over Spring Break, head for towns like Negril and Ocho Rios. These tropical towns have more in the way of beaches and jungle hikes than nightlife and have limited accommodations, which helps keep excessive crowds at bay.
March and April in Jamaica have temperatures of around 84-85 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you’ll have plenty of sunbathing on the cards. It’s where to stay if you want an adventurous tropical Spring Break destination, just with added nightlife.
- Where to Stay: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
14. Aspen, Colorado, US
If you are envisioning going on a thrilling snow trip with a large group of friends, Aspen is your best bet. This ski resort town is set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, so you have beautiful mountain views and slopes galore. If you don’t care for the beach or a city break, Aspen is one of the best Spring Break destinations.
Some of the best things to do in Aspen are its great slopes and four separate ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk Mountain. That’s a grand total of 5,300 acres of skiable terrain. March is a fantastic time to visit Aspen for skiing, known as one of the snowiest months. You get longer daylight hours and gorgeous power, which is a winning combination.
It isn’t just skiing either; Aspen has attractions like the Aspen Art Museum and Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro. If you choose Aspen for your Spring Break trip, prepare for amazing views and plenty of culture.
- Where to Stay: Aspen Meadows Resort
15. Paris, France
After the Emily in Paris craze and with the 2024 Olympics, it doesn’t look like Paris intends to fall off its trending pedestal any time soon. Paris is one of the best Spring Break destinations. Nothing beats the iconic Eiffel Tower; you have some of the world’s most highly-rated museums at your fingertips. And that’s without even considering the food – Parisian cuisine is a thing of total beauty.
Spring breakers can check out our ultimate 3-day itinerary, including Versailles, the Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe. If you are flying transatlantic to visit Paris, we recommend staying for around a week so you can justify the lengthy flight time.
By leaving yourself this extra time, you can also use Paris as a gateway to cities like London, Edinburgh, Barcelona, and Rome. It’s a great choice if you want to travel to other destinations. Europe is still reasonably sleepy in spring, meaning you can enjoy off-season prices and great flight deals.
- Where to Stay: We’ve got a full guide on where to stay in Paris, but our top hotel is The Ritz for its luxury rooms and Eiffel Tower views.
16. Hawaii, US
Hawaii is an absolutely classic Spring Break trip. If you plan your dates carefully, it can actually still be considered an ‘off-season’ to experience the islands. March is a little chillier, so we recommend pushing your stay into early April for better temperatures. In April, temperatures jump from highs of the mid-70s Fahrenheit to low 80s. It is also just outside the 2024 Spring Break dates, so you can dodge any huge crowds and bag slightly cheaper rates.
In spring, Hawaii is dry and sunny. It’s the perfect time to enjoy surfing, sunbathing, and hiking since the early mornings are still mild.
There are eight main islands in Hawaii, and you can check out our guide on choosing the best island for you. Big Island is perfect for volcano tourism in Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park and has a beautiful selection of black sand beaches. Maui is equally brilliant, with whale-watching opportunities and the chance to road trip the Road to Hana Highway. Kauai is where you’ll find the stunning Na Pali coastline helicopter tours.
Flights typically land in Honolulu, with travelers catching onward connections to the island of their choice. You may wish to leave yourself a few days in Honolulu to maximize your experience and see two Hawaiian spots in one.
- Where to Stay: Fairmont Kei Lani Resort Maui
Best Spring Break Destination: FAQs
Has a Spring Break destination caught your eye yet? You could be kicking back in a small town or city, skiing or sunbathing, hiking or fine dining. The variety is impressive.
What is the best place to visit during Spring Break?
Mexico is always a great choice in Spring Break if you love partying and big crowds, especially Cancun or Playa del Carmen. If you want to head to Europe, it’s a good time to take advantage of cheaper flights outside of summer.
Where do people go the most for Spring Break?
Most people head to major US destinations like Aspen, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii. However, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean are also popular choices.
Where is the cheapest place for Spring Break?
The cheapest place for Spring Break depends on where you are traveling from, as flights are a major cost to incorporate. Sticking to domestic travel within the US is likely the best way to plan a cheaper Spring Break, so long as you stay outside famously expensive destinations, like NYC and its super costly accommodation. Booking in advance is also vital to secure the cheapest accommodation before it sells out.
Where is the cheapest place to travel to in March?
Florida tends to have budget-friendly flights throughout March and spring. You can easily rent a car and there are lots of low-cost activities, like fishing, snorkeling, and hiking.
Finding the Perfect Spring Break Destination
Finding the best Spring Break destinations can be overwhelming. There are so many options when it comes to traveling between February and April, which is partly what makes Spring Break such a fun time of year. You get the full spectrum, from cheaper Transatlantic flights to skiing parties in Aspen and sunshine in Mexico.
Whichever destination you choose, we hope you have a fabulous time. Let your hair down; you deserve it. Nothing beats the fun of a great Spring Break, especially for college students returning to exam season.
I think the ABC islands would be a good addition, too. I was just there – and I liked the fact that there weren’t many loud college boys and girls! LOL…