Ready to travel? Pack your party essentials because we’re heading off for spring break!
Beach parties. Water sports. All-night EDM... You’ll need a vacation to recover from spring break!
Spring break is the time to let your hair down and take a break from your studies. But where are you headed this year? Take your pick from these top places to go for spring break. Discover more: the cheapest flights to book now
Spring break is all about you
Plan your party break
So, when is spring break? This depends on your college, with some starting as early as mid-March and others going right on through to the start of April. Once you’ve got your dates it’s time to plan your break around you and what you want to do. Yes, all spring break spots cater to all night parties and plenty of night-time fun, but there’s more to it than that. You can sample the street food of New Orleans, see world famous sights like the Grand Canyon, check out Miami Beach’s art deco buildings, or head to the speedway in Daytona.
10 of the hottest spring break destinations
Where to go and what to expect
It’s time to party and let loose in one of these top spring break destinations.
1. Miami Beach spring break
Classic spring break
Hit up Miami Beach for the ideal spring break spot. First off, take some time to stretch out on the sands and people watch on South Beach, before strolling the Art Deco district, and exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana. No one does spring break partying quite like Miami Beach, with famous parties at LIV nightclub, cocktails at The Broken Shaker, and pool parties at Nikki Beach Club (you can try to avoid exorbitant cover charges in Miami Beach’s clubs by getting there early or booking tickets ahead of time). Thinking of going to Miami for Spring break? If you time it right, you might also catch Miami Beach Pride or Ultra Music Festival (both usually held in March or April). Note: this year the city will be enforcing some restrictions. Party responsibly: spring breaks are for fun!
Look out for:
Art deco buildings
Instagram models on South Beach
World famous parties
2. South Padre Island spring break
Spring break Texas-style
Spring break in South Padre Island – or SPI to the spring break veterans – ticks all your bucket list boxes. Head to this Texas resort town for 24-hour beach parties, outdoor concerts, cheap accommodation, and celebrity-hosted events. If you can shake off the hangover, enjoy sports like jet skiing, kiteboarding, and horseback riding on the sands. Take some time away from the party to visit Sea Turtle Inc to learn about sea turtle rescue before hitting up Clayton’s Beach bar, enjoying drinks at Tequila Sunset, and taking in the party action at Louie’s backyard.
Look out for:
Sports on the sand and in the water
24-hour beach parties
Sea Turtle Inc for animal conservation
3. Panama City Beach spring break
27-miles of sand
We’re talking pristine white sand, waterfront bars everywhere and some of the best nightlife anywhere in the US for spring break. Panama City in Florida is a pure party destination, with the likes of Club La Vela bringing the big club action and Harpoon Harry’s offering the beachfront vibes. You also can’t beat the fun and the seafood dishes at Hammerhead Fred’s. And to shake off that foggy head the following day? Explore the underdeveloped beachside paradise of Shell Island, paddleboard or kayak in St Andrews State Park, or delve under the water with some scuba or snorkelling.
Look out for:
Incredible kayaking
Beachfront bars
Sugar white sands that go on for miles
4. Lake Havasu spring break
Hit the lake in Arizona
Lake Havasu in Arizona is one of the hottest spring break destinations on the West Coast. The crystal clear waters of the lake are a true party oasis, promising lake-side beach spring break parties at the likes of London Bridge Beach, Body Beach and Lake Havasu State Park. Go boating on Lake Havasu, head to Copper Canyon for cliff diving (the super high ones are only for professionals), and join the fun and games on Koko Beach. Don’t miss drinks at Martini Bay and the epic boat parties on the lake – bring your sea legs and your party pants.
Look out for:
Lakeside beach parties
Epic cliff diving at Copper Canyon
Party fun at Koko Beach
5. Daytona Beach spring break
Florida paradise
Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics, and Daytona Beach has been a classic spring break destination in the USA for decades. Hitting up this paradise in the Sunshine State in spring break means wide open beaches packed with spring breakers and those all-out famous pool parties. Of course, there’s the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Boardwalk too. And when it comes time to party, head to Razzle’s Nightclub, enjoy drinks at Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club, and let loose at one of the many beach parties.
Look out for:
Famous pool parties
The Daytona Boardwalk
The action at Daytona International Speedway
6. Cancun spring break
Classic spring break
Arrive on the Mexican shores of Cancun and you’ve truly arrived in spring break heaven. We’re talking white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and all-inclusive accommodation perfectly set up for spring breakers. Join the crowds and party at Coco Bongo, enjoy drinks at Mandala, and attend a legendary pool party at The City Nightclub. Get your culture fix with a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum, dive or snorkel the Great Maya Reef, or head into then jungle and under the water with a trip to the Xcaret eco-archaeological park.
Look out for:
Ancient Mayan ruins
Legendary pool parties
Stunning scuba and snorkeling
7. Myrtle Beach spring break
Don’t sleep on Myrtle Beach
It might not be the most famous spring break spot in the US, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on Myrtle Beach. There’s late night fun at Bubba’s Love Shack, live music at Tin Roof, and beach drinks at Landshark Bar and Grill. In the day, you can stretch out on the sands or hit the water on a kayak to check out the salt marshes of Murrells Inlet. Plus, there’s golf, paddleboarding, surfing and more. Don’t miss strolling along Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or the breath-taking views from The SkyWheel.
Look out for:
The views from the SkyWheel
Live music at Tin Roof
Kayaking in the salt marshes
8. New Orleans spring break
The Big Easy
The Big Easy is right up there as one of the most popular spring break destinations. Visit the French Quarter for iconic architecture, music, culture, and history. Join a second line as the music troupe heads through the city. Take a steamboat tour on the Mississippi or simply just soak up the atmosphere with a drink and some street food in hand (try the rich creole cuisine!). When it comes time to enjoy some of the best nightlife anywhere in the US, head to Preservation Hall for live jazz, Pat O’Brien’s for drinks, and Bourbon Street for the craziness.
Look out for:
Beautiful buildings in the French Quarter
The iconic Preservation Hall
The chance to join a second line
9. Key West spring break
Keyed up on spring break fun
This island city in the Florida Keys is all about spring break. The entire island is just four miles long and one mile wide, making it super easy to get around on a bike. You can explore on two wheels, stumble across beach parties, and marvel at the pastel colored conch-style houses. For partying, have a little fun at Sloppy Joe’s, enjoy drinks at Captain Tony’s Saloon, or attend a beach party at Smathers Beach. Don’t miss a little scuba diving at the coral reefs off-shore, exploring Duval Street and checking out Ernest Hemingway’s home.
Look out for:
Colorful conch-like houses
Beach parties at Smathers Beach
Bike hire to get around the island
10. Las Vegas spring break
Party capital of America
Las Vegas is the ultimate party destination for spring breakers looking for some Sin City action. The party playground has all your needs covered whether you want to gamble in a world-famous casino, hit up a pool party, or dance to the best DJs in town. Don’t miss the parties at Hakkasan Nightclub, drinks at The Chandelier, and the poolside fun at Wet Republic. Don’t forget to check out the Freemont Street Experience, see a show, and enjoy some pampering at a high-class spa. A trip out to the Grand Canyon is essential too.
Look out for:
The unique Freemont Street Experience
Grand Canyon tours
The big players at the tables in the casinos
Beach parties. EDM fun. Drinks. Days in the sun. Water sports... The time of your life! Make spring break this year one you’ll never forget.
Thinking of travelling for spring break? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car rental.
