For many students, a spring break vacation is a perfect opportunity to let off steam before the finals and graduation stress. But for a destination to be spring break-worthy, it needs to be affordable, accessible and popular among the college cohort.
Considering these factors, plus editor insight and traveller sentiment, U.S. News ranked the best spring break destinations 2021.
Generally speaking, March and April are some of the best times to take a short-haul vacation—and not just because public schools say so. When it comes to Best Spring Break Destinations 2021, these transitional months bring about relatively mild weather,
Best Spring Break Destinations 2021
10.Panama City Beach
Affordable accommodations and a prime spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast draw spring breakers to Panama City Beach year after year, so much so that many consider it the spring break capital of the world.
The 27 miles of beaches, lively parties and bumping clubs are undoubtedly the destination’s standout amenities. However, college cohorts can also fill their days with other offerings like fishing charters, dolphin tours and hikes through Conservation Park’s wetlands.
9.Daytona Beach
If Miami Beach is out of reach, Daytona Beach may be the next best thing. Though this northeast Florida city doesn’t offer trendy nightclubs and swanky hotels, it does boast more than 20 miles of beachfront, along with plenty of inexpensive lodging and dining options.
Hop in a car and take a drive on the sand (Daytona is one of the only places in the world where it’s allowed), or rent water sports equipment like surfboards and Jet Skis for an adrenaline rush the water.
8.Playa del Carmen
With an enviable location along the coastline of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, dozens of all-inclusive resorts and a fun nightlife scene, Playa del Carmen is a beloved spring break vacation spot.
Revellers can relax on the soft sands, admire the turquoise waters and enjoy tropical drinks by the resort pools by day. Once the sun sets, partygoers can head to the clubs to dance to everything from DJ beats to Latin music.
7.Punta Cana
Punta Cana is ideal for spring breakers who like all-inclusive resorts (think: flowing drinks, endless food and scores of activities, ranging from water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding to beach volleyball and pool games) but care little about venturing away from their hotel grounds.
Nightlife options in this beach spot in the Dominican Republic are not abundant, but if you’re in the mood to dance, head to The Cave at Imagine Punta Cana.
6.Bahamas
The Bahamas might be the spring break destination for you if you’re searching for a bit of Las Vegas in the Caribbean. When you’re not testing Lady Luck in Nassau’s casinos, relax on the beach, then hit the bars and clubs at the various resorts for drinks and dancing.
Having trouble finding affordable lodging and airfare? Consider a cruise or a vacation package that bundles your resort stay and flight costs.
5.Jamaica
What’s not to love about reggae music, cream-coloured beaches and all-inclusive resorts? That’s what you’ll get when you spend spring break in Jamaica.
Those looking to relax and lounge on the beach will find upscale accommodations near Negril, while more adventurous types should choose a resort closer to Ocho Rios. No matter where you stay, expect plenty of food with jerk seasoning, welcoming islanders and no shortage of rum punch.
4.Cabo San Lucas
Located on the southern tip of Baja California, this Mexican beach destination boasts stunning golden sands, turquoise waters and a reputation for uninhibited nightlife.
Coeds can spend their days soaking up some sun and splashing around at Playa del Amor or Playa El Médano before dancing the night away at popular haunts like Cabo Wabo Cantina. The area’s all-inclusive options and traditional hotels are also packed with amenities, ranging from incredible pools to fun bars to restaurants serving tasty cuisine.
3.South Padre Island
If you’re looking for nonstop beach and pool parties, concerts, budget-friendly lodging and celebrity-hosted events, South Padre Island is for you. While this Texas resort town is a popular family-friendly vacation spot for the rest of the year, South Padre Island welcomes college coeds in droves during March.
Keep in mind that the beach becomes quite crowded, so this Texas retreat is best for people looking to party rather than relaxing.
2.Miami Beach
When you’re not lounging on Miami Beach’s wide shorelines, make the most of the city’s event calendar, including Miami Beach Pride and Ultra Music Festival (both are typically held in March or April).
This Florida city is packed with accommodation options at a variety of price points, too, meaning you can find everything from an affordable hotel to a large vacation rental that can fit all of your friends to a chic resort, depending on what you’re looking for. Dodge exorbitant cover charges when you’re out partying by getting to the clubs early in the evening.
1.Cancun
Cancun has all the makings of a quintessential spring break getaway. Along with its white-sand beaches and beautiful coastline, this Mexico city boasts numerous all-inclusive resorts with budget-friendly packages covering drinks, meals and entertainment, plus a rollicking nightlife scene (don’t miss Coco Bongo).
Many travel companies run student-specific deals on vacation packages to Cancun as well. If you ever tire of the beach, you can check out Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá and El Rey Ruins.
