20 best spring break destinations for college students

Beach towns in the U.S. and abroad are among the top spring break destinations for college students, offering warm weather, nightlife and plenty of ways to unwind. But if the beach isn’t your vibe, there are plenty of other destinations worth considering. Explore 20 of the best spring break destinations.

What you’ll learn:

• There are plenty of spring break destinations for college students to choose from.
• Top spring break places include Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Western and Southern United States. 
• Choose a location that has what you’re looking for in a spring break trip—whether it’s relaxing beaches, a bustling nightlife, great food, outdoor adventure or all of the above.
• You might be able to save money by booking early or using credit card rewards when planning your trip.

Cheap spring break options for college students include budget-friendly beach towns like Panama City Beach, Florida, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Staying closer to home and driving can also help keep costs down. 

Your total cost will depend on where you’re traveling from, how you get there and whether you split expenses with a group of friends. If you do go to an international destination like Cancun, Mexico, or Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, an all-inclusive resort is another way to potentially save money.

You can’t go wrong with a Florida beach vacation. Check out these spring break destinations for college students in the Sunshine State.

Panama City Beach claims to be the “spring break capital of the world.” So if you’re looking for the quintessential college spring break experience, this might be the place. With 27 miles of white sand beaches, you can hang out at the beach during the day or try out the nearby arcades or mini-golf courses. And if you stay at a resort, it might provide additional entertainment.

Miami is a city rich in history, culture and Art Deco architecture. Most college spring breakers stay around the glamorous South Beach area, with its celebrity-chef eateries, indie fashion stores and nightlife. But college students often venture off to enjoy the nightlife of Magic City, too.

Daytona Beach is the main city on Florida’s “Fun Coast.” And because of the hard-packed sand, the beaches are perfect for motorsports, which is a big scene in this spring break city. 

The waterfront also includes a variety of water parks, and double-decker buses abound to take spring breakers from bars or restaurants to the beach for free. But even if you don’t catch one of these buses, most places to see in Daytona are within walking distance.

It’s easy to have a good time in Key West. And the weather likely won’t disappoint, either. To make the most of your trip, take advantage of the many fun options this city has to offer, like jet ski tours, parasailing, snorkeling, boat rentals, dolphin tours and sunset cruises. And if you’re a literature fan, you can visit Ernest Hemingway’s home, where he wrote part of his book “A Farewell to Arms.”

If you’re after sun and white sand beaches, one of these spring break destinations in Mexico might be the thing for you. But before you leave the country, it might help to check whether there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re considering.

Cancun is a beautiful city on the Yucatan Peninsula known for its beaches, nightlife and resorts. Spring break in this city is in the Riviera Maya, which is on the far eastern side of Mexico. If you like to stay active, you can explore the Mayan ruins nearby, go horseback riding through caves or do a zip line canopy tour.

Also nearby are the Ventura Park amusement and water park, jet boat rides and other water sports. And of course, there are always the beach parties and nightclubs this spring break city is known for.

What was once a sleepy seaside village is now one of the hottest vacation spots in the world, thanks in part to the Van Halen song “Cabo Wabo.” Spring breakers in this well-known vacation spot, located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, get to spend their days on the beach enjoying Cabo’s day parties. 

This area is also ideal for scuba diving, with numerous opportunities to see and interact with sharks, rays, mahi-mahi and other sea life.

“Playa,” as it’s called by most tourists, boasts sandy white beaches and turquoise waters and is about halfway along the Riviera Maya—a stretch of coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. During the day, you could trek any number of nearby Mayan ruins. Then come back to enjoy the city’s nightlife on 5th Avenue.

Playa also offers plenty of water fun, like snorkeling, catamaran tours, sailing and swimming with whale sharks. Or you can visit the nearby jungle to do a canopy tour, walk on an aerial bridge or go on a jungle buggy adventure.

Puerto Vallarta has been called the “world’s friendliest city” for its warm hospitality. It’s also very accessible by plane and car, making it a budget-friendly place to reach.

Students who visit this spring break hot spot can enjoy beautiful beaches and fun in the sun. There are also a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, like snorkeling, zip lining, riding ATVs, speed boating, swimming with dolphins and horseback riding.

If you have your sights set on a hot and humid climate with beautiful, bright flora, consider a tropical destination in the Caribbean. Here are some of the best places to go for spring break in the tropics:

Ocho Rios is a hot spot for live reggae music, waterfalls, beaches and nightlife. The city’s name translates into “eight rivers,” which makes sense given the number of swimming holes, rivers and waterfalls this city has to offer. 

Two of the most popular are Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls, which are both beautiful in their own ways. And if you’re looking for more of the quintessential spring break experience, check out the spring break parties in the area.

San Juan is both the cultural center of Puerto Rico and the capital. This vibrant city has a few different scenes to choose from. There’s Old San Juan, which is rich in old-world charm and history, while New San Juan has beaches, the Condado Lagoon, parks and more. Condado, the most popular tourist spot in New San Juan, offers dining, lounges, casinos, nightclubs and other event venues. Wherever you choose to explore, this city has beautiful scenery and a stunning view of the water.

Punta Cana, located on the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic, is known for its resorts and sandy white beaches. This is a budget-friendly place where you won’t have to sacrifice fun, entertainment, weather or the views. It’s a prime spot for spring breakers, with days full of things like pool and beach parties, casinos, dance clubs and spring break concerts. If lounging is more your thing, venture down to one of the many beaches and relax in the sun.

The Bahamas are home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. And there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts where you can relax and take it easy. 

But it’s not all about lazy days at the beach. Plenty of fun activities are available to make your spring break memorable. Head to Rose Island Reef or Goulding Reef Cays for a day of snorkeling, or check out the famed underwater caves at Lucayan National Park.

For a change from the typical spring break destinations, consider these hot spots of the American West. Depending on your location, you may even be able to turn your journey into a road trip.

This spring break spot offers premier shows, unparalleled casinos, exciting nightlife, delicious food and luxurious accommodations. Pool season in Vegas starts in March, so if you’re hoping to hang out poolside with your pals, make sure to stay at a hotel or resort that offers a great pool. 

At night, visit an iconic Las Vegas nightclub. If the club scene isn’t your thing, check out downtown Las Vegas with its vintage casinos and unique bars lining Fremont Street. And don’t forget to walk the main drag to see the free street performers and a huge LED light show.

South Padre Island is on a barrier island off one of the southernmost spots in Texas. While Texas may not seem like a prime spring break location for college students, it brings in tons of spring breakers every year. The benefit of this location is that it’s a more budget-friendly option. But it still offers fun in the sun and sand and a hopping nightlife. Besides beaches, South Padre has dolphin watching, horseback riding on the beach and watercraft fun.

A hidden gem in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this small town is known for its hot springs pool. In fact, it’s the largest in the world, spanning more than the length of a football field. Glenwood Springs is also within a two-hour drive of several premier skiing destinations, like Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge.

If you’re up for a hike nearby, Hanging Lake is a great spot. But it’s popular, so you’ll need to purchase a permit beforehand to hike it. Or you can visit the Historic Fairy Caves, which offer a guided 40-minute walking tour and other seasonal events.

Austin has something for everyone—from contemporary bars to eclectic music and a bustling nightlife. You can go the classic country route and check out a honky-tonk bar to get in some country line dancing, or you can hit up Sixth Street or Rainey Street, some of the hottest bar scenes in the city. 

Rainey Street boasts an assortment of cocktail lounges, live music venues and wine bars, all of which are set in an old residential neighborhood, complete with outdoor patios that are perfect for kicking back and hanging with your friends.

Located in Northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park offers an outdoorsy spring break option that includes hiking, camping and taking in the natural beauty. The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel that began forming nearly 2 billion years ago through shifting tectonic plates and erosion caused by the Colorado River. With spectacular views and natural history, this park is one of the great wonders of the world and an off-the-beaten-path place to spend your spring break.

If you want a taste of Southern hospitality on your next spring break trip, these Southeastern spots could be worth checking out. With diverse cultures and an array of options for different budgets, the Southeast is a fantastic place to go for spring break.

If you’re looking for good food, live music and a diverse nightlife, then put New Orleans on your list of must-see spring break destinations. There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s one of the city’s more than 1,000 restaurants or the popular French Quarter, where you can find street performers and artisans alike. Or tour the nearby swamp to get a look at some of the local wildlife.

With its warm weather, fun-filled amusement parks and 60 miles of coastline, you can’t go wrong with Myrtle Beach. It’s home to the East Coast’s only 200-foot Ferris wheel and there are over 50 mini-golf courses to play with your friends. If you like to shop, there are two huge outlet malls and plenty of premier retailers. Or hit the links with nine of the state’s top “Best You Can Play” courses in the area.

Looking to get some sun and beach time without all the crowds of other spring break spots? Then Gulf Shores might be the place for you. Get all the regular fun in the sun with options for sport fishing, golf courses and gorgeous beaches and state parks. And if you feel like visiting two states in one trip, the Florida state line is only 33 miles away.

Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or a cross-country road trip, Capital One offers student credit cards with rewards that can help you plan your spring break and get the most out of your budget.

Savor Student and Quicksilver Student cardholders can earn 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel. You can plan and book your entire trip in one place, including popular activities at your destination.

If you’re a Capital One cardholder and traveling abroad, you don’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees: Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on any of its credit cards.

Use Capital One Entertainment to see what’s happening at your destination during your stay. Search for tickets to the hottest shows and sporting events and earn elevated rewards when you use a Savor Student or Quicksilver Student card.

The security features for both the Savor Student and Quicksilver Student cards can help give you peace of mind no matter where you’re headed:

• $0 liability for unauthorized charges
• Card lock
• Fraud alerts

If you’re planning your next spring break trip, these destinations are worth looking into. And a Capital One student credit card could help you get there. You can earn cash back on every purchase. If you’re traveling abroad, you never have to pay foreign transaction fees. View important terms and disclosures. And you can have peace of mind knowing you’re never liable for unauthorized charges if your card is lost or stolen.