Spring break is the ideal opportunity to escape the daily grind and travel somewhere new. There is a spring break destination for everyone, whether you’re a college student searching for a lively party atmosphere, a family looking for a kid-friendly retreat or a solo traveler seeking a tranquil holiday.
Every sort of traveler can find their perfect spring break vacation on this list. Our 15 favorite destinations span the foodie’s paradise of Charleston, South Carolina, the exotic Caribbean beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the iconic outdoor playgrounds of Wyoming and Nevada.
So, prepare to pack your luggage and start thinking about your next adventure.
Curacao
Best for budding historians
The Dutch-Caribbean island of Curacao. WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES
As the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean, the Dutch-Caribbean island of Curacao is a captivating tropical paradise with a rich and storied history.
Budding historians will marvel at the town of Willemstad, which is filled with Spanish, British and Dutch colonial architecture and is home to an impactful slave museum, vibrant street art and an authentic Curacao liqueur distillery. Diverse restaurants and bars line the streets of the colorful UNESCO-inscribed downtown, promising unique culinary experiences.
But let’s not forget that Curacao is home to magnificent beaches along the Caribbean Sea. Kayak through mangroves and learn to scuba dive or snorkel while exploring the island’s coral reefs. There are infinite possibilities in Curacao for curious minds, adventurous souls or bodies seeking deep relaxation.
Turks and Caicos
Best for rest and relaxation
Turtle Cove in Turks and Caicos. CHEL BEESON/GETTY IMAGES3
The Turks and Caicos Islands are perfect for families and individuals seeking rest and relaxation.
The British Crown colony didn’t become a significant tourist hub until the 1980s when Club Med Turkoise opened its doors on Providenciales. This means that the country still carries the charm of being undiscovered.
Providenciales, commonly known as Provo, is home to Grace Bay Beach, a stunning stretch of sand that’s often hailed as the “World’s Best Beach.” Luxurious villas and resorts dot the island, offering visitors a taste of the good life in this quintessential Caribbean paradise.
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Divers of all stripes flock to the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands: Grand Turk. The Grand Turk Wall is called the “Grand Canyon of the Caribbean” for its 7,000-foot-deep ecosystem.
Reno Tahoe, Nevada
Best for active travelers
Skiers in Reno Tahoe, Nevada. BX PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
Reno Tahoe is a dynamic wonderland. Art, culture and scenic views coalesce, surrounded by the largest alpine lake in the U.S.
Adventurers will marvel at Reno Tahoe’s natural playground. At the same time, foodies have infinite choices to satisfy their taste buds.
First, take a hike on the Monkey Rock Trail in Incline Village for panoramic views of the lake. Then, go mountain biking on the Tahoe Rim Trail and Flume Trail, popular for riders of all levels searching for majestic mountain views of the Sierra Nevada.
When you return to your home base, there’s no shortage of great food and drink options. Experience the oldest brewery in the state, Great Basin Brewery Company. Or, check out Liberty Food & Wine Exchange in downtown Reno for handcrafted artisan eats.
Before you leave town, stop at Whitney Peak Hotel’s adventure park BaseCamp to climb up one of the world’s tallest climbing walls, which has unbeatable views of the city and the infamous Reno Arch. Reno Tahoe is an excellent choice for spring breakers looking for good food and outdoor adventure.
Related: Lake Tahoe on a budget: How to plan a weekend getaway without breaking the bank
Carlsbad, California
Best for families with little ones
Bluffs overlooking Carlsbad beach. TONYA STAAB/GETTY IMAGES
Carlsbad is an excellent choice for families with younger kids. Why? The laid-back beach town is now home to Legoland California Resort.
But that’s not all. Carlsbad is also conveniently close to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld San Diego. Families have a myriad of options to keep their kids engaged, entertained and tired at the end of action-packed days.
Carlsbad is a colorful coastal town with charming beaches and world-class dining options that the whole family will appreciate. Spring break is the optimal time to visit to experience its vibrant flowers in bloom.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in San Diego County features 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. The epic fields are only open once a year in spring from March 1 through Mother’s Day, making it a must-visit during spring break.
Charleston, South Carolina
Best for foodies
Charleston. TETRA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored beach houses and sparkling beaches make Charleston an enticing spring break destination.
Follow the salt-filled ocean air to Folly Beach and head downtown to Waterfront Park, where you’ll find the famous Pineapple Fountain. The historic district is a great area to stroll along cobblestone streets while taking in the magical architecture and vibrant ambiance that characterizes this much-loved city.
Charleston really shines, though, when it comes to food. The robust culinary scene featuring award-winning restaurants like FIG and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit offers some of the best food in the world.
Additionally, Charleston’s historic downtown is dotted with a plethora of museums, period homes and other landmarks and monuments preserved by the Charleston Heritage Federation.
If you’re looking to explore a cozy, gorgeous beach town with a varied list of delicious restaurants, Charleston is the place for you.
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Best for climbers and cyclists
Mirror lake at Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. JANE LAGO/GETTY IMAGES
Just 90 minutes away from Denver lies the outdoor climber’s mecca of Cheyenne.
This picturesque, lesser-known town is located at the base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. It’s the perfect destination for spring breakers with an adventurous spirit.
Curt Gowdy State Park, which sits just 25 minutes west of downtown, is the ideal starting point to experience the magnificent Rockies. Cheyenne also acts as the gateway to the scenic Medicine Bow National Forest, providing unparalleled access to its recreational opportunities, including world-class rock climbing and bouldering, hiking and mountain biking, all-terrain-vehicle drives, backcountry camping and more.
Additional outdoor pursuits, all within a day’s drive, include some of the nation’s most beloved natural monuments and parks, such as Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Post-adventure, Cheyenne’s lively craft beverage scene beckons with favorite neighborhood watering holes like Black Tooth Brewing Co. and The Paramount Ballroom.
Cheyenne is an icon of the American West, making it the perfect start to any adventure seeker’s road trip through Wyoming and Yellowstone.
Florida’s Paradise Coast
Best for couples
Marco Island’s S.S. Jolley Bridge. JOHN COLETTI/GETTY IMAGES
Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee and Ave Maria make up Florida’s Paradise Coast.
Dreamy southwest Florida is home to picturesque beaches, gourmet restaurants and world-class spas where couples can enjoy a romantic spring getaway. You won’t find raucous spring break parties here. Instead, you’ll discover sparkling waters and white sand.
Additionally, couples can redeem or accrue points at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, a secluded, adults-only escape with expansive suites, exclusive rooftop pool access, beach butler service and more.
Related: Skip crowded Florida beaches and head to this Gulf Coast paradise instead
Jamaica
Best for music and nature lovers
Jamaica. WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES
Sparkling blue waters, mountainous terrain and a warm, fun-loving culture make Jamaica a top choice for spring breakers.
Visitors come from around the world to see Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. Hikers will love climbing to the top of Blue Mountain Peak or exploring the Blue Hole in Negril. The Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay are a natural wonder and a world within itself.
Jamaica’s rich and biodiverse landscape is complemented by its famously inviting residents and mind-blowing food. Eat jerk chicken and oxtail before dancing to some Bob Marley tunes in any of the island’s uniquely Jamaican clubs and bars.
The island nation offers adventures galore, too. You can go zip lining at Mystic Mountain Adventure Park, scuba diving, ATV riding and river rafting, among other active pursuits.
Between the island’s vibrant energy and its infectious laid-back vibe, Jamaica is the ultimate destination for a spring break getaway.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best for art aficionados
New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe. NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF ART/FACEBOOK
Santa Fe is the nation’s oldest capital city. History buffs will admire its compelling museums, while others will appreciate its eclectic restaurants and exhibits.
Start your day in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, the historic Plaza. Then make your way to some of Santa Fe’s museums: the New Mexico History Museum; the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture; and the New Mexico Military Museum. Explore how New Mexico’s Native American, Hispanic and Anglo influences shaped the state.
Next, hop over to the immersive art exhibitions at Meow Wolf, an interactive psychedelic playground for all ages. With more than 70 interactive rooms and installments, Meow Wolf alone is worth a trip to Santa Fe.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Best for families with kids of all ages
Colonial horse and carriage in historic Colonial Williamsburg. WMAY/GETTY IMAGES
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum, with something everyone, of every age, can enjoy and appreciate on spring break.
Blooming gardens, world-class art museums and interactive historical experiences make for a thought-provoking vacation that is hard to beat.
Witness the Revolutionary War for yourself at the Yorktown American Revolution Museum before watching history come to life at the Jamestown Settlement. Then, dine at King’s Arms Tavern, which takes traditional American cuisine to another level, serving historically authentic dishes.
Parents will love exploring Merchants Square, an 18th-century retail village with 40-plus shops and restaurants. Finally, stay immersed in history by staying at one of the five Colonial Williamsburg resorts. Visitors staying in these iconic locations can access activities and amenities, including tennis, golf, daily fitness classes, indoor and outdoor pools, a business center, a world-class spa and nearby dining options.
Colonial Williamsburg is an excellent place for families with children looking for an educational vacation.
National parks
Best for road trippers
The signature rock formations at Zion National Park. THE GOOD BRIGADE/GETTY IMAGES
For spring breakers needing a mental reset in the form of captivating views and therapeutic nature, a trip to one of America’s many national parks may be for you.
Consider a road trip among the red rock arches in Zion National Park. Hike through green pastures surrounded by mountains that mimic your desktop’s background in Yosemite National Park. Get inspired by the awe of nature at Grand Canyon National Park. Nature lovers will love hitting the open road and exploring “America’s Backyard” this spring break.
Related: The 20 national parks every traveler needs to see at least once
Aruba
Best for beach bums
Natural pool in Aruba’s Arikok National Park. MARC GUITARD/GETTY IMAGES
Aruba is home to golden beaches that sparkle and glisten in the Caribbean sun. For spring breakers looking for reliable weather, look no further than this Caribbean paradise. It consistently ranks as having the least amount of rainfall in the southern Caribbean and sits outside the hurricane belt.
The median temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won’t have to worry about your beach vacation being ruined by inclement weather. Plus, the island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Baby Beach.
Aruba’s crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs are also perfect for snorkeling, diving and other water sports. The beaches offer plenty of opportunities for beachside dining and nightlife as well, with plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment options nearby.
Bermuda
Best for East Coasters looking for an accessible paradise
Hamilton Harbor in Bermuda. MDGMORRIS/GETTY IMAGES
Clear blue waters await in beautiful Bermuda. Located just a quick two-hour flight from the East Coast, Bermuda is a convenient choice for spring breakers on the Eastern Seaboard.
Travelers will wish they could get lost in the Bermuda Triangle because of its epic beauty. Instead, kayak, snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat among ancient shipwrecks in Bermuda’s waters.
Over on the east end of UNESCO-preserved St. George’s Island, you can dine at mouthwatering restaurants and explore historical fortifications.
Paris
Best for culture seekers
Spring in Paris. ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES
Spring breakers, lovebirds, history buffs and general seekers of culture rejoice! Paris during springtime is more affordable than you’d expect.
With average hotel prices hovering around $227 from March until the end of April, the City of Light is cheaper to visit than Cancun, Mexico. Couples can expand their love story in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe.
Lovers of art will enjoy exploring the world’s largest museum: the Louvre. Be sure to time your visit around the Art Paris art fair, which brings together nearly 150 galleries at the Grand Palais Ephémère from March 30 to April 2.
If fashion is your passion, head to The Golden Triangle to discover all the latest designs. Paris is a fail-safe choice for spring breakers looking for an enriching and romantic adventure.
Related: The 11 best hotels for a spring vacation, from Dutch tulips to Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms
Dominican Republic
Best for college students
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. LEMONTUNE/GETTY IMAGES
The Dominican Republic is the classic destination for spring breakers looking to party on sparkling beaches.
Beach parties, dance clubs and casinos collide, offering visitors a vitalizing atmosphere to let loose. Punta Cana on the eastern shore of the country is a popular destination for college-age travelers, while Santo Domingo offers ample nightlife and rich historical sites for spring breakers who love history and partying.
There are also plenty of excursions available throughout the Dominican Republic, should you crave an adrenaline rush while on vacation. Zip lining, off-roading and snorkeling are just a few of the many offerings that will keep your blood pumping when you aren’t on the beach partying or partaking in a booze cruise.
Prices are surprisingly cheap, too. The average daily hotel rates hover around $345, according to Priceline.
