Best Spring Break Destinations

Cancun has all the makings of a quintessential spring break destination. Along with its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this Mexico city boasts numerous all-inclusive resorts with budget-friendly packages that cover on-site drinks, meals and entertainment, plus a rollicking nightlife scene (check out Coco Bongo). Many travel companies run student-specific deals on vacation packages to Cancun as well. If you tire of the beach, you can absorb some history at the nearby El Rey Ruins or take a day trip to the must-visit Chichén Itzá archaeological site.

When you're not lounging on Miami Beach's wide shorelines, make the most of the city's event calendar, which includes Miami Beach Pride and Ultra Music Festival (both are typically held in March or April). This action-packed Florida city is full of accommodation options at a variety of price points, too, meaning you can find everything from affordable hotels to large vacation rentals to chic resorts. Dodge exorbitant cover charges when you're out partying by getting to the clubs early in the evening or buying tickets ahead of time. And if you need a little downtime, consider a hike or airboat tour through Everglades National Park about 40 miles west.

Head to Siesta Key for crystal clear water, white sand beaches and plenty of fruity drinks. A barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, this Gulf of Mexico hot spot is a fan favorite among spring breakers looking to spend carefree days out on the water aboard a boat, Jet Ski or paddleboard. At night, refuel with some bar food and frozen beverages at the Daiquiri Deck, then hop around Siesta Village until the wee hours of the morning. Lodging options range from condos and vacation rentals to hotels at various price points on the mainland.   

Located on the southern tip of Baja California, this Mexican beach destination boasts stunning golden sands, pleasant spring weather, turquoise waters and a reputation for uninhibited nightlife. Coeds can spend their spring break 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.

If you're looking for nonstop beach and pool parties, concerts, budget-friendly lodging and celebrity-hosted events, South Padre Island is the getaway for you. While this Texas resort town is a popular spot for the whole family during the rest of the year, South Padre Island welcomes college students in droves starting in early to mid-March. Keep in mind, the beach becomes quite crowded during spring break, so this Texas retreat is best for people looking to party rather than relax.

What's not to love about reggae music, beautiful beaches, natural attractions 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 laid-back Negril, while more adventurous types should choose a resort closer to Ocho Rios to hike the popular Dunn's River Falls. No matter where you stay, expect plenty of food with jerk seasoning, warm weather, welcoming islanders and no shortage of rum punch.

With an enviable location along the coastline of Mexico's Riviera Maya, dozens of affordable all-inclusive resorts and a fun nightlife scene, Playa del Carmen is a beloved locale for spring break trips. Revelers can relax on the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling in the turquoise waters and enjoy tropical drinks by their resort pools by day. Once the sun sets, partygoers can head to the clubs to dance to DJ beats and Latin music.

Longing for a taste of the Caribbean without the hassle of international travel? Puerto Rico is your answer. You won't need a passport to soak in the sunny, breezy spring weather on the island's roughly 300 paradisiacal beaches. Active types can also get their heartrate up with a rainforest hike in El Yunque National Forest. San Juan offers plenty of sprawling resorts with massive pools, and even coeds younger than 21 will be able to tour a rum distillery or enjoy a refreshing piña colada – invented in Puerto Rico – thanks to a legal drinking age of 18.

The Bahamas might just 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. Those looking to clear their heads after a few nights out can island-hop to some of the country's less flashy locales to swim with pigs or lounge on pink sand beaches. Having trouble finding affordable lodging and airfare? Consider a fun-filled cruise or vacation package that bundles your resort stay and flight costs.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a spring break vacation made for night owls, thanks to its scores of nightclubs and music venues. Students can sip cocktails at a bar along the Malecón boardwalk or let loose and rave at one of the many clubs. Meanwhile, those looking to sprinkle in some adventure can book an ATV or zip line tour. When it comes to lodging, plenty of all-inclusive resorts are situated right on the beach and offer packages to entice travelers.

Punta Cana is ideal for spring breakers who plan to spend most of their time within the grounds of their 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). Nightlife options in this Dominican Republic beach spot are not as abundant as those in other destinations on this list, but if you're in the mood to dance, head to The Cave at Imagine Punta Cana.