Spring break is fast approaching, and many Americans are turning their minds to vacations, ocean breezes, beachside afternoons and music-filled nights. The most popular spring break destinations bring nonstop energy, iconic attractions, and great nightlife. From sun-soaked beaches and pool parties to world-famous entertainment, where you decide to travel makes all the difference.

So, where should you go when the countdown to spring break begins? We’ve researched the five most popular spring break destinations. To find the best value for money, we’ve included the average price of a hotel for 6 nights in mid-March, meal costs, and top-rated bars to visit.

Jump to:

• Orlando
• L.A.
• Cancun
• Puerto Rico
• Fort Lauderdale

Which are the most popular spring break destinations?

1. Orlando

• Nearest Airport: Orlando Airport (MCO)
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $20
• Average Temperature in March: 77°F (25°C) to 57°F (14°C)
• Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $993.50
• Top-Rated Bars: Tom’s Watch Bar (4.8), Mathers Social Gathering (4.6), AC Sky Bar (4.5)

Spring break in Orlando is a whirlwind of entertainment. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the city takes spring break to a new level. It’s a natural draw for students and families seeking both thrills and relaxation. The centerpiece is, of course, the world-famous theme parks.

Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are packed with visitors. Lines will be long for rides and attractions, but the weather is warm and sunny, making the wait more pleasant. It’s also ideal for water parks like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Outside the parks, there are nightlife and entertainment districts like International Drive and Downtown Disney. These cater to the spring break crowd with live music and themed shows. Local beaches are a short drive away, with a chance to unwind and soak in the sun. Hotels and resorts are competitively priced and often host special events too. In Orlando, spring break is pure adventure, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

2. L.A.

• Nearest Airport: Los Angeles International (LAX)
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $25
• Average Temperature in March: 68°F (20°C) to 52°F (11°C)
• Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $987.90
• Top-Rated Bars: Seven Grand (4.6), Everson Royce Bar (4.5), Far Bar (4.4)

Spring break in Los Angeles is full of sunshine, culture, and nonstop fun. From the Hollywood sign to Santa Monica beach, L.A. has something for everyone. The city is packed with trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and live music venues. Downtown, Hollywood, and West Hollywood are the best areas for partying. Food options range from casual taco stands to fine dining, all depending on your budget.

tf

Visitors can see famous sights like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach. Outdoor lovers can hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, bike along the coast, or surf at Malibu Beach. Shoppers will love a walk down Rodeo Drive, The Grove, and Melrose Avenue.

With mild March temperatures, beaches, trails, and entertainment, L.A. is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

3. Cancún

• Nearest Airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN)
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: 200 MXN($11.44)
• Average Temperature in March: 82°F (28°C) to 74°F (23°C)
• Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $2,795.50
• Top-Rated Bars: Mandala Beach Club (4.5), Monkey Business Cancún (4.5), Coco Bongo Cancun (4.3)

Spring breakers flock to Cancún for its world-class bars and beach clubs. It’s earned its place among popular spring break destinations with great weather, live DJ performances and bustling themed parties.

While hotels can be pricier during spring break season, dining options range from cheap local taquerías to high end restaurants. So, it’s easy to tailor the break to your budget, and still enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Planning ahead and making use of nearby stores can stop you from overspending. All-inclusive resorts are another option, if you wish to save on meals and drinks.

With sunny March weather, luxurious resorts, endless nightlife, Cancún is the best spring break destination for thrill-seekers.

4. Puerto Rico

• Nearest Airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $20
• Average Temperature in March: 90°F (32°C) to 74°F (23°C)
• Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1,338.80
• Top-Rated Bars: La Placita de Santurce (4.8), La Factoría (4.6), El Boricua (4.6)

Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise and a great spring break destination. Explorers and partygoers are always happy here. You can sunbathe on white-sand beaches like Isla Verde, or hike across the El Yunque National Forest. Night times in San Juan’s old town are a real treat. Surrounded by colorful colonial architecture, the plazas are lively with revelers, and music fills the air. Check out La Placita de Santurce, where people dance until the early hours.

Puerto Rico’s also great for surfing, kayaking, and beach sports. If you have time, make the most of your vacation with visits to nearby islands like Culebra and Vieques. Ferries are very frequent and extremely cheap, so day trips are easy to arrange. Anywhere you go, the warm March temperatures are ideal for exploration.

5. Fort Lauderdale

• Nearest Airport: Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $25
• Average Temperature in March: 79°F (26°C) to 63°F (17°C)
• Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1,214.40
• Top-Rated Bars: Rooftop @1WLO (4.7), Glitch Bar (4.7), Rhythm & Vine (4.5)

Fort Lauderdale is a classic spring break destination. Beautiful beaches and lively nightlife define the place. If partying isn’t your top priority, there are plenty of spots for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports around. The Intercoastal Waterway offers boating and yacht tours too.

You’ll find lots of special spring break events at hotels and resorts nearby. Music festivals, beach events and trendy lounges cater to the spring break crowd. Las Olas Boulevard is a key hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and live music.

For a quieter time, you might explore the nearby Everglades. This area of natural beauty is ideal for airboat tours and wildlife spotting. The skies will be clear for sightseeing, and the breeze will be cool and comfortable. In short, Fort Lauderdale is a memorable spring break trip for students, groups of friends, and those seeking both fun and sun.

If you’re still not sure where to go, check out our best places to visit in spring, or family spring break ideas.

FAQs

Sources

• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index
• Average Temperature in March: AccuWeather. Average highs and lows calculated from entire month’s figures.
• Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): Expedia. Average calculated by first ten non-sponsored results.
• Top-Rated Bars: Google Maps. Bars were chosen based on number of reviews and overall ratings.

Main image: Madison Oren – Unsplash