Pack your party gear as we head off for spring break
Beach parties. All-night EDM. Drinks. Drinks. And Drinks. You’ll need a holiday to recover from spring break in the USA.
Spring break is the time when American college students let their hair down every year. Its wild parties are world famous. Fancy a trip over the pond to join them? These are the top places in the US and Central America to go for spring break.
Join the crowds for spring break
Plan your party break in the USA or Central America
So, when is spring break? It depends on the different colleges across America. Some start as early as mid-March and others go right on through to the start of April. That gives a little wiggle room of when to plan your trip.
Once you’ve got your dates it’s time to plan your break around you and what you want to do. Yes, all spring break spots cater to all night parties and plenty of nighttime fun, but there’s more to it than that. You can sample the street food of New Orleans, see world famous sights like the Grand Canyon, check out Miami Beach’s Art Deco buildings, or head to the speedway in Daytona.
10 of the hottest spring break destinations
Where to go and what to expect
It’s time to party and let loose in one of these top spring break destinations.
Miami Beach spring break
Classic spring break
Miami
Hit up Miami Beach for the ideal spring break spot. First off, take some time to stretch out on the sands and people watch on South Beach, before strolling the Art Deco district, and exploring the vibrant neighbourhood of Little Havana. No one does spring break partying quite like Miami Beach, with famous parties at LIV nightclub, cocktails at The Broken Shaker, and pool parties at Nikki Beach Club. If you time it right, you might also catch Miami Beach Pride or Ultra Music Festival (both usually held in March or April).
Look out for:
- Art deco buildings
- Instagram models on South Beach
- World famous parties
Insider tip:
Dodge exorbitant entry fees in Miami Beach’s clubs by getting there early or booking tickets ahead of time.
South Padre Island spring break
Spring break Texas-style
Texas
Spring break in South Padre Island – or SPI to the spring break veterans – ticks all your bucket list boxes. Head to this Texas resort town for 24-hour beach parties, outdoor concerts, cheap accommodation, and celebrity-hosted events. If you can shake off the hangover, enjoy sports like jet skiing, kiteboarding, and horseback riding on the sands. Take some time away from the party to visit Sea Turtle Inc to learn about sea turtle rescue before hitting up Clayton’s Beach Bar, enjoying drinks at Tequila Sunset, and taking in the party action at Louie’s Backyard.
Look out for:
- Sports on the sand and in the water
- 24-hour beach parties
- Sea Turtle Inc for animal conservation
Panama City Beach spring break
Beachside paradise
Panama City
We’re talking pristine white sand, waterfront bars everywhere and some of the best nightlife anywhere in the US for spring break. Panama City in Florida is a pure party destination, with the likes of Club La Vela bringing the big club action and Harpoon Harry’s offering the beachfront vibes. You also can’t beat the fun and the seafood dishes at Hammerhead Fred’s. And to shake off that foggy head the following day? Explore the underdeveloped beachside paradise of Shell Island, paddleboard or kayak in St Andrews State Park, or delve under the water with some scuba diving or snorkelling.
Look out for:
- Incredible kayaking
- Beachfront bars
- Sugar white sands that go on for miles
Lake Havasu spring break
Hit the lake in Arizona
Arizona
Lake Havasu in Arizona is one of the hottest spring break destinations on the West Coast of the USA. The crystal clear waters of the lake are a true party oasis, promising lake-side beach spring break parties at the likes of London Bridge Beach, Body Beach and Lake Havasu State Park. Go boating on Lake Havasu, head to Copper Canyon for cliff diving (the super high ones are only for professionals), and join the fun and games on Koko Beach. Don’t miss drinks at Martini Bay and the epic boat parties on the lake – bring your sea legs and your party pants.
Look out for:
- Lakeside beach parties
- Epic cliff diving at Copper Canyon
- Party fun at Koko Beach
Daytona Beach spring break
Florida paradise
Florida
Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics, and Daytona Beach has been a classic spring break destination in the USA for decades. Hitting up this paradise in the Sunshine State in spring break means wide open beaches packed with spring breakers and those all-out famous pool parties. Of course, there’s the Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Boardwalk too. And when it comes time to party, head to Razzle’s Nightclub, enjoy drinks at Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club, and let loose at one of the many beach parties.
Look out for:
- Famous pool parties
- The Daytona Boardwalk
- The action at Daytona International Speedway
Cancun spring break
Classic spring break
Cancun
Arrive on the Mexican shores of Cancun and you’ve truly arrived in spring break heaven. We’re talking white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and all-inclusive accommodation perfectly set up for spring breakers. Join the crowds and party at Coco Bongo, enjoy drinks at Mandala, and attend a legendary pool party at The City Nightclub. Get your culture fix with a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum, dive or snorkel the Great Maya Reef, or head into the jungle and under the water with a trip to the Xcaret eco-archaeological park.
Look out for:
- Ancient Mayan ruins
- Legendary pool parties
- Stunning scuba and snorkeling
Myrtle Beach spring break
Don’t sleep on Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach
It might not be the most famous spring break spot in the US, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on Myrtle Beach. There’s late night fun at Bubba’s Love Shack, live music at Tin Roof, and beach drinks at Landshark Bar and Grill. In the day, you can stretch out on the sand or hit the water on a kayak to check out the salt marshes of Murrells Inlet. Plus, there’s golf, paddleboarding, surfing and more. Don’t miss strolling along Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or the breath-taking views from The SkyWheel.
Look out for:
- The views from the SkyWheel
- Live music at Tin Roof
- Kayaking in the salt marshes
New Orleans spring break
The Big Easy
New Orleans
The Big Easy is right up there as one of the most popular spring break destinations in the US. Visit the French Quarter for iconic architecture, music, culture, and history. Join a second line as the music troupe heads through the city. Take a steamboat tour on the Mississippi or simply soak up the atmosphere with a drink and some street food in hand. When it comes time to enjoy some of the best nightlife anywhere in the US, head to Preservation Hall for live jazz, Pat O’Brien’s for drinks, and Bourbon Street for the craziness.
Look out for:
- Beautiful buildings in the French Quarter
- The iconic Preservation Hall
- The chance to join a second line
Cultural Fact File
New Orleans motto is: “Let the good times roll”
The city is the spiritual home of jazz
New Orleans is the most haunted city in America
Key West spring break
Keyed up on spring break fun
Florida keys
This island city in the Florida Keys is all about spring break. The entire island is just four miles long and one mile wide, making it super easy to get around on a bike. You can explore on two wheels, stumble across beach parties, and marvel at the pastel-coloured conch-style houses. For partying, have a little fun at Sloppy Joe’s, enjoy drinks at Captain Tony’s Saloon, or attend a beach party at Smathers Beach. Don’t miss a little scuba diving at the coral reefs offshore, exploring Duval Street and checking out Ernest Hemingway’s home.
Look out for:
- Colorful conch-like houses
- Beach parties at Smathers Beach
- Bike hire to get around the island
Las Vegas spring break
Party capital of America
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the ultimate party destination for spring breakers looking for some Sin City action. The party playground has all your needs covered whether you want to gamble in a world-famous casino, hit up a pool party, or dance to the best DJs in town. Don’t miss the parties at Hakkasan Nightclub, drinks at The Chandelier, and the poolside fun at Wet Republic. Don’t forget to check out the Freemont Street Experience, see a show, and enjoy some pampering at a high-class spa. A trip out to the Grand Canyon is essential too.
Look out for:
- The unique Freemont Street Experience
- Grand Canyon tours
- The big players at the tables in the casinos
Cultural fact file
Las Vegas is the brightest place on earth
Over 300 weddings happen every day in Vegas
The MGM Grand is the word’s largest hotel
Beach parties. EDM fun. Drinks. Days in the sun. Water sports. The time of your life. Enjoy a spring break holiday you’ll never forget.
Thinking of travelling for spring break? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
