Top 15 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
Spending a week in the sun doesn't have to cost a fortune for spring breakers. Toplist carefully analyzed and selected the Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations ... read more...for you so that you may have all the fun without paying all the fees. View the complete list below and cast your vote for your favorites to influence the rankings for the following year.
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On the Mississippi River and close to the Gulf of Mexico is the Louisiana metropolis of New Orleans. The area is referred to as the "Big Easy" and is well-known for its nonstop nightlife, thriving live music scene, and spicily unique food that reflects its history as a fusion of French, African, and American cultures. Mardi Gras, the late-winter celebration known for boisterous costumed parades and street parties, personifies its joyous spirit. This place can be seen as one of the Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations.
The city of New Orleans is renowned for its architecture in the European style, delectable Creole food, and upbeat atmosphere. Jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll, and Zydeco tunes pour from every city crevice, serving as the city's musical backbone. But Mardi Gras, an extravagant celebration featuring Carnival-style elements including masks, music, floats, and fun, is the main attraction for many people. Even if you can't make it to Mardi Gras, you may still have fun all year long because there are festivals virtually every weekend and crowds of people leaving Bourbon Street clubs until the wee hours of the morning.
The BP oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Isaac were all environmental catastrophes in the past, but New Orleans is still thriving today. Significant attempts have been made over the past few years to restore the unique districts. The Crescent City appears to be almost brand new right now. Start your trip in New Orleans by taking a walking tour of the French Quarter, which still preserves its colonial history and ghost stories. After visiting the main architectural attractions, you can have a filling plate of jambalaya and a wild night out.Location: Louisiana, the United States
Best time to visit: February to May
Price: $1,336 for one person per week
Ranking:
- #1 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- #1 Best Places to Visit in February
- #2 Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
Website: https://www.nola.gov/
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A barrier island of the same name off the southern coast of Texas is home to the tourist community of South Padre Island. It is renowned for its sandy beaches and placid waters. The 5-story watchtower of the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center offers views of migratory birds. Boat tours and touch tanks are available at the South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center. At Sea Turtle Inc., sea turtles are saved and given new lives.
Every March, students pack themselves into cars and drive to South Padre Island for 24-hour beach parties and spring break fun in the sun. Although spring breakers still reside on the island for a little over a month, the region has had a sort of comeback as a well-liked family vacation spot. This is due to South Padre Island, also known as SPI, providing vast sandy beaches, clear water, and a variety of entertaining activities for children of all ages.
But South Padre Island is more than just beach fun. In addition to deep-sea fishing cruises and dolphin-watching excursions, kiteboarding is a popular recreation. In search of protection from the cold, northern Texans are also drawn by the reliably warm weather. This beachfront paradise is located just a day's drive from important Texas towns like Houston and Dallas, so it makes sense.Location: Texas, the United States
Best time to visit: September to February
Price: $1,421 for a solo traveler, $2,552 for a couple, and $4,785 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip
Ranking:
- #2 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- #3 Best Spring Break Destinations
- #3 Best Beaches in Texas
Website: https://www.myspi.org/
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Northwest Florida's Panama City Beach is a waterfront community and popular vacation spot. The Gulf of Mexico's calm, clear waters are fronted by miles of white-sand beaches. St. Andrews State Park, one of two local protected nature preserves, features hiking paths and fishing piers and is flanked by the Gulf of Mexico. The main gathering place for shopping and big events is Pier Park.
The ideal vacation destination in Florida is Panama City Beach. White beaches? You got it. Subtropical environment? Check. Playing bottlenose dolphins in the surf? Check. Panama City Beach is a city in northwest Florida that is most well-known for being a spring break destination for college students. It is located about 47 miles east of Destin and roughly 100 miles southwest of Tallahassee. However, the city rapidly noticed a decline in the bacchanalia once new rules prohibiting alcohol on the beach during the month of March were adopted. This is wonderful news for families and couples looking for an economical, warm-weather getaway.
Although the 27 miles of white beaches are what immediately entice visitors to this vacation sanctuary, Panama City Beach offers much more. With two state parks (St. Andrews and Camp Helen) enclosing it on both sides, one of the largest sport fishing fleets in the world, as well as one of the highest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins anywhere in the world, PCB is a wildlife and nature enthusiast's dream come true.Location: Florida, the United States
Best time to visit: May through October
Price: $1,800 for a solo traveler, $3,233 for a couple, and $6,061 for a family of 4 for 7-day trip
Ranking:
- #3 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- #10 Best Spring Break Destinations
- #19 Best Places to Visit in Florida
Website: http://www.pcbgov.com/
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The Florida Keys archipelago includes the island city of Key West in the United States. Along with being the southernmost point of Florida, it is located around 90 miles north of Cuba. A popular cruise ship stop known for its pastel-colored conch-style homes, it is also reachable from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It is better recognized than its beaches for its coral reefs, which are popular spots for diving and snorkeling.
Key West offers a laid-back yet surprise beachfront vacation because of its sunny beaches and eccentric locals who believe in living in the moment. Follow the locals' lead and explore where your free spirit may lead you (possibly on a guided tour or a snorkeling trip). You can find yourself at a bar on Duval Street, in a store on Mallory Square, or even visiting Ernest Hemingway's former house.
Key West has previously threatened to secede (in 1982 with a faux secessionist campaign to establish "The Conch Republic"), so this is definitely the time to toss a rigid itinerary out the window. Set your own pace while strolling, sipping a margarita, and spotting a six-toed cat. While Hurricane Irma did have an impact on the region in late 2017, Key West has fully recovered.
Location: Florida, the United States
Best time to visit: spring season
Price: $2,450 for a solo traveler, $4,400 for a couple, and $8,249 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip
Ranking:
- #4 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- #4 Best Places to Visit in Florida
- #17 Best Beaches in the U.S.
Website: http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/
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On the Atlantic side of Florida sits the city of Daytona Beach. You will have one of the Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations when you come here. It is well-known for hosting the renowned Daytona 500 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in February. There are specific spots where driving is allowed on the hard-packed sand beach. The Daytona Beach Bandshell presents free summer performances close to the boardwalk's amusements and arcades. The water park in Daytona Lagoon, located close to the beach, features waterslides, go-karts, and laser tag.
Many tourists will be tempted when they hear that Daytona Beach has "23 miles of oceanfront," but the average visitor usually has something else in mind. Despite efforts to target families (Orlando, the epicenter of theme parks, is only an hour south), Daytona Beach draws millions of tourists each year who are looking for speed and spring break. And although though many college students have relocated to hipper places (like Miami Beach, for example), this east Florida community is still a popular destination. The NASCAR franchise has welcomed a different kind of festive environment thanks to its image as the "it" party spot. Daytona Beach attracts visitors who want to get a close-up look at their favorite racing car drivers because it is best known for the Daytona International Speedway.
All motor vehicles are loved by locals and guests alike. Both Biketoberfest and Daytona Beach Bike Week often draw large crowds to the beach. Supercross and kart racing are also routinely held events. Cars are actually permitted on beaches because people adore them so much. In order to get to the sand, assemble your family or your friends, pile into your car, and drive there. It will undoubtedly be an action-packed getaway.
Location: Florida, the United States
Best time to visit: between March and May
Price: $1,180 for one person per week
Ranking:
- #5 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
- #9 Best Spring Break Destinations
Website: https://www.codb.us/
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The barrier islands known as the Outer Banks separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland off the coast of North Carolina in the United States. They are well-liked vacation spots because of their open-sea beaches, state parks, and shipwreck diving locations. Sir Walter Raleigh funded the first English settlement in the New World, which was located on Roanoke Island.
The Outer Banks are dripping with history—the Wright brothers made their illustrious first flight here, Blackbeard fought his final conflict there, and the enigmatic Lost Colony vanished. However, the OBX group of barrier islands, which situated off the coast of North Carolina, isn't just for history aficionados. Along with fishing, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing, these activities draw the most daring. The Outer Banks gained the moniker "the graveyard of the Atlantic" due to its estimated 3,000 shipwrecks, which can be explored by snorkeling or scuba diving. The beaches, mini-golf courses, and North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island are popular with families.
Old lighthouses, rocky dunes, and isolated beaches in the south combine with vacation homes, water sports, and kitschy beach stores in the north to create a distinctive coastal destination. Each community has its own appeal. For those who want to bypass excessively developed tourist destinations and go straight to pristine beaches, the OBX is great. There isn't a lot of nightlife, but there is a ton of beauty in nature. Beaches are busier in the summer, but with so many places to visit dispersed along the barrier islands, you probably won't encounter overwhelming crowds at any time of year.Location: North Carolina, the United States
Best time to visit: between March and May or September and November
Price: $1,276 for a solo traveler, $2,292 for a couple, and $4,296 for a family of 4 for 7-day trip
Ranking:
- #1 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
- #4 Best Cheap Family Vacations
- #6 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
Website: https://www.outerbanks.org/
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A large portion of the enormous Grand Canyon is located in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, where the red rock's stratified bands show the geological history of millions of years. In addition to Mary Colter's Lookout Studio and Desert View Watchtower, other viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and her residence. Particularly around sunrise and dusk, Lipan Point is well-liked for its expansive views of the canyon and Colorado River. This place can provide one of the Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations.
A mere description of this canyon as "grand" is inadequate. This vast gap in northern Arizona is a true natural wonder, measuring around 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. The Colorado River has helped the Grand Canyon grow for six million years, and for hundreds of years, visitors from all over the world have come to admire its magnificent red and orange hues. The Grand Canyon, which is overseen by the National Park Service and is formally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, astounds its roughly 6 million tourists each year.
However, you should be ready if you're looking for a quiet getaway in nature: It can get quite crowded at the Grand Canyon. For tourists and hikers, the South Rim, which is home to Grand Canyon Village and the well-traveled Bright Angel Trail, is especially well-liked. You'll discover the majority of amenities on this side. Go to the North Rim for a respite from the crowds. Backcountry camping and challenging hiking can be done here. Consider taking a helicopter tour for an incredible view of the canyon.
Location: Arizona, the United States
Best time to visit: between April and June
Price: $911 for one person per week
Ranking:
- #1 Best Places to Visit in the USA
- #1 Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.
- #7 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
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Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are in Florida and are about 30 miles off the coast of Fort Myers. Florida is the ideal getaway vacation location. There is no other place like Sanibel and Captiva Islands to escape to, whether it's for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or just to relax on the lovely beaches.
Two small islands off the coast of Florida, Sanibel and Captiva, are well known for their laid-back, tranquil beach atmospheres. A level of serenity found nowhere else is evoked by the immaculate white sand beaches and the verdant tropical setting. This is the ideal location for you to be if you want to rest and unwind.
This remote Fort Myers outpost is thought to be even more laid-back, serene, and charming than its Gulf Coast neighbor, which is saying a lot. On Sanibel Island, casual is the norm; a shabby chic atmosphere permeates the Periwinkle Way galleries, restaurants, and boutiques; and seashells cover every bit of sand and linoleum. In fact, this island's (and its smaller sister, Captiva) claim to fame is its profusion of seashells. Any long stretch of sand will have a large number of beachgoers practicing the "Sanibel Stoop," as the locals refer it shelling. If the mood strikes you, aim to join them for at least one afternoon during your stay. Sanibel's relaxed people wouldn't have it any other way.
Location: Florida, the United States
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 1,539 Google reviews
Best time to visit: December-April
Price: $2,372 for a solo traveler, $4,260 for a couple, and $7,987 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip
Ranking:
- #3 Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
- #5 Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
- #8 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
Website: https://www.mysanibel.com/
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The hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches, is the city and tourist town of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. This is one of the Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations. It's renowned for its golf courses that famous people have developed. Aside from the vintage Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the nation, the promenade along the city's shoreline is lined with restaurants, arcades, and gift shops.
Myrtle Beach's major attraction is its immaculate beaches, but there is more to this popular vacation destination than its 60 miles of brown sand. Myrtle Beach, one of the most well-liked East Coast family holiday spots, has amusement parks with everything from roller coasters to race tracks to water slides. The family can enjoy pirate or medieval-themed revues while eating dinner while the outlet mall-loving members of the family spend time playing golf at one of the more than 100 courses in the vicinity. When you're not at the beach, family members of all ages can be entertained at places like Ripley's Aquarium and the Broadway Grand Prix. For sports fans, there is also a minor league baseball team. In summary, Myrtle Beach is the best place for families searching for a wide range of affordable entertainment options.
Location: South Carolina
Best time to visit: June through August
Price: $971 for one person per week
Ranking:
- #6 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
- #8 Best Cheap Family Vacations
- #9 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
Website: https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/
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Mexico's Riviera Maya region of the Caribbean coast is home to the seaside resort town of Playa del Carmen. It is well-known for its coral reefs and palm-lined beaches in the state of Quintana Roo. Alongside the beach, the city's Quinta Avenida pedestrian thoroughfare features blocks of boutiques, eateries, and nightlife venues, from chill bars to dance clubs.
Along the Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen has created a distinct Euro-chic niche for itself. In keeping with this small community's emerging image as the location in Quintana Roo to see and be seen, sophisticated expats and vacationing Europeans unwind at the beachside lounges. El Zócalo serves as the hub of the neighborhood, and like other Mediterranean beach towns like Nice, it is conveniently close to the beach.
La Quinta Avenida, which runs along to the shore just outside the square, is lined with funky boutiques and great restaurants for several blocks. Playa del Carmen appeals both history fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike because of its proximity to the ancient ruins of Tulum and the abundance of natural landscapes to explore (such as Ro Secreto, Xel-Há, and the underwater depths of the Caribbean Sea). Even the pickiest beachgoers are impressed by Playa's expanses of pristine sand and stunningly turquoise ocean. Cancun is a relic of Mexico's past; today's sophisticated beachgoers favor the urban "Playa."Location: Mexico
Best time to visit: between April and May
Price: $1,316 for a solo traveler, $2,364 for a couple, and $4,431 for a family of 4 for one week
Ranking:
- #2 Best Places to Visit in Mexico
- #4 Best Places to Visit in February
- #10 Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations
Website: https://gobiernodesolidaridad.gob.mx/
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Cancun is a city in Mexico that is situated on the Yucatán Peninsula and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea. It is well-known for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife. El Centro, the more conventional downtown district, and Zona Hotelera, a lengthy coastal strip lined with high-rise hotels, nightclubs, stores, and restaurants, make up this city. Additionally, Cancun is a well-known spring break destination for students.
One of the most well-known spring break locations in the world is Cancun, a planned resort area with 21 kilometers of white-sand beaches and a variety of resort choices for families. There are several reasonably priced activities available to visitors, ranging from snorkeling the vast barrier reef that protects the small island to sunbathing and people-watching. There are lots of options for evenings, and there is always live music and something going on.
Visit the accessible and informative Cancun Mayan Museum (Museo Maya de Cancn) and the nearby El Rey Maya Archaeological Site (El Rey Zona Arqueológica) for a glimpse into the pre-Columbian Maya culture if you need a break from the heat. The Cancun Interactive Aquarium is a great place for those who like to see marine life up close, and for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, check out the Cancun Underwater Museum, which features submerged sculptures.Location: Mexico
Best time to visit: December through April
Price: $1,116 for a solo traveler, $2,004 for a couple, and $3,758 for a family of 4 for 7-day trip
Ranking:
- #35 Most-visited cities in the world
- #3 Most popular destinations in the world
- #11 Best cheap spring break destinations
Website: https://cancun.gob.mx/
- #35 Most-visited cities in the world
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In addition to being a significant cruise ship port, Montego Bay, the parish seat of Saint James on Jamaica's north coast, is also home to a number of golf courses and beach resorts. Doctor's Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach, which has an amusement park, are both well-known beaches. The sheltered waters of Montego Bay Marine Park also offer opportunities for diving and snorkeling at coral reefs. You'll find it in the alluring "Mobay" whether you're looking to unwind on flawless white sandy beaches with brilliant blue skies above, be carried away in the rocking nightlife only feet from your hotel, or have exhilarating adventures that etch lifetime memories.
It is a wonderful crossroads of cultures, bustling with natives, tourists, and foreigners who have settled in Jamaica. Enjoy the vibrant bars and clubs, the variety of restaurants, the sparkling beaches, our people's amazing artistry and workmanship, and the varied lodging options here, which range from all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels.
The swimming, snorkeling, and range of other sports in the warm waters of the sheltered bay are what draw tourists to MoBay. Beyond the wide beaches flanked with palm trees, Montego Bay offers a variety of attractions, including thrilling zipline trips through the jungle canopy and guided tours on bamboo river rafts.
Location: Jamaica
Best time to visit: December to AprilPrice: $1,826 for a solo traveler, $3,279 for a couple, and $6,148 for a family of 4 for 7-day trip
Ranking:
- #4 Most popular destinations for summer travel in the U.S.
- #12 Best cheap spring break destinations
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It can be seen that Punta Cana is one of the Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations. The Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean both border Punta Cana, the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic. The area is well-known for its 32 km of beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Bávaro region and Punta Cana region come together to form La Costa del Coco, also known as the Coconut Coast, which is home to opulent all-inclusive resorts. Zip lining, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing are all popular there.
The most popular beach resort in the Dominican Republic boasts a surprising number of inexpensive resorts, several of which provide cost-effective all-inclusive options. Punta Cana, one of the most popular spring getaways, is particularly well-known for its superb parasailing conditions, and visitors will find it simple to acquire instruction and affordable equipment rentals.
The most well-known and often visited beach in the resort town is Bávaro, which is located at its northernmost point. You may discover a variety of resort restaurants with ocean views here for a midday snack, as well as day and nighttime entertainment right on the beach. Follow the shoreline south to some of the quieter areas if you want to escape the crowds.Location: Dominican Republic
Best time to visit: October to December
Price: $1,889 for a solo traveler, $3,393 for a couple, and $6,360 for a family of 4 for one week
Ranking:
- #2 Most sought-after tourist destinations in Latin
- #13 Best cheap spring break destinations
Website: https://www.puntacana.com/
- #2 Most sought-after tourist destinations in Latin
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On Mexico's Pacific coast, in the state of Jalisco, sits the vacation community of Puerto Vallarta. The natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta's beaches, which are encompassed by the Sierra Madre mountains, the essence of its culture, gastronomy, and customs, as well as the warmth and generosity with which visitors are received like friends, all serve to define the city. This beautiful place has a taste and character that are very Mexican. The beautiful Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe church, boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants and bars are all located in the town's cobblestone core. A beachfront strip called El Malecón features modern sculptures in addition to bars, cafés, and nightclubs.
Puerto Vallarta's stunning beaches face the protected waters of Bahia de Banderas, making it the perfect destination for swimming and snorkeling. There is also space for more daring activities like jet skiing and parasailing.
Once renowned as a posh resort town for the wealthy, Puerto Vallarta today has a wide selection of economical and trustworthy hotels as well as reasonably priced all-inclusive resorts, making it possible to travel there for spring break on a reasonable budget.Location: Mexico
Best time to visit: late November through March
Price: $1,416 for a solo traveler, $2,543 for a couple, and $4,768 for a family of 4 for one week
Ranking: #14 Best cheap spring break destinations
Website: https://www.puertovallarta.gob.mx/
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The major city and county seat of Grand County, located in eastern Utah in the western United States, is Moab, which is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. It serves as an entrance to the enormous red rock formations of Arches National Park. The Green and Colorado rivers created mesas and buttes in the Southwest's Canyonlands National Park, which also houses Native American rock art. There are dinosaur footprints to be seen at places like Copper Ridge and Bull Canyon Overlook. Dinosaur bones and ancient relics are among the holdings at the Museum of Moab in the city.
With a wealth of natural attractions, Moab is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and active tourists. Camping in the Moab region can be cost-effective for those who enjoy the great outdoors. A climb to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park ought definitely be the first stop on your spring break adventure schedule.
Hiking and experiencing Utah's breathtaking nature is one of the best things to do here during warm weather. The Mesa Arch path in Canyonlands, in the Island in the Sky area of the park, is another must-do trek and offers tourists picturesque vistas that match those of the Grand Canyon.
Location: Utah, the United States
Best time to visit: March – May
Price: $869 for one person per week
Ranking: #15 Best cheap spring break destinations
Website: https://moabcity.org/