The Top 5 Spring Break Destinations for College Students in the U.S.

By Kait Spong

Spring Break has definitely been glorified in American culture as the end-all-be-all of college experiences. Movies depicting all-out, indulgent beachfront blasts have become a genre in its own right, setting the tone for many first-time spring breakers in terms of their expectations when it comes to the non-stop party event of the year.

Whether it’s your first or final spring break, there are many ways to indulge in the time out of school. Sure, some decide to use the time to amp up their productivity before finals, but this should not be your go-to attitude. Everyone needs to press a mental reset button from time to time. (Take it from an aging Millennial, who is now navigating the professional world and wishes she would have taken a little more “me-time” in her undergrad career.)

Not only is it completely justifiable, it’s even— gasp, dare I say it? — normal and healthy to step away from all of your commitments, assignments, and worries for a week and indulge yourself with some spring break fun. Now, if you don’t consider yourself a beach bum, no need to fret! There are plenty of places you can go within the continental United States –hey, we realize you’re working with a student budget! – to appease your inner thrill seeker. With that in mind, here is uCribs’ list of Top 5 Spring Break Destinations for College Students in the U.S.

South Padre Island, Texas

When you think of Texas, you might not exactly see the state as a tropical paradise in your mind, but believe it or not, South Padre Island has been named as a Top Spring Break Destination on numerous travel publications. Although many students no longer use it as a “two-nation destination” with the U.S. Department of Safety advising against the 30-minute trip to nearby Mexico, there are no shortage of spring break activities in South Padre Island itself.

The barrier island boasts ten Texan-sized nightclubs, surfboard rentals, parasailing, dolphin watching, and just about every fun, beach-related activity that comes to mind. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with nature and take in the beauty of a thriving coastal region before you are holed up in your student apartment for the remainder of the semester.

Miami, Florida

Although locals may be annoyed by that Will Smith song that everyone seems to spontaneously start singing when you mention the word Miami, you have to admit that it is the place to be for an authentic spring break getaway. Sure, there are pool parties on the beaches every day, bonfires each evening, and all the delicious food and drink your heart desires, but there are also many practical activities that constitute the perfect agenda for any vacation.

If you’re not feeling the party-going after day three or four, check out one of the many Miami museums, organized tours, water parks, or other staple attractions including the Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island, or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Finishing off your holiday with some mild-mannered activities will be the perfect way to transition back into your daily routine on campus.

Las Vegas, Nevada

As they say, Vegas is a hell of a town, and here at uCribs, we realize there is no denying that. A city full of overly excessive fun and nightlife with a pulse so vibrant and unique that you don’t ever really feel like leaving—what more could you ask for out of a spring break destination? We’ve come to the simple conclusion that … umm, not much. Like Miami, Las Vegas has all the poolside attractions you could ask for at some of the most lavish hotels and resorts in America. Hey, if you can save up, it may just be worth the splurge even on your tight student budget.

And of course, you cannot forget the Las Vegas strip, which boasts four miles of shopping, dining, entertainment venues, amusement parks and rides, and even golfing. You can snag a ticket to a performance through GroupOn or other discount websites, shop for souvenirs, or just walk along the Strip and take in all the amazing, kitsch sites that are so uniquely Vegas.

Los Angeles, California

…And we’re back on the beach, but instead of rocking the southeast Atlantic, now we’re heading out west to the one-and-only Los Angeles, California! Sure, there are the typical beach activities that you can enjoy at El Matador State Beach, Leo Carrillo State Park, or Zuma Beach. But with the wonderment of Hollywood on the horizon—no, like literally, the name is spelled out on the famous Hollywood Sign— there’s never a shortage of activities that appeal to all interests, hobbies, and passions in L.A.

Take a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood where you can tour the famous back lots of film sets where all the magic happens, meet your favorite celebrity’s wax doppelganger at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, or take the Hollywood realty tour where you can see where all of your favorite stars unwind after long, demanding shoots. Whether you’re a beach bum or pop culture nerd, you’ll find your calling in the always fabulous L.A. this spring break!

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is constantly gracing the lists of printed and online travel guides—and with good reason! It’s unlike any other city in America—at least according to Tennessee Williams, but hey, we think he’s really on to something!

But if New Orleans is anything, it’s a friendly, intimate southern metropolis that welcomes visitors throughout the fall and spring seasons—before it gets a little too hot and humid for summer. Spring break in March and April coincides with a lot of happenings in this funky little city including Mardi Gras (depending on the year), the French Quarter Festival, the Mardi Gras Indian Super Sunday, Buku Music and Art Project, and more. Seriously, the list goes on and on in the Crescent City— just remember to always ask for your Go-Cup…if you’re over 21, that is!

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