What began as a swimming coach trying to get his team to practice in Florida’s first Olympic-sized pool somehow became an integral part of the American tradition. In 1936, Sam Ingram had no idea what he would start when he brought his team down from Colgate University to Ft. Lauderdale’s Casino Pool: In 1938, the city smelled money and decided to host its first College Coaches’ Swim Forum, in which more than 300 swimmers competed—thus Spring Break was born.
Of course, it took a few years and steps to completely catch on, but soon droves of college students were showing up to Ft. Lauderdale to watch and compete in the annual forum, and then soon they were just showing up to enjoy the beaches and the city’s ambiance. And now, each school year in the spring, millions of American students look forward to the glorious week that is Spring Break.
However, with today’s access to transportation and technology, Americans have so many more choices than ever before. It’s hard to decide when something as huge as where to make this year’s Spring Break epic. So, we did the hard work and the research and found 15 of the top Spring Break Destinations.
Panama City Beach
Here is where a huge party takes place across 27 miles of white sand beaches and beautiful emerald water. The clubs are ages 18 and up, 21 to drink, and stay open until 4 am.
500,000 students choose this destination for Spring Break each year. Travel and Leisure magazine calls it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Key West
This four-mile by two-mile island is small and parking is at a premium, but since the island is so small you can bring or rent a bike or a scooter at a local shop.
From bonfires on the beach to the famous nightlife, to all the activities the island has to offer, no college student could ever leave Key West saying they were bored.
Daytona Beach
Let 23 miles of wide, hard-packed white sand take you away for a week. You can take a drive down 16 miles of the beach, or ride the waves. Activities nearby are rock climbing, beach volleyball and Frisbee tournaments, and parasailing.
Plus, it’s close enough to Universal Studios, Disney, and Sea World for a day trip. No need to drive to the clubs at night due to Daytona’s party bus that will drive you back and forth!
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is home to several amusement parks and entertainment centers, animal exhibits, events, and some of the coolest nightlife in Spring Break history.
Each week there are usually new, fun, and exciting events going on around what’s called the Grand Strand—60 miles of sandy beaches.
Playa Del Carmen
Known as the alternative to a crowded Cancun spring break, the area is easier to get around and everything is within walking distance, the club district is all on one street, and there are plenty of beach clubs, restaurants, and shops to suit all budgets and appetites.
In addition to the bustling and ever-changing nightlife, there are plenty of day activities available to fit any fancy.
San Diego
Boasting several beaches along its 70 miles of pristine coastland, San Diego has become a great alternative to the more crowded and crazy spring break destinations.
Popular daytime activities include sunning and swimming at La Jolla or Coronado beaches, as well as visiting Balboa Park, San Diego Safari Zoo Park, and visiting places like Del Mar and Seaport Villages, not to mention the thriving nightlife in Gaslamp Quarter.
Sanibel Island
Apparently, on Sanibel Island, the sunsets alone are worth spending your spring break there. It’s a small island, so you can bike everywhere and not have to worry about transportation.
And although the island has some great nighttime spots, if you really want to get your party on, you can call a taxi to take you the 10-15 minutes over the bridge to Ft. Meyers, where the nightlife is said to be explosive.
South Padre Island
Four miles of award-winning sand beaches surrounded by Laguna Madre Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. This spot attracts between 12,000-18,000 Spring Breakers each year.
The Coca-Cola Beach at the Isla Grand Beach Resort is the number one daytime hotspot. This island also boasts a giant MTV-style stage surrounded by a 50,000-watt sound system.
Cancun
Cancun has a total of 14 miles of beautiful, turquoise beaches to explore, and more than 100,000 spring breakers do each year. While the beaches on the northern side of Cancun offer more tranquil waters, the beaches on the eastern side offer more exciting waves.
During the day, take off on a boat and enjoy being a part of the dozens of offshore boat parties. At nighttime, enjoy Cancun’s busy and crazy nightlife.
Gulf Shores
For those of us who can’t travel too far and wide, there is always Gulf Shores, Alabama, which boasts 32 miles of beautiful white sand beaches. The Wharf in close-by Orange Beach offers shopping, dining, movies, a marina, an amphitheater, miniature golf, and a Ferris wheel.
There are also plenty of things to get into during the daytime, like kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat tours.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a resort city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Although this city boasts miles upon miles of beaches, only some are approved for swimming due to safety reasons.
Still, thousands of spring breakers choose Cabo San Lucas for its vibrant spring break nightlife, activities, and adventures. Besides the typical ‘booze cruises’ available, enjoy the world-famous performances by celebrity DJs and musicians, or go snorkeling at the many places it’s available.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach draws more than 16 million visitors each year, making it one of the most crowded beaches year-round. It has great scenery and is a popular spot for partying college students on a budget for spring break.
This beach also has an eclectic feeling as the spirit there is mainly bohemian. For entertainment, the party never stops in Venice, and there are many things to do for people of all interests.
Lucaya Beach
Located just 97 miles off the Florida coast, it’s easy to get to by a three-hour ferry ride. Lucaya Beach is located right across the street from the Port Lucaya Marketplace, which boasts more than 30 bars and after-hours clubs, shopping, and local flavor.
Deadman’s Reef is a popular snorkeling spot close by. Up the coast a bit lies Lucayan National Park, which features extensive underwater caves and natural trails.
Puerto Vallarta
Spring breakers come to Puerto Vallarta each year to enjoy things like spectacular all-inclusive resorts, poolside DJ parties, and all-you-can-drink bar specials. But let’s not forget the beaches, which are spectacular themselves.
The friendly people are one of the best parts about staying in Puerto Vallarta. Springbreakers will find themselves in an authentic, welcoming Mexican environment.
South Beach, Miami
Thousands upon thousands of college students converge on Miami’s South Beach each year. From backpackers to celebrities, it’s the perfect place to see and be seen. On top of the eclectic personalities to be found, accommodations to suit every taste and budget abound nearby.
And let’s not forget the hot and vibrant nightlife in Miami. It’s the perfect spring break destination!
