All Articles Where to go for spring break this year

Where to go for spring break this year

Nonstop parties, outdoor adventure, beach getaways—there’s something for every spring breaker.

By Helen I. Hwang17 Jan 2024 7 minutes read
Cala Portals Vells, a cove in western Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Cala Portals Vells in western Majorca
Image: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

We have two pieces of good news. The first? Spring break is just around the corner. And second: it’s not too late to shake up your plans and book something special this year. But where you go for spring break depends a lot on who you’re traveling with. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a getaway with your low-key friend group, a wild time with all-out partiers, or a couples getaway, it’s clear that certain destinations excel at certain types of spring breaks. There are the tried-and-true classics (think Walt Disney World thrills), the outdoor adventure hubs (ziplining in Costa Rica, anyone?), and so much more. To help get the gears moving, here are a few of our favorite spots to brighten up your spring.


Spring break destination for families

The classic: Orlando, FL

Tourists walking down Main Street U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background at Disney World
Main Street U.S.A. at Walt Disney World
Image: Courtesy of Disney

While much of the springtime can be calm in Orlando, spring break can be bonkers, when families flock to the amusement parks like SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Legoland, and, of course, Walt Disney World. Disney tends to be the most crowded, so if you're dead set on seeing Mickey and friends, plan to stay on-property to cash in on valuable perks like early entry and extended evening hours. Time your visits to various parks by their opening and closing hours (Animal Kingdom opens at 7:30 a.m., while Hollywood Studios stays open after midnight)—and if you’re an early riser, arrive about an hour before official opening times to get through security. During peak times at the park, I also schedule my family’s meals at odd times so we can hit the ride queues when everyone else is eating.

When you want to escape the park crowds, head out on the water of Orlando’s 100-plus lakes for airboat and glass-bottom kayak tours to see gators, manatees, and more—and soak up a little peace and quiet.

More to explore

The adventure: Costa Rica

Tourists kayaking in Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Tourists kayaking in Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Image: Kryssia Campos/Getty Images

The spring’s dry, warm weather means it’s an ideal time for the outdoor adventures Costa Rica is known for—in the water, on land, and in the air. Ziplining above jungle treetop canopies put this destination on adrenaline seekers’ maps, but there are many more activities to choose from. Embark on nightly tours to see sea turtles nest at Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean side, snorkel at Playa Conchal, surf beginner-friendly waves on the Pacific coast, and hike the Arenal volcano in the middle, just to name a few. Animal-loving kiddos can also hang out with sloths and poisonous frogs—from a safe distance, of course.

Because there is so much to see from coast to coast, plan to change hotels every few days to make the most of your time off. And since it’s such an active vacation, families should consider Costa Rica when the kids are at least four years old, if not older.

More to explore

The hidden gem: Edinburgh, Scotland

People hiking through Holyrood Park, with view of Edinburgh Castle
People hiking through Holyrood Park, with view of Edinburgh Castle
Image: Andrew Merry/Getty Images

Families with young bookworms and aspiring history buffs will find plenty to explore in this Scottish capital. Steep, but easy-to-wander cobblestoned streets lead from the iconic Edinburgh Castle—which, fun fact, is perched atop a dormant volcano—down the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and now open to the public). Don’t miss a hike up to King Arthur’s Seat where the legendary ruler supposedly plopped down for a think—but be sure to pack your wellies and other rain gear, as spring temperatures average 48 degrees Fahrenheit and storms are plentiful. Throughout the city, imaginative kids can visit underground neighborhoods, dungeons, and spots where J.K. Rowling scribed the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. It’s about as close to experiencing a fairytale as you can get.

More to explore

Spring break destinations for couples

The classic: Paris

Notre Dame cathedral with houseboats on Seine during springtime in Paris
Notre Dame cathedral with houseboats on Seine during springtime in Paris
Image: extravagantni/Getty Images

With the Eiffel Tower looming over the arrondissements, there’s no escaping the wispy mist of “l’amour” that permeates the air—it feels like love songs are being piped from every café and patisserie you walk past. During the day, head to the top of the Tower and toast at the Champagne bar, overlooking the boulevards where cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, or stroll hand-in-hand in the sunny crisp air along the Left Bank near the Notre Dame (set to reopen in late 2024). And don’t miss a chance to picnic in the Jardin des Tuilleries among the flowering magnolia trees. If date night is on your mind, drop into the Louvre Museum for an enchanted after-hours tour when the statues and the glass pyramid are illuminated and crowds are non-existent. The opportunities for movie-level moments are practically endless.

More to explore

The adventure: Sri Lanka

Tourists on train ride from Ella to Kandy among tea plantations in the highlands of Sri Lanka
Tourists on train ride from Ella to Kandy among tea plantations in the highlands of Sri Lanka
Image: Gita Kelpsiene/Getty Images

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka is a haven for couples on the hunt for new shared experiences. Treks through balmy rainforests, tea plantation tours, and ayurvedic couple massages are just a few of the adventures on offer in this small island nation. Spend a day or two in Colombo, the capital, but be sure to venture into Hill Country to board the breathtaking 94-mile train ride between Kandy and Ella where you’ll pass through jungles and tea estates, spotting incredibly photogenic waterfalls and mountain vistas along the way. Then, head to the south coast to hit the water for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing (make sure to check out the stilt fishermen who work from the shallow waters). Give yourself at least a week to soak in the best of Sri Lanka—it’s well worth the PTO.

More to explore

The hidden gem: Finger Lakes

Lake Seneca pier in Watkins Glen, New York
Lake Seneca pier in Watkins Glen, New York
Image: Peter Unger/Getty Images

For couples in New England, a road trip to the picturesque Finger Lakes region, made up of 11 bodies of water, in spring is a must. As the snow melts and flowers begin to bloom, waterfall hikes and forest walks are a few of the leisurely ways to pass the time, but bring the right gear since the paths are a tad muddy. Wineries and craft brewers that dot the shores of the largest lakes, like Cayuga and Seneca, are less crowded than in the summertime, offering a cozy place to relax. Plus, come spring’s shoulder season, rates for romantic bed and breakfast hotels and destination spa hotels, like The Lake House on Canandaigua, are much lower, so you can spend more days with your beau for less.

More to explore

Spring break destinations for friends

The classic: Napa

Vineyards in Napa Valley, California
Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA
Image: Ugi K/Tripadvisor

Northern California’s premier wine region is a tried-and-true trip for friend groups looking to learn the ins and outs of wine-making (and enjoy the spoils). Sure, you can try flights in traditional tasting rooms in town—but with a big group, it’s best to book a private car, trolley, or train ride to make the most of your time exploring the vineyards. And there’s more to do than just wine tastings—there are also cooking classes, art museums, bike paths, and spas to be seen and experienced. (Don’t worry beer drinkers, you won’t be left out, thanks to spots like Tannery Bend Beerworks or Fieldwork Brewing Company.) And we can’t forget about the dynamic weather: even in the spring, daytime temperatures rise to 83 degrees but dip 30 degrees at night—so pack for all seasons.

More to explore

The adventure: Jackson, WY

Elk Refuge in winter, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, WY
Image: Chris Kofoed/Unsplash

Say “howdy” to spring in Jackson, WY, where 10-gallon cowboy hats are the norm for locals and tourists alike. This rugged Western town is surrounded by mountains like the Grand Teton, which are still covered in snow for skiing and snowboard adventures up until closing weekend in mid-April. It’s an easy gateway to Yellowstone National Park, too, where more adventures await. You and your most daring friends can go rafting, horseback riding, or take wagon tours of the nearby elk refuge. At the end of the day, gather around a fire to trade stories from the day over drinks.

More to explore

The hidden gem: Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Couple walking at Cuatro Cuatros, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Cuatro Cuatros, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Image: Miguel Santamaria/Unsplash

Rolling mountains over dusty roads lend a rustic beauty to Valle de Guadalupe, located in the northwesternmost region of Mexico. Less than two hour’s drive from San Diego, the region has evolved into an underrated haven for friends to enjoy wine-tastings and homemade meals at some of the best restaurants in Mexico. Exploring the wineries here is an adventure: As you drive along the paved La Ruta del Vino, modern tasting rooms appear out of nowhere, high above the hills. When it comes to accommodations, the area is primed for big groups, from the chic, safari-style glamping tents at Cuatro Cuatros to the eight-suite villa at Bruma. (Note: if you’re driving to/from San Diego, you’ll want to cross the border at an off-peak time since wait times on weekend afternoons can reach nearly three hours.)

More to explore

Spring break destinations for partiers

The classic: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Aerial view of pool and ocean at Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas
Aerial view of pool and ocean at Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

At the southernmost tip of Baja California, where the temperatures linger in the low 80s even in the spring, travelers come to Cabo to relax and let loose. Nightclubs are home to bouncing dance floors with multiple levels, blasting every genre of music, and bartenders vie to make the best margaritas—that is, the ones with the most generous tequila pour. Recover from a late bedtime on a pristine beach, like Chileno Beach or Medano Beach, both of which are usually less crowded at this time of year. Or, opt to stretch out in a pre-booked poolside cabana at spots like Esperanza and Villa L’Estancia Beach Resort.

More to explore

The adventure: Majorca, Spain

People dining at restaurant in Mallorca, with view of the ocean
People dining oceanside in Majorca, Spain
Image: RUSS ROHDE/Getty Images

Spring breakers from North America and party-seekers from Europe flock to this Spanish island for its vibrant nightlife—but there’s lots more to explore before the sun sets, like hidden coves, limestone mountains, and golden beaches. Travelers looking to do more than experience the cocktail scene can try kayaking, sea caving, and coasteering, an extreme sport that combines climbing, swimming, and cliff jumping into the sea. Stay in Palma to be close to the parties while still being in range to set off for exhilarating escapades to the island’s opposite coast during the day.

More to explore

The hidden gem: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tourists walking through crowded street in Ho Chi Minh City at night
Tourists walking through crowded street in Ho Chi Minh City at night
Image: Georgios Domouchtsidis/Unsplash

In southeast Asia, Bangkok and Bali might hold titles for their long-standing party scenes but Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, has some unparalleled dancing and drinking spots worth traveling for. During the day, you can stroll past charming, French-inspired architecture and duck in bustling cafes for shelter from the short afternoon downpours that come each spring. But when the sun sets, the mood shifts, and rooftop bars such as Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar and AiR Saigon, secret speakeasies, and nightclubs with international DJs shake up the booming city. Hunting out the party places is half the fun, especially as you saunter down Bui Vien, lined with bustling bars. If you want a local perspective, ask the concierge or book a nighttime scooter tour with a guide who’ll take you to pubs and local hot spots.

More to explore

Helen I. Hwang
Helen I. Hwang is an award-winning journalist, author, and mechanical engineer, who writes about food, travel, technology, and parenting. Her works have appeared in People Magazine, Parents Magazine, Eater, San Diego Magazine, Huffington Post, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine, TravelSavvy.com, and other publications. She has also written a book for the Please Touch Museum, a children's museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and worked as a researcher for the Peabody Award-winning NPR radio program, Fresh Air with Terry Gross. She’s lived in 16 places on three continents. She’s currently working on a memoir about grief, generational trauma, and parenting, and looking for an agent.