Top 15 Spring Break Destinations for College Students

Spring break is the perfect time to reenergize after loads of research papers and exams (or it could also be the perfect time to enjoy life even more after nights of partying and dating). Whatever the case may be, it’s time to make the most of this mini vacation and gain memorable experiences during spring break.  

Here are 15 strongly recommended spring break destinations for college students:

1. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving are recommended to those who would like to see the distinctive flora and fauna of the reef, but swimming at the beach is equally enjoyable. This southeastern city is also rich in cultural heritage. For the historical geek fascinated by Mayan civilization, visiting the Museo Maya de Cancun is a must. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Cancun

2. Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach prides itself for harboring the Russell Fields pier — the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico. The pier is a go-to place to fish or observe marine life, or take a stroll while being mesmerized by the sunrise or sunset. The city has beaches lining the coast, inland outdoor recreation facilities, and parks. Nature lovers do not want to miss the Conservation Park with 24 miles of trails and around a mile of boardwalks. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Panama City Beach

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta has an incredible beach and night life. One can also find a botanical garden, an art gallery, and the Los Muertos Pier. A notable esplanade here is the Malecón, where one catch the Voladores de Papantla (Papantla Flyers) perform their death-defying stunts. Mexican restaurants abound for anyone who wants to taste authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Puerto Vallarta

4. Daytona Beach, Florida

Anyone who visits Daytona Beach cannot run out of things to do there. There are landmarks, parks, museums, and other places of interest to visit. Topping the list is the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which allows the race driver in you to take the wheel and experience the adrenalin rush of speed racing. Next on the list is Ponce de Leon Lighthouse Museum, which offers a good view of both the city’s geography and history. Finally, one should not forget to visit the shallow beach of this place. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Daytona Beach

5. South Padre Island, Texas

As a barrier island that has miles of uninterrupted white beaches, South Padre boasts of harboring the best beaches along the gulf. Aside from swimming, surfing, shopping, and the nightlife, one can enjoy more “subdued” activities like sand sculpting, visiting Jerry the Atlantic green sea turtle, and setting up camp on the white sand under the stars with the sound of waves as your background music. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in South Padre Island

6. Nassau, Bahamas

"Blue Lagoon" by Dolphins - Dolphin Encounters Limited. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

As the capital of this island that is renowned as a tropical paradise, Nassau has a lot to offer. Aside from beaches, there are many inland places to visit. There is the Pirates of Nassau Museum that takes visitors to the era of pirates. There is the Queen’s Staircase in honor of Queen Victoria who helped abolished slavery in the country. The Hogland Lighthouse is another remarkable landmark that is the first to “welcome” tourists entering the port. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Nassau

7. Negril, Jamaica

Negril derives its name from the color black but its Seven Mile beach has a stretch of golden sand overlooking a vast body of blue sea. On the other hand, the Negril Cliff gives a breathtaking view of clear waters from an elevated place, a feel of the tropical air, and an experience of climbing an extraordinary rock formation with caves nearby. The cliff is indeed a confluence of earth, wind, and water. For the more religious visitor, there is the Mary, Gate of Heaven Catholic Church. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Negril

8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana offers the best golf courses in the world as they are designed by professional golfers. Other than the beaches that can be found here, one can have a zip line adventure or a trip to magical lagoons at Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park. On the other hand, one who prefers a cultural experience may listen to Dominican music or watch cultural performances while feasting on local cuisine. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Punta Cana

9. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen has diverse offerings, ranging from natural to urban to historical. It has Cenote Chaak Tun, which is a cavern with a pristine pool where swimming is allowed. There is Boca Paila that offersa  tranquil view of the sea. On the other hand, the Coba Mayan Village makes one appreciate and know more about the great ancient civilization. Back in the city proper, modern art can be found in various art galleries such as Riviera Gallery and Galeria de Arte. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Playa del Carmen

10. Las Vegas, Nevada

What’s good with Las Vegas is that it can just be a drive away unlike faraway islands. Aside from casinos where one’s luck can be tested, Las Vegas houses hotels and resorts where parties are held every night. Swim, dine, and dance at Palms Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hooters Casino and Hotel, Luxor Hotel and Casino, and a lot more.  

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Las Vegas

11. Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is a famous place that one cannot pass up. It offers a unique scene: a stretch of beaches, greenery, and towering edifices. Swimming, surfing, and Jet Skiing are some of the activities that can be done here. If one’s lucky enough, he can get a chance to see models and celebrities who frequent the area — in their sexy swimsuits.   

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Miami Beach

12. San Juan, Puerto Rico

If there is a bastion of Spanish culture and influence, it would have to be San Juan in Puerto Rico. The area is laden with preserved Spanish-influenced architecture in San Juan National Historic Site and Old San Juan while Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal offer one a glimpse of the lives of Spanish royalty. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in San Juan

13. Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel is famous for its sunsets, resorts, and lighthouses. Beaches do not only boasts of white sand but also seashells of different colors rivalling an artist’s palette. Fishing, boating, and eating fresh seafood are some of the recommended activities here. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Sanibel Island

14. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas offers a myriad of activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and even horseback riding. Aside from taking a glimpse of its multicultural past involving Spaniards, natives and pirates, no one should leave the place without seeing its most famous rock formation by the sea: the Land’s End. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Cabo San Lucas

15. Venice Beach, California

Venice Beach is named such because it mimics the Italian city of Venice that is partially submerged in water. The place has man-made canals where one can ride gondolas. Despite this, however, Venice Beach is truly American with its wide array of offerings including a skate park, murals, bars, pubs, clubs, museums, galleries, and theatres. 

Places to Stay Around: Best hotel deals in Venice Beach

Travelling to these great places not only gives one memories to cherish for a lifetime but also offers a chance to widen one’s understanding of other cultures and become more educated about the world in general. 

So, grab your friends and head to your favorite city. Spring Break 2015 is ready! Are you?