20 Epic Spring Break Destinations in the USA for College Students (2025)

Planning your 2025 spring break? Check out this post for 20 of the best spring break destinations in the USA for college students!

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As a college student, I always took advantage of my school breaks to travel.

When you’re in the working world, it’s not often that you get a full week (or more) off to travel. It’s even rarer to have days off at the same time as your friends or travel mates.

One of my favorite times to travel was spring break.

My friends and I traveled somewhere for spring break during all four years of undergrad – sometimes we went on big trips (like to Amsterdam); other times, we kept it super budget friendly and road-tripped to somewhere here in the States.

Since spring break will be here before you know it, it’s time to start planning your spring break adventures!

There are so many awesome spring break destinations in the USA for college students. From beach party destinations to PCB to city breaks like New York City or San Diego – no matter what vacation vibe you’re going for, you can find it in one of these awesome destinations.

Pro tip: don’t forget to pack your student ID or your ISIC card – many spring break hot spots have attractions, restaurants, and more that offer student discounts!

Ready to start planning your spring break trip? Keep reading for 20 of the best spring break destinations in the USA for college students!

This post was last updated in January 2025.

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

20 Best College Spring Break Destinations

1. Savannah, Georgia Spring Break

If you’re looking for a spring break destination that has exciting nightlife, rich history, delicious food, and is close to a beach, look no further than Savannah, Georgia – this city truly has it all.

Savannah’s Historic District is home to cobblestone streets, mansions, draping Spanish moss, and more than 20 unique historic squares.

Wandering around the Historic District is completely free and is a must-do when visiting Savannah.

The best part? If you’re 21 or older, you can roam with a drink in hand!

Get a refreshing frozen daiquiri from Wet Willie’s before exploring the Historic District, stopping for breaks at the historic squares and eventually making your way to Forsyth Park, a spot perfect for people-watching.

You can also get a ticket for the hop-on hop-off trolley that will take you around to all the main sights in the Historic District.

Did you know that Savannah is believed to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States? Don’t leave the city without taking one of the famous ghost tours.

You can find everything from haunted walking tours to hearse tours; there’s even a haunted Savannah pub crawl!

If you want a beach day on your spring break trip, you’re in luck – Savannah is less than 30 minutes away from Tybee Island, a beach destination that’s popular with both locals and tourists.

If you want to go to Tybee Island but don’t have a car, you can even book a Tybee Island day trip from Savannah that includes round-trip transportation!

Savannah is within driving distance from many places in the Eastern USA, and the Savannah-Hilton Head Airport is served by budget airlines like Allegiant which are perfect for traveling on a college student budget.

Hotels in the city’s outskirts are cheaper than those downtown, but you’ll quickly spend what you’d save on hotel costs in Uber or Lyft charges.

The Thunderbird Inn or the Hotel Indigo are both affordable choices that are conveniently located in the Historic District.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

2. Spring Break in New Orleans, Louisiana

Recommended by Devin from Deventuretime

New Orleans is a perfect spring break destination for college students looking for a great party scene, food, and history.

The famous Bourbon Street is located in the French Quarter and is one of the best places to party in the United States. It is a street lined with different bars selling oversized fishbowls and giant beers that you can enjoy while walking down the street.

Mardi Gras is held in this area early in the year, but you’ll see the iconic colorful beads being worn all year round.

Many visitors day drink on Bourbon Street, head back to their hotels to relax, then come back in the evening when the street is lit up and the bars are lively as ever.

Aside from partying, there are plenty of other amazing things to do in New Orleans.

Jackson Square is home to the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral and is filled with locals selling art and playing music. It is a great spot to relax and immerse yourself in the culture of the city!

Nearby, you can visit the historical French Market and taste some delicious local foods and try beignets from the famous Café du Monde. This is a great area to eat on a budget!

In the evening, go on a Haunted Pub Crawl to learn more about the city’s haunted history while enjoying a few drinks.

In New Orleans, students can get discounts at a variety of places including museums, restaurants, and bars. There are great discounts for the Voodoo Museum and the National WWII Museum.

Be sure to bring a student ID or an ISIC card and ask about discounts prior to purchasing tickets or entries to bars!

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

3. Boston, Massachusetts

Recommended by Nicole Hunter from Go Far Grow Close

Boston is a fantastic destination for your next college spring break.

One of the top activities to do in Boston is a food tour, like the Boston Secret Food Tour.

On this tour, you explore significant parts of Boston all while eating delicious food continuously.

If you take the tour mid-afternoon, you could even skip lunch before and dinner afterward.

Of course, you also can’t miss the Freedom Trail, where you’ll be able to learn more about Boston’s history while visiting some of the city’s most important sights.

READ MORE: 3 Days in Boston – A Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

As for one of the best night time activities that you could do, consider the Improv Asylum in Little Italy. It is improv at its best!

With multiple showtimes, you should be able to find one that fits within your schedule and budget.

As luck would have it, the Improv Asylum is right next door to one of Boston’s iconic landmarks – Mike’s Pastry. Here you can try one of the best cannolis in the city. Bring cash and prepare to wait a bit in line.

Boston is fundamentally a walking city – all of the cool historical sites, restaurants, and shopping areas are close to each other and one of the best ways to enjoy them is to walk from place to place.

However, if you prefer a rest, Boston has an excellent mass transit system, both for the city itself and the suburbs.

This means that not only can you easily access sites within Boston, but if you need cheaper accommodation, you can stay in the suburbs, and take one of the trains into Boston. The trains run frequently and are inexpensive.

An excellent choice for inexpensive accommodation on one of the train lines is The Lodge at Brandeis University.

You can also find affordable places to stay in the city center or the suburbs on VRBO.

If you’d rather stay closer to all of the action, the Moxy Boston Downtown is a fun hotel perfectly located a couple blocks away from Boston Common.

Avoid taking a taxi or an Uber around Boston. Most of the city streets run one way and through an indirect highway system that yields very expensive rides for what looks like short distances.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico – An Exotic Spring Break Destination

Recommended by Julia Williams from The Cure for Curiosity

Looking for that perfect exotic spring break destination without needing a passport? San Juan, Puerto Rico is it!

Just a short flight from the east coast, San Juan greets you with strong sun, reggaetón music, and delicious local foods, like Mofongo – all things that signify island life.

You’ll find the currency is still the US dollar as Puerto Rico is a US territory, but it is more budget friendly than the US mainland, adding to the appeal.

No matter what your budget is, there are a plethora of activities in San Juan.

You can easily fill your days with free activities, like soaking up the sun on the many beaches, exploring the streets of colorful Old San Juan, practicing your Spanish with locals in the eclectic shops, or hiking through El Yunque National Forest in search of waterfalls.

Or, spend a bit more to tour the Bacardi Rum Factory or snorkel some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean.

Come nightfall, head to Plaza del Mercado de Santurce, better known as La Placita, to dance the night away at the local clubs and bars.

You’ll find many of the venues in this area spill out into the streets creating more of a block party feel, and as a bonus, the drinking age in Puerto Rico is just 18 – no college student left behind!

If you’re looking for something different to do at night, take a tour to La Parguera to experience Bioluminescent Bay.

Not only will you have the time of your life in San Juan, but you’ll also find Old San Juan to be particularly picturesque and Instagrammable.

You and your sun-kissed skin will be the envy of all of your friends.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

5. San Diego, California

Recommended by Kay from The Awkward Traveller

While no major city in California is REALLY that cheap when it comes to student travel, San Diego has the perfect balance that can make even the most stringent of budgets last for an amazing weekend in San Diego!

First, if you are into the outdoors, San Diego has a variety of opportunities to get into nature, from the Instagram famous Potato Chip Rock to hiking to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for the best sunset spot in the city. All of them free of charge.

To stay closer to the action of the city, but still not pull out your wallet, you can spend all day soaking up history and culture at Old Town San Diego and Balboa Park.

You can even taste some of San Diego’s best restaurants at an affordable price, so be sure to check out Rustic Root, Galaxy Taco, and Felix’s BBQ with Soul.

When you’re ready to party, Omnia is the best nightclub if you want a more wild experience, or stop by the wine bar Vin De Syrah to relax over spirits.

Since Tijuana is also right next door, it makes for a great day trip with food and activities at a fraction of the cost.

If possible, renting a car would definitely cost less than grabbing an Uber or taxi everywhere, and it will also give you the freedom to stay a little further from downtown to keep lodging prices lower.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

6. Palm, Springs California Spring Break

Recommended by Monica from This Rare Earth

Less than two hours by car from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a popular desert getaway for many Californians – especially college students. 

And, Spring Break is the ideal time for the college crowd to drive in.

The triple-digit temperatures haven’t yet begun and the sunny days are still bearable after the cooler desert months, making these months beautiful.

The larger hotels of Palm Springs are known to host pool parties, hiring DJs and catering to the twenty-something crowd during the spring months.

Picture fancy cocktails, pool floats, and blaring music in front of the stunning desert backdrop.

For those in the mood to experience some of the staple Palm Springs activities, consider visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, offering bird’s eye views of the entire area, as well as the Botanical Garden and the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Palm Springs is also the perfect gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, which is a definite can’t-miss opportunity. 

Spring Breakers can enjoy some of the amazing hikes, which springtime weather is perfect for, or simply drive through the park and enjoy the alien-like landscapes and Instagrammable photo-spots.

Another unique experience in the nearby Desert Hot Springs area is the opportunity to soak in natural hot spring pools.

This can be found at a number of hotels in the area, and can be accessed by a day pass.

The mineral pools really do leave your skin feeling soft, and it’s a great way to relax after a night of partying or a day of hiking!

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

7. Zion National Park, Utah for Spring Break

Recommended by McKenna Hurd from One More Step Travels

Southern Utah is a popular spring break destination, when the weather is warm and sunny and the desert has splotches of green mixed in with the red rock.

Rent a car and hit the road for an adventure best experienced in your twenties!

One of the highlights of a Southern Utah road trip is Zion National Park, known for its iconic trails, such as Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and The Subway.

Each of these hiking adventures are challenging and require a lot of grit to complete – perfect for outdoorsy college students.

Each trail offers something different: Angel’s Landing provides the thrill of hiking along a cliff with incredible views of Zion, The Narrows trail leads through the Virgin River in a slot canyon, and The Subway is an advanced rappelling and rock-climbing adventure that requires a permit.

With the latter two hikes, be aware of flash floods, especially during the springtime, and heed warning signs when there is a threat posted.

Nearby Springdale is the gateway town to Zion National Park and a great place to grab a drink and bite to eat.

Popular places include Zion Canyon Brew Pub for the brews, Whiptail Grill for Mexican food, and Bumbleberry Inn for delicious bumbleberry bars.

Plan your trip to Zion National Park in advance and reserve a campsite in the park.

Watchman Campground is right up against red cliffs, iconic to Zion, and is a cheap place to kick it with a group of friends.

Bonus tip for saving money: purchase an annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80, splitting the cost between the group, and visit nearby national parks with it, too.

Within a five-hour radius of Zion are Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Grand Canyon, Great Basin, and Death Valley.

This Utah national park itinerary has even more details for planning a Southern Utah road trip.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

8. Spring Break in New York City

Recommended by Lyndsay from The Purposely Lost

If you’re interested in the best spring break destinations for college students, look no further than New York City.

While the City has a reputation for being expensive, proper planning can make this trip easily affordable.

Although your lodging might be the most expensive part of your trip, New York City has a number of hostels with cheap nightly rates (like Freehand New York City). Many of the major hotel chains also have frequent deals.

Instead of running your budget up with taxis, become a New Yorker and take the subway.

A weekly unlimited MetroCard is $34, which means you can ride the subway as often as you want, for as far a distance as you need to go, for a full seven days from its first swipe.

You can even spend a day on one of New York City’s many beaches for a swipe of your MetroCard, like the Rockaways, Brighton Beach, or Coney Island.

Also, many iconic locations are actually free activities in New York City.

Walk around iconic NYC bucket list sites like Central Park, Times Square, the 9/11 Memorial, and any neighborhood without paying a penny, and plan trips to museums, like the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Whitney Museum among others, around their free admission hours.

If the museum you’re interested in doesn’t have free hours, check and see if they have reduced admission pricing for students.

Many of the Broadway shows have Student Rush ticket policies as well.

For the over 21 crowd, make sure you visit a rooftop bar for dinner and drinks.

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar has an amazing view of the Empire State Building, Lucy’s Cantina Royale looks out over the old and new Penn Station complexes, and The Heights Bar and Grill has good eats on the Upper West Side by Columbia University.

READ MORE: The Ultimate New York City Bucket List

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

9. Los Angeles, California

Recommended by Francesca from Homeroom Travel

Los Angeles is one of the best spring break destinations for college students.

There are so many fun and unique things to do in Los Angeles that everyone can find something they love. Best of all, there are a ton of free and cheap things to do in Los Angeles as well.

To save money and be in the most convenient location, opt to stay in Downtown Los Angeles.

For those who want to relax, heading to one of the many beaches across Los Angeles makes for a perfect day. All beaches are free and also contain other fun activities and shops.

Hikers will find a ton of awesome hikes around Los Angeles. The Hollywood Sign, Runyon Canyon, and Griffith Park are three of the most popular hiking locations.

For TV lovers, opt to go to a TV show taping (you can get free tickets online for many shows).

Los Angeles is also home to a ton of awesome museums such as The Getty, The Broad, LACMA, and the La Brea Tar Pits.

Los Angeles has an endless selection of amazing restaurants to eat at. Make sure not to miss In N Out for a classic (and cheap!) burger or head to Grand Central Market if you have a big group so you can try a variety of restaurants.

Downtown Los Angles has an awesome bar scene.

Broken Shaker, Mama Shelter, and Perch offer gorgeous views of Los Angeles.

Clifton’s Republic and Library Bar offer fun cocktails in a cool atmosphere.

The Arts District also contains fun craft breweries such as Angel City Brewery.

No matter what, college students will find a ton of fun things to do in Los Angeles for spring break.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

10. Bozeman, Montana – A Unique Spring Break Destination

Recommended by Ryan from Passions and Places

Everyone hits the beach for spring break, so ditch the crowds and head to the mountains of Bozeman, Montana, for a unique – and budget-friendly – ski trip vacation instead.

Two of the best ski hills in Montana are within easy driving distance, with Bridger Bowl (the local favorite) only twenty minutes from downtown and the nationally-renowned Big Sky just over an hour away.

Save money on car rentals and gas (and travel more sustainably!) by using public transportation to get there.

Bus rides to Big Sky are only $10, and Bridger trips are free on the weekends. The Streamline Bus system in Bozeman is also free and will take you all over town.

For more fun in the snow, try cross-country skiing on the groomed trails of Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, just down the road from Bridger.

You can also rent gear from the Round House in Bozeman to ski or snowshoe on any of the dozens of trails just outside of town.

To ease sore muscles after a long day in the mountains, take a class at one of the many yoga studios downtown or go for a soak at Bozeman Hot Springs.

Hotels in Bozeman aren’t exactly cheap, so your best bet is Treasure State Hostel, one of Montana’s few hostels.

The Bozeman restaurant scene is spectacular for a town of only 50,000, with all types of cuisines available.

To save money, grab a delicious bagel from Bagelworks or a freshly baked donut from Granny’s Donuts.

For value at lunch, you can’t beat the massive sub sandwiches at Pickle Barrel or heaping bowls of mac and cheese from the Naked Noodle.

Montana has the second-highest number of breweries per capita of any state, and Bozeman is at the center of the craft brewing scene, with ten of them inside the city limits.

Most breweries have to close by 8:00pm, though (state law), so after a few beers, head downtown to the Rockin’ R Bar or Bar IX. Or for a real Montana dive bar experience, check out open mic night at the Haufbrau.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

11. Key West, Florida

Recommended by Megan Starr from Megan & Aram Travel Blog

One of the coolest places to go on Spring Break in the United States is Key West, Florida.

While many college students will opt for the easily accessible Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Beaches (or even up the coast to Daytona Beach), Key West kind of offers a different vibe that puts a Caribbean spin on things, making you feel as though you’ve almost left the US for a vacation.

Getting from Miami to Key West is easy if you rent a car and take things slowly.

There are many stops on your road trip from Miami to Key West worth seeing, such as Islamorada (delicious food and craft beer!), Bahia Honda State Park, and the backwaters of Key Largo.

If you’re on a budget, choose to stay on an island other than Key West, where prices are far steeper.

Marathon is cheaper and less than an hour away from Key West. There are also some affordable snorkeling opportunities in Marathon.

Once you’re in Key West, you can find a plethora of fun things to do from taking sunset cruises to partying at historic bars like Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street.

Anything goes in Key West and travelers are open-minded and just ready for a good time.

If you want to save up for one exciting day trip, you can take a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park and admire the beautiful blue waters and Fort Jefferson.

Key West may not be one of the top spots for a spring break vacation in the US, but it is a wonderful alternative to some of the traditional locations on mainland Florida.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

12. Spring Break in Phoenix, Arizona

Recommended by Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips

Phoenix’s warm climate attracts sun-loving spring breakers looking to escape the cold, brisk air of their college towns year after year.

This scenic city offers plenty of budget-friendly attractions and restaurants that any college student would love.

Grab a bite to eat at the Social Hall in nearby Tempe, where you can enjoy some delicious and affordable food while playing ping pong and listening to live music.

Another great place to take your friends is The Duce – a mall-style restaurant filled with countless unique food and drink options.

Later, book a breathtaking ride into the sky on one of the area’s epic hot air balloon rides.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, head into the surrounding desert for an exhilarating ATV tour bringing you through Phoenix’s beautiful landscape.

Once the sun goes down, head over to the Pima Canyon at the South Mountain Park and Preserve where you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime moonlight hike.

A night out in Phoenix’s bustling downtown area is the perfect way to let loose and have fun during a college spring break vacation.

Here you can search for hidden bars like UnderTow, Melinda’s Alley, and Straight Up to have a great time enjoying some drinks with your friends.

If you are not into the partying night scene, check out the nearby Tempe Town Lake. Here you can float and glow as you kayak through the warm waters of the area’s top water attraction.

A fun place for college students to stay is the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix.

Boasting a refreshing pool and proximity to all the fabulous bars and restaurants, this hotel is a fantastic option for college students trying to stay on budget for their spring break vacation.

READ MORE: How to Visit Scottsdale, AZ on a Budget

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

13. Orlando, Florida

Recommended by Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting

Spring is one of the best times to visit Orlando and avoid the oppressive heat, humidity, and crowds of summer.

This makes the Florida city an ideal spring break destination for those looking for a fun, warm-weather getaway. Here are some tips to help with your Orlando Florida trip planning.

The most well-known things to do in Orlando include the theme parks.

Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida need no explanation, but if you decide to visit any of the parks in Orlando it will take a large chunk from your budget.

There are very rarely discounts, so be wary of any “online deals” you find – discount tickets are sometimes scams.

If the theme parks aren’t in your budget, try visiting ICON Park.

It’s not Space Mountain, but you can ride the Orlando Wheel, a much more affordable ferris wheel. The ride is about 20 minutes around and along the way you can snap some gorgeous photos of the city.

Spend your evenings checking out Downtown Orlando, walking around Lake Eola and you can even take a paddle swan boat for a spin.

Afterwards you can grab a bite to eat on Church Street, the popular downtown nightlife spot. It’s got great pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants of various price ranges.

Try Hamburger Mary’s for a fun vibe and simple American burgers at an iconic bar and grille.

In the morning, grab brunch at the Stubborn Mule, it’s got an eclectic atmosphere and delicious steak and eggs with a full cocktail menu at affordable prices.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

14. Spring Break in Austin, Texas

Recommended by Ally Gibson from Ally Travels

Austin, Texas is home to some of the best music, art, and food scenes in the US, so it’s easy to see why it’s become a popular spring break destination for college students.

For day drinking, booking a bike bar tour with Pubcrawler of Austin is a must.

You’ll drink and pedal around downtown Austin while your guide tells you about points of interest and steers you to some of the best bars in the neighborhood.

If you’re looking for some Instagram worthy food, check out Taquero Mucho, it’s an all pink taquero! They have a killer brunch, and equally delicious lunch and dinner options.

For solid (and less pink) brunch options head to Perla’s or Irene’s. Both are staples in the Austin community.

For a unique Austin experience, check out the Cathedral of Junk. It’s free to see and easily one of the most interesting and random artistic developments in Austin.

The artist, Vince Hannemann has created a modern sculpture/treehouse completely out of roughly 60 tons of old junk.

During the evening, spend your time dancing to live music at popular spots like The White Horse and Hole in the Wall.

You can also hit up some of Austin’s most popular dance clubs, like Summit Rooftop Lounge, Container Bar, or Plush. Or, chill out at more low key spots like Easy Tiger Linc or Rustic Tap.

For a trendy spot to stay in downtown Austin, check out Hotel ZaZa. It’s got tons of fun amenities and is down the street from popular dining spots like The Roosevelt Room and TruLucks.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

15. Bald Head Island, North Carolina Spring Break

Recommended by Maria from Maptrekking

As a barrier island on the coast of North Carolina, Bald Head Island (BHI) is perfect for slow traveling to experience nature and relax from the stressful college atmosphere.

Though the island was the filming location for Weekend at Bernie’s, it isn’t necessarily filled with bustling nightlife and the party scene.

Bald Head Island is better suited for spring breakers looking for a destination full of history, nature, and beautiful beaches.

Check out ‘Old Baldy’, the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina. Make sure to climb to the top for an excellent view of the whole island.

Also, as a barrier island, there are a few different ecological habitats to discover: beach and dunes, a maritime forest, freshwater lagoons, and salt marsh/estuary.

For some fun activities, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the salt marsh or beach-combing for rare shells.

Over 260 species of birds have been found on the island which makes the island perfect for bird watching in any season.

BHI is also known for its sea turtle activity. Spring will be too early for sea turtle nesting or hatching but stop by the BHI Conservancy to learn more about sea turtle conservation.

The island is quirky, to say the least! Residents use electric golf carts as transport, so the only cars on the island are usually service vehicles.

Most don’t realize because Bald Head is so far north, but there are alligators on the island! They stay in or near the lagoons but can venture onto the beach, salt marsh, and even backyards.

Visiting on spring break will show you a whole different side to the island since the high season in the summer. You will be able to experience peaceful solitude and explore freely!

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

16. Charleston, South Carolina

Recommended by Brittany from Travel by Brit

Charleston, South Carolina, is the perfect spring break destination for college students to enjoy.

Between the dozens of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Downtown Charleston to the many fantastic day trips from the area, you’ll never run out of fun, budget-friendly things to do in Charleston.

Enjoy these completely free activities during your spring break in Charleston:

• Admire the 1,500-year-old Angel Oak Tree
• Stroll through Waterfront Park to see the pineapple fountain and swing on the pier
• Try some of the city’s best foods on a Charleston Walking Food Tour
• Relax on Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, or Kiawah Island
• Wander through the Charleston City Market
• Learn how tea is made at the Charleston Tea Garden
• Snap a picture at Rainbow Row

Charleston has an incredible food scene. These are some of the best restaurants and bars in the city:

• FIG – f you’re looking for an upscale dinner, FIG is a Charleston favorite that serves dishes from a seasonal, local menu.
• Poogan’s Porch – Fun spot for brunch after a night out. The chicken and waffles are amazing!
• The Commodore – Enjoy an exciting night out at this classic and iconic Charleston music club.
• The Vendue – Lounge at this hotel rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the French Quarter and Charleston harbor.
• Carmella’s – Cozy up with a boozy coffee and a sweet cannoli at this quaint dessert bar.

Looking for a place to stay in Charleston? Check out these accommodations:

• The Mills House ($$$) – Iconic pink hotel that is close to all the action on Meeting Street in Downtown Charleston.
• Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District ($$) – Located on Meeting Street and within walking distance from all the sights in Downtown Charleston.
• VRBO ($$) – Find a vacation rental located outside downtown Charleston in Mount Pleasant or James Island for the best deals on accommodations.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

17. Spring Break in Lake Tahoe

Recommended by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

At an elevation of 6225 feet, Lake Tahoe is one of the best spring break destinations in the USA for college students.

This Alpine lake shares the border with California and Nevada and is surrounded by green pine forests and majestic beaches. It’s the perfect place for a stop on an Arizona to California road trip.

You can visit Lake Tahoe at any time of the year. However, college students like to visit this beautiful lake during spring break when the water of the lake is crystal clear and the hotels offer great discounts for students.

Lake Tahoe in spring is incredible, not only for its charming weather but also for the countless fun and adventurous activities along with picturesque ski resorts.

There are several pristine beaches where you can swim in the turquoise water or just enjoy sunbathing with your friends.

There are lots of adventure activities around Lake Tahoe for spring breakers. You can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, or jet skiing.

Kirkwood and Heavenly are some fantastic ski resorts where you can enjoy skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowboarding even during the spring months.

If you are a nature lover, there are tons of hiking opportunities for spring breakers. You can also rent bikes and explore the around Lake Tahoe.

Although most of the casinos are on the Nevada side, you can find some in North Lake Tahoe also. Nightlife in the northern part is more vibrant than South Lake Tahoe.

Make sure to try the tasty Mexican dishes from La Mexicana in North Lake Tahoe. All the items are very delicious and reasonably priced.

For affordable accommodation on a college student budget, I highly recommend staying at Mellow Mountain Hostel located in South Lake Tahoe. This cozy hostel is the perfect place to meet other spring breakers!

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

18. Panama City Beach, Florida – Best Spring Break Destinations for College Students

Recommended by Daniel James from Layer Culture

When looking for the best spring break destinations for college students, Panama City Beach (PCB) is a must!

Not to be confused with the country of Panama, this unique beach town located in the north of Florida is well-positioned on the Gulf of Mexico.

More than half a million college students visit this city each year for its wild spring break celebrations. PCB is definitely one of the most popular destinations for spring breakers.

When visiting PCB, expect warm crystal waters and some of the biggest beach parties you have ever seen.

With 27 miles of white sand to sunbathe on, there is everything from live concerts and celebrity appearances, to free giveaways; you can even take part in the action on the smallest budget.

You won’t go hungry while partying on spring break because places such as Harpoon Harry’s, located right on the beachfront, is known as the ultimate party bar and serves some of the best seafood buckets in the area.

It is wise to secure your belongings when partying here, not because of petty theft, but there can be lots of water and beer splashing around, so carry a waterproof backpack to keep items like your phone or camera protected at all times.

All in all, the parties in PCB are wild and the area is moderately safe with the local authorities patrolling the area regularly, allowing you to party in a carefree manner.

If your spring break falls in March (as most college spring breaks do), keep in mind that alcohol is not allowed on the beach. The rest of the year, alcohol is permitted as long as it’s not in glass containers.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

19. Santa Barbara, California

Recommended by Daria from The Discovery Nut

For those who want to get a cultural and active spring break experience while enjoying the perfect weather, there is no better place than Santa Barbara in California.

Often called the American Rivera, Santa Barbara has a rich colonial heritage and many landmarks where visitors can learn about how this area was established by the Spanish colonists and later evolved into one of the most vibrant cities along Central California’s Coast.

To learn the history of the area, head to El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, a military outpost that was built by the Spanish settlers to protect their domain.

El Presidio no longer serves as a military outpost and instead houses an open-air museum with the second oldest building in California called El Cuartel.

The city is also home to the historic Mission Santa Barbara and Casa de la Guerra, and the most beautiful courthouse in the United States.

And when it’s time to party, head to downtown Santa Barbara where you can find plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Among other fun things to do in Santa Barbara, spring breakers can also enjoy great recreational opportunities such as surfing, kayaking, and hiking.

The surrounding Santa Ynez mountains offer tons of recreational opportunities such as hiking and trail running, and the weather in March and April, when most people head for spring break destinations is absolutely perfect.

Craving the beach? Santa Barbara provides quick access to some of the most beautiful beaches in California such as East Beach or Butterfly Beach.

Santa Barbara is not a big town but it packs on plenty of adventure and history, making it one of the best spring break destinations for college students.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

20. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Recommended by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

Nantucket island is a great destination for a college student spring break trip.

The island is packed with beautiful nature and history.

Make sure you visit the museums, especially the Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum, the Nantucket Whaling Museum, and the Museum of African American History.

They all have a student discount, so it is highly worth it to learn more about the island’s history.

Nantucket is also known for its astounding beaches and charming lighthouses.

Head to Siasconset for a day on the beach and to walk the Sconset Bluff Walk to Sankaty Head Lighthouse for sunset. It is absolutely beautiful and the views along the walk are breathtaking.

VRBO offers affordable options for accommodation and by renting a bike you can explore the whole island on a budget.

There are a lot of takeaway places that have great food from salads, wraps, and burgers for reasonable prices and what better than take the food to the beach and eat there?

Nantucket is an easy weekend trip from Boston by car or bus, but there is an own airport on Nantucket so you can easily fly in from all over the country.

BEST COLLEGE SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS IN THE USA

College Spring Break Travel Tips & FAQ

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USA College Spring Break Destinations: Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read about some of the best US spring break trips for college students, it’s time to decide where to go!

Will you go to a historic city like Boston or New York, or will you opt for an outdoor adventure like a Zion National Park road trip or a ski trip to Montana?

No matter what you choose, you’ll be able to make incredible memories all while unwinding from the stress of school.