Spring Break Cities That Are Worth The Price
Las Vegas, Nevada
Home to some of MTV's most memorable spring break coverage and clubs that remain open around the clock, Las Vegas is undoubtedly a top party spot year-round. From pool parties to elaborate clubs and hotels on the strip, there isn't much that comes cheap in Vegas, especially if you want to be in the middle of all the action. Party hotspots can get pricey and just about every hotel on the strip can charge a premium during spring break. Of course, there's always a chance to win big at the tables, but gambling can also be a costly adventure in Sin City.
Spring Break Cities That Are Worth the Price
There are spring break spots out there that offer some great deals on drinks and lodging. Some might even be within driving distance, which can save you big money on airfare, but then there are those incredible dream locations that are way out of your budget, but are totally worth it. They may fit into your budget this season; if not, you can always start saving for next year.
South Beach Miami, Florida
Arguably the single most popular spring break destination in the world, South Beach Miami is a top spot on many wish lists. The fact that the area is so popular certainly doesn't help to bring prices down. The city is synonymous with some of the best nightlife in the world and the proximity to the beach is a major draw as well. Many of the hottest clubs are hosting major events with world-famous DJs.
Palm Beach, Aruba
This island nation is straight out of a dream—pristine beaches, the finest resorts and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. The Palm Beach area is home to the best nightlife, hotels and beaches—from the no-frills Senor Frogs to the boutique-style Confession Club that pumps European house music and features a spacious interior and fully-stocked mega bar. Flights to Aruba can get pricey, especially during the spring break period, and hotel rates are high as well.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is becoming the "it" destination for fun. This is bringing up the prices for everything. You won't miss the beach because you are only a short drive away from five beach towns. People go to this gorgeous southern city for the food, golf courses, and historic sites. You can get an all-inclusive "ticket" to a few restaurants, and drink and eat as much as you can for one price. Kids love the dolphin sightings and pirate quests on the Palmetto Breeze Catamaran. The average hotel is $220 per night.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
This high-end destination is a major spring break hub, offering some of the finest food and hotels in the entire country and the parties are top-notch too. Home to many all-inclusive resorts and some of the most incredible spring break nightlife anywhere in the world, Cabo San Lucas can easily get pricey. Many of the hotels in the area have been booked for months, but when you can find a room in the sought after destination, it comes at a steep price.
Harbor Island, Bahamas
Famous for its pink sand beaches, this awesome getaway spot will take you far from the typical budget beaches, for a price. The high-end location is accessible directly from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Nassau in the Bahamas, which means you'll likely be paying a bit more in airfare and even three star hotels in the area cost more than $500 per night.
Maui, Hawaii
With a nickname like "The Playground of the Wealthy," you can't expect to save money. Maui offers spring breakers pristine beaches, top-tier resorts and tons to do. Should spring breakers want to do more than chill on the beach helicopter tours and shark dives come at a hefty price and while the food and drink on the island is amazing, it also tends to be pricey.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Necker Island is a dream vacation spot. The private island is mostly famous for being owned by Sir Richard Branson. The 74-acres of pure paradise can accommodate only 30 guests at a time. The island that's hosted celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Harrison Ford clearly doesn't come cheap—rooms start at $13,000 for two people staying three nights and renting the whole island will cost $80,000 per night for up to 34 guests.
Newport Beach, California
A spring break here is an adventurous and unique experience. It comes with a price but it's worth it. Favorite activities include hiking El Morro Bay at Crystal Cove, going on a deep sea fishing excursion in the Pacific Ocean, and soaring 30 feet over scenic Newport Harbor with a water-propelled Jetpack. You can also paddle on a standup paddle board or kayak around the nature preserve in the Back Bay. Getting to the town will be expensive, too. Average costs for round-trip flights into nearby Santa Ana Airport are about $400.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Winter sports fans who are not ready to hang up the skis or snowboard yet come here. The mountain is hosting Breck Spring Fever. This month-long festival will feature exciting live music, exciting competitions, and incredible blue bird days in Colorado. If you're not in the area, then you're totally missing out. Just be ready to spend a lot on accommodation. Hotels are rarely under $250 a night.
South Padre Island, Texas
This is one of the best beach towns in America. And it's also a very popular spring break destination which drives prices up. Enjoy powder-soft beaches, 34 miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald water, sun-soaked shores, postcard-perfect settings, a lavish nightlife with many popular beach haunts rocking until the wee hours. The island is preferred by all kinds of travelers – a family, a newlywed couple, fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers or people who want to swim with dolphins and sea turtles.
Panama Beach, Florida
Panama City is one of the most exciting spring break destinations in America, and, contrary to what many people believe, it is not just a destination for college kids. Panama City Beach is also a great relaxation destination, perfect for adults looking for a much-needed getaway. Soak up the sun on their white sand beaches, hit the waves in their clear water, and take out a boat for some incredible fishing opportunities. PCB, too, has been called the "Spring Break Capital of the World."
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This established spring break hotspot is a major hit with students on the East Coast. Great beaches, food and parties round out a few of the reasons to visit. Senior Frogs, Club Boca and Malibu's Surf Bar are just a few of the nightlife options. The friendly city is famous for having some of the best body surfing waters in the region. Hotels offer a lot of deals which is a big draw for college kids, but this is not the case for everything.
Palm Spring, California
Low humidity, sunshine, clear blue skies and warm temperatures, are some of the many things you have to look forward to in Palm Springs. The city has the third most expensive hotel rates, with an average cost of $225 per night, according to GoBankingRates. It's also one of the most expensive destinations to get to from Atlanta, with flights estimated to cost $366.
Key West, Florida
Expensive and fairly difficult to access, Key West remains a top spot for spring breakers. This beautiful spot at the southern tip of Florida truly has something for everyone, from those looking to chill out to those looking for an all-out party. Though Key West has its own airport most people fly into one of the airports to the north and drive down to save money, as flights into Key West can be expensive. You'll pay top dollar for accommodation too—with quality hotels starting exceeding $600 a night.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is absolutely stunning and makes a visit worth your time and money. It offers many family-friendly adventures, skydiving, and historical landmarks such as the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S. Getting there is, obviously, expensive. Flights easily cost over $1,000, unless you're flying from California, in which case they are probably about $600. There are also a lot of hidden expenses you should be aware of.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Finding reasons to visit is easy – gorgeous beaches, a world-famous racetrack, festivals and tons of nightlife options as well as adventure opportunities. Daytona is called "the original spring break spot." If you are bringing the kids along, the city is close to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios in Orlando. Nightlife is bustling at bars like Razzles, Aqua, and the Ocean Deck which are all very close to beach hotels.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The small island is known for its East Coast vibe, so whether you go alone or with the kids, you are going to have a lot of fun. In addition to soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying water sports, there are about 100 miles of biking trails you can explore. From the ocean to the high water mark, the entire Hilton Head Island beach is public. Golf, tennis, and kayaking are also popular options for outdoor fun.
San Diego, California
This popular spring break destination offers students 70 miles of beach, great nightlife in Gaslamp Quarter and nearly endless options in water sports; those options don't come cheap. The increasing popularity of the area during spring break means higher prices—from decent hotels that typically start at more than $200 a night to top attractions like whale watching and jet skiing—spring break in San Diego can be expensive.
Fowl Cay, Bahamas
This is where you go for the ultimate beach-hopping vacation. The stunning private island has six uniquely gorgeous villas spread across 50 acres in the isolated chain of the Exumas. Enjoy the crystal-clear, warm turquoise water, breathtaking ocean views, and superb diving and snorkeling. The resort hosts up to 26 people in 13 rooms and the nightly rate starts from $14,229.