Spring break is just around the corner! As I planned my trip, I found some great spots for college students like me, or anyone for that matter. In my opinion, these are some of the best places to visit, so grab your friends, check your vacation dates and plan your trip for some spring break fun! My top 10 favorite road trip destinations for spring break are as follows:
Manhattan Beach, CA
With the famous California beach atmosphere, Manhattan Beach offers visitors a young people’s scene fun-filled with shops, beaches, restaurants, and exciting nightlife. You can walk the pier during the day, play a little beach volleyball, go surfing and enjoy dinner by the water at night. I can’t think of anything better. Los Angeles is not far away if you are looking for a little add-on to your spring break road trip.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a gorgeous city with so much to do for a spring break trip. You can walk the French Quarter, stop in Jackson Square, or visit City Park to enjoy some outdoor activities during the day. After visiting these fascinating sites, grab some incredible, traditional New Orleans food before heading to Bourbon Street or Uptown for a fun night with friends.
South Padre Island, TX
An accessible beach destination for many southern colleges, South Padre Island’s white sandy shores and warm, calm waters bring visitors back year after year. In fact, it has been such a successful spring break spot for so long that it’s starting to spawn festivals to attract year-round traffic to the Gulf scene.
Galveston, TX
If you’re looking to travel in Texas but hoping to avoid the craziness of South Padre, then Galveston is a great place to stay. It’s an adorable town by the beach, with the Pleasure Pier amusement park and great shopping (filled with surf shops and candy stores), in which to walk around and enjoy your day. There are some great restaurants along the strand (seafood and more) where you and your friends can enjoy a classic dinner in this cute little beach town.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
A classic spring break destination for many families and groups of friends. With the amazing Florida feeling of beaches and parks, topped off with beautiful waters and a river walk, Fort Lauderdale has a lot to offer. With a college spring break following as well, there is a lot to do for people of all ages. Rent a house or condo with your friends and you won’t be disappointed by this destination.
Key West, FL
Key West is an amazingly scenic destination at which to stop on a spring break road trip through the Florida Keys. With coral reefs and marine life, you and your friends can enjoy a boat ride and even go scuba diving or snorkeling in the waters along the beautiful Florida coast. With everything Mallory Square has to offer – shopping, great restaurants and nightlife – Key West is ready to provide the setting for a memorable spring break road trip.
Myrtle Beach, SC
A gem on the east coast, and at the center of a 60-mile stretch of beaches called the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one of the most affordable and beautiful places on this list. From the traditional attractions of the huge Ferris wheel and amusement park along the boardwalk to its celebrity-designed golf courses, this is a destination with appeal for families and college spring-breakers alike.
Virginia Beach, VA
At the southern tip of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach kicks off its warm weather seasons with a bang, and the fun doesn’t stop until the cold winds blow in from the Atlantic again. There are in fact three beaches to choose from here: Resort Beach, Sandbridge Beach and Chesapeake Bay Beach, along with plenty of free and almost-free activities.
Las Vegas, NV
Bright lights, world-class food and entertainment are both abundant and renowned, but don’t overlook the natural beauty nearby. The surrounding area is popular with mountain bikers, hikers and campers, and if you can get far enough from the city you’ll see some pretty amazing stars at night. Spring is also a pleasant time to enjoy it with temperatures in March typically reaching highs of 69 degrees.
San Diego, CA
And rounding out my list is a city that is no stranger to year-round beach beauty and fun: all the way from Dana Point to Tijuana, you’ll find people who take beach fun pretty seriously. Soak up the laid-back Californian culture, take your pick from an array of eateries and, for something different, visit the famous San Diego Zoo.
Among so many options, these are some of my favorite spring break road trip destinations (especially for college students like me). For more getaway ideas, at home and abroad, and to check your college spring break dates, have a look at “When is spring break? Dates, destinations and details to help plan your trip.”
Make planning easier still with our what-to-pack tips, and enjoy your road trip from start to finish with these road trip music recommendations.
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