As winter thaws and temperatures begin to rise, many look forward to Spring Break. Typically falling between mid-March and early April, thousands of students travel to popular destinations to enjoy a break from the school year. Spring Break is also a popular time for family travel, as families take advantage of school vacations.
In this guide, we’ve examined five of the most popular spring break destinations, analyzed real travel data, and ranked them. So, where are the best places to go for spring break in the U.S.?
Top 5 Spring Break Destinations, Ranked by Data
The best spring break destinations in the US are often debated, but the team at Airport Parking Reservations have gathered the hard facts:
| Stat | San Diego | Miami | Phoenix | Las Vegas | New Orleans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 66°F–54°F | 81°F–66°F | 79°F–54°F | 72°F–50°F | 73°F–58°F |
| Google Searches | 450K | 450K | 246K | 673K | 823K |
| Safety Index | 60.4 | 46.7 | 47 | 44.5 | 32.9 |
| Average Hotel Price | $1,796.20 | $1,938.60 | $1,823.80 | $1,092.40 | $1,207.20 |
| Cost of a Beer | $8 | $8 | $6 | $6.50 | $6 |
| Cost of a Budget Meal | $25 | $30 | $20 | $23 | $26.20 |
Key Takeaways
- Best for Hotel Price: Las Vegas
- Best for Drinking: Phoenix
- Best for Safety: San Diego
- Best Weather: Miami
- Most Popular: New Orleans
Follow the links above to skip ahead and learn more on what you’ll find there. If you’d like to learn more about how we gathered this data, jump to our methodology and sources.
#1: Las Vegas, Nevada
Yuta Koike – Unsplash
March Stats:
- Average Temperature: 46.2°F – 70.5°F (7.9°C – 21.4°C)
- Monthly Google Searches: 673K
- Safety Index: 44.5
- Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1,092.40
- Cost of a Beer: $6.50
- Cost of a Meal: $23
Spring break in Las Vegas is as big and bold as you’d hope for. The city’s schedule is packed, with nightclub events, pool parties, and NASCAR rallies all taking place in March through April.
In Vegas, the pools are like daytime nightclubs. Encore Beach Club and Wet Republic are two of the biggest. They have famous DJs, cold drinks, large crowds, and lots of splashing water. You’ll likely spend a lot of time along the Strip. Omnia and XS are world-famous clubs where celebrities often visit and the music never stops. If you want to see the “Old Vegas” style, take a trip to Fremont Street. It’s best known for its huge overhead LED canopy, which floods the street with light shows.
If you need some fresh air, Red Rock Canyon is also a short drive away and has great hiking trails. The area is full of red sandstone cliffs, scenic overlooks, and well-marked hiking trails that range from easy walks to more challenging climbs. It’s a good spot to recharge after long nights on the Strip.
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, truly one of the best spring break destinations.
#2 San Diego, California
Justin Wolff – Unsplash
March Stats:
- Average Temperature: 53.6 °F – 66.6 °F (12°C – 19.2°C)
- Monthly Google Searches: 450K
- Safety Index: 60.4
- Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1796.20
- Cost of a Beer: $8
- Cost of a Meal: $25
San Diego is known among the best spring break destinations for good reason. It’s famous for its golden beaches and distinctive neighbourhoods, like Mission Beach and the Gaslamp Quarter.
The epicenter of the spring break scene is Pacific Beach. The boardwalk is a popular hangout for surfers and skaters. By night, it transforms into a bustling social scene. Mavericks Beach Club is a multi-level playground for lawn games and dancing. You can also grab a cocktail at Altitude Sky Lounge while overlooking the Petco Park stadium. Students enjoy the “Drink Exchange” at The Tipsy Crow, where drink prices fluctuate on real-time demand.
If travelling with family, or parties aren’t high on your priority list, spring break in San Diego still has plenty to do. Take a trip to see the sea lions at La Jolla Cove or enjoy the golden hour at Sunset Cliffs. The San Diego Padres have many games scheduled between March and April – a must-see for visiting baseball fans.
#3 Miami, Florida
Ryan Spencer – Unsplash
March Stats:
- Average Temperature: 65.7°F – 77.4 °F (18.7°C – 25.2 °C)
- Monthly Google Searches: 450K
- Safety Index: 46.7
- Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1938.60
- Cost of a Beer: $8
- Cost of a Meal: £30
Millions of spring breakers visit Miami every year, and it’s easy to understand the appeal. With hot weather and famous beaches, the city is a great place for lively crowds and holiday atmosphere.
The Clevelander hosts big parties, day and night. Its location on the corner of Ocean Drive makes it a useful hub, well-equipped with loud music and cold drinks. It’s a great place to bask in the sun and meet new friends.
LIV is the biggest club in town. It’s quite fancy, and there’s a chance you might bump into a famous star there. If you like to dance all night and all day, try E11EVEN. It stays open all the time. For a more relaxed night, you can visit Mac’s Club Deuce. Said to be Miami’s oldest bar, it’s small and dark, and a great place to sit and talk.
If you’re there with family, or need a break from the noise, head to Wynwood for a walk. It’s ideal for quiet walks and full of photo opportunities. Many of the walls are home to huge paintings and other art displays.
Before you go home, make sure to eat a Cuban sandwich, a local favorite!
#4 Phoenix, Arizona
Chris Tingom – Unsplash
March Stats:
- Average Temperature: 51.4°F – 75.7°F (10.8°C – 24.3°C)
- Monthly Google Searches: 246K
- Safety Index: 47
- Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1,823.80
- Cost of a Beer: $6
- Cost of a Meal: $20
If you like your spring breaks dry and sunny, look no further than Phoenix. The air is warm at a comfortable 79°F and the skies are clear. A great destination for hikers, swimmers and partygoers.
During the day, the W Scottsdale’s WET Deck and Maya Dayclub host the region’s big pool parties, complete with guest DJs and cabana service. If your spring break vacation falls in March, you can join thousands of fans for Cactus League Spring Training. Hikers can escape the city up Camelback Mountain and take in the city views with the sunset. It’s a steep trail, but the view from the top is a fine reward. You can see the whole city from there.
Roosevelt Row is the place to go for art and food. You’ll find a bunch of local shops with great value, surrounded by cool wall art. Consider grabbing a craft beer at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., or find a speakeasy like Melinda’s Alley for a cocktail. Whether you choose to spend your trip in a pool or on a mountain top, Phoenix is one of the best places to go for spring break.
#5 New Orleans, Louisiana
Kristina Volgenau – Unsplash
March Stats:
- Average Temperature: 56.1 °F – 74.5 °F (13.4 °C – 23.6 °C)
- Monthly Google Searches: 823K
- Safety Index: 32.9
- Average Hotel Price (6 Nights): $1,207.20
- Cost of a Beer: $6
- Cost of a Meal: $26.20
New Orleans promises a spring break full of food, music, and fun. It has lots of heart and history, sparking curiosity that’s evident in the sheer volume of Google searches (823,000). Expect bright colors, loud brass bands, and a party atmosphere that seems to follow you everywhere.
A good place to start is Bourbon Street, full of neon lights and crowds. Make sure to visit Pat O’Brien’s to try a famous “Hurricane” drink in their pretty courtyard. For a wild night of dancing, head to Razzoo’s. For a more local feel, go to Frenchmen Street, just a short walk away. This street has the best live jazz in town. Duck into The Spotted Cat or Blue Nile to hear great bands for a small fee.
Foodies and culture lovers will find New Orleans as their best spring break city. Cafe Du Monde is highly recommended. They serve hot dough called beignets, covered in white sugar. Another fun choice is The Boot. It’s a famous sports bar near the local college where students like to hang out and grab a cheap slice of pizza.
FAQs: Spring Break Travel
1. What are the best spring break destinations in the US?
Some of the best spring break destinations are San Diego, Miami, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and New Orleans. These cities offer fun activities, nice weather, and plenty of things to do for students and families.
2. Which spring break cities are good for families?
San Diego and Phoenix are great spring break cities for families. They have safe areas, parks, beaches, and attractions that kids will enjoy.
3. Where can I find the best nightlife in spring break cities?
Miami, Las Vegas, and New Orleans are top spring break cities for nightlife. You can go to beach parties in Miami, world-famous clubs in Las Vegas, or listen to live jazz in New Orleans.
4. Which spring break destinations are the most affordable?
Las Vegas is a surprisingly cheap spring break destination. Hotels and meals are more competitively priced than in other cities, and there is still a lot of entertainment to enjoy.
5. Which spring break cities have the best weather in March and April?
Miami and Phoenix have warm, sunny weather in March and April. You can relax on the beach, swim, or go hiking without worrying about rain.
6. How do I pick the best spring break destinations for my trip?
Think about what you want most: safety, cost, weather, or fun activities. Families may like San Diego or Phoenix. Students who want to party may prefer Miami or Las Vegas. Culture lovers will enjoy New Orleans.
Methodology & Sources
- Weather: March 2026 figures sourced from AccuWeather. Sum of March 2026’s highs and lows were added and calculated by average.
- Google Searches: Average monthly search volume estimates taken by exact match city keywords on SEMRush.
- Safety Index: Listed alongside Numbeo’s Crime Index lists.
- Average Hotel Price: Average figures calculated by the top 10 non-sponsored listings on Booking.com, for 6 nights mid-March.
- Beer & Meal Costs: Gathered from Numbeo’s cost of living indexes.
Main image: Epicurrence – Unsplash
