11 Exciting Spring Break Ideas for 2024

February is upon us, bringing warmer weather (we promise!). Summer is on the horizon, but first, it's time for spring break.

After countless dark nights and dreary days, the beloved tradition of escaping to a sunny, vibrant destination helps lift those winter blues and allows us to anticipate brighter days ahead. And spring break offers much more than just flights to Florida—a place we love, though it gets a bit overcrowded each spring.

Explore a variety of destinations that may not be on your radar for your annual March/April getaway. They’re filled with fun and free from the noisy college crowds. Here’s our selection of the top spring break spots for 2024.

1. Asheville, North Carolina, USA

With its Southern hospitality, a vibrant creative scene, and abundant outdoor activities, Asheville ranks among the most enticing destinations in the USA for spring break and beyond. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, this small city boasts the highest brewery concentration in the country, while its acclaimed food offerings range from Southern staples at Tupelo Honey to delectable Spanish tapas at local favorite Cúrate.

During your stay in Asheville, don’t miss the chance to tour the Biltmore, the largest home in the US. For the more adventurous, the area is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the most visited national park in the country—offering countless trails for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching, including black bears, elk, and red-bellied woodpeckers. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the tranquil French Broad River.

2. Phoenix, Arizona, USA

If you're not a fan of the intense desert heat, it’s wise to avoid Phoenix during the summer. However, late winter and early spring in the Arizona desert? That's an entirely different experience! With warm but not scorching weather, Phoenix provides numerous ways to relax, whether that means enjoying the outdoors or sipping cocktails on a bar patio.

While you're visiting, don't miss the chance to explore the stunning collection of succulents, cacti, and other native flora at the Desert Botanical Garden. Take a leisurely walk through downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row Arts District, popping into galleries and record shops. After witnessing one of Phoenix’s vibrant desert sunsets, unwind at lively late-night venues with rooftop patios, like Grapevine for karaoke or Valley Bar and Crescent Ballroom for drinks, live music, and community events.

3. Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Nestled in the heart of Texas, Big Bend National Park offers some of the widest skies and most star-filled nights you can find in the western part of the state. In early spring, a stunning blue blanket appears as thousands of wildflowers (depending on seasonal rainfall) transform the desert landscape.

Outdoor enthusiasts will discover countless adventures within the park's 1,250 square miles (3,237 square kilometers) of arid terrain and low mountains—ideal for hiking, camping, or simply enjoying picturesque drives. For a truly unforgettable experience, plan a day (or more) of paddling along the Rio Grande through Santa Elena Canyon, where steep limestone cliffs dramatically descend to the flowing river—a breathtaking natural cathedral.

4. Los Angeles, California, USA

While numerous spring break spots boast sun, sand, and surf, the urban beaches of Los Angeles provide unparalleled people-watching experiences. Sun-drenched California residents splash in the waves at the family-friendly Santa Monica, while vibrant personalities add to the scene on Venice Beach's boardwalk. Those in the know, particularly surfers, head south to Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches for a more relaxed vibe. Meanwhile, the expansive dunes of Malibu offer a taste of nature just a stone's throw from the city's hustle.

5. Hawai‘i (the Big Island), Hawaii, USA

Hawaii’s largest island offers immense delights year-round. However, March signals the end of the peak season in this tropical paradise, allowing budget-conscious travelers to find relative discounts for trips to the Big Island. Ascend towards snow-capped summits, explore a lush Kona coffee farm, and witness the island gradually expand due to one of the longest-running volcanic eruptions in the world. Anticipate far more than just a beach escape.

6. Culebra and Vieques, Puerto Rico

Off the eastern shores of shimmering Puerto Rico, anticipate soft white sands, a sparkling azure sea, and a leisurely pace—without a single all-inclusive resort in sight. The tiny island of Culebra boasts the stunning Playa Flamenco, heralded as one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean; at Playa Carlos Rosario, snorkeling alongside sea turtles promises an unforgettable experience. Just a short distance away, Vieques offers a multitude of beaches to explore. Its crown jewel, Bahía Mosquito, is a breathtaking bioluminescent bay. Take a nighttime kayak adventure to witness nature's spectacular light show, as microscopic organisms illuminate the waters beneath, creating a magical glittering effect.

7. Whistler, Canada

For those who prefer skis to surfboards for a spring getaway, the renowned resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, awaits. As March arrives, the peak season starts to decline, leading to discounts that keep the energy alive. With longer days and clearer skies, the solid snowpack from months of winter ensures fantastic runs. For stunning panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape, hop aboard the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a remarkable 2.75-mile (4.4 km) engineering marvel linking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. At lower altitudes, hikes through coniferous forests might reveal the region's black bears emerging from hibernation.

8. Southern Baja California, Mexico

Fly into Los Cabos and then venture north, away from the busy tourist resorts. Just a short drive up the unspoiled Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur, nature calls. Spring brings perfect weather, and the stunning coastline offers opportunities to see sea lions, kayak in turquoise waters, go whale watching (with the season ending in March), and even participate in turtle conservation efforts, allowing you to return home with ecological stories to share instead of just tales of nightlife.

9. El Tunco, El Salvador

As one of Central America's lesser-known yet most captivating nations, El Salvador is gaining fresh interest from travelers worldwide. This compact country lures visitors with its mountain hikes, sunny beach outings, and abundant surfing opportunities. With frequent direct flights from various US cities to San Salvador, it's easy to pack an adventurous itinerary into just a few days.

El Tunco, a small village on El Salvador’s rugged coastline, experiences some of the most powerful waves, making it a key stop on the global surfing circuit. Surfers can often be seen riding challenging breaks just offshore. On land, sun-soaked patrons enjoy refreshing drinks at the vibrant beachfront restaurants and bars after a day of surfing.

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Pack your passport, sunscreen, and your most daring swimsuit for a trip to one of South America’s top hotspots. Beyond its iconic beaches, Rio de Janeiro offers something for every spring break enthusiast: breathtaking views, delicious cuisine, and a host of outdoor activities that promise an unforgettable escape.

Settle in on Ipanema Beach to see and be seen, or join fellow travelers on the bustling Copacabana beachfront. Take a cable car ride to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for stunning views, or soak in the majestic presence of Cristo Redentor atop Corcovado during the day. By night, explore the vibrant bar scene in Botafogo or dance to samba rhythms in the lively clubs of Lapa. You may find it hard to return home.

11. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Consider a spring break retreat surrounded by tortoises instead of partying college crowds. The remote yet breathtaking Galápagos Islands, home to some of the planet's rarest and most distinctive wildlife, are the perfect destination for adventurous nature lovers.

With minimal human presence, the Galápagos (part of Ecuador) boasts unparalleled biodiversity. Endemic species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies inhabit the islands, allowing for close encounters. Activities such as surfing, kayaking, biking, and scuba diving near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on Isla San Cristóbal await you, along with snorkeling alongside stingrays, turtles, and occasional sharks at Devil’s Crown, a premier marine site. Most visitors arrive via package tours, though intrepid travelers can create their own adventures as well.