3 best beach vacations for spring break
Sun, fun, and adventure await at these amazing beach vacations for spring break.
By Cassandra Brooklyn | January 16, 2025 (Updated January 2, 2026)
After a long, cold winter, there’s nothing quite like a warm beach vacation for spring break. Whether you’re seeking a serene spa escape, a party atmosphere, or a more family-friendly vibe, these beautiful beach destinations will afford extraordinary experiences for all kinds of travelers. Here are our top suggestions for how to spring break in style — beach style, that is.
Cancun, Mexico
Few destinations are associated with spring break as much as Cancun, a city well-known for its nightlife, beautiful beaches, stellar snorkeling and scuba diving locations, and proximity to ancient Mayan ruins. Party-inclined travelers will want to head to Mandala Beach Club, where the nightclub welcomes DJs spinning tunes for a lively crowd into the wee hours of the morning. Overlooking the Nichupté Lagoon, Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is just a 5-minute drive from Mandala but also has its own rooftop pool and jacuzzi should you prefer a more relaxing environment. The hotel is connected to La Isla Mall, a prime shopping destination, and just steps away from Casino Macao, and Skywheel Cancun, which offers a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the area and an impressive backdrop for selfies.
Miami
As a year-round, palm-tree paradise known for its warm waters and stupendous stretches of sand, Miami is synonymous with the beach. South Beach is particularly famous for its beautiful coastline, cutting-edge art galleries, and endless restaurant options, plus its unique Art Deco Historic District and the outdoor shopping and people-watching paradise of Lincoln Road Mall. Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach is within walking distance from all of this, so you can drop your bags and easily access the highlights plus the sandy beaches you came for. Be sure to check out the hotel’s restaurant, Santorini by Georgios, a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and carve out time for a soothing post-beach spa treatment at the on-site Spa 101.
Honolulu
If your idea of spring break involves being pampered in paradise, then the elevated experiences in Waikiki are calling your name. Stunning beaches and easy access to active adventures like paddle boarding and snorkeling make it a divine destination for both indulgence and exploration. While you’ll find plenty to do all over Waikiki, you’ll want to take some time to enjoy your resort as well. Jaw-dropping ocean views and an elegant ambiance await at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, where families and groups can spread out in spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens. Meanwhile, couples will be drawn to romantic dinners at the resort’s open-air Bloom Cafe & Restaurant, and relaxing massages at Spa Ka La'i. For some solo pampering, we recommend the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi treatment.
Cassandra Brooklyn
Cassandra Brooklyn is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in travel, accessibility, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she now lives in New York City but escapes to adventures around the world as often as possible. She's the author of the cycling guidebook, Cuba By Bike, has contributed to multiple guidebooks about Egypt, Portugal, and the United States, and she has bylines in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and Lonely Planet, among others.
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