Here Are 6 Cheap Spring Break Destinations

Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to think about where to go on spring break! Contrary to popular belief, spring break isn’t just for college students. About half of Americans plan to vacation somewhere warm and sunny this March and April to shake off the winter blues. If you want to join them and soak up some sun without breaking the bank, here are 6 cheap spring break destinations to consider.

Top 6 Affordable Spring Break Destinations

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head, South Carolina has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches I’ve ever seen, and the best part is, you can enjoy them for free! Plus, Hilton Head has a Coastal Discovery Museum, an escape room, golf courses, ziplining, and a comedy and jazz club, so you’ll never be bored on your trip. This time of year, the average temperature is usually around 70 degrees, which is a welcome reprieve from the cold. There are also plenty of affordable vacation rentals in the Hilton Head area, making it one of the best spring break destinations for budget-conscious travelers who want to soak up some sun.

Nashville, Tennessee

If you’d rather enjoy some nightlife this spring break than lay out on the beach, consider heading to Nashville, country music central. I vacationed there last year during spring break and loved bar hopping in Nashville’s Broadway music district. For the price of a few sodas, I got to enjoy music from talented, undiscovered country music artists all night long and make unforgettable memories!

There are plenty of affordable things to do in Nashville during the day too. Explore Opry Mills mall, visit the life-sized replica of the Parthenon, tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, or stroll around the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. It’s usually 60 or 70 degrees in Nashville this time of year, which is the perfect temperature for walking around and enjoying the city.

As for accommodations, you can find many cheap hotels in the Nashville area that charge around $100 per night. There are also some affordable vacation rentals on Airbnb.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is another one of the best spring break destinations for vacationers who want to party it up. Bourbon Street is full of nightclubs and bars where you can dance the night away. During the day, you can wander around the French Quarter and eat some beignets, gallery hop in the arts district on Julia Street, or tour the New Orleans Museum of Art for around $15. If you limit your alcohol intake, enjoy street food, and find accommodations outside the pricey French Quarter area, you can visit New Orleans on the cheap.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is one of my favorite spring break destinations. Flights to Mexico from major cities like Boston and New York are surprisingly affordable and only cost a couple hundred dollars at most. You’ll likely make up for the cost of the flights with what you save on accommodations and food thanks to Mexico’s low cost of living.

In my experience, you can get a clean, comfortable hotel room or Airbnb for as little as $50 to $70 per night. I was able to eat well at local restaurants for $20 to $25 per day. For activities, I enjoyed strolling along the boardwalk, swimming in the clear blue ocean, visiting the magical botanical garden on the outskirts of town, and window shopping in local shops and markets.

The romantic zone, also known as Old Town, is also a beautiful place to walk around and take in the sights and sounds of Mexico. The average temperature in March and April is around 80 degrees, so the weather is perfect for sightseeing!

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is one of the most popular spring break destinations for college students, so it’s a great place to visit if you want to party on the beach. However, the island is also an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers due to its top-notch birdwatching and fishing spots. Plus, if you’re willing to shell out a bit of extra cash, you can enjoy fun nature activities like dolphin watching boat tours, kiteboarding and paddleboarding, and even ziplining to get a bird’s eye view of the island.

Similar to Hilton Head, South Padre Island has lots of affordable vacation homes for rent. If you bring a few friends to split the cost of accommodations and cook your meals instead of eating out, you can vacation there without breaking the bank.

San Diego, California

If you want to plan an affordable West Coast getaway, consider San Diego. March or April is a great time to visit because it isn’t the peak tourist season yet. The city’s 70 miles of beaches will be less crowded and hotel rates will be lower, allowing you to travel on a budget.

There are lots of affordable things to do throughout the city, such as visiting the zoo, touring the San Diego Museum of Art, whale watching, kayaking, and riding coasters at Belmont Amusement Park. You can also find affordable local restaurants that serve up everything from tacos to Vietnamese food.

What are your favorite affordable spring break destinations? Share any hidden gems we missed in the comments below!

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Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.