Spring Break Hot Spots
Below is an assorted list of the world's best spring break destinations.
(Assorted alphabetically)
Bahamas
The producers of "The Blue Lagoon" chose the cove in the Bahamas for good
reason; the tropical weather, turquoise waters and downy sand are reason alone to make
this your spring break destination. Throw in the resort-lined Cable Beach, the mammoth
Atlantis on the aptly-named Paradise Island and the casinos along the ocean, and you have
a great vacation. The rum punch flows like water at local clubs like the Zoo and the
Waterloo, and if you’re having trouble finding a spring break fling, try some conch
— the local aphrodisiac. As the locals selling coconut drinks on the beach will
promise, the Bahamas are the place to "get loose and funky."
Cancun,
Mexico
Would the Mayan gods be shocked to return to Cancun now? Probably. This Caribbean
resort certainly has gained quite a reputation. The land of the Mayan temples and ancient
relics became a paradise for tourists during the 1970s, complete with high-rise hotels and
discos galore. Today Cancun is noted as one of the wildest spring break destinations
around. The action is non-stop, with partying at land or sea and a full range of daytime
activities to hold a beach bum or sports enthusiast’s attention. The tequila-soaked
nights move from clubs like Fat Tuesdays to Pat O’Briens, and the parties don’t
end until dawn. Be sure to pick up a Senor Frogs two-foot yard glass, and remember —
what goes on in Cancun, stays in Cancun.
Daytona
Beach, Florida
If you have a weakness for John Hughes, old-school Madonna, and all things Eighties,
then Daytona Beach is a spring break dream. This is where spring break began, and for many
Florida students, it is only a car ride away. Certainly not a luxury destination, this
spring break hotspot has withstood time and keeps rocking away as college students all
over the East Coast and the South pour into town. Beachfront bars and hotels host their
share of bikini contests and dance showdowns, and at night you can hit Atlantic Avenue to
check out the scene. So pack up your friends, collect some gas money and be sure to bring
along plenty of mix tapes because when school lets out, thousands of other students will
be doing the exact same thing!
Jamaica
Jamaica offers not one but two popular spring break destinations: Negril and Montego
Bay. The choice is yours — a rustic, relaxed atmosphere at the so-called
"capital of casual" Negril, or a quicker-paced city experience in Montego Bay.
Whatever your choice, you are all but guaranteed a relaxing and laid-back vacation from
classes and real life. Set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and colorful beaches,
these Jamaican vacations will be set to a score of reggae, whether performed by locals or
popular artists such as Ziggy Marley, who has been known to pop in for a spring break
show. Don’t confuse laid-back with boring though; both the nightlife and daytime
activities hold much promise. During the day, you can cliff dive or explore underwater
caves, and at night, you can party at Margaritaville, Sam Sara or the Pickled Parrot.
Key West,
Florida
Not impressed by the packaged, heterosexual MTV version of spring break? Looking for a
destination that provides more sexual diversity and a friendly atmosphere? If so, Key
West, known as the headquarters for "gay spring break," is the place to go. And
regardless of your sexual preference, Key West offers more than just nightlife to lure
students away from their books; the pristine beaches and coral reefs provide some of the
world’s best scuba diving. You can snorkel by day and samba by night or just recline
in a hammock and catch some much-needed zzzz’s.
Lake
Havasu, Arizona
If you are looking for a vacation with plenty of sunshine and a rocking spring break
scene but sand and beachside accommodations are not a priority, Lake Havasu might be for
you. Lake Havasu, located in Arizona, has developed into a huge spring break party
destination on the water. Options for lodging include houseboats or the London Bridge
resort. You can spend your days on deck, soaking in the sun and gazing out over the
Sonorun desert view. There are plenty of opportunities to participate in daytime sports
ranging from rock-climbing or mountain biking to whitewater rafting. For those whose
physical activities don’t stretch beyond dancing, Kokomos disco is the hot spot in
town.
Mazatlan,
Mexico
The translation of this city’s name being "the land of party," Mazatlan
is the number one spring break choice for many students on the West Coast. You are likely
to spend most of your time at the trendy restaurants and beaches in the Zona Dorado area
that is also ripe for people-watching. Check into the El Cid, largest resort in all of
Mexico, if you are looking for luxury and resort fun, and be sure to get to
Valentino’s, Joe’s Oyster Bay and El Caracol for an after-hours good time. If
you are around on a Sunday afternoon, join the locals in watching a bullfight in town; it
is sure to be an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Panama
City, Florida
If you’re looking for the ultimate in spring breaks, be sure to book one of the
18,000 rooms in the "southern Rivera," otherwise known as Panama City. Make sure
to do so early, though, before the half-million other college students and spring break
revelers reserve a spot of their own. Panama City has become headquarters for the young
and carefree looking for sun, sand and after-hours fun during the long winter months. And
in Panama City the nightclubs abound. Club Le Vela is touted as the largest nightclub in
the United States, featuring theme rooms and bars to please everyone. If it’s hip-hop
you seek, check out the Thunderdome; if live rock is more your thing, head over to the
Rockarena for the evening. And if you ever do leave Club Le Vela, there are 27 miles of
beach crawling with twenty-somethings and younger resting up for another big night out.
Rosarito/Ensenada,
Mexico
If throngs of out-of-control spring breakers make you queasy, then head down the
California coast and into the Rosarito Beach/Ensenada area of the Baja peninsula in
Mexico. This site is for the more mature spring breaker, offering equal parts fun and
relaxation on beautiful beaches. Although the water is too rough for most water sports and
activities, horseback riding on the beach in front of your hotel is a great way to spend
the afternoon. Just one hour’s drive north lets you squeeze in your night of
sophomoric nuttiness on Tijuana’s Revolución Ave. Otherwise, hang by the historic
Rosarito Beach hotel, drink some margaritas and settle in for a lobster dinner. Be sure to
pick up a T-shirt at Hussongs Cantina in Ensenada where you can listen to mariachi bands
and spend plenty of money on tourist-designed souvenirs.
South
Padre Island, Texas
Word is that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and spring break in the
Lone Star State is no exception. South Padre Island — located on the Gulf of Mexico
— offers 34 miles of fun in the sun, including a five-mile stretch of laid-back
beaches, ripe with volleyball and sunbathing. Some favorites with spring breakers are
Louie’s Backyard with a bungee jump outside, the tequila bar at Padre Contina, and
Charles Paradise Country Club featuring 24 bars and 11 dance floors. If you can hack the
early morning hours, the Gulf offers great deep-sea fishing and other water activities.
For those who want to sleep late, hotels sponsor spring break contests and events, and a
trip to Mexico could be on your itinerary as the border is just 30 minutes away!
