Like Thanksgiving and the Super Bowl, spring break is a hallowed American tradition. Not just for rowdy college students anymore, the March/April search for warmer pastures has become popular among families and couples of all ages. We combed the most popular spring break destinations to find the top ten hotspots offering value and excitement beyond just beaches.

POLL: WHAT SPRING BREAK MEANS TO AMERICANS

  • 1Belize

    Learn more about Belize

    Belize is rich in history and beauty, with Mayan temples, lush rainforests, uncrowded beaches and ample adventure activities perfect for spring breakers like zip lining and jungle river canoeing.

    Why go: You can stay at a colorful resort where the rooms start at $61/night.

    See the slideshow of beautiful Belize

  • 2Las Vegas

    "Fountains of Bellagio" water show on the Las Vegas Strip 8/28/09

    Learn more about Las Vegas

    Over the past decade, Las Vegas has steadily increased into a world-class destination with amazing dining, shows, nightlife and—yes—daytime activities, too. (It’s not all gambling and showgirls!)

    Why go: You can race a Ferrari.

    See fabulous Las Vegas in pictures

  • 3South Padre Island

    South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

    Learn more about South Padre Island

    Long one of the U.S.’s biggest and wildest Spring Break magnets, the 25-mile strip South Padre Island is still as popular as ever.

    Why go: Bikini contests and the largest beach bar on the Texas coast. Plus, there's a chance you can snag a hotel room for an unbelievably low rate. 

  • 4Playa Del Carmen

    Riviera Maya

    Learn more about Playa del Carmen

    On the Rivera Maya coast of Mexico’s Yucutan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is speedily increasing as a popular tourist destination—especially among Europeans—stealing thunder from its nearby neighbors Cancun and Cozumel.

    Why go: Cigars you can't buy in the U.S., the nightlife and the ruins.

  • 5Pensacola

    Bill Strength

    Learn more about Pensacola

    Panama City and Daytona are so yesterday.

    Why go: 52 miles of beaches and an affordable hotel with an “it’s 5’o-clock somewhere” vibe.

  • 6Puerto Rico

    AP

    Learn more about Puerto Rico

    Only two hours from Miami, as an American Territory Puerto Rico has the distinct advantage of being part of the U.S.

    Why go: Casinos, U.S. currency and Calle de Cristo.

  • 7Cancun

    Experiencias Xcaret

    Learn more about Cancun

    The mere name Cancun conjures of images of Girls Gone Wild, wet-t-shirt contests and tequila shots. Those who haven’t visited Cancun—located on the Caribbean ocean in Mexico’s Riviera Maya—might be surprised to know that it’s actually a beautiful city with gorgeous blue water and soft, sandy beaches.

    Why go: You can visit an eco-archaelogical park by day and let lose at Señor Frogs into the next day 

  • 8Los Cabos

    Los Cabos Convention and Visitors Bureau

    Learn more about Los Cabos

    Los Cabo has a wealth of great-value resorts and all-inclusive packages, making it one of Mexico’s most genuinely surprising values.

    Why go: Whistle-blowing bartenders and an arched rock formation.

  • 9Miami

    VISIT FLORIDA

    Learn more about Miami

    While the glitz and glam is, indeed, everywhere, Miami is also a bustling, vibrant collection of neighborhoods, with no shortage of free and inexpensive activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

    Why go: Little Havana and alligators

  • 10Scottsdale

    Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

    Learn more about Scottsdale

    Lake Havasu gets the lion’s share of attention when it comes to Spring Break in Arizona, but for sheer activities, Scottsdale can’t be beat.

    Why go: Canyons, slots and the Rusty Saloon.