Spring break is a highly anticipated time of year for many travelers, from dedicated college students to families with young children. It offers an opportunity to enjoy a well-earned vacation midway through the academic calendar and to leave behind the lingering effects of winter, whether that means seeking warmer climates or planning a trip centered on late-season snow. Choosing the right spring break destination can be challenging and cost is often one of the most important considerations. Finding options that balance enjoyment with affordability allows travelers to make the most of their time away while staying within a comfortable budget.
Below, we detail eight affordable spring break travel destinations for 2026 to help you plan and prepare for an amazing vacation.
1. Tampa Bay, Florida
Spring is an excellent time to visit the Tampa Bay area along Florida’s west central coast. Known for its abundant sunshine, the region typically enjoys warm and pleasant spring weather that is well-suited to outdoor activities. Greater Tampa appeals to a wide range of spring break travelers thanks to its diverse attractions and experiences and it is also a destination where visitors can enjoy a memorable trip without overspending.
Sports fans can attend Major League Baseball spring training featuring teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and the hometown Tampa Bay Rays, along with Minor League games from the Clearwater Threshers and the Dunedin Blue Jays. The area also offers ample golfing opportunities as well as family-friendly attractions, including the Florida Aquarium, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Busch Gardens, the Glazer Children’s Museum and the expansive Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors may also book sportfishing charters targeting species such as tarpon, red drum, Spanish mackerel, pompano and spotted sea trout or unwind with a sunset paddleboarding outing on Tampa Bay. Popular day trips include Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Venice and nearby Orlando, which adds even more variety to a Tampa Bay spring break itinerary.
2. Puerto Rico
A budget-friendly but hugely rewarding Caribbean getaway, Puerto Rico has much to recommend in terms of affordable travel over spring break. This U.S. territory, situated in the Greater Antilles on the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, serves up lively culture, fabulous cuisine (which encompasses some celebrated rum-distilling), and fascinating history, some of which can be appreciated at the UNESCO World Heritage-marked San Juan Historic Site. From the jungly highlands of the El Yunque National Forest to the plush sands of Playa Flamenco and other beaches, as well as bioluminescent bays such as Laguna Grande.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With roughly 60 miles of accessible beachfront set within a welcoming subtropical climate, Myrtle Beach on South Carolina’s Lowcountry coast is well-suited to spring break travel. The destination is known for its affordability, making it an appealing option for families and other travelers seeking value. The wide stretch of shoreline extending from Little River to Pawleys Island includes popular spots such as Cherry Grove Beach and Huntington Beach State Park and offers ample opportunities for relaxation and water-based recreation.
Beyond the beach, Myrtle Beach features a broad selection of attractions that add variety to a spring break stay. Highlights include the Carolina Opry, Alligator Adventure, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise, along with numerous golf courses, escape rooms and excellent saltwater fishing options. For those looking for a quieter experience, Brookgreen Gardens, a designated National Historic Landmark, provides a peaceful setting rich in art, history and natural beauty.
4. Seattle, Washington
Spring arrives early in the mild maritime climate of the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, Washington’s largest city, offers a welcoming setting for seasonal travel. The city comes alive with early blooms and fresh air, particularly during events such as the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival held in April. A scenic drive north during the same month leads to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where colorful fields create a memorable springtime experience. Visitors can also attend a Seattle Mariners game, enjoy panoramic views from the iconic Space Needle on clear days or take a day trip to Puget Sound islands such as Whidbey or Vashon with the possibility of spotting orcas along the way.
Seattle also serves as a convenient base for late-season winter recreation. Nearby Cascade Range ski areas, including The Summit at Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass and Crystal Mountain, often remain open well into spring thanks to substantial snowfall, offering continued opportunities for skiing and snowboarding within easy reach of the city.
5. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Only a ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of Cancún, Isla Mujeres offers a more laid-back and idyllic spring-break destination off the Quintana Roo coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Set on the margins of the Caribbean, the island is all-around charming and despite its modest size provides a wealth of pleasant vacationland distractions: from the plentiful shopping and dining in the downtown hub of El Centro to a stellar lineup of beaches, including Playa Norte, Playa Garrafon, Playa Posada and Playa Indios. Take in the sunrise from the aptly named Cliff of Dawn at the southern tip of the island and experience some of the world-class snorkeling and diving Isla Mujeres harbors, including within the unique Museo Subaquático de Arte (Cancún Underwater Museum), host to many seafloor sculptures doubling as artificial reefs.
If your spring break is on the later side of the season, May or so, you might also overlap with the start of whale-shark season in Isla Mujeres, which serves up front-row seats to one of the world's great concentrations of this biggest fish in the sea.
6. Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, offers a refreshing high country retreat and a budget-friendly spring break option for travelers from Southern California and beyond. The area is known for its pine-scented landscapes and seasonal variety of outdoor recreation. Depending on the timing of a visit, travelers may enjoy late-season skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit or Bear Mountain or spend time freshwater fishing on Big Bear Lake.
Spring also brings opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty in a number of different ways. Visitors can view rare wildflower displays at the Baldwin Lake and Pebble Plain ecological reserves and explore the extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails within the San Bernardino National Forest. For added variety, destinations such as Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park are within easy reach for a day trip or short overnight stay.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is well known as a popular spring break destination and with thoughtful planning, it can also be an affordable one. The wide range of lodging options includes hotels, motels, resorts and nearby RV parks, which often makes it possible to find competitive rates in advance. In addition, the surrounding public lands offer excellent camping and boondocking opportunities, including access to the well-known Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area located just outside the city.
A spring break visit to Las Vegas can be especially rewarding when you balance your time between the city’s entertainment offerings and its striking natural surroundings. The broader region includes dramatic landscapes such as the Grand Canyon, which can be experienced through scenic flights or guided tours departing from the city, adding a memorable outdoor dimension to a Las Vegas getaway.
9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is one of the primary gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States and home to some of the most biologically diverse temperate forests in the world. It is a strong yet often overlooked option for a spring break vacation in 2026. Spring is one of the most rewarding seasons to visit the Smokies, when vibrant displays of ephemeral wildflowers emerge alongside blooming trees and shrubs such as cherries, magnolias, tulip poplars and dogwoods, all complemented by numerous waterfalls at peak flow.
The town of Gatlinburg itself offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere with a wide range of attractions. Visitors can enjoy experiences such as the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tram, the Gatlinburg Space Needle and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Just a short drive away, Pigeon Forge expands the entertainment options with the Dollywood complex, which includes the Dollywood theme park, Dollywood Splash Country and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction.
Plan Your Affordable Spring Break Trip in 2026 with AAA
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