10 Best Places for Spring Break on a Budget
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|Updated on January,13,2025|
It’s that time of year when you get a well-earned one-week spring break trip and wonder where to go. So many places to visit and not so much money in the pocket. Right?! No worries. We’ve all been there. Planning affordable spring break trips is easier than ever, with many cheap vacation spots for spring break that let you explore the world without breaking the bank. Here are the top 10 places for a spring break on a budget (with approximate prices under $250 from Chicago). Get ready for your next low-cost spring break getaway!
10 Best Places for Spring Break on a Budget
1. Cancun (March, 8-15 – $150)
Cancun is a classic choice for affordable spring break destinations. Cancun, with its beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife is one of the best cheap spring break destinations. Find a great cabin with charming views and relax during your days off in Cancun! Whether you’re sunbathing or exploring local culture, Cancun is one of the cheapest spring break destinations for college students.
Read more about my Solo trip to Cancun here.
2. Miami (March 8-15 – $82)
Miami is a top choice for cheap places for spring break if you love parties and beaches. With perfect weather and plenty of budget-friendly accommodations, it’s one of the best spring break destinations for cheap.
3. Puerto Rico (March 8-15 – $217)
Puerto Rico can be one of the best inexpensive spring break destinations. I was there many years ago, and I liked it. Not all neighborhoods are very safe, though, so be very cautious about the location of your hotel or hostel. Overall, Puerto Rico is an excellent choice for your spring break vacation, as it has everything you need.
Beaches, restaurants with great food, nightlife, and forests make it one of the great and cheap places to visit on spring break. Most importantly, you do not need a passport to go there as it is still the USA. I’d say it is one of the best spring break ideas for families, but choose a safe area to enjoy your time!
4. Punta Cana Dominican Republic (March, 9-16 – $215)
Have you ever wanted an epic vacation somewhere with clear turquoise water, lovely beaches, and hot sun? Then, the Dominican Republic is another affordable spring break, family-friendly destination. Punta Cana is a favorite for cheap spring break locations. Known for its all-inclusive resorts, this affordable spring break location offers students and families a great mix of relaxation and fun.
If you want to visit Punta Cana, plan to spend a week here and you will be completely charmed by this place! Even all-inclusive accommodations are very affordable so it is worth checking them out. And the spring weather will make your vacation that much more pleasant.
5. Las Vegas (March 8-15 – $153)
Vegas is the ultimate party destination and one of the cheap places to go during spring break. Affordable flights and budget hotels make it a top pick for inexpensive spring break trips that combine fun and adventure. It is never quiet in there, be it weekday or weekend. Las Vegas is not only a party center for everybody, but it is also a pretty cheap place to go. Tickets can cost less than $100 in the right time, and some hotels as well. If you want to combine partying and visiting the national parks, it’s also a great destination, as so many beautiful parks are just a few hours away from Vegas.
6. San Diego (March 8-15 – $186)
If you have been to California’s cities before and not yet to San Diego, you might think it’s similar to others, but let me tell you, that’s far from the truth. San Diego is very different. Its vibe, climate, and food make it unique, and once you visit, you’ll want to return. As one of the affordable spring break destinations, it offers many shops, restaurants with great meals, and historic sites to explore without stretching your budget.
San Diego’s mild climate and rich culture make it one of the best places for spring break on a budget in the USA. From beaches to historic landmarks, there’s so much to explore in this inexpensive place to go for spring break.
Read the complete guide on things to do in San Diego here.
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7. New York (March 8-15 – $115)
Have you been to New York yet? If not, now’s your chance! I love visiting New York because it never gets boring—there’s always something new to see and do. While it can be expensive, it’s also one of the cheap places to visit on spring break if you plan wisely. New York is bustling year-round, so Spring Break doesn’t bring much difference in crowds. With endless attractions, there are plenty of options for families on a budget and spring breakers looking to have an unforgettable time without overspending.
Despite being expensive, New York offers plenty of cheap places to go for spring break with free attractions like parks, museums, and landmarks. It’s a great option for budget-friendly exploration.
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8. Nashville, Tennessee (March 8-15 – $153)
Looking for live music, great food, and nightlife? Nashville has it all! It’s one of the cheap places to go for spring break, perfect for music lovers and anyone seeking a fun, affordable getaway.
Nicole Kidman, Taylor Swift, and some others have homes there, so there is a chance you can meet them at the malls or grocery stores. No matter what are your preferences and budget, you can find everything you need in this city.
9. Los Angeles, California (March,9-16 -$174)
Are you looking for a great spring break destination for families? Star alleys, white sand beaches, and fashion all come to mind first when we think about Los Angeles, but this city has way more to offer. It is one of the 10 Best Places for Spring Break on a Budget and one of the cheap spring break destinations that will surprise you!
10. Austin (March 8-15 – $149)
Austin is such a nice place to go if you are looking for family vacation ideas. It is vibrant and has plenty of restaurants to choose from, bars, clubs, spring pools, and more. Austin is one of the cheapest spring break destinations for college students, with live music, delicious food, and plenty of cultural spots to explore. Its affordability and charm make it a top pick for inexpensive spring break trips.
The best location to stay is in or near downtown, as many places will be within walking distance. Your family spring break will be not only relaxing but also very interesting if you pay a visit to this iconic Texas city.
If you have extra time, go on a day trip to San Antonio.
Check out this guide on things to do in Austin.
Final Thoughts
Here you have the 10 best places for a spring break on a budget. It doesn’t matter if you travel alone or in company; each destination is great to visit and have an amazing Spring Break time.
These cheap spring break locations prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun. From beaches to bustling cities, each destination offers unique experiences. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a family vacation, these affordable spring break locations promise an unforgettable getaway. Be sure to explore the 10 Best Places for Spring Break on a Budget for ideas that combine fun and savings. Happy traveling!
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