10 Best Places for Spring Break on a Budget
{{This post might contain affiliate links. If you use any of these links to buy a product, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you}}. Read my full disclosure for more details.
It is again that time of the year when you have a well-earned one-week Spring break trip and thinking about where to go. So many places to visit and not so much money in the pocket. Right?! No worries. We’ve all been there. Nowadays, it is easier to plan a budget vacation, and there are many places where you can travel on a budget and not break 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 budget-friendly attraction!
10 Best Places for Spring Break on a Budget
1. Cancun (March, 8-15 – $150)
Have you been to Cancun yet? If not, this is an excellent getaway option. Cancun is a beautiful place to visit with its spectacular beaches, clear blue water, hot, dry season, great activities, and comfortable lodging. Find a great cabin with charming views and relax during your days off in Cancun! No matter for what reason and how long you are going to Cancun, there will always be plenty of things to do during this excursion for any taste and budget. Spend a day at the beach and enjoy some sunbathing during your trip!
Read more about my Solo trip to Cancun here.
2. Miami (March 8-15 – $82)
Did you know Miami is on the top 10 list of party cities and a very popular spring break destination? Yep. You read that right. This is the best spring break city if you are into partying or beaches. March is the perfect time to visit as it’s not too hot or cold; it just can be a bit crowded. Plus, Miami can be an affordable spring destination if you don’t want to splurge. If you are looking for fun, Miami should be on your list! Read the complete Miami spring break guide here.
3. Puerto Rico (March 8-15 – $217)
Puerto Rico is one of the best spring break destinations on a budget. I was there many years ago, and I liked it. Not all neighbors 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, forests, and more. 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!
Read this first-time guide for Puerto Rico to familiarize yourself more with this cute sunny place.
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 very popular among students for choosing it as their spring break vacation destination. A few days here won’t break the bank and there are plenty of options of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
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.
Click here to learn more about Punta Cana.
5. Las Vegas (March 8-15 – $153)
Vegas is the first place to come to mind for partying, right? I agree. Las Vegas is the most popular destination for this purpose. 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 season, 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.
Read this article to know the 6 best tips for a fun spring break vacation.
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 that it’s one of the similar cities, but I am going to tell you it is wrong. San Diego is very different. Its vibe, climate, and food make it unique, and once you visit it, you will want to come back. Here, you will find many shops and restaurants to enjoy good meals but also great historic sites.
In addition, San Diego’s temperature is excellent year-round, and you can expect around 70F, which means it’s not hot or cold; it’s just perfect. It is a great spring destination for families looking to relax and recharge their batteries. Get across the city by using the public transportation system and also visit the museums and local sites to make your spring break a cultural and fun experience! Read the complete guide on things to do in San Diego here.
Related article
| 10 Best Party Cities in the World
7. New York (March 8-15 – $115)
Have you been to New York yet? If so, this is your time. I enjoy coming back to New York as a visitor, as I never get bored there since there are so many things to do and see on each visit. NY can be pretty expensive and affordable at the same time. It all depends on what you are looking for. New York is a busy city throughout the year so you won’t see much difference in the crowd during Spring Break. There will always be lots of tourists and all year round is a great time to visit. There are plenty of things to do for families on a budget and spring breakers who want to have the time of their life without breaking the bank.
One of the most impressive things to see is the NT Aquarium. New York is home to the New York Aquarium, which is a notable and significant aquarium. Located on the boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating aquariums in the United States, having opened in 1896. The New York Aquarium offers a variety of marine life exhibits, including sharks, sea lions, penguins, and a coral reef exhibit.
Read about Solo on a budget in New York and How to spend 48 hours in NY.
8. Nashville, Tennessee (March 8-15 – $153)
Are you up to delicious food, great live music, and nightlife? Nashville is a good place for all of that and more. Spend your Spring Break in this great town that offers everything you might need. Check out famous music venues, taste the local life by exploring the nearest neighborhood, check out Honky Tonk Highway, where you can experience great music and neon street lights, and more. Nashville is a great place to spend your spring break but you will enjoy this destination any other time of the year too!
Nashville is very popular among country music lovers and is also a home for many celebrities. Yes, yes, you’ve read that right. 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.
Get more Nashville spring break ideas here.
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 cheap spring break destinations that will surprise you!
Being so popular for spring breaks, this city has it’s all. Sunny and warm days are great for any activity. Check out the best deals in LA to find the ideal lodging and offers for your spring break trip!
Read this Los Angeles spring break guide to learn more.
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.
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 ten 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.
Whether you like nightclub experiences or are looking for a family-friendly spring break, you can find affordable options. Having a great time in these places comes without spending a fortune and you can enjoy everything from miles of hiking, to history sites, white sand beaches, and great local restaurants in town to create priceless memories!
Pin it for later
