Magazine

Don't overthink.

Spring break planning starts now, and you've got decisions to make. Beach parties in Cancún or museum tours in Florence? Surfing lessons in Costa Rica or club-hopping in Ibiza? With so many destinations and experiences to choose from, picking the right things to do for spring break can be tricky.

We're here to make it easier. This guide helps you match destinations to your travel style, compare weather across spots like Miami and Barcelona, and plan activities—from volcano hikes in Hawaii to bar crawls in Spain. We also cover what to pack so you're ready for anything.

In this article:

• Top Spring Break Activities at a Glance
• 1. Match Destinations to Your Spring Break Vibe
• 2. Compare Spring Break Weather Across Destinations
• 3. Choose Your Spring Break Activities
• 4. Get Your Spring Break Packing List
• FAQ: Things to Do For Spring Break

Top Spring Break Activities at a Glance

• Best things to do for party lovers: Beach parties in Cancún, club-hopping in Ibiza, nightlife in Miami
• Best activities for adventure seekers: Surfing in Costa Rica, hiking volcanoes in Hawaii, diving in the Big Island
• Best experiences for relaxation: Spa days in Reykjavik, beach yoga in Costa Rica, stargazing in Hawaii
• Best things to do for culture lovers: Museums in Barcelona, art in Florence, historic sites in Cusco
• Best activities for families: Exploring Barcelona's architecture, gelato tours in Florence, nature in Iceland

1. Match Destinations to Your Spring Break Vibe

Travel to Cancún, Mexico, for sun, sand and endless partying

Where you’ll go depends on your travel style. While many spring break travelers look for parties, we cover three types of spring break destinations to help you find the right fit.

No matter where you go, Airalo helps you stay connected. Redeem promo code SPRINGBREAK15 to save on your first eSIM. Terms and conditions apply.

Spring Break Party Locations: Where to Go

What makes a good spring break party location, you ask? Warm weather, nightlife that goes until sunrise, and the right crowd. These three destinations check all the boxes:

• Cancún, Mexico: We love Cancún for its party scene, including clubs and beach events attracting a young crowd.
• Ibiza, Spain: Ibiza is the place to party if your spring break is a little later, as its party season only kicks off in April. It hosts big DJs and is a go-to for electronic music lovers.
• Miami, Florida: South Beach’s Art Deco scene and clubs that stay open until dawn are the main draw. It's ideal for North Americans who want a warm escape without taking a long-distance flight.

Not The Party Type? Alternative Things to Do for Spring Break

If parties aren’t your thing, these destinations are best for outdoor adventures and sports.

• Big Island, Hawaii: Hawaii is so much more than tropical beaches. Explore active lava flows at Volcano National Park, hike through rainforests, and surf or snorkel in its bays.
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Hike the Arenal Volcano, see sloths in their natural habitat, or go ziplining.
• Cusco, Peru: Explore Inca culture at the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and drive through the Sacred Valley of the Andes mountains.

Insider Tip: The best time to visit Costa Rica is generally December to April, making spring break a prime time to hike there.

Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations

Looking for culture over clubs? Decide between three locations focused on culture and exploration with kids.

• Barcelona, Spain: Visit the Sagrada Familia, lounge in the Park Güell, and eat tapas after a long day taking in new sights.
• Florence, Italy: Gelato, focaccia, and art straight from the Renaissance? Florence has it all. Seeing The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery is a must-do.
• Reykjavik, Iceland: Reykjavik is the perfect base to explore the island’s many outdoor adventures. Hike black sand beaches, soak in geothermal hot springs, and catch the tail end of Northern Lights season. Find out if it's right for you with these fun facts about Iceland.

2. Compare Spring Break Weather Across Destinations

The mild weather, fewer crowds, and iconic architecture make spring the perfect time to visit Florence.

Spring break runs from late February through early April, so weather varies depending on when your break falls. Here's what to expect at top destinations to help you finalize your choice.

Mexico and Florida: Hot and Sunny

• Cancún, Mexico: 75-85°F with sunny skies and minimal rain. Beach and party weather at its best—pack sunscreen, light clothing, and mosquito repellent for evening outdoor events.
• Miami, Florida: 75-82°F with occasional afternoon showers. Warm enough for beach days and outdoor nightlife.

Spain and Mediterranean Europe: Mild and Pleasant

• Ibiza, Spain: 55-65°F. Too cool for swimming, but comfortable for exploring. The party season kicks off in mid-April, so timing matters.
• Barcelona, Spain: 55-65°F with pleasant afternoons. Perfect for walking Las Ramblas and eating tapas outdoors—bring a light jacket for mornings.
• Florence, Italy: 50-65°F, warming into April. Ideal for museum-hopping and exploring the city. Pack a light jacket for mornings and evenings.

Tropical Adventure Spots: Warm Dry Season

• Costa Rica: 75-80°F during the dry season. Perfect for hiking volcanoes, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting without rain.
• Hawaii (Big Island): 75-80°F with occasional light showers. Bring a rain jacket but expect plenty of sun for hiking national parks, snorkeling, or surfing.

Cold-Weather Destinations: Bundle Up

• Reykjavik, Iceland: 30-45°F with unpredictable weather. You'll need waterproof jackets, warm layers, and sturdy boots. The cold is worth it for glacier hikes and hot spring soaks.
• Cusco, Peru: 50-65°F with dry, clear days. Ideal for hiking Machu Picchu. Mornings are cool, but afternoons warm up. Nights drop to freezing at high altitude, so pack thermal layers.

3. Choose Your Spring Break Activities

Spring break is the perfect time to try water sports like surfing.

Now that you know what to expect from top travel spots, you've likely got a few ideas about things to do for spring break. Ready to plan your days? We've got ideas for partiers, adventurers, culture seekers, and everyone who just wants to relax.

Party Like There’s No Tomorrow

If you've chosen to visit a party location, finding fun events to attend on your spring break should be easy. These are the classics:

• Attend a beach or pool party: Check this spring break experience off your list. Make sure to research popular events on event or resort websites.
• See a headlining DJ at a nightclub: Dance the night away at the best nightclub in the area. Research the venue online to get set times and a sense of the dress code.
• Join a bar crawl: If you don't know which bar to pick, bar crawls let you do them all and they’re the perfect opportunity to socialize.

Insider tip: Stay in a hostel to save money and meet new people. Hostels typically have free resources or organize group activities.

Get Active and Try Something New

Not all spring breakers are here to party. If you want to stay active, here are ways to make the most of destinations like Costa Rica or Hawaii.

• Go hiking: Find trails for your experience level and explore volcanoes, rainforests, national parks, or coastal areas.
• Try water sports: If your spring break is at a beach, why not try something new? Surfing, diving, or bodyboarding are ideal for stepping outside your comfort zone.
• Seek adrenaline: Spring break is a prime time for thrill-seekers. Try ziplining, canyoning, or skydiving, depending on your chosen location.
• Explore by bike: Rent a bicycle to keep your body moving as you explore your destination. Check in advance whether your destination has bike paths.

Want more ideas? Here's a bucket list of additional active spring break activities:

• Bodyboarding
• Beach Volleyball
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Jet Skiing
• Parasailing
• Rock Climbing
• Rafting
• Sailing

How many will you check off?

Unwind and Recharge Your Batteries

More of a "lounge on the beach" traveler? We've put together spring break activities you'll love.

• Set a reading goal: Catch up on some reading while relaxing on the beach.
• Go stargazing: Stargazing is a romantic activity for couples. Don't forget to check sky conditions before you head out.
• Meditate or do yoga: Both help you slow down and recharge. Download a meditation app for guided beach sessions or join a yoga retreat.
• Go to the spa: Pamper yourself with a facial or a massage at a local spa.

Experience Local Culture and History

Ready to trade your beach towel for sightseeing, museums, and food tours? Here are three ways to experience local culture in cities like Barcelona and Florence.

• Create a city bingo: Create a custom bingo for your trip with popular monuments and works of art you need to see.
• Let your stomach guide you: Skip the tourist traps and follow locals to the best gelato, tapas, and street tacos. Long lines of locals are a sure-fire indicator of a good spot.
• Join tour guides: Signing up for a group tour means less planning and built-in opportunities to meet other travelers who love exploring.

Insider tip: Learn a few local idioms and common sentences to feel more integrated on your trip.

4. Get Your Spring Break Packing List

Pack smart with essentials like chargers, eSIMs, and travel documents.

Once you've picked your spring break activities, it’s time to pack smart.

We've created a list of travel essentials to make packing easier. Copy and paste it to your notes app to get started. Feel free to add any personal items you don't want to forget.

Must-Have Practical Items

• Passport/travel documents (and copies)
• Sunscreen
• Phone charger
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel-sized toiletries
• Comfortable, versatile clothing and shoes
• A travel eSIM

Tip: Download the Airalo app and secure your eSIM before you travel. You'll get instant data for maps and apps the moment you land, skipping the hassle of buying a local SIM.

Health and Safety Essentials

• First-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Travel insurance information
• List of emergency contact numbers
• Sunscreen
• Medications
• Insect repellent

Tip: Save a screenshot of your travel insurance and your hotel/hostel address on your phone so you can access it offline, even if your phone battery dies.

Bonus Items Worth Bringing

• Portable speakers
• Waterproof phone cases
• Playing cards
• Books
• Travel journal and pen
• Camera
• Snacks

Switch on vacation mode with an eSIM from Airalo (iOS | Android). Navigate your way to a beach party or the end of a hiking trail, post your vacation selfie, and stay connected with friends and family. Choose from over 200+ destinations and check out our unlimited plans for peace of mind. Remember, use code SPRINGBREAK15 to get 15% off your first eSIM. Terms and conditions apply.

FAQ: Things to Do For Spring Break

What to do for spring break?

When deciding on what to do for spring break, build a trip that reflects your preferences. If you're ready to party, you can't go wrong with classic beach or pool parties in Cancún, Mexico, or seeing a headliner DJ in Ibiza, Spain, so you can dance until your feet give out. For the adventurous soul, jump right in and try water sports, hiking, or even something wild like ziplining or skydiving in spots like La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Don't forget to take a moment for yourself, too—a spa day or relaxing beach yoga will recharge you for the rest of your vacation.

How do you make spring break fun?

It's super simple—the secret to a fun spring break is choosing a destination that matches your unique vibe, whether you’re a party lover, culture fan or an adventure seeker. Once you've chosen your destination based on your travel style, you can plan activities like joining a lively bar crawl in Miami, Florida or snorkeling in Big Island, Hawaii.

What are some unique spring break trip ideas?

If you're over the typical party scene, you can absolutely skip the classics and plan a one-of-a-kind adventure. Discover Big Island in Hawaii's Volcano National Park, or hike a volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. If you want to explore new cultures, check out ancient historical sites in Cusco, Peru, or stroll through the iconic art and architecture of Florence or Barcelona.

What are the best party places for spring break?

The best party spots for spring break are those with warm weather and excellent nightlife. You can't go wrong with classic destinations like Cancún, Mexico—it's famous for its clubs, beach parties, and high-energy crowd. If your break is a little later and you're all about electronic music, Ibiza, Spain, is where the biggest DJs go to play. Or, for a sunny spring break in North America, Miami in Florida, has white-sand beaches and a wide variety of nightlife options.

What are good spring break locations with kids?

Good spring break destinations for families include Barcelona, Florence, and Reykjavik in Europe. Each city has a good mix of cultural exploration and fun activities for kids. You can stroll in Barcelona's Park Güell or check out the Tibidabo Amusement Park with city views, eat delicious gelato in Florence in between sightseeing, or bathe in geothermal hot springs in Iceland.

What is the cheapest spring break destination?

The cheapest spring break destination varies from year to year and depends on where you're flying from. You'll want to compare flight and hotel costs to decide. A key tip is to look beyond the big-name party cities like Cancún or Miami. Book your flights and accommodation several months in advance, or stay in hostels to save money.