Ultimate Guide to 2026 Spring Break Destinations

Spring Break Destinations

When spring arrives, it’s the perfect time for a great trip. Still, it’s worth knowing: the best places to visit are rarely the ones featured on social media shortlists. A thoughtful approach is usually needed to find spring break ideas that suit your type of travel. 🌴

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Today, we enlisted our local photographers to craft another list, this one of top spring break destinations for family getaways, romantic escapes, and trips with friends — all paired with fabulous hotel recommendations you won’t find in typical travel guides. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the spring vacation ideas below. 👇

Jump to:

• Family Travel
  • Find bustling boardwalks and old-world charm in sunny San Diego.
  • Pair scenic hikes with time by a resort pool in Maui.
  • Enjoy late-season skiing and small-town charm in Whistler.
  • Explore history and architectural grandeur in Mexico City.

     

• Romantic Getaways
  • Stroll through a well-preserved colonial old town in Cartagena.
  • Savour luxury, golden beaches, and sunset dinners in Barbados.
  • Lose yourself in the atmosphere and romance of Marrakesh.
  • Slow down amidst desert landscapes and surf retreats in Todos Santos.

     

• Trips with Friends
  • Move from beach clubs to rooftop bars in Miami.
  • Chase late-season powder and après scenes in Aspen.
  • Mix easy beach days with lively social outings in Cabo San Lucas.
  • Paint the town red and visit the red rocks of the desert in Las Vegas.

Photo: Mo in San Diego for Flytographer. Kathleen and family capture memories in California with a family photoshoot.

Spring Break Destinations for Family Travel

A family spring break, as with any family vacation, comes with its own set of logistics. Below are some travel destinations that will keep things simple and the whole family smiling. 😁

San Diego, California

With warm weather, San Diego nails the California lifestyle in spring. Mission Beach might be the best place to soak it all up, with a buzzing boardwalk filled with rollerbladers and skateboarders, and vintage rides at nearby Belmont Park. 🛹 This West Coast option allows for minimal family travel friction and plenty of variety. Road-tripping in the area is not only scenic, but it also leads to iconic family-friendly stops like Legoland and Disneyland, the first theme park in the Disney chain. 🏰

Where to stay:

• Hotel del Coronado – Still in style after 138 years, this hotel pairs old-world charm with family-friendly amenities and wide-open spaces.
• Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa – Set in a private canyon, this low-density, luxurious hotel is ideal for families looking for a calmer, more relaxed stay.
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Also tucked away in a canyon, this resort brings Mediterranean-inspired luxury to Southern California.

Photo: Darian in San Diego for Flytographer. Kellie and family capture memories in California with a family photoshoot.

Maui, Hawaii

With clear waters, white sand beaches, and excellent snorkelling, Maui strikes the perfect balance between island life and polished comfort. 🌺 Spring brings reliable sunshine, making it an especially smooth time of year to get out in nature. Maui’s hiking trails deliver real payoff, especially in Haleakalā National Park, where you’ll find bamboo forests and the dramatic Makahiku Falls. Resorts range from low-key and welcoming to luxurious, many designed around keeping logistics simple while travelling with kids. Exactly what you want for a family spring break. 👍

Where to stay:

• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – Luxury made for families, with sweeping views of the West Maui Mountains, standout dining, and multiple pools where kids can happily splash around.
• Fairmont Kea Lani – Recently renovated, this all-suite and villa-style resort feels quite fresh and is especially inviting for its calm beach and a Hawaiian heritage centre in the lobby.
• Montage Kapalua Bay – Intimate in scale, this hotel features residential-style suites designed for longer stays, with full kitchens, wine fridges, and in-suite laundry.
  

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Kate and family capture memories in Hawaii with a family photoshoot.

Whistler, Canada

Whistler oozes small-town charm thanks to cozy cafes, eateries, and a walkable layout. The resort is world-famous, and with ski season stretching generously through late March, it’s also one of the best spring break destinations for ski buffs. ⛷️ There are plenty of fun things to do and non-ski outdoor activities to keep everyone engaged. From hiking trails and waterfalls to ziplining through pine forests, the landscape is a natural playground. 👌

Where to stay:

• Fairmont Chateau Whistler – With old-world charm and a grand alpine presence, this Whistler icon feels like just the indulgence you and your family deserve.
• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – A modern, upscale take on classic mountain lodging, set in a prime location surrounded by forested slopes.
• Nita Lake Lodge – This quieter, boutique lakeside alternative offers an on-site spa, superb dining, and a focus on tailored experiences.

Photo: Clover in Whistler for Flytographer. Morgan and family capture memories in Whistler with a family photoshoot.

Mexico City, Mexico

With fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures, spring is the sweet spot for Mexico City. 🇲🇽 Mexico’s capital is at its most walkable before the summer heat sets in, and is easily one of the season’s standout urban family destinations, especially if the kids are older. Built atop the ancient Aztec capital, the city’s UNESCO-listed sites layer colonial architecture alongside powerful remnants of the past. Come evening, it’s grown-up time, with hidden-gem dining and nightlife in Condesa and Polanco. 🍸

Where to stay:

• Círculo Mexicano – Right in the Centro Histórico, this hotel boasts a restaurant with a contemporary take on local cuisine and an infinity pool with splendid views.
• Hotel San Fernando – Surrounded by fashionable cafes and restaurants, this revived Art Deco property welcomes the entire family, Fido included.
• Campos Polanco – This intimate hotel offers a small number of residential-style luxury suites that are remarkably spacious and ideal for families.

Photo: Natalia in Mexico City for Flytographer. Leticia and family capture memories in Mexico with a family photoshoot.

Spring Break Destinations for Romantic Getaways

For couples, spring is the season for romantic, atmospheric escapes. Here’s where to head.

Cartagena, Colombia

Showcasing colonial architecture, balconies draped in bougainvillea, and stone walls, Cartagena’s vibe is as romantic as it gets on Colombia’s Caribbean coast! 🫶With summer crowds easing, spring is arguably one of the best times to visit. Couples will enjoy wandering cobbled streets, heading to the buzz of Bocagrande’s beach scene, and exploring the creative energy of Getsemaní. As evening sets in, warm air, candlelit streets, and a lively dining scene take over. Day trips to island escapes just offshore complete the picture. 🏖️

Where to stay:

• Casa San Agustín – Built across a series of historic buildings, this boutique hotel feels discreetly romantic and richly atmospheric.
• Hotel Casa Don Luis – A great option in the Old Town with a residential feel and a rooftop plunge pool with sunset views.
• Charleston Santa Teresa – Also set in the Old Town, this hotel exudes colonial elegance through its glamorous interiors, all renovated to modern standards.

Photo: Juan A. in Cartagena for Flytographer. Blair and partner capture memories in Colombia with a couples photoshoot.

Barbados, The Caribbean

With powdery sands, clear waters, and excellent snorkelling, Barbados does laid-back luxury, Caribbean-style. 🌴 UNESCO-listed Bridgetown, the capital, adds cultural depth to the experience, with striking examples of British colonial architecture. Couples appreciate the dining scene, where Bajan flavours reflect influences from the Caribbean, West Africa, Europe, and beyond — a fitting twist on a romantic dinner, often enjoyed alongside stunning sunsets. 🌅 In March, warm days and balmy evenings set the tone.

Where to stay:

• Cobbler’s Cove – A pastel-shaded resort dotted with tropical gardens and set right in front of a lovely gold-sand beach. The rum punch is legendary.
• Little Arches Boutique Hotel – This adults-only, family-owned hotel feels wonderfully exclusive. All twelve rooms are defined by understated luxury and a romantic feel.
• The Sandpiper – Perched on the west coast of Barbados, this hotel offers gorgeous ocean views and a great beachfront bar. Sunset lovers are very happy here.

Photo: Andrew in Barbados for Flytographer. Ariel and partner capture memories in Barbados with a couples photoshoot.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a feast in every sense. 🇲🇦 The medina is a wonderland of landmarks and riads, blending Islamic, Berber, and Moorish styles. From the colourful chaos of a North African souk to the splendour of a medieval kasbah, the city thrives on contrast and atmosphere. Above all, Marrakech is a bucket-list destination for couples, offering everything from strolling through gorgeous gardens to a standout culinary scene. Besides, in the city’s design-forward hotels, romance comes easily. ✨

Where to stay:

• El Fenn – A labyrinth of interconnected, design-forward spaces, with every room boasting its own artistic, bohemian flair.
• La Mamounia – Dubbed the “Grand Dame of Morocco”, this palatial hotel is one of the most famous in the world, celebrated for its iconic gardens and timeless romance.
• Riad Rosemary – With only a handful of rooms, this intimate riad feels like staying in a designer’s private home.

Photo: Ilyass in Marrakesh for Flytographer. Karson and partner capture memories in Morocco with a couples photoshoot.

Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is one of our favourite spring break destinations located in Baja California. Here, dusty roads wind past cobblestone streets, opening up to desert views framed by giant cacti. 🌵 The crowd is a refreshing mix of locals, fishers, surfers, and travellers drawn by creative and spiritual pursuits. For couples, Todos Santos shines as a low-key romantic escape, where you can take surfing lessons and enjoy sun-drenched, adult-only retreats. 😍

Where to stay:

• Hotel San Cristóbal – An adult-only, highly photogenic hotel set on a secluded fishing beach, with carefully considered design details.
• Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa – Another secluded, adult-only resort, offering suite-style, minimalist accommodations with a strong emphasis on wellness and slow living.

Photo: Fernanda in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer. Kortney and partner capture memories in Todos Santos with a couples photoshoot.

Spring Break Destinations for Friends Trips

With the social energy high, spring break is a great time to plan a trip with friends. Here are some destinations with a built-in buzz.

Miami, Florida

Miami never misses a beat, and much of its energy is shaped by deep Latin American and Caribbean roots. The beaches are memorable: Miami Beach stands out for its Art Deco architecture and lifeguard towers, while Surfside Beach and the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park offer a quieter, more intimate feel. 🦩Come March, day-to-night events weave through beach clubs and rooftop pools. For a different rhythm, road trips to the Florida Keys offer a quieter escape, and Orlando always works — even for “grown-up kids.” 😄

Where to stay:

• 1 Hotel South Beach – A stay rooted in sustainable luxury, where natural materials and a calm aesthetic set the tone, all steps from the beach and Art Deco gems.
• Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Bold, artistic, and theatrically glamorous, this hotel boasts a club-forward and highly social atmosphere.
• The Setai Miami Beach – An Asian-inspired hotel exuding a sense of calm and restoration, ideal for a time of restorative refinement.

Photo: Dean in Miami for Flytographer. Stephanie and friends capture memories in Florida with a bachelorette photoshoot.

Aspen, Colorado

With slopes still in prime shape in March and April, Aspen is a standout choice for a spring ski trip with friends. 🎿 The USA’s jet-set playground delivers legendary après that, come spring, spills onto sun-drenched decks and patios. The scene is unapologetically stylish. For a scenic change of pace, Rifle Falls State Park sits about a 1.5-hour drive away. Its triple waterfalls are at full force in spring thanks to snowmelt, thundering over limestone cliffs and filling the park with mist and sound. 😮

Where to stay:

• The Little Nell – A ski-in ski-out pairing discreet luxury with front-row slope views. The après-ski scene is among the best in town.
• Hotel Jerome – A landmark stay in downtown Aspen, where the bar scene is a destination in itself, known for polished cocktails and a lively, social buzz.

Photo: Katie in Aspen for Flytographer. Bailey and family capture memories in Colorado with a family photoshoot.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

With spring sitting just outside peak season, Cabo San Lucas welcomes a more relaxed pace that works well for trips with friends. Days go from lounging on sandy beaches to snorkelling and surfing. March marks prime whale-watching season, with the chance to also spot dolphins. 🐬 Beyond the water, Cabo’s beach clubs give the destination a social flair, casual enough to enjoy with good friends. 👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏿

Where to stay:

• The Cape, a Thompson Hotel – A design-led, oceanfront retreat where multiple bars and open terraces create an atmosphere that naturally draws guests together.
• Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – A modern option, notably affordable for a five-star resort, with a hydrotherapy garden and an adults-only pool.
• Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection – Elevated villas and spacious layouts steps from Cabo’s only private beach.

Photo: Diana in Cabo San Lucas for Flytographer. Phoebe and friend capture memories in Mexico with a friends photoshoot.

Las Vegas, Nevada

One of our favourite Spring Break destinations for friends is fabulous Las Vegas! Las Vegas was practically built for groups, where the energy never dips, and the possibilities feel endless. 🎰 Beyond the casinos and shows, spring brings ideal weather for poolside hangs at day clubs and rooftop bars with sweeping views of the Strip. The dining scene rivals any major city, with celebrity chefs and hidden gems tucked between the neon lights. For a change of pace, Red Rock Canyon sits just 20 minutes west, offering dramatic desert landscapes and hiking trails that feel worlds away from the Strip’s buzz. 🌄 Come nightfall, the city truly comes alive, with everything from speakeasy-style cocktail bars to high-energy nightclubs.

Where to stay:

• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – A design-forward hotel with a social atmosphere, multiple pools, and some of the best rooftop bars on the Strip.
• Aria Resort & Casino – Modern, sleek, and centrally located, with expansive suites that work well for groups and easy access to the city’s top attractions.
• NoMad Las Vegas – A boutique option inside Park MGM, offering a more intimate, sophisticated vibe with exceptional dining and a library bar perfect for late-night conversations.

Photo: Flytographer in Las Vegas. Davonda and friends capture memories outside of Las Vegas with a friends shoot at the Calico Basin.

Capturing Spring Break Memories

Honourable mentions for spring break travel include Washington DC, for couples hoping to catch cherry blossoms; New York City, for friends drawn to nonstop nightlife; and San Antonio, Texas, for family-friendly sites and rich history. For outdoor-minded families, spring brings cooler temperatures for hiking in Arizona’s Grand Canyon. 🏜 Other Spring Break destinations, like Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, also rank high for family travel in spring.

Wherever you land this spring break vacation, connect with one of our local photographers. Across 350+ locations worldwide, they’re ready to help capture your best springtime memories. 😊