Spring break is as American as the Super Bowl or the Grammy Awards.
Inspiring decades worth of college kids, the two words are magic, conjuring up images of beaches and the promise of a perfect week.
But many popular spring break destinations are as bad as the cult movie starring Selena Gomez: no intriguing characters, too much booze and not enough plot.
So we rounded up the five best beaches for the holiday from our panel of spring breakers. They are all located in (or extremely close) to the continental United States, so you might not even need to take a flight. We focused on destinations that offer parties, but also boast nearby state parks or artsy downtowns or cool museums or tacos. Because there’s more to life than blue jello shots.
Happy U.S. Spring Break 2018. Time to get planning.
- Manhattan Beach, California
Sure, it’s not as glitzy or trendy as Santa Monica or Venice Beach, but Manhattan Beach is the best Los Angeles-area beach of them all, in my opinion. What you lack in party vibes and bikinis is more than made up for with beautiful (and surf-friendly) waves, a relaxed and homey neighborhood with plenty of places to eat and shop, and chill Southern California vibes. I’ve been coming to Manhattan Beach for nearly a decade, sometimes to meet up with friends and other times simply to go for long runs on the beach, and it never disappoints.
The founder and CEO of hit travel website Localeaur, Millennial Joah Spearman is a cosmopolitan man. The platform relies solely on local’s recommendations for activities like date nights or biking routes, so Spearman is in-the-know about the best LDW destinations, as well as fun activities to pass the time after you arrive.
- Clearwater Beach, Florida
With its powdery white sand, stunning Gulf Coast shoreline and magnificent sunsets, Clearwater Beach is my pick for spring break. It’s not just for swimming; spring breakers can kayak, fish, sail, jet ski, parasail and enjoy dolphin-watching cruises.
Those seeking a quieter experience can sneak off to some of the Gulf Coast’s prettier beaches on Honeymoon Island or Fort Desoto, and for something special, kayak out to Caladesi Island.
Main Beach will have plenty of parties for those wanting more action. Don’t miss the sunset at Pier 60. It’s not just the sun that performs, but fire eaters, artisans and musicians as well, and it’s family friendly.
The Australian couple Caz and Craig Makepeace of YTravel Blog have explored the world with their two children in tow. They are now in the midst of a user-generated, three year road trip around America. Follow along their adventures on Instagram.
- Laguna Beach, California
Between art galleries and tasty restaurants to tide pools and hidden coves, Laguna Beach has everything you’d want on spring break … and more. If you’re interested in surfing or skimboarding, check out Aliso Beach Park. If you like slower adventure, try Crystal Cove State Park for hikes and camping. It’s also a habitat for mountain lions!
Hande Cilek is one of Turkey’s biggest travel influencers who recently moved to Los Angeles, California. From exploring South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to discovering unknown travel gems in her backyard, Cilek never says no to adventure. Follow along her family-friendly explorations on Instagram.
- Florida Keys, Florida
If you’re looking for activity, the Florida Keys boasts white beaches and clear-blue water, with fishing, snorkelling, diving, hiking and free diving. Plus there are bars and seafood restaurants everywhere you look. Being located at the southernmost tip of the Sunshine State, all of this comes with year round Caribbean weather.
The best Florida Keys beaches by far are the ones with “State Park” attached to their names. Bahia Honda State Park lies just south of Marathon in the Middle Keys and only a one hour drive from Key West. Calusa Beach on the Gulf side of the park has the most swimming friendly shallow waters and nature trails wind through both sides of the park.
Traveling full-time since 2013, Jonathan and Kach Howe are now embarking on their biggest adventure yet: an around the world sail trip. The British and Filipina travel bloggers behind 2MonkeysTravel group are chronicling their luxury sailing on the high seas on their website, Mr. and Mrs. Howe. You can also follow along on Instagram.
- Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
My favorite spring break beach in America isn’t in America; it’s across the border at Puerto Peñasco or Rocky Point, Mexico. Going to business school in Arizona, it’s just a short drive down to this cheap, beautiful and crazy Spring Break Mecca with amazing street tacos that nobody outside the Southwest knows about.
Lee Abbamonte has traveled to every country in the world as well as both the North and South Poles. Dubbed the called the “Marco Polo of the 21st Century” by Arthur Frommer, he is a multimedia travel expert, national television personality and adventurer. Lee has appeared on CNN, Fox News and the Travel Channel, as well as the New York Times, USA Today and Washington Post. Follow his adventures on Instagram.
Are we missing your favorite spring break beach in America? Share yours in the comments below.
