We Asked Students for Their All-Time Favorite College Spring Break Destinations

Is there any better feeling than hitting “submit” on that last midterm? If there is, it has to be the feeling of knowing you’re about to have a whole week off — the perfect time for a spring break trip. Whether you’re interested in a beachside vacation with your besties, a last-minute road trip, or a chill solo adventure, there are so many fulfilling (and fun!) ways to spend your time off. That’s why we polled our Dorm Therapy Ambassadors, current college students enrolled at higher-education institutions across the U.S., on their favorite college spring break destinations of all time. 

And of course, their answers didn’t disappoint — read on for inspo for your own trip planning (whether it’s for spring break or just any vacation)!

Disney World was the most-named of the college spring break destinations submitted by Dorm Therapy Ambassadors, and for good reason! “The most magical place on Earth” sounds like a pretty nice spot to spend a week off. From iconic roller coasters to fireworks arcing over Cinderella’s castle, this megapark has it all. “It reminds me of my childhood every time I go and it’s just my favorite place to be,” says Mack Herbert, (@itsmackherbert on Instagram). 

It’s worth noting that daily tickets aren’t cheap: they start above $100 for both Disney World and Universal Studios. If you live in Florida, though, there are special discounts available! Note that your student ID won’t work — you’ll need a Florida driver’s license or state ID. If a splurgey trip like this isn’t in budget right now, this is the perfect time to start saving up for next year!

Lynair Haigler (@_.doloresss._ on Instagram) sums up her favorite college spring break destination like this: “Perfect weather, crystal clear water, unmatched vibes, super relaxed.” The springtime weather in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s (a self-governing Commonwealth of the U.S.) capital tends to be sunny, warm (with temps somewhere in the 80s), and less humid than the summertime. So it’s a wonderful time to soak up some sun, lay out on the beach, practice your Spanish, and experience the beautiful place that inspired Bad Bunny to write “DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS.” Plus, responsible tourism is another way to help Puerto Rico as it recovers from 2017’s Hurricane Maria.  

Okay, we know, the third-biggest state by area is full of hundreds of college spring break destinations, not just one! But Dorm Therapy Ambassadors shouted out a couple of ideas in particular. Victoria Ryan (_victoriaryan on Instagram) says she spent a great spring break in San Diego staying at her roommate’s house. Whether you visit museums at Balboa Park (there are 18 in total!), spend a day by the beach (there are dozens), bike along the boardwalks, or walk around Gaslamp Quarter, there’s so much to do in San Diego. Spring break is a lovely time to visit, because you’ll dodge both the summer crowds and the cloudy May and June weather (sometimes referred to as “June Gloom”).

If you have a car at your disposal while visiting California, a scenic drive through the spring blooms is a gorgeous spring break road trip idea. “[I] traveled all over California one year during wildflower bloom season!” says Ela Rajappan (@ela.rajappan on Instagram). Depending on the elevation of the area you’re driving through, wildflowers start blooming as early as mid-February in some places, with many seasons peaking in March through May. 

Sinai Mack (@luvv.naii on Instagram) shouts out the “annual Myrtle Beach trip with my besties” as one of the best college spring break destinations. Plus, according to U.S. News & World Report Rankings, it’s also one of the cheapest spring break destinations. Split an Airbnb with your friends and spend your week admiring the beaches, strolling on the boardwalk, seeing live music, and maybe even visiting Ripley’s Aquarium.

If walking and shopping around a charming downtown sounds more your speed than the beach, about a 2-hour drive south is Charleston, South Carolina. Although it wasn’t for a spring break trip specifically, Emma Feldbaum (@emmafeldbaumm on Instagram) says it’s “such a cute city perfect for a girls’ trip!” From house museums and walking tours, to afternoon teas and local boutiques, there’s so much to do in Charleston. 

“I went to Mobile, Alabama,” says Naysa Sutherlin (@naysa_lisa on Instagram). “I had some amazing old-fashioned ice cream!” Just a two-hour drive from New Orleans, Mobile is a midsize city (with a population of about 200,000) perfect for a spring break trip. From beignets to seafood, you can sample all sorts of delicious food, visit the Mobile Carnival Museum (Mardi Gras began in Mobile, if you didn’t know), and spend plenty of time walking around in the sunshine. As for a retro ice cream parlor, make a trip to Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe, which has been open since 1969 and offers nearly 50 different flavors. 

Panama City Beach is probably one of the most classic and best college spring break destinations — and as luck would have it, it’s also one of the most budget-friendly trips, too. People flock here for the stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters this northeastern Florida city is famous for, but for college students it’s also great for making new friends from other schools. “I met so many people from colleges everywhere,” says Kaelei Wilford (@kaeleishanai on Instagram).