The 6 Best Spring Break Party Destinations for Fun, Sun, and Nightlife   

March is just around the corner, which means college students across the United States are gearing up for spring break. Whether you’re celebrating a week off from class or shaking off winter’s cabin fever, there are lots of reasons to indulge in the rowdy holiday tradition. With only a few weeks left to plan your getaway, we’ve broken down the 6 best spring break party destinations 

 #1 Spring Break Party Destination: Punta Cana

Known for its palm-fringed white-sand beaches, an abundance of booze-soaked all-inclusive resorts, and late-night revelry, Punta Cana continues to reign as the Caribbean’s leading local for spring breakers. Spanning the Dominican Republic’s easternmost tip, Punta Cana’s shoreline is lined with a slew of sprawling resorts catering to all types of travelers and budgets. All-inclusive drink packages, swim-up bars, and turquoise seas ensure the party gets started not long after sunrise. Come nightfall, tear yourself away from the resort bar for a night out at one of Punta Cana’s epic nightclubs. Housed in a series of caves, Imagines’ one-of-a-kind setting sees wild evenings filled with hip-hop beats and flowing drinks from the open bar. Part club, part acrobatic extravaganza, Coco Bongo is a must for its over-the-top shows and lively atmosphere.

Recommended Hotel: Riu Republica   

 #2 Spring Break Party Destination: Cancún  

Cancún has long been a mainstay on spring break itineraries, and this Mexican beach town continues to live up to the hype. The Hotel Zone, which spans miles of pristine beaches and high-rise megaresorts, serves as the hub for party-minded travelers. After sunrise, the party atmosphere quickly warms up at swim-up bars. There are also plenty of water sports, such as Jet Skis and stand-up paddleboards for daytime fun. Later in the evening, spring breakers flock to the compact Party Zone, which houses many of Cancún’s best bars and clubs. The city offers a massive dance floor and live DJs, while Coco Bongo, like its Punta Cana sister, is famous for circus-style performances and foam cannons. The Indian-themed club, Mandala, is a more intimate choice if dancing alongside thousands of partygoers sounds a bit intense. Señor Frogs is a fixture of Cancún nightlife and merits a stop for its famous yard-long drinks and upbeat vibe.  

Recommended Hotel: Aloft Cancun 

 #3 Spring Break Party Destination: Miami   

Beach at Acqualina Resort and Spa/Oyster  With its extravagant nightlife, hip sidewalk cafes, stunning beaches, and exceptionally attractive people, Miami checks all the boxes for a perfect spring break destination. The Ultra Music Festival transforms the typically serene Bayfront Park into a huge dance party, with world-famous electronic music acts like David Guetta and Major Lazer taking the stage. March is stacked with other shows and events affiliated with Miami Music Week, as well as pool parties and booze cruises. The Miami Music Pool Parties at the Surfcomber present a much cheaper, but still thrilling, option to enjoy live music and drink poolside in style. Other Miami Beach venues, such as the Shore Club host pool parties with an upbeat atmosphere and music.  

Recommended Hotel: Catalina Hotel 

 #4. Spring Break Party Destination: Las Vegas  

Sin City has decades of credentials as an all-out party destination, between its colossal casinos, trendy nightclubs, live shows, and seedier establishments. Although lacking sand and surf, Las Vegas compensates with an extensive schedule of pool parties ranging from low-key house music to alcohol-fueled bashes. The Mandalay Bay’s Daylight parties draw thousands for dance parties and DJs. If you’re keen to swim in just your birthday suit, the clothing-optional Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage and Naked Pool at the Artisan Hotel can oblige. Come nightfall, the partying shifts to Las Vegas’s nightclubs. Hakkasan is known for its multi-level, high-energy dance floor, while Foxtail has a lavish interior lounge with cage dancers and an outdoor poolside bar. 

Recommended Hotel: The Cosmopolitan  

#5. Spring Break Party Destination: Puerto Vallarta  

Perched on the shimmering, azure waters of the Bahía de Banderas along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty and charming city center are also home to a dynamic nightlife scene. Amidst the white-washed historic buildings and cobbled streets, you’ll find vibrant local music clubs like Club Roxy and La Ingrata. A more upscale, but still raucous venue is La Vaquita. Dancers glide overhead hundreds of dancers on swings in this beachfront establishment. Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s leading LGBTQ beach retreat, as demonstrated by a dozen or so bars and clubs in the Zona Romántica neighborhood. Mr. Flamingo, Apaches, and Frida are perfect spots for a cocktail or two on the patio before heading to the lewder atmosphere at Anthropology. Overall, you should expect a more international and diverse mix of visitors compared to Cancun and the domestic destinations on this list. 

Recommended Hotel: Villa del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa

#6. Spring Break Party Destination: New Orleans  

Although the Big Easy’s legendary Mardi Gras festivities can happen in late February, there is still plenty of partying in store for visitors during March and April. The epicenter of New Orleans’ nightlife, Bourbon Street, is home to numerous lively bars and music venues. Thanks to more liberal open-container laws (you can drink on the street), the party seamlessly flows between the street and bars. For a rowdier evening, stop by Tropical Isle for their infamously strong hand grenade cocktails, the Cat’s Meow for its karaoke bar, and The Swamp — whose wraparound balcony grants a birds-eye view over Bourbon Street. Other options include Maison Bourbon for its excellent jazz performances and potent cocktails, as well as the more laidback music venues along Frenchmen Street.  

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Monteleone

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