America’s Best Spring Break Beaches

Whether you’re looking for beach ragers or an easy, breezy getaway, we’ve got the best Spring Break beach destinations for everyone.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Spring Break is the perfect chance to escape from the real world and soak up the sun, and the beach is the perfect place to do it. From party beaches on the Gulf Coast to chill spots on the East Coast, we’ve got what you’re looking for.
When you’re in school, a Spring Break beach vacation is the perfect way to toss the books aside and let loose. Even if you’re not a student, Spring Break can be a chance to catch your breath and tune out the real world.
Spring Break may have a reputation for being a nonstop party, but if the MTV Spring Break scene isn’t your vibe, don’t fret—there are more lowkey places to stick your toes in the sand, too. From nightclubs and beach blowouts to sandy picnics and tranquil waves, the No. 1 car insurance app
Jerry
is your guide to the best Spring Break beach destinations in America.

Spring Break beach destinations: best party beaches

Looking to blow off some steam before hitting the books and studying for finals? Planning an epic springtime escape from your 9 to 5 desk job? Here are the best party beaches and boozy bashes to hit up for Spring Break. 

The entire Florida Panhandle

Between
Pensacola Beach
,
Destin
, and the famous
Panama City Beach
, you could pick any sandy spot on the Florida Panhandle for your big Spring Break bash. (We’ll also throw in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, though they’re technically in Alabama.) Known colloquially as the “Redneck Riviera,” this area keeps the fun going all spring and summer long.
From dozens of crazy clubs and floating bars to busy boardwalks and live music galore, there is no shortage of excitement for your mid-semester vacay. Want to keep it slightly more chill? Head to Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, or Rosemary Beach to ride bikes through the quaint neighborhoods of
30A
Party rating: Redneck Riviera gets a whopping 10/10 White Claws. 

Key West, Florida

Iconic for its lively atmosphere year-round,
Key West
is one of the more interesting beach destinations for Spring Break. Get in your vitamin “sea” with snorkeling, fishing, and swimming, then attend one of the island’s lively parties on Duval Street or Mallory Square
Known for its eclectic and artsy atmosphere, spring in Key West also has tons of theater performances, concerts, and art events. Key West is less popular for college students, so it’s the perfect spot for your grown-up Spring Break getaway. 
Party rating: Key West earns 6/10 White Claws. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Popular for both college students and families,
Myrtle Beach
has it all. Partygoers will appreciate the after-sunset scene at top clubs, from foam parties at Señor Frogs to live music at the House of Blues. Hit up The Boathouse for waterfront live music, or head to Malibu’s Surf Bar for a multi-level dance floor and lively contests. 
Party rating: Myrtle Beach gets 8/10 White Claws.
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Miami, Florida

There’s a reason Miami was one of the legendary locations for MTV Spring Break. Every spot along South Beach is a constant dance party—especially during Music Week in late March, which often overlaps with
ULTRA
, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals. If you aren’t into EDM, you can still find something to do, like scuba diving, working on your tan, or exploring the lively culture and incredible food
Party rating: Iconic Miami gets 10/10 White Claws. 

South Padre Island, TX

Rounding out the top party beaches in the U.S. is
South Padre Island
off the Gulf Coast of Texas. Long known for its “Animal House” party vibes, South Padre has chilled considerably in recent years—though it’s still a major hotspot for Spring Breakers. 
College students flock to popular bars like Louie’s Backyard, Clayton’s Beach Bar, and Tequila Sunset. Many hotels and local companies cater to the younger crowd, offering student discounts, party cruises, and concerts throughout the Spring Break season. 
Party rating: South Padre Island gets 8/10 White Claws.
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Spring Break beach destinations: best relaxing beaches

Boozy ragers and crowded swim areas aren’t everybody’s idea of a good vacation, especially if you’re looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere. Spring Break is the ideal chance to unplug and recoup from the stress of real life—and here are the best chill beaches to do it. 

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Situated on the southern banks of North Carolina,
Emerald Isle
and the surrounding beaches—like Atlantic Beach, Indian Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores—provide all the quaint beachy vibes your heart desires. Dozens of miles of pristine coastline are ideal for swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, or sea-shell hunting. You’ll also have plenty of options for lowkey tourist activities and local cuisine, like the Crystal Coast’s famous oysters.
Relaxation rating: Emerald Isle deserves 9/10 glasses of wine.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Need an extra dose of chill for Spring Break? This charming New England coastal town has all the fresh air you can handle—from tranquil beaches and peaceful lakes to the gorgeous
Acadia National Park
and whale-watching cruises. You won’t go hungry, either—from Geddy’s to Galyn’s and everywhere in between, the area has plenty of options for delicious restaurants with impressive views. 
Relaxation rating: We give Bar Harbor 10/10 glasses of wine. 

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach
gives you the best of both worlds. You can keep the chill level set to max with fresh tidepool exploration, puffin spotting, and whale-watching—or you can enjoy one of the area’s many springtime festivals, like the Get Lit at the Beach literary festival, the Spring Unveiling Arts Festival, the North Coast Culinary Fest, or the Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival.
Relaxation rating: Cannon Beach gets 8/10 glasses of wine.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head is the ultimate family-friendly Spring Break beach destination. Not only are there 12 miles of gorgeous beaches for all the boogie-boarding you can stand, but the area includes tons of water sports, mini-golf, the
Coastal Discovery Museum
, and the
Harbour Town Lighthouse
. Hilton Head has a little something for everyone in the family. 
Relaxation rating: Hilton Head earns 6/10 glasses of wine.  

Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida

Not all Florida beaches are overrun with party-goers—
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island
are the laid-back alternatives if you’re looking toward the Sunshine State. Your vacation could include white sand beaches, historic lighthouses, and sailboats, plus kayaking through mangroves and manatee-spotting
Relaxation rating: We give Sanibel & Captiva 9/10 glasses of wine. 

Find the best car insurance for your beach vacation

With all of these amazing options for Spring Break getaways, we see a road trip in your future. Whether you’re heading to a fiesta in the Florida Panhandle or anticipating pure serenity on Cannon Beach, you’ll want to be sure your road trip goes as smoothly as possible—and that includes having the right
car insurance
Road trips can come with unforeseen hiccups, so you may want to pick a policy with
comprehensive coverage
or roadside assistance—but who has the time to shop policies when you’re planning a trip?
Jerry
does! As the No. 1-rated car insurance app, Jerry gathers quotes from over 50 top companies to bring you the most affordable rates on the coverage you need—all in 45 seconds or less. 
Find your ideal policy? Jerry will handle the sign-up process and even help cancel your old insurance. Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on coverage. That money could go a long way for your next Spring Break vacation!  
Jerry
blew my mind, honestly. From start to finish, using the app took me 10 minutes and I ended up with $100 of savings a month. Best of all, customer service answered all my questions about rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.” —Savanna R.
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