Heading to sunshine? It must be spring break

Florida remains a popular destination

Heading+to+sunshine%3F+It+must+be+spring+break

Danielle Shumar

As spring break approaches, the anticipation of new vacations and warmer weather starts.

Seeing different travel destinations on social media is always a fun and interesting part of spring break. Most spring break travelers tend to migrate toward warm, tropical areas with beaches, palm trees, and sunshine. So where are the most popular vacation spots during these few weeks? 

An obvious result is Florida, better known as the “sunshine state.” You’ll find areas of Florida to be highly populated in late March and early April as spring breakers migrate toward the sunshine.

Panama City Beach also referred to as PCB, has been a popular destination for years. Panama City Beach is located in northwest Florida, and there are about 27 miles of white sand beaches stretching across the entire town.

The crowds in spring break of 2021 were much worse than PCB has seen before, most likely due to Covid restrictions being lifted in all areas. Other popular Florida beaches include Daytona Beach, which has 23 miles of beaches and many different hotels that attract travelers. Another popular town is Key West, a small town full of museums, boutiques, and of course, easy access to the ocean. Key West is a low-effort drive from Miami, so spring breakers might travel to the Keys in order to escape the Miami craziness for a few days. 

Outside of Florida, there are many more beautiful beaches to travel to. South Padre Island, Texas is another popular vacation attraction for college students in particular. Because of its many affordable hotels and free shuttle system, it’s easier for students on a budget to travel. There are many parties and social gatherings on the island during spring break, making it a hot spot for tourists. 

You might have heard of the popular Netflix show Outer Banks, displaying a town surrounded by warm weather and beaches. The real Outer Banks in North Carolina is no different. Many families travel here due to the many activities available alongside the beach. There are also numerous hotels to stay at for reasonable prices, in addition to many vacation homes available. Groups of large and small numbers can find a place to stay in the Outer Banks, making it a popular destination.

If you’re looking for something a little less tropical, there are options for you as well.

New Orleans is a popular city in Louisiana known for its nightlife. New Orleans is home to many parades, street parties, and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. Because of the parties and social events that take place in addition to the comfortable ambiance of the city, New Orleans sees a slight increase in population during spring break. 

The scenes at Yosemite National Park in California are perfect for those looking to avoid the crowded beaches over spring break. Yosemite has been said to be one of the best places to visit in California due to its scenic beauty. It is essentially free of big crowds, and affordable to stay at. The weather is not as warm as in other locations, ranging from the 40s and 50s, and there is still snow coating the peaks of the mountains. 

Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway or an escape to the mountains, spring break is a great time to book your dream trip. Taking a quick vacation during the two weeks off school can put everyone in good spirits as we head into the last quarter of the school year.