Spring Break is a rite of passage for college students in the US. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million students travel to chill and party for one week in the spring between March and April. A huge portion of those students head to Mexico for sun, sea, culture, and as many tacos and tequila shots as they can handle.

Both the sunshine-filled coasts of Mexico, as well as the culturally rich interior, provide plenty of options for students to take a break from reality and enjoy the best this country has to offer. Additionally, accommodations are widely available for any budget, from luxury Mexican resorts to apartments that can host your entire group.

From sipping margaritas in rooftop bars in Los Cabos and chugging cervezas in Cancun to snorkeling on Isla Mujeres and eating delicious street tacos in charming pueblos (towns), Mexico has got you covered.

Here, you’ll find the best parties on the planet for Spring Breakers, exciting water sports that’ll cure your hangover, or relaxing retreats amidst nature (who said Spring Break had to be 24/7 parties?), we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best Spring Break destinations in Mexico.

1. Cancun

Photo Credit: jdross75

Cancun is one of the top Spring Break destinations in the world thanks to a few key factors. Beautiful beaches and clear blue sea make this Caribbean Coast locale the perfect place to chill out in the sun between parties. And trust us, those parties are legendary! There’s a great range of accommodation perfectly suited to party-goers, so you’re sure to find somewhere to stay, no matter how big (or small) your budget might be.

Here’s why Spring Breakers have made Cancun an iconic destination to let loose.

Unlimited Drinks All-Inclusive Resorts

Cancun is home to some of Mexico’s best all-inclusive resorts, so if you like the idea of paying for your entire trip (including food and drink) upfront, this could be a great option for you. Many of Cancun’s all-inclusive hotels and resorts are beachfront, meaning you can roll out of bed and be lining up the tequila shots on the powdery white sand within minutes.

World-Class Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Cancun’s nightlife will not disappoint. The main party area in the hotel zone can get pretty crazy because it’s home to the famous Coco Bongo club and some of the best open-air party bars you’ll ever visit. The party also spills out onto the beaches around Cancun, so you’ll never have to go far to find the party vibes.

Stunning Ancient Ruins

If you’d like to see some of Mexico’s best cultural sites during your Spring Break vacation, Cancun is a great place to base yourself. The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are one of the seven modern wonders of the world and can be visited as a day trip from Cancun.

Lots of Options for Fun-Packed Day Trips

When you have done a few laps around Cancun’s nightlife and are ready for a break, Isla Mujeres provides a peaceful respite. The “island of women” is just a short fifteen-minute ferry ride from Cancun and gives a great glimpse into Mexico’s chilled Caribbean island life.

Book Cancun for your Spring Break destination.

2. Playa del Carmen

Photo Credit: Arkadij Schell

Just south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo sits Playa del Carmen, another world-class beachfront party city. Travelers often report that the main difference between the two cities is that Cancun feels more like a bustling city, whereas Playa del Carmen feels more like a laid-back beach town. And even though the vibe is more chilled during the day, Playa del Carmen has no trouble matching Cancun’s iconic party status once the sun has gone down.

Here’s why we love Playa del Carmen as a Spring Break destination.

A Walkable Party Area

One of the key perks of Playa del Carmen is just how walkable and easy to get around it is. La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is a pedestrianized street that runs parallel to the beach and is home to endless bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. This is the central point of any party-goer’s vacation and is especially lively during Spring Break. You’ll also find some killer clubs on the city’s 12th Street; again, most are within walking distance of one another.

Easy Going Beaches

The beach is equally as beautiful as Cancun’s, and it’s also home to some of the best beach clubs on the Yucatan Peninsula. However, Playa Del Carmen’s pillowy white sands tend to be less crowded.

Kick back with a cocktail and top up your tan, or rent jet skis and race up and down the coastline on the calm turquoise water: the choice is yours! The clear waters of Mexico’s Caribbean coast are also ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving if that’s more your vibe, and the lack of waves means they’re also ideal for chilled kayaking trips.

Plenty Of Accommodation Options

Another major benefit of Playa del Carmen is the wide variety of accommodation types on offer. Whether you’re looking for all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, or cheaper hostels and B&Bs, most options will be within walking distance of the beach and party areas. Overall the average cost of accommodation tends to be more affordable in this area compared to neighboring resort cities.

Day Trips To Cozumel

Playa del Carmen is also the departure point for the ferry to Cozumel. A quick 45-minute trip will have you on this rugged island in no time. Cozumel is home to some of Mexico’s best scuba diving and is also a great place to explore in a rented 4×4 or scooter. If you like your Spring Break with a side of adventure, you can’t visit Mexico without checking out this spot.

Book Playa Del Carmen for your Spring Break destination.

3. Tulum

Photo Credit: andrmoel

Head even further down the coast of the Riviera Maya past Cancun and Cozumel, and you’ll stumble upon the bohemian getaway of your dreams in Tulum. If you’re in the market for a more chilled Spring Break trip, this is the spot for you.

Here’s what we love about Tulum for Spring Break.

A Hipster Party Paradise

Despite Tulum’s relaxed vibes, this town still knows how to throw a party. This ultra-cool beach destination attracts world-class DJs with its bars, clubs, and beach parties, making Tulum a good option for fans of EDM and parties that often see the sunrise.

A Variety Of Accommodations

Hotels are mostly split between the beach area and downtown. Tulum Beach hotels and resorts tend to cater to the luxury crowd, and many of them are all-inclusive, so you can pay upfront and enjoy Spring Break without worrying about blowing next semester’s budget on tequila and tacos.

Downtown is where you’ll find more affordable hostels and boutique hotels that are better suited for Spring Breakers on a budget. Both areas are easy to travel between by biking or taxi, and neither spot is short of places to party.

Swim In Cenotes

No visit to this region of Mexico is complete without a visit to a cenote (freshwater swimming holes), and Tulum is surrounded by several of the best on the Yucatan Peninsula. El Gran Cenote is close to downtown Tulum and can be reached by bicycle if you’re in the mood to peddle off your hangover.

Cenote Calavera (skull sinkhole in English) is named for its three swimming holes that resemble a skull and is our top pick for Instagram-worthy photos that’ll make your classmates jealous. Cenote Carwash is an open-air cenote that’s less popular with tourists, making it a fabulous place to swim and sunbathe in peace.

Book Tulum for your Spring Break destination.

4. Los Cabos

Photo Credit: Frederick Millett

Los Cabos is situated on the southern tip of Baja California on the Sea of Cortez and is another popular destination that commonly ranks at the top of Spring Breaker lists. Los Cabos is extremely easy to access from the United States — especially from the San Diego region — with short flight times and affordable deals from many big cities.

You should consider Los Cabos for Spring Break if you like the following things.

Fun-Packed Activities

There’s plenty to do in terms of activities at this idyllic resort town: from booze cruises to golfing days, and if your main focus is to party, you won’t have a hard time finding some fun. Los Cabos is also well-known for its water sports, and you can even try your hand at parasailing. Another huge draw for animal lovers is the option to go whale watching right here in Los Cabos.

Daytime Beach Parties

Cabo San Lucas’s Medano Beach is the top spot for daytime parties. Head to one of the beach bars or party in the swim-up pool of one of the all-inclusive resorts for the most hedonistic Spring Break imaginable.

Medano Beach is also a dream spot to swim at, and the endless stretches of white sand are ideal for laying out and topping up your tan (or sleeping off your hangover). When the sun goes down, take a quick taxi into town and check out the clubs for all-night dancing and partying.

Affordable & Luxury Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Los Cabos, there’s plenty of choice on offer. From five-star all-inclusive resorts for bougie Spring Break vacations to low-cost apartments and B&Bs, Los Cabos has a variety of stays available. This is a great location for a group to share a house rental or apartment, both of which can be found close to the nightlife in the city.

Book Los Cabos for your Spring Break destination.

5. Puerto Vallarta

Photo Credit: Hello Cinthia

Puerto Vallarta is positioned on Mexico’s Pacific coast and is another top destination for Spring Breakers due to its affordable flights, vibrant nightlife, and vast amenities. This beachfront city combines authentic Mexican culture with pristine beaches, lush forests, and the scenic ridges of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Here’s why Puerto Vallarta is loved by Spring Breakers.

Vibrant Nightlife and LQBQ Friendly

After dark, things get wild, making it a good spot for some much-needed debauchery. Most of the bars and nightclubs are on the Malecon, or the street running parallel to the beach.

There are some great chilled bars to get started at before heading to one of the huge clubs to party in the early hours. Puerto Vallarta is also known to be one of Mexico’s most LGBTQIA-friendly destinations, and it’s home to some of the county’s best gay bars and clubs.

Unique Boutiques

During the day, Puerto Vallarta offers a wholesome, family-friendly environment that can be great if you need a break from the non-stop parties. Head to the hidden boutiques of the Romantic Zone for gifts and souvenirs or for a new outfit for one of the many Spring Break parties that the city is known for.

Killer Surfing 

If you’re a surfer, you’ll appreciate the swells that the region’s coastline provides. Banderas Bay provides great opportunities for every level of surfer, from beginner to expert, to catch some waves and become one with the ocean.

Large Group Accommodations

This city has some great low and mid-range accommodations, including some excellent options for larger groups who want to stick together. There are also plenty of resorts set on the city’s stunning beaches, many of which are all-inclusive. Whichever accommodation you opt for, you’re guaranteed to have the best spring break ever in Puerto Vallarta.

Book Puerto Vallarta for your Spring Break destination.

6. Puerto Escondido

Photo Credit: JackKPhoto

Puerto Escondido might not be the best-known place to head for Spring Break, but that’s slowly changing as people discover the magic of this multifaceted destination. In recent years, this small port town has started seeing thousands of party-goers arriving during Spring Break, ready to let loose and make the most of the cheap beer and warm weather.

Here’s why you should visit Puerto Escondido before word fully gets out about this up-and-coming Spring Break hotspot.

24-Hour Parties

There are parties to be found all day and all night during Spring Break in Puerto Escondido. The city is known to have a lively schedule of diverse concerts and events during this period as well.

World-Class Surfing

Surfing is also a major draw of Puerto Escondido, and Zicatela Beach is the perfect spot if you want to catch some waves or just enjoy that chill surfer lifestyle. This neighborhood is also home to some of the biggest parties and the wildest hostels and resorts, making it the most popular Spring Break zone.

Neighboring La Punta

La Punta, on the other hand, is a small, sandy offshoot of Puerto Escondido and is our favorite part of the port town. It’s home to some of the best accommodations, from cheap rooms suitable for groups to more high-end boutique places, plus some of the best beach bars and street tacos imaginable. If you’re looking for a spot to party and chill away from the bigger resort areas during your Spring Break trip, La Punta is it.

Book Puerto Escondido for your Spring Break destination.

7. Mexico City

Photo Credit: WitR

Who said Spring Break has to happen at the beach? Mexico City is one of the best cities in the world for history and food culture, but it also has a phenomenal party scene. This capital city is also home to some of the hippest hostels, B&Bs, and hotels in the country, and many of them are surprisingly affordable compared to coastal destinations.

Here’s why to consider the capital for your Spring Break vacation.

Cool Districts

Roma Norte is considered to be the best district to party in the city. The streets regularly overflow with hip people and cool bars where you can sample tequila and mezcal alongside the locals. This part of the city attracts an international crowd making the ambiance lively and fun.

Salsa Dancing

If dancing is your thing, there are countless spots for salsa and bachata, or you can head to one of the many clubs that blast reggaeton for more of a Spring Break party vibe. Plaza Garibaldi should also be on any Spring Breaker’s agenda to experience authentic Mariachi. Be warned: the plaza gets wild after dark once the drinks are flowing.

Short Flight To Beaches

If you do get your fill of city life and want to hit the shores, Mexico City is also very well connected to all of the beach towns on this list. Short, direct flights can get you to a beach on either coast in a matter of just a few hours.

If your flight from the US passes through Mexico City, consider spending a day or two there before continuing on to the beach to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Book Mexico City for your Spring Break destination.

Top Travel Tips for Spring Breakers

When it comes to picking your dream Spring Break destination, know what kind of experience you are looking for and consider the following things:

• Travel time – look for direct flights to your chosen destination and check how long the journey will take.
• Weather – Mexico is a huge country, and the weather is likely to differ from place to place, so check the forecast for your travel dates in advance.
• Activities – make a list of the things you want to do on Spring Break to ensure your chosen destination is a good fit.
• Budget – costs differ from place to place, and there’s an option available for most budgets.

Once you land in Mexico, there are a few things to be mindful of for a safe and stress-free Spring Break:

• Taxis – Uber and Lyft aren’t yet available in some of Mexico’s most popular Spring Break destinations, so be mindful of only using licensed taxis (ask the staff at your hotel and the bars you visit if unsure).
• Stick with your friends – Mexico is mostly safe for visitors, but take care to ensure that your travel group sticks together and is accounted for at all times.
• Avoid illegal activity – don’t be tempted to indulge in any illegal activity, as the police are hyper-vigilant during Spring Break and won’t hesitate to arrest anyone suspected of breaking the law.
• Take care in the sea – the Pacific Ocean often has strong currents, so don’t swim unless lifeguards are present and it’s safe to do so.
• Get insurance – make sure that you have sufficient cover for medical emergencies, and for your belongings just in case anything unexpected happens during your trip.
• Sunscreen and repellent – these are items that your skin will thank you for during Spring Break and beyond.

Find Your Perfect Mexico Spring Break Experience

Planning a spring break in Mexico? From the beaches of Cancun to the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, there’s something for everyone.

Wherever you’re planning on spending Spring Break, play smart, stay safe, and take plenty of photos, as this is a vacation you’ll never want to forget.