By: Nick Callos
Are you looking for alternative spring break destinations and ideas to save money?
Considering the price tag of spring break trips, it’s understandable. Spring break costs have reached record levels, with the average cost exceeding $8,300 for a trip in 2025. That’s double what you would’ve paid in 2019. And, depending on your circumstances, such a price tag may seem unreasonably high, especially if you’re living a digital nomad lifestyle, saving for the future, or simply trying to balance your finances better.
The good news is you don’t have to spend a bag full of money to have a good spring break. You can have a memorable experience—and save money—by choosing one of the alternative spring break destinations or alternative spring break ideas listed in this article.
5 Alternative Spring Break Destinations to Consider
Photo by Peter Hansen on Unsplash
Generally, small towns outside regular tourist traps are the best alternative spring break destinations—no matter where you’re located. Even visiting cities and beaches outside the USA is a potential cost-saving option. Here, we list a few alternative spring break destinations around US states, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
- Note: If you’re living abroad, research nice small towns near your location for destination ideas. You may discover a new getaway you love!
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Average price of a weeklong stay in Ocean Springs: Average of $1,491 for 1-2 people
Why Ocean Springs is one of the best alternative spring break destinations
Located between the popular Florida Panhandle and New Orleans, Ocean Springs is a wonderful option if you’re looking for quiet beaches, great seafood, nature trails, boutique shops, and more. The city is a hidden gem full of arts and culture. Tour the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, shop in the Downtown District, sunbathe on Front Beach, and more.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Average price of a weeklong stay in Santa Fe: $1,330 to $2,660 for 1-2 people
Why Santa Fe is one of the best alternative spring break destinations
Conde Nast Traveler rates Santa Fe the 2nd best small city in the USA. Santa Fe features an abundance of history and culture. Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, take a New Mexican cooking class, enjoy a flamenco performance, and more. Lena Street is a paradise for everyone from coffee lovers and foodies to art enthusiasts. Beyond the town, boundless nature awaits; try the Aspen Vista Trail if you need a breath of fresh air.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Average price of a weeklong stay in Chattanooga: $1,575 to $3,150 for 1-2 people
Why Chattanooga is one of the best alternative spring break destinations
Chattanooga packs a punch for its size, with plenty to do for anyone, whether you wish to attend a Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game, walk across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, or go rock climbing in the mountains. You can also journey to the world-renowned Tennessee Aquarium, the bustling Bluff View Art District, and scenic Lookout Mountain. Enjoy incredible coffee, whiskey, and cuisine. Options abound, and you’ll have a blast in this wonderful town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Average price of a weeklong stay in San Juan: $1,526 to $3,052 for 1-2 people
Why San Juan is one of the best alternative spring break destinations
Flight prices are relatively affordable during spring break time. With warm weather and amazing beaches, you can get an amazing spring break experience in San Juan—without having to navigate rowdy spring break crowds. Plus, when it comes to culture, nature, and entertainment, San Juan delivers. Explore the historic Old San Juan, chill on the sand at Condado Beach, trek through El Yunque National Park, and sip cocktails at La Factoria. Indeed, San Juan should be on everyone’s radar if you’re looking for great alternative spring break destinations.
Mexico City, Mexico
Average price of a weeklong stay in Mexico City: $1,372 to $2,744 for 1-2 people
Why Mexico City is one of the best alternative spring break destinations
A digital nomad favorite, the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May if you seek consistent sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Flight prices also remain affordable during the spring break travel season. Most importantly, the city offers unforgettable experiences and culture at every turn. Explore the Zócalo square, Chapultepec Park, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Xochimilco borough, and Frida Kahlo Museum. And go on a culinary adventure—tacos al pastor, tamales, ceviche and more await!
5 Alternative Spring Break Ideas to Consider
Photo by Victoria Berman on Unsplash
Our list of alternative spring break ideas offers flexibility in what you do. Depending on where you are, you can customize your trip to include one or two of the ideas listed here.
Visit Local, State, or National Parks
Average price of visiting national parks: Usually FREE; only costs are transportation there and food, supplies, lodging, etc
Why visiting public parks is one of the best alternative spring break ideas
The United States is home to some of the world’s most amazing parks, and every person should take time to explore these precious lands. If you’re in the Southeast, that could mean a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re out West, try Yosemite National Park or Zion National Park. If you can’t travel too far, visit a local or state park. No matter where you’re reading this article from, a public park is probably within a short trip (even if it’s a local trail). Get out and enjoy nature—in most places, it’s free or has a low entrance fee.
Sports Road Trip
Average price of a sports road trip: $1K+ for attending a few games, hotel stays, and travel expenses
Why a sports road trip is one of the best alternative spring break ideas
During spring break, you could take a trip to attend sports games—usually basketball or baseball. For example, if you live in Chicago and the baseball season has started, you could travel to attend games in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, and / or Cleveland; it’s a convenient way to see new cities and sports stadiums. This is a fun alternative spring break idea for sports enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for something different during this time of year.
Have a Staycation
Average price of a staycation: Just the cost of transportation and ticket fees
Why a staycation is one of the best alternative spring break ideas
Are there restaurants, parks, museums and more you’ve never visited in your hometown? Use your spring break to explore these places in your backyard. Perhaps there’s even a famous local hotel you’d like to stay at. Book it! Life gets busy, and we often don’t have time to see all that our cities have to offer. Spring break is the perfect time to put aside work, screens, and other distractions, and become a tourist in your hometown.
Take a Legendary Train Trip
Average price of a train trip: $100 to $1K+ depending on what route and ticket you book
Why a train trip is one of the best alternative spring break ideas
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight takes you from Seattle to Los Angeles and envelopes you in scenic Pacific landscapes. The City of New Orleans (No. 59) ushers you between Chicago and New Orleans in historic fashion. And the Northeast Corridor takes you through America’s large East Coast cities, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. A train trip is a comfortable, relaxing way to view scenery, explore cities and towns, and enjoy the moment.
Join a Spring Break Volunteer Trip
Average price of a volunteer trip: Usually just the cost of transportation and insurance
Why a volunteer trip is one of the best alternative spring break ideas
Depending on your budget, you can volunteer locally or take a volunteer trip. Volunteer travel is a great way to build connections with locals, meet like-minded travelers, and, most importantly, do good. Some reputable organizations to look for spring break volunteer opportunities include Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and American Hiking Society (trail maintenance).
Choosing One of the Alternative Spring Break Destinations or Ideas
Spring break does NOT have to be constrained by pricy trips to popular, yet overly crowded, beach destinations. This list of alternative spring break destinations and alternative spring ideas offers something for everyone, even beach locations that won’t be as crowded and costly. See which destination or idea makes sense for your trip, and start planning!
Do you have any other alternative spring break ideas or destinations? Join our Facebook page and leave a comment. We’d love to hear more from you.
About the Author
Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.
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