Where to Go for Spring Break: 13 Affordable Destinations in the US and Mexico

Spring break is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, but that doesn't mean you have to pay peak season prices for your trip. Travel & Leisure talks about inexpensive but interesting routes for spring break.

Average round-trip economy airfare prices and average daily hotel rates for standard double rooms were taken into account. The result was a list of destinations in the US and Mexico where demand hasn't yet pushed prices beyond reasonable limits—from the tranquil beach resorts of Florida to the mountain towns of Colorado and the exotic cities of Mexico.

Boise idaho

Photo: Charles Knowles | Dreamstime.com

Average cost of flight and hotel: $483

Boise isn't a classic spring break destination—and that's precisely its appeal. Spring days are pleasantly spent biking or strolling along the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt, or hiking in the foothills near downtown, while crowds are low and prices remain surprisingly low. The city is considered an underrated gateway to wine country, with easy access to the Snake River Valley AVA and a growing number of tasting rooms in neighboring Garden City. In Boise itself, explore the Basque Quarter and Basque Museum, and check out the ever-changing street murals at Freak Alley. For a festive twist, time your visit to coincide with spring events like the Treefort Music Fest or the Boise Flower & Garden Show.

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Seattle, WA

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $496

Yes, spring in Seattle is rainy, but the summer crowds haven't arrived yet, making it easier to explore the city at a more leisurely pace. You can admire the cherry blossoms on the University of Washington campus and at the Washington Park Arboretum, which typically peak in late March or early April, and then switch to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Another easy excursion is a trip to Leavenworth, a town in the Cascade Mountains styled like a Bavarian village, where Maifest, a vibrant celebration of traditional music, dancing, and beer, takes place in May. Whale watching tours in Puget Sound also begin in the spring.

Portland, Oregon

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $496

In spring, Portland truly lives up to its nickname, the City of Roses. In late March and early April, cherry blossoms along Tom McCall Waterfront Park bloom, followed by tulips—a perfect complement to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in nearby Woodburn. And, of course, roses, which can be seen at the International Rose Garden. Mild temperatures make this the perfect time to explore Portland as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, with miles of designated paths along the river and beyond. Add to that a stroll through Forest Park and a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden, and spring becomes a wonderful time to explore the city.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photo: Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

Average cost of flight and hotel: $505

A true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado Springs is especially popular in the spring for hiking, biking, and rock climbing, especially in Garden of the Gods Park, known for its impressive red rock formations. Manitou Springs offers a tranquil offshoot with historic streets and naturally carbonated mineral springs, but downtown Colorado Springs is equally impressive. Tejon Street, a compact, walkable space packed with restaurants, breweries, galleries, and shops, is a must-see.

Denver, Colorado

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $505

Spring brings the metropolis into full swing. Baseball returns to the city center to mark the start of the season, and warm days make pedestrian neighborhoods (especially RiNo, LoHi, Cherry Creek, and Capitol Hill) pleasant for strolling. Restaurants, shops, and galleries abound. Concert season is in full swing at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and the first flowers are blooming at the Denver Botanic Garden.

St. George, Utah

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $511

Situated between the Mojave Desert and the Pine Valley Mountains, St. George is best visited in the spring, before the sweltering summer heat sets in. Cooler days make hiking and mountain biking especially enjoyable, from the lava fields and sandstone trails of Snow Canyon Park to the routes leading to nearby Zion National Park. The downtown area is compact and tranquil, with numerous cafes, boutiques, and galleries.

Chicago, Illinois

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $517

As winter recedes, the Windy City becomes a much more pleasant place to stroll. Architectural boat tours on the Chicago River return, offering a chance to see the city's iconic buildings from the water. In Lincoln Park, the riverfront paths are finally comfortable for strolling, and the Lincoln Park Zoo is becoming a must-see. Even popular spots like Navy Pier and the Riverwalk remain quieter until the summer rush, and bars and outdoor patios are beginning to reopen throughout the city.

Fort Myers, Florida

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $519

While Fort Lauderdale and Panama City Beach attract crowds of spring break tourists, Fort Myers offers a more relaxed alternative. The beaches near the city are clean, spacious, and well-maintained, perfect for long walks, shell collecting, and relaxing by the water.

Nearby barrier islands like Sanibel, Cabbage Key, and Captiva enhance the region's appeal with scenic bike trails, nature preserves, and small communities with a residential rather than resort feel. Visits to the Edison and Ford winter homes offer a chance to experience history.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Photo: Kevin Ruck | Dreamstime.com

Average cost of flight and hotel: $520

Chattanooga, with its 35 parks, offers a quieter, more nature-focused alternative to Nashville. Near downtown, Lookout Mountain offers waterfalls, panoramic clifftop views, and attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls. Weather permitting, you can kayak, tubing, or paddleboard down the Tennessee River, then enjoy a drink at one of the bars and restaurants along the renovated riverfront, such as Scottie's on the River. Alternatively, visit the Tennessee Aquarium or the Creative Discovery Museum.

Jacksonville, Florida

Photo: Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

Average cost of flight and hotel: $529

Jacksonville is anything but your typical Florida beach town—and that's precisely what makes it special. Thirty miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline offer ample space for strolls on the sand, from the quieter shores of Little Talbot Island State Park to the surfer towns of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach.

Mexico City, Mexico

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $563

Michelin-starred restaurants and cultural attractions like Chapultepec Park, Chapultepec Castle, and the National Museum of Anthropology—Mexico City is all about that. Besides museums and fine dining, the city is known for its street food. Galleries, boutiques, and bookstores abound.

Merida, Mexico

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Average cost of flight and hotel: $679

Renowned for its light-colored stone buildings and colonial architecture, the capital of the state of Yucatán fully lives up to its nickname, La Ciudad Blanca—the White City. Here, old and new harmoniously blend. Landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral and Casa Montejo sit alongside cafes, galleries, and local markets, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Mérida makes a convenient base for day trips to Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltún. Evenings are best spent in the city itself, where musical performances take place in the plazas, open-air restaurants are open, and seasonal events are held, especially during Holy Week.

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Oaxaca, Mexico

Photo: Ulita | Dreamstime.com

Average cost of flight and hotel: $729

Recognized as one of Mexico's top five cities by the 2025 World's Best Awards, Oaxaca primarily attracts travelers interested in gastronomy. There's something for every taste, from the massive markets of Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez to the mezcal bars and bakeries scattered throughout the city. However, the city's appeal extends far beyond cuisine. Indigenous culture remains a central part of daily life, influencing everything from market goods to local festivals and traditions.

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