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Families, couples, and solo travelers choose to explore the country in their homes on wheels rather than paying thousands of dollars for a hotel room or Airbnb.
So if you’re looking for a place to vacation for spring break, you might have thought about popular destinations like Fort Wilderness or South Padre Island.
But before you make those reservations, you might want to reconsider. From rowdy college students to the constant smell of alcohol, these cities invite party-goers to go wild and crazy.
They aren’t the relaxing vacation spots they might seem during other times of the year. So let’s explore 10 popular spring break locations you probably want to avoid.
Why Is Spring Break a Popular Time for RV Travel?
Spring break is a celebration of warmer weather, sunshine, and vacations. Kids typically get out of school, and parents can take a week off from work.
For families on a budget, RV travel can be the only way to afford a family vacation. Campgrounds are usually cheaper than hotel rooms.
Plus, preparing meals in your RV is cheaper than going out every night. So spring break is a popular time for RV travel.
What Are the Advantages of Going to a Popular Spring Break Destination?
Popular destinations are popular for a reason. These locations may have magnificent views, perfect weather, superb customer service, and the best nightlife around. You’ll likely find many more advantages to going to a popular spring break destination.
Plus, everything you want to see will typically remain open during spring break. When you travel in the off-season, sometimes you’ll run into closed restaurants, attractions, and trails due to weather or because there aren’t many visitors.
What Are the Disadvantages of Going to a Popular Spring Break Destination?
But although Miami might be full of endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and carousing, that doesn’t mean you should go there during spring break. Popular destinations like Miami or Las Vegas are overrun with tourists, and many hate the traffic and crowds.
That excellent restaurant down the street might have a 2-hour wait. You might find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with other hikers on a popular trail. The attractions at Disney aren’t nearly as fun when waiting in line more than riding the rides.
In addition, you’ll find popular spring break destinations cost a lot more. From the food to the attractions to the overnight accommodations, you’ll pay more in Myrtle Beach than in Kure Beach.
Plus, you’ll have to make reservations well in advance. If you want to go on a last-minute spring break trip, you’ll have little luck booking a trip to Daytona Beach.
Spring Break Destinations to Avoid
Although your best friends may be planning a trip to these popular spring break destinations, you may want to choose elsewhere. They’ll be crowded, dirty, loud, and expensive. Instead, choose an alternative with a similar vibe.
1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
According to STS Travel, “Thousands gravitate to the warm beaches along A1A for the biggest open Spring Break party anywhere. Across the street from the shore, open-air venues like Rock Bar and Elbo Room are jammed throughout the day.”
These types of crowds won’t provide a relaxing spring break vacation. Plus, you can expect the streets and beaches to be loud and dirty with the thousands of young partiers having a good time.
2. South Padre Island, Texas
Although South Padre Island is a popular destination for the younger crowd, it’s not quite as raucous as Fort Lauderdale.
But you still want to avoid this destination because of the intense spring heat. Summer has usually already arrived in this south Texas location, which can make spring break unbearable.
3. Daytona Beach, Florida
Named the trashiest spring break destination by Ranker, Daytona Beach is a popular destination you’ll want to avoid. The streets fill with partiers from sun up to sun down and throughout the night.
DJs light up the night to provide wild evenings for spring breakers looking for dancing, carousing, drinking, and other (perhaps illegal) activities.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
If you want to throw your money away, Las Vegas is the perfect destination. From casinos and nightclubs to restaurants and shows, you have endless ways to spend way too much money.
Plus, most people would agree that it’s not worth the hype. You pay more and get less. Avoid the Strip this spring break.
5. Lake Havasu City, Arizona
We have few places in the West on this list. Unfortunately, Lake Havasu City, a beautiful Arizona area, made it. In recent years, the lake has been overtaken by younger folks getting drunk and acting rowdy.
You can best experience the relaxing scenery and recreational activities during other times of the year.
6. Galveston, Texas
Another party city to avoid this spring break is Galveston, Texas. College students travel here when Florida is too far away.
Nicknamed the “Playground of the Southwest,” Galveston can be a cheap spring break but is still overrun with partiers and drunk fests.
Keep in Mind: Beat the heat during spring break at one of these Indoor Water Parks!
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Although Myrtle Beach may be one of the most affordable locations on this list, its scene is just like the other destinations.
Defined by nightclubs, bars, and endless parties, Myrtle Beach isn’t a location you want to visit with your family on spring break.
Choose another time of the year to enjoy the sunshine along South Carolina’s coast, or venture a bit farther down to a less crowded beach.
8. Miami, Florida
Sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife draw younger crowds every spring break. Miami is a party scene like many other cities on this list.
This doesn’t make for a great RV travel destination, especially if you want a family-friendly atmosphere. It can also be quite expensive.
9. Panama City Beach, Florida
Another well-known location for its all-night parties and trashy spring break scene is Panama City Beach. You best avoid it if you want a place to enjoy a nice vacation. After Daytona Beach, it’s the next trashiest location in Florida on Ranker’s list.
It’s one location where the locals celebrate spring break rather than a bunch of college students.
10. Fort Wilderness at Disney World Resorts
In general, Disney World is a place you want to avoid during spring break. Because kids don’t have school, families flock to the Orlando area for vacation.
Wait times for rides, shows, and restaurants are long, which can take the fun out of the entire day. Fort Wilderness is the only Disney World Resort that has RV campsites. If you choose to come here during spring break, you’ll pay a small fortune in addition to dealing with the traffic and crowds.
Keep in Mind: While we don’t recommend Disney World during spring, we do recommend visiting eventually! Here’s how to plan an RV trip to Disney world!
Where Will You RV This Spring Break?
You can find many beautiful locations with sandy beaches, kid activities, or magnificent landscapes. Choose a lesser-visited place like Bryce Canyon, New River Gorge, or Emerald Isle.
You’ll probably have more fun because you’ll enjoy the experience without the crowds, high costs, and the endless smell of beer.
Particularly if you’re traveling with children and looking for a family-friendly destination, you want to avoid these places. You don’t have to give up a beach vacation — just choose one in a quieter setting.
Where will you RV this spring break?
