As a Florida transplant, I’m biased towards spring break destinations in Florida.  But even I have to admit, it’s been a long time since Daytona Beach was the only place to find a spring break party.  Now you can choose from hot spring break spots all over the country – and some of the hottest parties happen beyond our borders (where the drinking age just happens to be under 21).

Where should you go for Spring Break 2009?  You’re guaranteed to find the vacation of a lifetime at any of the locations on this list.

13 Top Spring Break Destinations

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Grab your passport and head to Mexico and the beaches of Puerto Vallarta!  Between luxury yachts to oggle, beachfront restaurants and deep sea fishing, Puerto Vallarta offers much more than a great place to party.  Spend the week in an all-inclusive resort like Canto Del Sol, or pinch your pennies at a budget hotel like Vallartasol.  (For what it’s worth, if there is anyway to get it into your budget, you’re almost always better off going the all-inclusive route.)

Of course, there’s no shortage of nightlife, especially during Spring Break!

The most notorious nightclub in Puerto Vallarta is Christine.  They bring in “celebrity DJs” from New York City and Miami just for the spring break crowds.  Of course, that means techno music and a true disco club atmosphere.  Mandala is also a favorite party spot for young tourists.  Want to spend your spring break nights in a cage?  Who doesn’t? It’s Spring Break!  Head to The Zoo for a chance to do things on the dance floor you wouldn’t be caught dead doing at home.

Before you book your flights for this spring break destination, remember passports are required for travel to Mexico!

Miami, Florida

Yeah, I know.  I said there was more to Spring Break than Florida.  But there’s no denying that there’s a party to be had in this southern Florida city.

Miami is known for it’s high end shopping, beautiful people and glamorous nightlife – which makes it perfect for college students looking to blow $3,000 on a week’s vacation.  This is the spring break city where you’re most likely to stumble across a fashion photo shoot in the middle of the night while you’re walking to dinner.

Where should you stay if you’re heading to Miami for Spring Break?  Of course you can cut costs and stay closer to the airport than the beach – but you don’t go on Spring Break to hear the planes fly overhead.  You can get a reasonably priced hotel and stay closer to the beach at River Park Hotel & Suites.  Or you can go for broke and enjoy the luxury of the Mandarin Oriental – and spend your afternoons at their bar on the water.

And what about the spring break nightlife?  Without a doubt, the “it” club to hit when you’re in Miami is The Clevelander.  Known locally as “The Cleve,” this South Beach hotel, restaurant and bar is the center of every major tourist event that hits town.  Some spring breakers will complain that Miami is too upscale for a truly wild time.  But The Clevelander is the one bar where you can be sure that rule does not apply.

Mazatlan, Mexico

It’s back to Mexico for the next spring break destination on our list.  Do you suppose it has something to do with Tequila?  Nah, of course not!

If you’re a true beach lover, move Mazatlan to the top of your list.  Here you’ll find one of the longest stretches of beach in Mexico – which means really, really long walks on the beach with the soul mate you met on the plane.  Of course, while you’re enjoying your romantic stroll, prepare to be accosted by local vendors peddling all kinds of hand made crafts.  Looking for an authentic souvenir that may or may not fall apart before you get home?  Look no further than your friendly beach peddler!

Mazatlan is also a great spring break destination for college students looking to get the most bang for their buck.  When looking for hotels in Mazatlan, try to concentrate on “the Golden Zone”.   This will provide you with the safest and most centrally located hotels.

When the sun goes down, make sure you schedule a stop for the world’s first Senor Frog’s.  It doesn’t get more authentic spring break than a night at Senor Frog’s.  Where do you go next?  Fiesta Land offers one stop.. uh… partying.  It’s a major complex that features more entertainment than you could hope to pack into one night, including Valentino’s, Bora Bora and Sambawa.

Bahamas

Yet another international destination for spring breakers and an excuse to get your passport up to date.  (Seriously, spring break requires a lot more planning and organizational skills than it did when I was that age.)  If you can get it done in time, the Bahamas is absolutely worth the paperwork.

If you’re looking for a spring break that involves more than a beach and a bar, than the Bahamas is the perfect destination.  Of course you can spend your days on the gorgeous beaches, but there’s much more to do here than get a tan.  Snorkel, scuba dive or go horseback riding on the sand.  You can also take a tour to many of the historic sites.  (Did you know the Bahamas has a navy and forts!?!)

Not to go all cliche female on you, but the shopping in the Bahamas is truly to die for.  You can wander through a local market and pick up beautiful, unique souvenirs.  Or bring your credit card and take advantage of some of the best gold the world has to offer.

When it is time to cut loose a little, the Bahamas offers something many other spring break locations can’t – LEGAL GAMBLING!  In Paradise Island, Bahamas you’ll find one of the world’s premier casinos, The Atlantis.  This monstrous pink resort offers luxury and a very, very small chance you can win back the cost of your spring break vacation!  You can’t get that in a beach front bar.

Daytona Beach

It’s back to Florida for the original king of Spring Break.  MTV used to do all of their spring break parties here, but in recent years the local businesses have done their best to run corporate spring break parties out of town.

The locals can only do so much to keep the college students away.

Daytona Beach remains a favorite destination for spring break.  The notoriety and warm weather are enough to keep the tradition alive.  And, much to the Chamber of Commerce’s dismay, Girls Gone Wild has even set up shop here in recent years.

Daytona Beach is a relatively small town, so the bulk of your spring break entertainment will be found on the beach or in a nightclub.

One of my favorite things about the beaches here is that, for a small fee, you can actually drive on the beach.  If you rented a car or drove down, do not miss this unique opportunity.  Do, however, be aware that there is no alcohol allowed on the beach and the law is strictly enforced.  Even during Spring Break.

Another big draw for spring breakers is the wide range in the price of hotels available in Daytona Beach.  You can book anything from a room at the Holiday Inn to a suite at the Wyndham Ocean Walk.

Cancun, Mexico

This Mexican spring break haven has a special place in my heart as the first place I went on spring break back in the day.

My first tip is to book a week at one Cancun’s many all-inclusive resorts.  The pool bars, on site restaurants with meals included and hotel activities catering to spring breakers will ensure you enjoy every minute of your spring break.  Many of the resorts also offer amenities like massages on the beach – a heavenly luxury I recommend everyone partake in at least once in their life.

When it’s time to go out, step outside the door of your hotel and catch the bus that runs up and down the main strip.  You don’t have to know where you’re going – just hop off the bus when it stops in front of your destination (or something that looks like it could be a fun destination).  When it’s time to go home, get back on the bus and wait for the driver to announce the name of your hotel.  Can’t remember the name of your hotel?  Check your bracelet!

Yes, Cancun is made for spring breakers and everything that goes along with it.  (On that note, it is illegal to… um… be on the beach in a compromising position at night.  Stay off the beach or prepare to fork over bribe money.  A friend told me that.)

Acapulco, Mexico

If your main reason for heading to Spring Break is the chance to enjoy a party you just can’t get back home, than Acapulco may be the spring break destination for you.

Acapulco boasts one of the hottest nightlife’s in the world.  It offers more than 10 night clubs considered “world class”.

Of course, you may want to start small.  Acapulco does have both a Senor Frog’s and Carlos ‘n’ Charlies location.  These laid back bars bring their own brand of notoriety and spring back lore in a less intimidating atmosphere.  And you don’t have to pass a dress code test.

When you’re ready for the big time, ditch the sandals and jeans and get in line at ZUCCA.  Actually, before you get in line, you’ll want to call ahead and make reservations.  And only both with reservations if you have money, are over 25, or are a beautiful woman.  Yeah, it’s that kind of club.  Getting in may prove to be an impossible feat – but if you can manage it, you’re guaranteed a night to remember.

Somewhere between the t-shirts of Senor Frogs an the exclusivity of ZUCCA, you’ll find the most popular place to party at Palladium.  The dance club is located on the side of a cliff, with monstrous 160ft glass windows overlooking the water.  This disco caters to the spring break crowd with drink specials (which means slightly less expensive, not cheap) and celebrity DJs brought in for the season.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

And now for something completely different!  I fell in love with the idea of Myrtle Beach as a spring break destination the first time I saw the movie Shag.  Of course, that movie was set in 1963 and spring break has grown up a lot in the last 45 years.  But the southern charm and carefree feeling of a spring break in Myrtle Beach remains the same.

Skip the hotels and look for a beach house along Ocean Drive to share with your friends.  It’s a unique vacation experience that you won’t find available in many other spring break cities.  The houses will include multiple bedrooms, your own kitchen and – if you’re lucky – a balcony overlooking the beach.  Sticking to the Ocean Drive area ensures you’re just a short walk away from many of the clubs.

The nightlife in Myrtle Beach is definitely sandal friendly.  You can “hang out” here at chain establishments like Senor Frog’s or Ron Jon’s (notable surf shop by day) or local bars with names like Pirate’s Cove.  You’re more likely to see a pool champion here than a world class DJ, and you can probably afford the beer without having to break out the plastic.

Myrtle Beach is the perfect spring break destination if you’re planning a trip with a big group of friends.  You can enjoy each other’s company and maybe make friends with the large group of friends in the house next door – but you don’t need a large crowd of strangers to find something to do.

Key West, Florida

Listen, I don’t put all the fabulous spring break locations in Florida – I just write about them.  We can’t help that it’s warm here!

And it doesn’t get much warmer than Key West.  If you like the laid back party vibe of a place like Myrtle Beach, but need something a little more tropical – then head all the way south to Key West, Florida.  The locals here take the philosophy of beach life to heart and enjoy sun, sand and fun all year round.  Throw in a few thousand college students eager to escape a lingering winter up north, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Spring Break.

Key West has grown in popularity as a spring break destination in recent years, in part because it’s about as far south as you can go without a passport.

Don’t bother trying to book a room at one of the nicer hotels or BnBs if you’re heading to Key West for spring break.  They’re not interested in having their fancy rooms trashed by drunk college students, and they aren’t afraid to tell you.  And really, who wants to stay at a bed and breakfast over spring break?  Instead, head closer to Smathers Beach for a more affordable room at Sheraton Suites or the Holiday Inn.

You’ll find the beach scene pretty active in Key West.  While there is definitely time for laying out and working on your tan, water sports of all kind are very popular here.  Rent a kayak or try surfing while you’re far enough away from anyone who can make fun of you if you look ridiculous.

When the beach closes at 11pm (and they mean it – stay off!), get directions to Duval Street.  There you’ll find everyone else who is in Key West for Spring Break and looking for a good time.  Spend your beer money at places like Fat Tuesday’s, Sloppy Joe’s or Hog’s Breath.  Needless to say, shorts and sandals are more than welcome here.

South Padre Island, TX

If your spring break falls between March 10th and March 26th, you’ll definitely want to consider South Padre Island.  Here they boast the “largest spring break venue in the nation”, based on attendance estimates from spring break 2008.

Specifically, head to Coca Cola Beach behind the Island Grand Beach Resort.  From 11am to 5pm daily, they actually host party games for spring breakers here.  A huge stereo system pumps music and prizes are handed out constantly.  Last year, as many as 18,000 people a day showed up for this coordinated birthday-like party for big kids.

If your spring break happens to fall over March 20th, you might also want to check out the Akon concert in town that night as well.  Tickets are only $30 and are available at ez-tixx.com (I am not making these names up).

Palm Springs, California

Looking for a more upscale spring break week with a lot less nudity than other spring break locations?  Are your parents footing the bill and concerned about how you’re spending their money?  Are you really just looking to “go somewhere warm and relax with the girls”?  Then take a closer look at spending spring break in Palm Springs, California.

About 100 miles east of LA, Palm Springs has been working hard to clean up its image and its tourism over the last 10 years.  Thongs are illegal, as well as billboards – although the anti-thong legislation has probably had a more direct effect on spring break parties than attempts to clean up the skyline.

These days, Palm Springs prides itself on catering to high end golfers, retirees and the young Hollywood elite.  You’re less likely to find a wet t-shirt contest and more likely to find a word class golf course.  This is also the place where you’re most likely to spot a real life celebrity while you’re working on your tennis game.

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Lake Havasu bills itself as the “premier West Coast spring break destination”.  If Palm Springs is too mild for you, Lake Havasu may have exactly what you’re looking for west of the Mississippi.  While it’s not exactly the beach, it does provide plenty of sunshine, natural attractions and vibrant nightlife.  And, most importantly, other vacationers looking for the exact same thing you are – a great party!

Beyond the water, Lake Havasu offers the natural beauty of the Sonorun desert, the Mohave Mountains and the Chemehuevi Mountains.  You can spend the days hiking or mountain biking in among the unique western scenery.  Of course the lake itself, combined with the Colorado River, provides plenty of water for swimming, fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Besides the scenery, one of the draws that is helping to make Lake Havasu an up and coming spring break destination is affordability.  Sure, you can stay in a high end resort or rent a houseboat with 6 of your closest friends for the weekend.  Or you can book a room at a cheap hotel in Lake Havasu for less than $50 a night – and still enjoy the warmth and the scenery.

Panama City, Florida

If you want to be on TV, you need to get your butt to Panama City.  This is where MTV is shooting their spring break specials and it is, without a doubt, home to the biggest spring break party in the country.

This year mtvU is heading to Panama City Beach and bringing a full lineup of live entertainment, including Asher Roth on March 11th and Lil’ Wayne on March 12th.  Panama City Beach will host mtvU from March 8th to March 21st.

What about when the cameras aren’t rolling and you don’t have free access to live music?

The entire town of Panama City opens their arms to spring break visitors during March and April.  You’ll find specials on Panama City hotels, special activities for spring breakers at the Panama City bars, and no anti-thong laws here.  At Panama City the message is clear – come for the party, and leave your money!

Wherever you go for Spring Break 2009, remember to be safe.  Don’t wander off alone, avoid alcohol poisoning and never drink and drive.  Have a good time – but be smart.

And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

Looking to save money? Check out 5 ways to save money on spring break.

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