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Top 10 Spring Break Destinations in Mexico

Spring break is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your next fun getaway! Mexico is always a popular place for spring breakers because of the beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and party scenes that you just can’t find everywhere else. Here are our top picks for spring break destinations in Mexico this year.

Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen
Credit: Playa del Carmen by © Lunamarina | Dreamstime.com

Playa del Carmen

Home to luxurious all-inclusive resorts, Playa del Carmen, is a fun place to enjoy spring break too. There are lots of tequila bars, restaurants, and boutique shops along walkable streets and a tourist-friendly vibe here. It’s also fun to spend time along the main street, La Quinta Avenida, to see street performers, shop for souvenirs, and check out what street vendors are selling. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular things to do on a trip to Playa del Carmen, as well as exploring the underground river and caves of Río Secreto. You can also play a game of golf while you’re in the area and take a sightseeing trip to Chichen Itza.

Cancun The Hotel Zone district of Cancun, Mexico
Credit: The Hotel Zone district of Cancun, Mexico by © Jonathan Ross | Dreamstime.com

Cancun

Cancun is known as a top party destination in Mexico, which makes it perfect for spring break. The city always draws large crowds each year and is full of crazy and exciting times in March and April. Come here for fun-filled beaches and late-night clubs. There is definitely no shortage of yard-long drinks and wild performances when you’re in this part of Mexico. If you want to visit Cancun over spring break, keep in mind that it is very popular and rooms fill up fast, so make your bookings early.

Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta offers a fun spring break experience with a local vibe and great nightlife. This is a wonderful destination if you enjoy water sports because there are lots of opportunities here for surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and other water activities. When you stay in Puerto Vallarta, you can find lots of all-inclusive deals that include accommodations, food, drinks, and activities. Compared to some other destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta draws a diverse mix of people and international crowds.

Riviera Maya Region Puerto Morelos
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Riviera Maya Region

Rather than a city itself, the Riviera Maya is a region of Mexico that is a top choice for spring breakers. This is where Cancun and Playa del Carmen are located, but there are other lesser-known places where you can base your trip as well. For example, Xel-Ha is a top place to be if you want to spend your spring break underwater with some snorkeling. Puerto Morelos still has lots of small-town charm alongside its all-inclusive resorts. Puerto Aventuras is an exclusive and gated destination with all-inclusive options, while Akumal is the place to come for sea turtles and scuba diving.

Cabo San Lucas The Arch at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
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Cabo San Lucas

We also love Cabo San Lucas during the spring break season, especially if you’re looking to splurge a bit. Here you’ll find plenty of luxurious resorts to pamper you, as well as amazing beaches and exciting parties at this time of year. Cabo is located on the southernmost tip of Baja California and is lined with iconic golden beaches. In addition to the beaches and nightclubs, you can also chill out on a boat tour to see some local sea life and hop off to go snorkeling.

Tulum Tulum, Mexico
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Tulum

Tulum is a favorite spring break destination for wellness and rejuvenation, so plan this trip if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to all the booze-fueled parties and comfort foods. In Tulum, you’ll also find laid-back beaches to spend your days at, followed by DJs playing music on the beach and at nightclubs. Also, the Mayan ruins are not to be missed on a trip to Tulum to add some culture to your overall experience.

Acapulco Acapulco

Acapulco

A somewhat low-key and off-the-beaten-path destination for spring break in Mexico is Acapulco. This is an ideal place to plan your spring break trip if you’re looking for some peace, quiet, and beautiful scenery to relax in. Some sites to see when you are in Acapulco include the Fort of San Diego, La Quebrada cliff divers, and the mural of Diego Rivera. For a well-rounded trip, you can also check out a local cathedral, the central plaza where you might see a local band playing, and go on an ecotourism boat tour at Laguna de Tres Palos.

Isla Mujeres Isla Mujeres
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Isla Mujeres

Another chill spot for spring break in Mexico is Isla Mujeres, which has a slower and calmer pace than some other destinations on this list but is still wonderfully relaxing and beautiful. It’s fun to rent a bike or golf cart to get around the island to see the sights, join a yoga class, and take a day trip to Isla Contoy to see wildlife and birds while you’re here. Playa Norte is a popular beach that has hammocks and beachside bars for your spring break vacation.

Cozumel Chen Rio beach in Cozumel
Credit: Chen Rio beach in Cozumel by © Lunamarina | Dreamstime.com

Cozumel

Cozumel has a little something for everyone for spring break – beaches, water sports, seafood restaurants, and nightclubs. Boat tours are popular in Cozumel, as well as the Faro Colerain Eco Park and the San Gervasio Ruins. Beaches to add to your travel list here include Palancar Beach for water sports, Paradise Beach for a busy tourist scene, and Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park for exciting tours of zip lining and dolphin experiences. Families looking for a spring break experience often enjoy Cozumel because it is generally less of a party scene compared to Cancun and other Mexican destinations.

Rosarito Beach Rosarito Beach, Mexico
Credit: Rosarito Beach, Mexico by © Leszek Wrona | Dreamstime.com

Rosarito Beach

Rosarito Beach is a North Baja destination that’s right on the Mexican border. It is a good choice for spring break travelers who want an easy place to get to and an affordable place to stay. Rosarito is a resort city south of Tijuana in Baja California. It is a great spot to indulge in some delicious tacos and a favorite spot among outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can spend your days swimming, surfing, hang gliding, and jet skiing. Art lovers will enjoy the Art Route and studios featuring local Baja artists here. Meanwhile, Xploration Movie Park is a nearby film site where many popular movies were filmed and where you can take a tour.