10 Best Spring Break Destinations in Mexico

Located on the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is known for its golden-sand beaches and uninhibited nightlife. It’s a great location for spring breakers, where you can spend your days soaking up the sunshine on Lover’s Beach and visit buzzing nightclubs like Mango Deck.

Don’t Miss: Take a boat tour to see the iconic El Arco, a beautiful rock formation where you can go snorkeling and spot sea lions. Afterward, sip cocktails with your toes in the sand at The Office on The Beach.

A dreamy, laid-back paradise with white-sand beaches, Tulum boasts a prime location on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. Night owls and party animals have a variety of options, with anything from buzzing nightclubs with live music to beachside DJ sets on offer.

Don’t Miss: Beat the heat with a dip in the turquoise waters of Gran Cenote, then visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, which are perched high on a cliff over the ocean. Join the party at Papaya Playa Project or sample expertly mixed mojitos at Batey Mojito and Guarapo Bar.

Spring break in Playa del Carmen centers around its main artery Fifth Avenue, lined with restaurants, tequila shops and small boutique shops selling local handicrafts. Its pedestrian-friendly streets make it appealing for beachgoers, as the luxury resort-lined beach is four blocks away and nearby 12th Street has world-class clubs.

Don’t Miss: The live acts at Palazzo, all-night dancing at Mandala and energetic crowd at La Vaquita. Recover from a long night soaking up the island views at Isla Mujeres, an action-packed morning with Jungle Buggy Adventure or a bucket-list trip to Chichén Itzá.

If you need a break from studying, Cancún offers miles of white sand and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun for spring breakers. Much of the action centers around Zona Hotelera, a beachfront strip of luxury hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and bars.

Don’t Miss: Considered the most iconic spot for nightlife in Cancún, Coco Bongo Cancún boasts acrobatic performances, conga lines and musician impersonators, while Dady O and Mandala Beach Club are also popular. You can also visit nearby Chichén Itzá or take a day trip to Tulum.

Puerto Vallarta, or simply “PV”, offers spring breakers a little bit of everything with its alluring beachfront resorts, unique excursions and bustling nightlife. Spend your time at this seaside gem sipping signature cocktails at a bar along the Malecon or dancing to salsa music in La Bodeguita del Medio, a Havana-style nightclub.

Don’t Miss: Browse the boutique shops in the Zona Romantica or try mezcal cocktails at Bar Morelos Mezcaleria. For Instagram-worthy landscapes, head to Playa del Amor on Marieta Islands to marvel at its wide, sandy cavern only accessible via a tunnel that links it to the Pacific Ocean.

If you prefer a chilled-out spring break getaway, Isla Mujeres might be the perfect spot, as this sleepy little island offers a sense of serenity and slower pace of life. Its calm waters are great for snorkeling and swimming, while its sugar-sand beaches and an array of scenic sights make it a favorite with outdoor enthusiasts.

Don’t Miss: Start your day with breakfast at Mango Cafe or Mexican favorites at La Lomita, then kick back at the beach, stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, or enjoy rope swings, water slides, kayaking and much more at Parque de Los Suenos.

With balmy temperatures and hopping nightlife, Cozumel makes sense for a spring break vacation. It’s all about the beach during the day with plenty of water sports on offer, while stylish bars and thumping Caribbean clubs playing salsa come alive at night.

Don’t Miss: The succulent seafood at Alberto’s Beach Restaurant, famous margaritas at Wet Wendy’s and nightly live entertainment at Woody’s Bar & Grill. Explore the 2,500-acre Punta Sur Eco Beach Park or underwater treasures at dive sites like the Santa Rosa Wall and Palancar Reef.

The colorful capital of Yucatán , Merida is known for its UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, nature reserves and exquisite gastronomy. It’s the perfect spot for spring breakers who want to look past the world-class beaches and dive deeper into Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Don’t Miss: Wander the historic center Plaza Grande, swim in turquoise cenotes and explore the 131-foot-tall Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal. At night, enjoy a Verde Cardenal cocktail at the over 100-year-old El Cardenal Cantina or go dancing at Mambo Cafe. La Fundacion Mezcaleria also showcases live Latin music until the wee hours.

A picturesque “rainbow city” and undiscovered jewel, Campeche is for spring breakers who want to get off the beaten path. This colorful colonial city and UNESCO-listed site is known for its charming cobblestone streets, striking pastel-colored facades and wealth of cultural attractions.

Don’t Miss: Enjoy the sun-kissed shoreline of Playa Bonita, go people watching in Plaza Principal or browse exhibits at the Museo de la Arquitectura Maya. Order a margarita and watch the sunset at Casa Vieja del Rio or get a taste of the local scene at Portales de San Martin, where a row of family-run restaurants serve authentic Mexican dishes.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are neighboring beach towns on Mexico’s Pacific Coast that offer two distinct experiences for spring breakers. While Ixtapa’s El Palmar Beach boasts luxury hotels and a wealth of shops and restaurants, Zihuatanejo retains its small-town charm and backpacker beach ambiance.

Don’t Miss: Go snorkeling at Playa Las Gatas, marvel at the Mesoamerican ruins at nearby Xihuacan or hike the scenic trail at Playa Linda, which loops through a dense jungle filled with iguanas and exotic flowering vines. Put your dancing shoes on for an evening at Christine club in Ixtapa or visit Bandido’s De Zihua in Zihuatanejo for salsa and live entertainment.