7 Best Budget-Friendly Spring Break Spots

A great spring-break vacation doesn't need to break the bank. Whether you're exploring a cool city or lounging on the beach, you can beat the winter blues with a budget spring break.

By: Jennifer Plum Auvil

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Dennis Govoni / Getty Images

Photo By: bwzenith / Getty Images

Photo By: Bryan Smith / EyeEm / Getty Images

Photo By: Kali Nine LLC / Getty Images

Photo By: Chiyacat / Gettyn Images

Photo By: Kimberly Deprey / Getty Images

Photo By: TJC / Getty Images

Photo By: july7th / Getty Images

Photo By: Glow Images / Getty Images

Photo By: Victor Korchenko / Getty Images

Photo By: Pgiam / Getty Images

Photo By: Arpad Benedek / Getty Images

Photo By: nicky39 / Getty Images

Photo By: Philip Coblentz / Getty Images

Washington, DC

It doesn't cost a dime to enjoy Washington, DC's culture and history, especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival when the city is awash in delicate white and pink blossoms. Free events during the two-week-long festival in early April include cultural performances, fireworks and a parade. There's no charge for the main event -- the stunning trees framing the Tidal Basin and around the Washington Monument.

Washington, DC

The bargain continues at the city's renowned Smithsonian Institution, the network of 19 free museums and galleries.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Jamaica is a popular spot for the spring-break party crowd, but families can find fun for a bargain at the Beaches Boscobel Resort and Golf Club. This all-inclusive resort boasts five restaurants, six bars and one super cool water park with nine twisting slides and kiddie pools.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A wide selection of supervised kids water activities are part of the package, also including Sesame Street events for the preschool set and gaming for tweens and teens at the XBOX 360 Game Garage.

Sanibel Island, FL

Spring break falls during Sanibel Island's high season from February to April when the weather is perfect and shelling along the sandy shores is at its best.

Sanibel Island, FL

Rent a bike and explore the 22 miles of bike paths and you'll not only save on gas, but explore the island's beaches and parks more easily.

Seattle, WA

You can explore Pike Place Market with your wallet intact, if you can exercise willpower at the nearly 200 shops and restaurants, and both admission and parking are free at the Frye Art Museum.

Seattle, WA

The Space Needle may be the skyline's defining characteristic, but the Sky View Observatory offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Playa Del Carmen is Cancun's classier neighbor with the same stunning beaches, but a more refined atmosphere. It's a spring-break bargain less than an hour from the easily accessible Cancun airport.

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

But if the resort atmosphere and 24-hour free-for-all isn't your thing, try a dive package with Tank Ha Dive Center. Divers set off on intimate tours to explore the area's reefs and cenote caverns and spend the night in budget accommodations around the town square.

Montreal, Quebec City, Canada

If a week-long European excursion is out of the picture, consider a French adventure in North America in Montreal. Start your worldly adventure in Vieux-Montreal, the city's old town with a distinctively Euro flair, cobblestone streets and breathtaking architecture.

Montreal, Quebec City, Canada

Celebrate the worldwide phenomena of the Cirque du Soleil in the city where the troupe got its start. The nonprofit organization La TOHU brings the avant-garde and artistic circus to the public with free performances and inexpensive guided tours celebrating the city's place in circus arts.

Willemstad, Curacao

Even the Caribbean's more exotic islands can qualify for a budget vacation if you stick with an all-inclusive resort.

Willemstad, Curacao

Adults can laze on the beach, sip cocktails poolside and challenge lady luck at the casino. Tropical beaches, savory dining, unlimited drinks, exciting activities and entertainment are all included

Trending

Trending

Trending

Trending

7 Best Budget-Friendly Spring Break Spots

Related To:

Shop This Look

Washington, DC

Washington, DC

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Sanibel Island, FL

Sanibel Island, FL

Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Montreal, Quebec City, Canada

Montreal, Quebec City, Canada

Willemstad, Curacao

Willemstad, Curacao

More from: