There’s no better way to celebrate the end of winter than with a warm-weather getaway. Whether you plan to enjoy nightlife with friends or unwind with your family, Spring Break is a well-deserved opportunity to decompress and recharge. So which destinations are best for procrastinators and spur-of-the-moment travelers? GoLastMinute.com highlights five destinations perfect for a last-minute Spring Break trip.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Why we love it:
San Juan, the bustling capital of nearly 400,000 residents, has made major strides toward recovery after Hurricane Maria, with many hotels, restaurants and attractions open and ready to host visitors. Its colonial sector, Old San Juan, is a National Historic Landmark District featuring brightly colored buildings, cobbled streets and Spanish-style plazas. Beach lovers will find several impressive options in the urban area, including Condado Beach and Isla Verde Beach.
Why it’s a great last-minute Spring Break destination:
By choosing Puerto Rico for Spring Break, travelers will not only get much-needed sunshine and ocean breezes, they’ll also be helping to revive tourism, a major contributor to the island’s economy. And for American travelers who want a Caribbean destination but don’t have time to get a passport, no worries — it’s not required for U.S. citizens.
Florida Keys
Why we love it:
Since it reopened for business on Oct. 1, this chain of islands continues to dazzle visitors with aquamarine water and renowned snorkeling spots, not to mention beaches, state parks, shops and marinas. Key West, which was not greatly impacted by Hurricane Irma, offers a host of historic sites, including Ernest Hemingway House and the Key West Historic Seaport.
Why it’s a great last-minute Spring Break destination:
March and April are ideal travel months for budget sun-seekers — by this time, the Keys’ high season is coming to a close, resulting in more availability and cheaper nightly hotel rates. Adventurous travelers should consider renting a car in Miami to explore stops along the 113-mile Overseas Highway. Those who prefer to fly can search flight options to the Key West International Airport, served by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Silver Airways and United Airlines.
Galveston, Texas
Why we love it:
A popular Spring Break haunt for decades, Galveston puts on quite a party, but doesn’t fail to cater to families. Travelers go to enjoy mild temperatures, miles of Gulf Coast beaches and attractions such as the Pleasure Pier’s rides and games, the indoor rainforest at Moody Gardens and the historic tall ship Elissa docked at the port downtown.
Visitors can take a break from booming beats and bikinis and head to the Strand District, a five-block collection of galleries, restaurants, bars and gift shops housed in Victorian-era buildings.
Why it’s a great last-minute Spring Break destination:
Accommodations are plentiful in Galveston and include everything from upscale resorts and budget motels to quaint bed and breakfasts and oceanfront vacation rentals. More than 5,000 hotel rooms are available in the area.
Getting to Galveston means flying into Houston, which is served by two airports, William P. Hobby Airport (about 40 miles away), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (about 70 miles away). Check for sales from Southwest and United — both airlines have extensive networks in and out of Houston airports.
Los Angeles, California
Why we love it:
The City of Angels boasts 75 miles of coastline, mountain ranges, palm trees, eclectic cuisine, a diverse population and springtime temperatures in the 70s. Beaches, the traditional playground of Spring Break festivities, are plentiful there, with Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica State Beach among the most popular.
Why it’s a great last-minute Spring Break destination:
With nearly 100,000 rooms in over a thousand hotels across the city, Los Angeles offers a wide variety of accommodations. A range of flight options, too, should be available, as the Los Angeles International Airport is a major hub for legacy carriers United, Delta and American, plus budget carriers Southwest and Spirit.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Why we love it:
Unlike other more subdued beach destinations, Myrtle Beach is filled to the brim with attractions, restaurants and activities. It’s home to more than 50 miniature golf courses, six malls and shopping centers and several amusement and water parks. Dining is also a huge draw; Yelp lists more than 1,300 restaurants in the area.
Why it’s a great last-minute Spring Break destination:
The spring months fall well ahead of Myrtle Beach’s wildly busy summer season, when family vacationers flock to South Carolina’s shores. That translates to plenty of availability (and much better rates) at accommodations that will likely be booked up in the high season. More than 10,000 rooms are available throughout the 60-mile Grand Strand area, ranging from oceanfront high-rises to low-rise mom-and-pop inns.
Ten airlines service Myrtle Beach International Airport, reachable through nonstop routes from 35 U.S. cities. The airport is a focus city for Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air. A recent search for one-way fares from Chicago to Myrtle Beach from Spirit Airlines showed options as low as $58 for travel in late March.
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Theresa Boehl
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GoLastMinute.com
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