Top Trending US Spring Break Destinations
The Hottest Settings for Spring in the United States
Travel website VacationRenter recently surveyed more than 9,000 customers from around the world about their upcoming travel preferences to uncover the most popular spring break destinations for 2022. More than half of respondents plan to head to “beach or coastal” destinations but mountain locales are also hot right now, with more than nine in 10 of those surveyed choosing “adventure or expedition” destinations and “ski” vacations along with “beach or coastal” settings. Here’s a look at some of the trendiest spots this spring.
Key West, Florida
The Florida Keys offer spring break travelers sunshine, beaches and laidback vibes in bunches but this coveted island chain’s icon lies in the finale, Key West, an incredibly walkable destination with no shortage of amazing beaches, views, bars and restaurants rewarding patient visitors with the Caribbean feel that they simply won’t find anywhere else in the mainland U.S.
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii’s second-largest island is renowned for its beautiful beaches but spring break travelers can look forward to so much more, including relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and a plethora of amazing businesses ranging from delicious restaurants to quaint bars. Rejuvenating spa treatments, whale watching excursions and much more await.
Siesta Key, Florida
Just south of Tampa, travelers to Florida will find Siesta Key, a screensaver-worthy destination made even more famous by its namesake MTV show. This barrier island doesn’t need any additional pub, however, as visitors are all but guaranteed to fall in love with its gorgeous white sand and turquoise waters the minute they arrive. Stellar restaurants offering sensational Gulf Coast views and charming shops only add to Siesta Key’s springtime appeal.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Caribbean is awfully enticing this time of year and San Juan, Puerto Rico offers Americans an accessible escape to the tropics without any passport requirements. Beaches, pampering resorts and unparalleled nightlife are all on the menu as is remarkable history and tradition.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
One of the top destinations to celebrate Black History this February, South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island is understandably a hot spring break spot in 2022. History, culture, blissful resorts, world-class golf, relaxing beaches and an endless array of outdoor activities in addition to easy access to some of the best Southern comfort food in the country make this East Coast destination a coveted break to wrap up winter.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
VacationRenter also reports that searches include a handful of mountain destinations across the country like Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The resort town is a gateway to the nation’s most visited national park in the Great Smoky Mountains and also boasts activities and attractions appealing to visitors of all types, whether travelers are seeking adventure in the form of rafting and ziplining or theme park thrill rides and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Vail, Colorado
Many travelers are looking to maximize on the final days of winter with their spring break getaway in 2022, with popular ski destinations like Vail generating significant interest on VacationRenter. A dream destination for winter sports, Vail offers adventure year-round in the form of hiking, fishing, golfing and a plethora of special events and festivals taking place where else but outdoors.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth Lakes is an ideal destination for spring breakers looking to experience iconic Yosemite National Park and the rare “Swinter” season when visitors are able to ski snow-covered slopes and kayak along a serene lake all in the same day. Plus, travelers are less than three hours from tourist-friendly Lake Tahoe.