After a long season of winter hibernation, nothing feels better than the spring sunshine glowing against your skin for the first time. Yes people, spring is finally here, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
Whether you’re a stressed-out college student or hard-working business professional, when sunlight finally burns through rain clouds and the time springs forward to gift us with long, vibrant days, we all begin to crave a Spring Break escape.
We lucky locals may not realize it, but people all over the world consider San Diego the ideal vacation destination, and thus envy us for living along the stunning sunny coastline every day. To clarify, this is not a bad problem to have. Hate on, tourists!
In honor of the new spring season, we’ve compiled a list of the top Spring Break destinations in the world. From San Diego staycations at hotels and resorts in our own backyard, to wet ‘n’ wild party spots in Las Vegas and luxury beachfront refuges in South Beach Miami and Cabo San Lucas, we found a solar powered vacation for Spring Breakers of all ages and attitudes.
Discover your definitive guide to Spring Break, San Diego style:
Five San Diego Staycations
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego – Downtown
San Diego locals know that Hard Rock is one of the most coveted hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter. From the sultry rock 'n' roll design to the 17 different rock star-worthy suites complete with personal hot tubs and outdoor decks with fire pits, our Hard Rock knows how to serve up sophistication on a golden platter. By night, head to the popular downstairs club 207, a den of glamour filled with pulsating house and hip-hop music spun by world class DJs and a myriad of beautiful people swaying to the beats. Or head upstairs to the fourth floor rooftop, Float, a dramatic bar and lounge that acts as a stylish oasis by afternoon and evolves into a vibrant evening hotspot at night. Private poolside cabanas feature lounge seating, and flat screen TV's, while mini bars flank the lounge's VIP fire pits.
The popular Anything You Want Package offers the best value room rates plus a $50 anything you want credit. Every night you stay at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for Spring Break, you'll receive the $50 credit to use for breakfast in Maryjane's, a treatment in Rock Spa, drinks at 207 and Float, in-room movies, or whatever else you may dream up. For details and reservations, please visit hardrockhotelsd.com.
Get ready for the 2010 installment of the infamous Intervention Sundays. On April 18th, Paul Oakenfold kicks off the start to the hottest rooftop party in town. Winter has officially ceased. Listen up people, it’s time to shed your sweatshirts and scarves for bikinis and board shorts.
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa – Del Mar
Near the shores of the Pacific Ocean, in the picturesque village of Del Mar, the timeless L'Auberge Del Mar has been reborn, redefining the California coastal resort experience and celebrating the special connection we all have with the tranquility, comfort and relaxation of the sea. Ranked among the best luxury resorts in the country by Condé Nast, L'Auberge Del Mar brings together panoramic coastal views, casual elegance and personalized service to create an outstanding venue for a romantic Spring Break getaway or spa weekend with your girlfriends.
For the couple looking to get a little "peace and quiet," the Bed & Breakfast Package includes guest room accommodations, complimentary breakfast for two at Kitchen 1540 or the ocean-view restaurant, Waterfall Terrace, and valet parking. L'Auberge also serves up the perfect "Mancation" for you and your closest boys. The Mancation Package includes in-room martinis and a round of golf followed by surf lessons at 15th Street in Del Mar. When the day is done, enjoy a $50 dining credit at one of L'Auberge's restaurants, Bleu Bar, Waterfall Terrace or Kitchen 1540. Calling all San Diego locals! L'Auberge is offering the perfect staycation this Spring Break. With proof of a valid San Diego ID, enjoy a special midweek rate of $225 or a weekend rate of $275. For details and reservations, please visit laubergedelmar.com. (pictured)
Tower 23 Hotel – Pacific Beach
A rare gem that isn't normally found in a lax seaside community such as Pacific Beach, Tower 23 is one of San Diego's only luxury lifestyle hotels on the beach. Boasting a Zen-modernist approach to hospitality, the Tower 23 beach resort boasts a refreshingly minimalist yet playful and creative atmosphere. Located in close proximity to Pacific Beach's iconic Crystal Pier, Tower 23 is the perfect spot for a staycation of relaxation, with a side of nearby entertainment temptation.
Although there is no pool, the Tower Deck located on the second floor offers guests the opportunity to soak up some sunshine while sipping on signature Mojitos – you can never go wrong with the raspberry – and enjoying the lapping span of waves in the near distance. The Tower Bar and Lounge is a social indoor/outdoor venue offering a unique experience that is both casual and sophisticated. Accompanied by a young, hip crowd, guests can enjoy a stunning ocean view while sipping on cocktails and nibbling on sea and sushi selections. Tower 23 also offers a new kind of oceanfront dining experience unlike any other. A contemporary steak and seafood restaurant, JRDN features casually sophisticated California fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
This Spring Break, Tower 23 offers two different packages. The Sun Diego in the Spring Package includes a three-night stay in a Sky Pad, 2 beach cruiser bike rentals, oceanfront lunch for 2 at JRDN, VIP welcome amenities, and complimentary valet parking. The Always Tourist Season Package includes 1 night in a Sky Pad, 1 T23 visor and T23 baseball cap, a $25 gas card to fuel up before exploring San Diego, and complimentary parking. For details and reservations, please visit Tower 23 Hotel.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort – Coronado
Located far away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego on the secluded island of Coronado, Loews offers locals a different kind of staycation. Loews Coronado Bay Resort features 439 rooms with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean alongside spa escapes, bayside tennis courts, three outdoor swimming pools and whirlpools, a private Gondola company, as well as bicycle, rollerblade, waverunner and sailboat rentals.
Escape from the everyday at the resort’s Sea Spa refuge. This soothing full-service day spa features 15 luxurious treatment rooms for a variety of sea-inspired massage, facial and body services. Exclusive treatments include Watsu Flotation Massage, the relaxing Beach Stone Massage and the Vichy Rain Shower. For the ultimate spa indulgence Coronado-style, treat yourself to the Voga Voyage. The Voga Voyage offers a unique spa experience that is enjoyed while cruising in an authentic Venetian gondola. Designed for couples, the Voga Voyage takes place on a 33-foot gondola equipped with two professional massage tables. After departing from the private marina, couples enjoy sunscreen application and a relaxing 40-minute massage.
Escape to the secluded Coronado Island for a romantic Spring Break getaway. This season, Loews offers a That's Amore Package, which includes room accommodations, champagne and strawberries upon arrival followed by an intimate evening Gondola ride under the stars before a pre-fixed dinner for two at Mistral. In the morning wake up to a little bedfast in bed after a little "R&R" with your hunny. For details and reservations, please visit Loews Coronado Bay Resort. (pictured)
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club – La Jolla
Considered one of California's most treasured beachfront resorts, the picturesque La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club has provided the ultimate vacation playground in San Diego since 1935. Located on the sand, this resort features 98 guest rooms as well as one, two and three bedroom suites with full kitchens. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of such luxury amenities as the private beaches, championship tennis courts, par-3 golf course, massage services, beach activities and rentals, and award-winning cuisine at the Marine Room.
Spend a day at the spa enjoying a facial, a deep conditioning scalp massage or the LJBTC Signature Sports Massage that promotes optimal athletic performance and accelerated recovery time. After your massage, head down to the private beach to lounge in a private cabana and order snacks and beverages from the popular beach menu, or rent a table and chairs to have your own Spring Break beachfront BBQ with your closest friends.
At night, the Marine Room provides a tradition of sophisticated dining on the sands of La Jolla Shores. Consistently voted "Best of the Best" and "Best Dining with a View" in San Diego, the exquisite cuisine, outstanding wine list and spectacular oceanfront views are what make the Marine Room a premier dining destination. For details and reservations, please visit La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
Five San Diego Vacation Destinations
Las Vegas, Nevada
Oh Vegas, my love – the one place where we can throw all our inhibitions to the wind without even thinking twice. Most everyone knows that if you are looking to get some serious partying in, Vegas is the one-stop spot for everything strange, sinful and wonderful all rolled into one delicious treat. From an outrageous nightlife scene that doesn't shut down at 2am to immoral pool parties galore, topless revues and exquisite cuisine, Vegas begs to ask the question: can you handle it? Here are three recommended Vegas Spring Break escapes.
Palms Resort & Casino
Whether it's Britney Spears entertaining in a penthouse or Maroon Five hanging poolside, partiers – already famous or on their way up – choose to hang at the Palms. And when you see it, it's completely understandable why. The three-tower off-the-strip complex has a boisterous pool scene, with three bars and DJs, three exquisite nightclubs including Rain, Moon and the Ghost Bar, nine restaurants including gourmet dining at Alize and fine Italian cuisine at NOVE Italiano, the Pearl Concert Theater headlining comedians and musicians alike, and of course a bustling casino with Craps and Poker players galore.
Get one of the best value packages in the City of Sin this Spring Break. The Palms Resort and Casino is offering a Suite Life Package from $139 per night which includes Jr. Suite accommodations, $30 dining credit, complimentary spa entry and VIP nightlife line pass. For details and reservations, please visit palms.com. (pictured)
Hard Rock Hotel
If you want to play rough in the City of Sin, then the infamous Hard Rock Hotel is one of the most unapologetically hedonistic hotels in Las Vegas. Rockstars and wanna-be-celebs alike come here to party, gamble and let loose. The Hard Rock boats premier restaurants like Nobu and Rare 120, a chic new nightclub called Vanity, nightly live music at Wasted Space, a world famous tattoo shop, Hart & Huntington, and the original, infamously outrageous Sunday pool party known as Rehab. It's time to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring at the Hard Rock Hotel. During the Spring Break Package, offered from 3/21 – 3/31, room rates are as low at $44 per night. Feel like you want to splurge a little extra? Hard Rock has just unveiled the new Tower Suites with rates as low as $119 per night. For details and reservations, please visit hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas.
MGM Grand Hotel
Grand is quite the understatement when it comes to the MGM in Las Vegas. Its vast 5,000 rooms are the second most of any single property in the world, and the casino is the biggest in the entire City of Sin. Located across from New York, New York and north of the Tropicana, the MGM Grand Hotel is in the mix of the craziness that is the Strip. Like almost everything else at MGM Grand, the pool area is humungous – 6.6 acres to be exact – and has five pools in total. The most infamous of the pools is the party pool known as Wet Republic. "Daylife" is reborn at this ultra pool where the ultimate nightlife vibe merges seamlessly with poolside pampering and relaxation to attract partygoers, glitterati and celebs from around the world. By night, stunning models and servers tempt with nouveau classic cocktails at Tabu Ulta Lounge and go-go dancers keep the party going at the 22,000-square-foot Studio 54 Nightclub. This Spring Break, MGM offers up the perfect Spring Fling Package. This unbeatable offer includes a $25 entertainment credit, two complimentary poolside cocktails, two complimentary inner tube rentals at the MGM Grand Pool, and two complimentary spa access passes. For details and reservations, please visit mgmgrand.com.
Insider Tip: Calling all you sexy ladies out there! San Diego Promotion Company Night Access is offering you the chance for an all expenses paid trip to Vegas from March 27-30 to party like you're Paris Hilton. Enjoy a 3 night stay at Aria Hotel at the brand new City Center and access into Haze Nightclub on Saturday night. On Sunday, get glammed up in your sexiest suit to spend the day at Liquid Pool Party followed by a dinner at Yellowtail Restaurant and access into the Bank Nightclub. On Monday, it's Bare Pool Party by day and Stack Restaurant and Jet Nightclub by night. Get details and apply nightaccess.com.
South Beach, Miami
The American Riviera, Hollywood of the East, Sobe, or the Art Deco District – whatever you call it, Miami's South Beach is one place where you are guaranteed an unforgettable Spring Break. By day, there's sun and sand amid scantily-clad, hard-bodied rollerbladers and volleyballers; by night, dining and partying amid a mix of the rich, famous, and fabulous at some of the hottest nightclubs in the world. Mansion, named "Miami's Hottest Club" by People Magazine, has played host to some of the world's most glamorous events from Diddy's MTV VMA celebration party and Britney Spears' Miami performance, to live performances by Prince and Velvet Revolver. The legendary Cameo on South Beach is back with a new attitude, inspired by "the dark and dirty side" of the disco era. With over 30,000 square feet of striking architectural design and lavish decor, LIV at the Fontainbleau Miami Beach serves guests the definitive Miami nightlife experience. Home to celebrities and Miami's VIP elite, LIV offers three full-service bars and a lavish main floor with DJ’s spinning everything from rock to hip hop to house.
The Clevelander
Located on the infamous Ocean Drive and across from one of the most popular beaches in the world, the Clevelander occupies a prime piece of South Beach real estate. The Clevelander is probably the most conspicuous hotel in South Beach. Even those not staying here will inevitably pass it several times a day, and many of them will be lured in for a drink (or four). The crowds and music are tough to ignore. With three bars, two rooftop lounges, and a location at the epicenter of Ocean Drive's party scene, the Clevelander can be summed up in a phrase: sex, drinks and rock 'n' roll. For details and reservations, please visit clevelander.com. (pictured)
The Chelsea Hotel
The Hotel Chelsea is a 1936 Art Deco gem that sits in the center of it all on Washington Avenue between Ninth and 10th, within blocks of SoBe's largest clubs. The guest rooms greet you with soft amber lighting, bamboo floors, floating Japanese-inspired furniture, an in-room entertainment center with Sony stereo/CD, cable TV, mini-bar, spa style bathrooms, down comforters, and full slate baths. Despite the South Beach Group's target audience and most hyped amenity – free well-drinks every night from 7 to 8 p.m. – the vibe at the Chelsea is more surfer-dude chill-out than frat-pack keg stand. For details and reservations, please visit thehotelchelsea.com.
The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club
The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club located in South Beach offers affordable luxury and great value in a stylish and sophisticated environment. Much more than just a place to sleep after a hard night of partying – although some rooms are equipped with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, 300-thread count sheets and goose down comforters and pillows – the Catalina Hotel boasts two fabulous pools, the Bamboo Pool and the Rooftop Pool for daytime relaxation, a sensual Spa for all your massage and facial needs, two restaurants and the Red Bar, a contemporary, two-level lounge area with designer cocktails. With all of these luxuries right at your finger tips, the Catalina Hotel is the answer to all your Spring Break wants and needs. For details and reservations, please visit catalinahotel.com.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas is a world-class vacation destination known for its unparalleled beachfront beauty and wild nightlife. By day, the dynamic coastline of the Sea of Cortez offers pulse-pounding water sports and dive spots for both scuba and snorkel enthusiasts alike, and the rugged deserts of the Mexican Baja boast scenic trails for hiking excursions and treks to the Santiago waterfalls. By night, get ready for some of the hottest parties you have ever seen. From ME Cabo's Passion, a sexy beachfront nightclub with a bar and non-stop dancing, to Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo, a landmark cantina, whatever scene you fancy, you'll find it in Cabo.
ME Cabo
Set on Médano Beach, one of the loveliest stretches of sand in Baja, ME Cabo is a sun-lover’s paradise. Inside this adult-oriented luxury resort, you’ll find beautifully appointed rooms and suites with breathtaking views of Cabo San Lucas Bay and the world-famous Land’s End. One major intriguing addition is “The Level Experience” concept, which consists of 62 distinctively outfitted, premium accommodation rooms in various areas of the hotel. The Level rooms feature choice views, private sundecks and rain showers. In addition to elegantly upgraded guestrooms, The Level accommodations offer a host of VIP amenities, such as complimentary in-room breakfast, bathrobes and slippers, wireless Internet access, iPods, CD players, plasma TVs, and exclusive access to a private lounge. For Spring Break, splurge for the Entourage Pass and spend a weekend beyond the velvet rope. The package includes VIP access at The Passion Club and room occupancy for two with a third staying free, airport pick-up, welcome champagne, morning after, in-room breakfast and Bloody Mary bar, and late checkout. For details and reservations, please visit me-cabo.com. (pictured)
The Hilton Los Cabos Resort
Dispensing Mexico's most hospitable ambience, the idyllic Hilton Los Cabos is set along the most tranquil stretch of golden beach, covenant to legendary Los Cabos golf resorts and girded by spectacular views under a pristine high desert sky. Perfect for Spring Break couples looking for a romantic getaway, the beachfront resort features tiled roofs and a hacienda-style courtyard with a large, elevated cascading pond to provide a soothing ambience. Resort amenities range from shimmering infinity pools with swim-up bars and one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. The Hilton Los Cabos features five delectable dining venues, from expertly-crafted sushi at La Barca to refined Mediterranean-infused cuisine at Fenicia. Couples can plan a romantic spa getaway at Spa Oasis and enjoy everything from Swedish massages and Thai reflexology to Balsamic Purifying Wraps and LaStone Therapy Crystal Healing Massages. For details and reservations, please visit hiltonloscabos.com. (pictured - main)
Cabo Villas Beach Resort
When you stay at the beautiful Cabo Villas Beach Resort and Spa, you’re in the pulsing heart of Cabo, and you’ll have direct access to anything your heart desires. The resort sits directly on Medano Beach and is one of the only true swimming beaches in all of Cabo. Consisting of 136 custom designed condominiums, Cabo Villas Beach Resort has nothing left to spree in the line of quality. Cabo Villas Beach Resort boasts three luxury pools to spend the day in total relaxation. Enjoy a drink at the swim up bar in the Infinity Pool or relax in the sun on one of the cushioned lounge chairs. Avoid the kiddies in the Sun Pool where adults soak up a little peace and quiet or refresh yourself at the non-heated Grill Pool with fresh and crystalline water. Head indoors, away from the fabulous rays of sunshine, and discover the Spa which features hot stone massages, after-sun refresh body wraps and frothy chocolate Vichy showers. For details and reservations, please visit cabovillasbeachresort.com.
Insider Tip: For Spring Breakers on a budget, CaboSpringBreak.com offers Fun Class packages priced from $599 and up. These are the most popular Spring Break trips to Cabo. The package includes flights, hotels, transfers, entertainment, a VIP party passport to Cabo bars and clubs and exclusive discounts on meals.
South Padre Island, Mexico
Dubbed as the two-nation vacation, South Padre Island is the perfect vacation destination for those who are looking for an exotic Mexican getaway on a college budget. Populated with only 2,400 residents, the Island literally peaks overnight in early spring with over 300,000 students who trade in their winter clothes for shorts and bikinis and turn the area into one of the wildest places you can imagine. If this alone doesn't lure you, the ever-popular Louie's Backyard has been the place where the party aficionados get their Spring Break on for years. This year Louie's welcomes DJ Silver, DJ Feli Fel, DJ Tina T and more performers to keep you rocking all night.
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Located right on the beach, in the southern portion of South Padre Island, the Isla Grand Beach Resort recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, making it the premier hotel along the Texas Gulf Coast. The beachfront resort boasts two swimming pools, hot tubs, sand volleyball courts, the Quarterdeck Lounge which features live bands from across the country and is located in close proximity to the infamous Coca-Cola Beach. Named by the Travel Channel as "the largest beach party on the planet" and "the place to be during the day" by Rolling Stone, South Padre Island's infamous Coca-Cola Beach has been enjoyed by Spring Breakers across the nation for over 15 years. Coca-Cola Beach is open daily from March 7 to March 23, 2010 from 11 am to 5 pm, offering up non-stop action amidst heart-thumping music fueled by a 50,000 watt sound system. For details and reservations, please visit islagrand.com. (pictured)
Sheraton South Padre
Featuring the largest swimming pool in South Texas – 6,000 square feet to be exact – enjoy a relaxing afternoon and grab a tropical drink at the swim-up bar and hang with your closest friends. If you're feeling a little more energetic however, volleyball nets and parasailing are available on the beach all day. Or allow a massage therapist, available by appointment, to massage away the day's stresses. At the end of a long day or the beginning of a new one, head to the sundeck – the largest sundeck on South Padre Island – and take in the unparalleled views of the surrounding ocean. For details and reservations, please visit starwoodhotels.com/sheraton.
The Bahia Mar Resort
Located on the northern part of the island away from traffic and the bulk of the business district, the Bahia Mar boasts quiet beaches and relaxations perfect for the Spring Breakers who want to relax. The resort occupies 15 acres of paradise directly on the beach, giving you prime access to beautiful dark white dunes. Bahia Mar Resort South Padre Island offers modern conveniences and a balcony in all of their rooms, which overlook the Gulf Mexico or the Laguna Madre Bay. It also offers swimming pools and a jacuzzi. The staff at Bahia Mar Resort South Padre Island has made it their job to give you personal attention and an enjoyable stay.
Insider Tip: For a great time on South Padre Island, consider the package offered by Inertia Tours. Not only is round-trip airfare included, but also included is a 3, 4, 5, or 7-night stay in a condo, a free welcome party with complimentary Coors Light, 14 restaurant meals, a taxi cab discount (you and your friends will only pay $3 each to go anywhere on South Padre), and Inertia’s “Walk to the Action” Pledge, their assurance that no matter where you’re staying, you’ll be within walking distance of all the Spring Break action. Get the details at interiatours.com.
The Bahamas Islands
Located just off the southern tip of Florida, the Bahamas consist of over 700 islands, offering miles of white sand beaches surrounding small slivers of land. The city of Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the heart and capital of The Bahamas. The island, once a busy center for piracy, is now home to old fortresses, resort areas, Spring Breakers, and too many gorgeous beaches to count. Port Lucaya in Freeport on the Grand Bahama Island is another prime party location with open air bars and restaurants that surround a sunken pit stage where DJs spin the hottest Top 40s tracks, local bands play live music, and you can dance all night long. Wherever your destination may be, you're guaranteed to have a whirlwind ride because The Bahamas is an international Spring Break alternative for the student on a domestic Spring Break budget.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Escape the winter season in paradise. Even better, stay three nights and get the fourth night free. Spend the day basking in the rays of golden sunshine at Cain at the Cove. Exclusive to adult guests of The Cove Atlantis, on the apex of Cove and Paradise beaches, the 9,000 square-foot ultra-pool is decidedly sophisticated. With two elevated infinity pools and a plunge pool that flanks the main pool, guests can relax on one of several freestanding persimmon daybeds or rent one of the 20 private teak-wood louvered cabanas that reveal breathtaking views of the beach and pool. By night, sway to beats and indulge in libations at the trendy and luxurious Aura Nightclub. The 9,000-square-foot club is accompanied by a glass dance floor, two bars, two VIP sections and private VIP Parlour. For details and reservations, please visit atlantis.com. (pictured)
Paradise Island Harbour Resort
If you want an all-inclusive resort you must stay at the Paradise Island Resort for Spring Break. Unlimited drinks are always a huge plus for a Spring Breakers, the 3 complimentary meals per day are delicious, the pool is beautiful and includes an outside bar. Looking to have a romantic Spring Break week with the boys? Indulge in the "Mancation" Bahamas Style Package that features a welcome bucket of domestic beers and a welcome basket of in-room munchies with your all-inclusive vacation to Paradise Island. Your package also includes select room accommodations, hotel taxes and service charges, unlimited house brand beverages, beers and spirits, and entertainment. For details and reservations, please visit paradiseislandbahama.com.
Bahamas Party Cruise
Want to do Bahamas the right way but you're on a budget? Getting there is half the fun when you take Student City's five-hour Spring Break Cruise from Florida to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Kick back and enjoy the ride by catching some rays on the ship's deck, hitting the casino, or grabbing a drink at the bar with your friends. When the Bahamas Party Cruise docks in Freeport, you'll spend 5 days and 4 nights dancing, shopping, deep sea fishing and jet skiing until you re-board the ship for your five-hour cruise back home. Student City also offers an optional party package that includes the Annual Student City Bahama Mama Beach Bash with party boat ride, snorkeling and a private island party with lunch buffet and beach games. For details and reservations, please visit studentcity.com.
Discover more of the best San Diego hotels and resorts.
