By Vincent Khan
- 5. Scottsdale, AZ
With 250,000 people, Scottsdale, Arizona, is a booming city full of activities for any group of friends to enjoy during their spring break. Scottsdale is loaded with local and franchise bars/restaurants that would keep anyone occupied through all day hours, from lunch to the bar-hopping hours of the night. Before people go bar hopping at night, most rent a “Pink Jeep” and spend the day hiking the beautiful trails surrounding the city. The views from the mountains overlooking the city leave some people breathless. The cliffs overlook the city and make it look miniature when you look down at it, almost like a cartoon. If you’re looking for more of a “getaway,” there are multiple luxurious water parks and spa/resorts in the area you can loath your time away in.
- 4. Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores is a city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Its Gulf State Park has beaches, trails, a pier, a golf course, and a zip line over the dunes! Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores has many college kids visit the area for spring break and take advantage of the activities there. Water sports are a highlight in the area. You can find a way to rent equipment for a day for all water activities you can think of, from simply fishing to parasailing. The pier is the place to be if you’re looking to kill some daylight, for the area is littered with activities ranging from mini-golf, real-life dolphin cruises, a carnival, city segway tours, along with many many more.
- 3. Nashville, TN
What a great city to enjoy a at. ???? Just buy a cowboy hat, and you’ll fit in and enjoy your time here if you like partying it up, singing karaoke, and whiskey. A friend of mine recently came back from Nashville and called it a “mini Las Vegas.” He went before spring break! I can’t imagine how rowdy it gets during spring break times. Having nearly 700,00 residents, Nashville feels like a big city and has all the accommodations of one. Still, the country vibe that radiates from the town’s main strip could make anyone party like a small town cowboy in a Clint Eastwood movie. There are so many bars that you could think of a particular theme you’re looking for, and there’s a bar specifically for that. Not to mention that Nashville is one of the biggest cities in America, so looking for resources or fun would not be hard to find any time of the year.
- 2. Ocho Rios Jamaica
It may be out of the country but don’t worry, and everyone speaks English. But for every dish you might order down there, you might have to ask for lite spice or lite hot sauce. Jamaicans do not mess around when it comes to spice. Ocho Rios, which translates to Eight Rivers, was once a fishing village that has become a spring break destination for spring breakers on the island of Jamaica. I don’t think I will have to sell it that hard with this one. It’s Jamaica, for crying out loud. There’s a never-ending coastline with white sand, and people know how to make good margaritas there.
Along with that, it’s the origin of Reggae music, aka beach music, how fitting. There is a little something for everyone and more in Ocho Rios, I already mentioned the beaches, but they also have waterfalls and caves you can explore, as well as museums and unbeatable nightlife. Many college kids from other countries (mainly Europe) travel to Ocho Rio’s top vacation. So who knows what or who you may see if you visit there.
- 1. New Smyrna Beach, FL
New Smyrna is my number one spot because of its location. Located just 25 minutes south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna is the perfect lowkey spot to get an Air-BnB with your friends during spring break. You and your companions could take a quick 20 minute Uber to Daytona and see the authentic spring break experience. During the day, it’s a town mainly known for surfing and good seaside eats, and the public beach(s) there are always clean. Every single local activity that you could think of trying, you can. But none of it is commercialized as you would find at a big city or resort. With 27,000 people, the town is big enough to have every significant food and superstore franchise. Still, it is also small enough where local attractions haven’t blown up too much to the point where they lose their authenticity.
