Lonely Planet's 10 Best Spring Break Destinations

Image: PHOTO: Blue-footed boobie in the Galapagos Islands (photo by Janeen Christoff)
Image: PHOTO: Blue-footed boobie in the Galapagos Islands (photo by Janeen Christoff)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Tue March 7, 2017

Lonely Planet has some suggestions for spring break travel. The travel guide publisher offers up its 10 best spring break destinations for U.S. travelers based on recommendations from its destination editors, choosing some truly unique experiences at affordable prices for those who haven't planned their spring vacations.

From close-to-home hot spots to the far-flung and the exotic, travelers can take their pick from the top destinations below:

Hawaii's Big Island
Whistler, British Columbia
Los Angeles
Southern Baja California, Mexico
Tampa Bay, Fla.
Asheville, N.C.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Culebra & Vieques, Puerto Rico
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

For those headed to Los Angeles, Clifton Wilkinson, California and Mexico destination editor gets visitors off the beaten path.

"Beyond Santa Monica and Venice, Hermosa and Manhattan beaches are less known by tourists but are just as popular with locals - especially surfers. For a much quieter day at the beach, head for Malibu and Belmont Shore," says Wilkinson.

If you are headed for the Galapagos, MaSovaida Morgan, South America destination editor, notes you will definitely be getting away from it all.

"Love the idea of spending spring break on an island but loathe the partying masses? The Galápagos are the answer for nature-loving, adventure-seeking travelers. There are cruises, eco lodges and plenty of ways to get involved with conservation and social development initiatives around the islands," says Morgan.

[READMORE]READ MORE: The 7 Best Grown-Up Spring Break Destinations [/READMORE]

For a classic spring break experience, travelers can head to Tampa Bay, Fla.

"Florida basically invented the concept of spring break, but beyond the hotspots, there are plenty of gems like Tampa Bay, with its 35-plus miles of dune-dotted, pristine white beaches that promise traditional sun-and-sand relaxation. Fort DeSoto Park, with seven miles of sand and excellent trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities, is a standout," says Trisha Ping, Eastern U.S. destination editor.

To find more spring break tips from Lonely planet, click here.


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Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

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