Few things are more sacred and memorable that your college spring break. It’s a time to party with friends, stay up late talking, and burn off the stress of the semester.
While tanning yourself on a Caribbean beach sounds enticing…it can be expensive, especially on a college student’s budget.
Luckily, there are some amazing Spring Break trips that are just a car ride away. These are serious drives, but with gas prices lower than ever, they’ll save you money while providing memories that will last lifetime.
So pack up your friends, put together the perfect playlist, and consider taking one of these epic road trips for spring break 2016
Tips before you go:
1. Sort out gas payment ahead of time.
Use the site Gas Buddy to predict how money you’ll spend on the drive in gas. Collect cash ahead of time, or Venmo one person who will use their credit card for every payment. This will make visits to the so gas station seamless and stress-free.
2. Pack walkie talkies
If you have a caravan of cars driving to your spring break destination, consider packing walkie talkies to stay in contact and to play games with the other cars. Sure, you can start a group text, but what’s the fun in that?
3. Take the car in for a check up
Check the tires, oil, and other fluids before you hit the road.
South Padre Island
If you visit South Padre, be sure to bring your college flag. (Photo: AP)
Located on the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the U.S. With temperatures in March hovering around 75 degrees, it’s the ideal location to swim, boogie board, or lay out on the beach.
How to get there:
From U.S. 77/83, which connects to Harlingen, McAllen, and Corpus Christi, take Tex. 100 east to Port Isabel and then across the Queen Isabella Causeway to the south end of South Padre Island.
Distance to nearby cities:
Austin, TX: 5.5 hours
Houston, TX: 5.5 hours
San Antonio, TX: 4.5 hours
Possible pitstops:
Depending on what direction you’re coming from, there are some major cities you’ll pass through that are majorly fun. Stop and party it up at the bars on 6th street Austin, Texas; or have dinner on the riverwalk in San Antonio as you make your way south.
If you’re searching for some wholesome fun, stop by Bobz World — a pseudo amusement complex with laser tag, mini-golf, and bowling.
Panama City Beach
Anything goes at Panama City Beach. (Photo: Panama City Beach/Facebook)
Panama City Beach isn’t called the “Spring Break Capitol of the World” for nothing. With 27 miles of white beaches, and temperatures in the mid-70s, this destination is always filled with bikini-clad coeds during Spring Break. Not convinced that the celebration is worth the drive? EDM Superstar Steve Aoki will be there this year, so you know it’s going to be a nonstop party.
How to get there:
Take Highway 231 or 77 to U.S. 98.
Distance to nearby cities:
Atlanta, Ga.: 5 hours
Pensacola, Fla.: 2 hours
Tallahassee, Fla.: 2 hours
Possible pitstops:
Home to the largest forest in Florida, Appalaciola National Forest is the perfect stop for the outdoor adventurer. Go hiking, boating, fishing or horse-back riding before you party it up with other co-eds on the beach.
Lake Tahoe
Spring Break at Lake Tahoe may be colder, but it’s just as cool. (Photo: iStock)
Skiing in the spring has a few benefits — its warmer (around 50-60 degrees), the snow is softer, and it’s often more affordable. That’s why Lake Tahoe is a great spring break destination for those who prefer the snow over sand.
How to get there:
Interstate 80 and U.S. Highways 50 and 395 – access the Lake Tahoe region. These all-weather freeways branch out to reach resorts and lodging properties throughout Reno, North Lake Tahoe, and South Lake Tahoe, so it’s easy to get from one destination to another.
Distance to nearby cities:
Reno, Nev.: About 1 hour NW
Sacremento, Calif.: 2. 5 hours from South Lake Tahoe
Possible pitstops:
If you’re coming from the south, Las Vegas (eight hour drive) and Yosemite National Park (four-hour drive) are both in your path.
Daytona Beach
Play on the beach, or hang poolside. (Photo: Spring Break Daytona Beach/Facebook)
In the new movie “Dirty Grandpa,” a man and his grandfather travel down to Daytona Beach for spring break. Let’s just say, the trailer gives a pretty good look into the party taking place there in March.
How to get there:
Take Interstate 95 to Highway 92.
Distance to nearby cities:
Jacksonville, Fla.: 1.5 hours
Gainesville, Fla.: 2 hours
Possible pitstops:
No trip to Daytona would be complete without a visit to the Daytona International Speedway — home to the Daytona 500. Want to get in on the action? Sign up to ride shot gun in a car driven by professional driver during the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Feeling guilty about some of your spring break antics? Attend mass at the nations only Drive-in church. Yeah, you read that right. Masses are held on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Lake Havasu
At Lake Havasu, the real party happens on the water. (Photo: Spring Break Lake Havasu/Facebook)
For students on the West Coast, Lake Havasu is the prime destination to spend spring break. From pool parties at Komono to shopping and watersports, this Arizona destination literally has something for everyone. Temps can climb up to 80 degrees in March, so grab your swimsuit and escape those frigid temps.
How to get there:
I-40 West. Take exit 9.
Distance to nearby cities:
Phoenix, Ariz.: 3.5 hours
Las Vegas, Nev.: 2.5 hours
Possible pitstops:
We may be moving toward the future, but if you’re looking for a blast from the past, visit The Flinstones in Bedrock City. The theme park has games and activities featuring your favorite characters, and you can even stop and dine at Fred’s Diner. If you have the time, you should Yabba-dabba-do it!
If you’re headed west on I-40, stopping by Meteor Crater is pretty much a non-negotiable. As the world’s best preserved meteorite impact site, the crater is 1-mile long and dates back 50,000 years. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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