Cancun, Mexico may be one of the country's most popular year-round destinations, but you should make a particular beeline for this work hard, play hard city over spring break. Party all night at hot spots such as Coco Bongo, the over-the-top nightclub known for its grand shows, before shaking off the hangover on the beach the next morning. You can even opt for day trips to cooling cenotes and ancient ruins or head over to nearby Isla Mujeres on a catamaran.

Summer is the high season in Yosemite National Park, which makes heading here earlier in the spring an ideal time to explore and soak up all the glorious scenery in perfect tranquility—as long as you don’t mind the snow. Yosemite Valley and Wawona are accessible to cars all year round, and hiking trails in both areas are usually open earlier in the season, as is Hetch Hetchy Valley. Rent a cozy cabin to make the most of it—you can even bring your pup along.

If it’s sun you’re after, the beach isn’t your only option. Instead, check out Santa Fe’s desert vibe—and prepare for an escape that mingles history, culture, food, and natural attractions, all at once. Whether on a walking tour of the Santa Fe Historic District, during a visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (or her Ghost Ranch), while indulging in chile verde on a food tour, or on a side excursion to artsy Taos, you’re sure to fall for the city’s enchantments.

Spring is arguably the best time to visit Austin when temperatures tend to peak at 85°F (30°C) before the summertime spike. Following on the heels of the annual SXSW festival, Austin’s eclectic, innovative, and creative spirit is in full bloom. Its pit-master-helmed barbecue joints like the world-famous Franklin Barbecue, breakfast tacos, and cowboy boot shops on Congress Avenue all add to its charm and appeal.

The powdery white sands of South Beach, its lively party scene, and toasty temperatures (think 80°F, or 27°C) make Florida an ideal warm-weather escape. More than half a million visitors flock here every spring to take part in the beachy revelry, while pool parties, concerts, and clubs keep the vibe going into the wee hours. For a breather from the party scene, you can also check out the city's art deco architecture, line your stomach with local Cuban food, or explore the city by golf cart.

Florida isn’t just about the beaches, as this worthy spring break destination goes to show. With over a dozen amusement parks that capture the imaginations of visitors across the globe—including the parks, restaurants, hotels, spa retreats, and shops of Walt Disney World®, as well as Universal Studios Florida—Orlando is the ideal place for warm weather and family-friendly fun.

The Bahamas offers easy accessibility to Caribbean splendor. Looking for a lively party scene, food and rum tastings soundtracked by reggae? Stay in the capital of Nassau. Seeking peace? Visit uninhabited islands to spot sea turtles, and immerse yourself in Lucayan National Park, home to one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems. Want to book a family resort for spring break (or just visit an incredible water park for the day)? Atlantis Paradise Island is calling your name.

If you class yourself as more of a ski fiend than a beach bum, then make your way to Banff, where you'll find plenty of cold-weather outdoor activities for spring break. Set against the backdrop of Canada’s oldest national park, the area’s “big three” resorts—including Lake Louise, Banff Sunshine, and Norquay—welcome winter sports enthusiasts until late May. That’s plenty of time to plan your ski trip, as well as side excursions to Johnston Canyon, Icefield Parkway, and the Athabasca Glacier.