Spring breaks to beat the crowds (and heat)

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Let’s be real, spring break doesn’t have to mean jostling through crowded beaches or standing in theme park lines that never seem to end. If you’ve ever been stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic heading into a packed national park in July, you know what we mean.

Spring is the sweet spot: warm (but not sweltering) weather, thinner crowds and prices that haven’t shot up yet. Here are some of our favorite spring break destinations in the U.S. and beyond that are way better in spring than summer.

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1. New Orleans, Louisiana

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Yes, Mardi Gras is wild, but if you miss the madness, spring in New Orleans is perfect. The city buzzes with music festivals, garden tours and crawfish boils, all before the muggy summer heat kicks in. Grab a late room in the French Quarter and let the good times roll, without the crowds and chaos.

Check out the best New Orleans hotels >

2. Seville, Spain

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Seville in May? Glorious. The city’s bathed in sunshine, the crowds are still manageable and those orange blossoms still cling to the air like they own the place. You’ll stroll past palaces, plazas and flamenco dancers like you're living inside a particularly stylish music video.

The Real Alcázar is a must (preferably when it's not roasting), the tapas is top-tier and you can catch the post-Feria de Abril buzz without the elbow-to-elbow chaos. Come in May and you’ll leave wondering why you ever went to Spain in July.

Check out the best Seville hotels >

3. San Francisco, California

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Here’s a weird secret: San Francisco often has better weather in spring than summer, when fog takes over (no, seriously). You’ll get clearer skies, smaller crowds at top sights, like Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf, and fewer tourists clogging up the Golden Gate Bridge views. Plus, everything’s in bloom in Golden Gate Park.

Check out the best San Francisco hotels >

4. Marrakech, Morocco

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Looking for a bit of exotic flair without the long-haul jet lag? Marrakech in May hits that sweet spot. . You’ll get all the warmth and color of Morocco without being slow-roasted by a 100°F heatwave.

Dive into the souks, haggle badly for a lantern and then retreat to your riad for rooftop mint tea and smug Instagram Stories. The Atlas Mountains are day-trip doable, the gardens are in bloom and the hammams are steamy in all the right ways. It’s chaos, charm and calm, all rolled into one moodboard-perfect break.

Check out the best Marrakech hotels >

5. Puglia, Italy

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If Puglia were a person, it’d be effortlessly cool, completely underrated and just a bit smug about its seafood. Come May, it's all olive groves, whitewashed villages and crystal-clear water without the price tag of its Tuscan cousin.

Wander through Alberobello’s hobbit-like houses, sip Primitivo in the sun and stuff your face with orecchiette (that's pasta, btw) until you forget what stress is. It’s peaceful, it’s delicious and the crowds are months away. Basically, the Italy that locals don’t want you to find out about – sorry, locals.

Check out the best Puglia hotels >

6. Ibiza, Spain

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Yes, that Ibiza – but hear us out. In May, the island hasn’t yet been fully taken over by glow sticks and 4am regrets. What you get instead is pine-scented hills, sleepy beach bars and coastal towns that still feel like they belong to the locals.

Whether you’re into hiking trails or hammock naps, yoga or yet another glass of sangria, May is the time to fall for Ibiza’s softer side. And hey, if a beach club accidentally happens, we won’t judge.

Check out the best Ibiza hotels >

7. Kotor, Montenegro

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Kotor’s the kind of place that makes you gasp before you’ve even got out of the car. A fjord-style bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs, medieval walls and water so blue it looks filtered.

In May, it's warm enough for sea swims and terrace dining, but not so hot you’ll sweat halfway up the fortress stairs. The old town is all winding alleys and hidden bars, and boat rides to tiny island churches are the sort of low-effort, high-reward adventure you didn’t know you needed.

Check out the best Kotor hotels >

8. Charleston, South Carolina

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This one’s a classic and for good reason. You get the southern charm without the summer heat, or crowds. Spring brings Charleston’s historic streets to life with blooming gardens, warm breezes and outdoor dining that actually feels relaxing. You can explore colorful row houses, sip cocktails on rooftop bars, and hit the beach before the family vacation crowd descends.

Check out the best South Carolina hotels >

9. Dubrovnik, Croatia

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If Dubrovnik in summer is a medieval mosh pit, May is the VIP preview. The city walls are still wide enough to walk without shuffling and the Adriatic has just about warmed up for a (slightly brave) dip.

Meander through limestone alleys, sip something cold by the harbor and do a boat trip to Lokrum without fighting for a seat. With fewer crowds and better room rates, this is your chance to live your Game of Thrones fantasy – minus the dragons and hefty flight prices.

Check out the best Dubrovnik hotels >

10. Yosemite National Park, California

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By late spring, the waterfalls in Yosemite are in full force thanks to all that snowmelt. BUT the crowds haven’t quite reached peak levels, so you’ll have fewer selfie sticks in shot. You’ll still want to book a place to stay early, but it’s way more peaceful than in July. Pack layers—it’s warm by day, crisp by night, and absolutely stunning all around.

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Ready to go?

Spring is the unsung hero of travel seasons. Fewer crowds, cooler temps and better deals? Yes, please. Whether you’re after nature, culture, or a little R&R, there’s a perfect off-peak spot with your name on it. And remember, we’re here to help you snag those last-minute stays in the best spring break spots.

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Meet the author

Ian Lewis

Ian has worked in travel for over 15 years, writing about destinations across the whole UK and around the world. He loves city breaks with the family and is always hunting out new and exciting attractions to visit, and the best hotels to match.

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