Top 5 Spring Break Vacations for 2016

Yes, it's December. Yes, spring is months away but honestly, it's never too early to daydream about where you want to go for the next spring break. These top destinations are all sunny, stunning destinations with plenty in store for outdoor lovers and relaxation seekers alike. So, grab your closest friends and escape to the sun-soaked beaches of these spring break hot spots!

Miami Beach

You'll find Florida cropping up on this list quite a bit, and for good reason. With cities like Miami Beach, Florida is the ultimate U.S. spring break destination. Miami is one of the most popular sun-soaked vacation spots for its spectacular beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exciting Cuban influences. The delicious restaurants, clubs and shopping districts, youthful energy and the endless summer sun make Miami a marvelous choice. When you've had enough of the beach, visit Villa Vizcaya to tour art and architecture on the Bay of Biscayne, explore the Coral Castle, or discover the animals of Zoo Miami and Jungle Island.

Key West

Choosing from the many islands and cities of the Florida Keys is difficult but all the excitement lands in Key West. On the southernmost part of the Lower Keys, Key West is the most populous of the Key cities and has attracted such famed individuals as Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote among others. Explore the beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park where the white confectioner's sand meets clear turquoise waves; meet the cats roaming Ernest Hemingway's museum home; discover the history and culture of Key West's Old Town and Mallory Square, and much more!

Los Angeles

L.A. is a great destination, for many reasons but for spring break it's heaven. The coast of this southern California metropolis is lined with amazing beaches like Hermosa, Santa Monica, and many more, all of which offer summer sun, exciting and relaxing energy, and close proximity to the bustling spirit of downtown L.A. and Hollywood. Escape to the capital city of entertainment with your friends and see everything from Venice Beach to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spot celebrities in The Grove upscale shopping center or try one of the famous Pink's Hot Dogs to round out your trip.

Puerto Rico

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is an easy plane hop from the southern United States and into the Caribbean. Emerald green waves, centuries-old fortresses, Spanish colonial streets, and stunning beaches, making it a popular destination any time of the year. Truly, the endlessly warm weather makes Puerto Rico a year-round hotspot but spring break really brings it together. The city's best beach is Escambron, situated between Old San Juan and Condado or go a little further and find Condado Beach, a trendy site for young travelers to swim, dive, or relax on the sandy shore. Head into town for some major retail therapy or tour the historic sites of Old San Juan, the San Juan National Historic Site, the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art, and much, much more!

Tampa

Situated on the lovely and warm Gulf Coast, Tampa is not only an exciting beachside city but a marvelous destination for thrill-seekers and theme park addicts. Renowned for its museums and attractions like Busch Gardens, Tampa stuns its visitors with bright lights, exotic sites, and plenty of itinerary fillers to keep them busy. You'll, of course, want to see Busch Gardens but the Florida Aquarium will also catch your eye. Make sure you stop in the Museum of Science and Industry as well, see the lions and tigers at the Big Cat Rescue facility, step back in time at Dinosaur World, and discover history at Ybor City! You'll have a hard time staying at the beach when there's so much to be seen and experienced in Tampa.

Extra: Caribbean Cruises

As a side note, why not consider Caribbean cruises for your spring break trip? You can visit more than one exotic, phenomenal destination from the Bahamas to Curacao, Barbados to Costa Rica. Not only that, you can share the all-inclusive cabin fee with several of your closest friends to cut the costs. Go on an exciting spring break cruise and break the monotony of a single destination. Instead, hop on board a floating luxury resort and tour the Caribbean nations in style and comfort.