12 Under-the-Radar Spring Break Destinations

While the 20-somethings crowd Cabo, escape an hour north to Todos Santos, one of the 111 “pueblos mágicos” across Mexico. The vibe here is sleepier and more bohemian, but the nearby surf — and the heavenly Pacific — are there to savor.

The Wall Street Journal called Isla Holbox Mexico’s best-kept secret island, so trust that it’s not as secret as it once was. But this isn’t Cancún or Tulum, at least. The island — 26 miles long and one mile wide — lies eight miles off the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. It’s mostly a nature preserve, which has helped keep its low-key vibe intact.

You can ski if you want to, but that’s where the crowds are (snow permitting). There’s plenty else to keep you engaged in Santa Fe, not the least of which is Meow Wolf, a giant art installation that bills itself as “a combination of jungle gym, haunted house, children’s museum, and immersive art exhibit.”

Outside magazine likes that Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is so easy — especially for adventure-inclined groups with kids. Yes, you can ski, but you can also bathe in the 104-degree waters of Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Who said spring break destinations had to include a beach anyway?

The Travel Channel recommends Costa Rica for a surf camp for the whole family. The camp includes surfing and fun activities like hiking, horseback riding, and yoga.

March is the last month you can stay in the incredible Hôtel de Glace, which is made entirely of snow and ice. Guests can try the ice slide and grab a cool drink at the Ice Bar, which features cocktails served in glasses made from — you guessed it — ice.

The A Bar A Ranch, in Encampment, Wyoming, is one of the oldest dude ranches in the West — and, at 140,000 acres, one of the largest. Guests can immerse themselves in horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking.

The snowfall in the Canadian Rockies reaches its peak in March — which makes it one of Town and Country‘s top picks for this time of year.

If you’re committed to the Caribbean, at least try a lesser-known island — like St. Kitts and Nevis, one dual-island nation. They were among the islands to emerge mostly unscathed after Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Nevis, in particular, is unspoiled — and fans of the musical Hamilton can visit Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace.

The New York Times tapped Houston as one of its “52 Places To Go” for its thriving food, art, and downtown culture, while Travel + Leisure likes it in March for the annual rodeo.

“Even if you’ve been to Yosemite a thousand times, visit in spring and it feels like the first time all over again,” says Sunset magazine. You can even enlist AutoCamp, a retro-chic collection of trailers, cabins, and glamping tents, as a potential home base.

Florida is a very common spring break destination, but if you want to stay off the beaten path, check out St. Pete’s. The area is much more laid-back than the more crowded beaches and you will have your pick of local condos to rent or staying at the best resort in town, TradeWinds Resort. You can enjoy live music on the beach, walking along 40 acres and pristine beachfront, swim with the dolphins, or just relax by the pool.