Spring Break for my kids is just a few weeks away, and we’re going on a cruise. Can’t wait! But that means Spring Break 2026 is only a year away, so for me that means it’s time to plan and start looking at award flights.
Next year, we’re planning to return to Switzerland in the summer and tack on a few days in London. For Spring Break, my family has brainstormed a few ideas including:
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Universal Epic Universe, Florida
- Branson, Missouri
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (repeat trip)
- “Anywhere I can jet ski” (oldest kid)
I’ve been wanting to visit Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area for years. However, I also like to visit a warm beach once a year, and Switzerland and London won’t give us that experience. We’ve visited a lot of Florida beaches in the past, and we’re looking for something a bit different. So, I’ve narrowed Spring Break 2026 down to two beach destinations: Punta Mita, Mexico and St. Maarten (island in the Caribbean).
Punta Mita, Mexico
My family visited Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2016 (see my trip report here). We stayed at an all-inclusive resort (which is now part of Hyatt). While we loved the pools and views from the resort, the beach area left a lot to be desired. Punta Mita is a smaller town about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, and from what I’ve read, the beaches are far superior to those in Puerto Vallarta proper.
Pros of Picking Punta Mita:
- We can fly nonstop from DFW on American Airlines or Frontier in less than 3 hours
- Even if we can’t use miles for flights, the cost of flights isn’t outrageous
- Using hotel points is an option (Grand Palladium Vallarta with Wyndham Rewards points, Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort using World of Hyatt points)
- Plenty of condo/home rentals are available with ocean views
- Tennis, jet skiing, pools and beach clubs available
Cons of Picking Punta Mita:
- Prices of hotels/home rentals/food are on the expensive side compared to other destinations
- Ocean water is not as clear/turquoise as some Caribbean beaches
St. Maarten, Caribbean
I’ve been to St. Maarten twice on cruises, but only stayed for the day. On our first visit, my family fell in love with Mullet Bay Beach as part of an all-day private tour. The second time I visited on a cruise with my sister, I returned to Mullet Bay Beach for the day. The water at the this beach is very hard to beat! And, there are many condo rentals nearby.
Pros of St. Maarten:
- The beaches are amazing! Swimmable, clear water
- Cost of condo rentals with ocean views are budget-friendly compared to other beach destinations
- Easy public ferry for day trip to picturesque Anguilla
- Tennis, jet skis, pools, beach clubs
Cons of St. Maarten:
- No nonstop flights from DFW. Flight time is at least 7 hours with a layover.
- Flights are more expensive than flights to Puerto Vallarta (although still plenty of options for award flights)
- Lack of all-inclusive resorts (not necessarily a con though)
Have you been to Punta Mita or St. Maarten? What is your favorite beach destination in the USA, Mexico or the Caribbean?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Been to both. I choose St. Marteen. Food on the island is outstanding. Got two countries, Dutch and French. Rent a car to get around. Punta Minta was to isolated. Had to take expensive taxis everywhere
@Willy Thanks for your input!
There’s no bad choice here — whichever you pick, you’ll have an amazing time!
@joshtrips Thanks! I mostly love the ocean views and sound of the waves, but swimming in clear water is an added bonus.
My favorite place to stay in St Martinhttps://www.fourteenatmulletbay.com/
@James Thanks for the recommendation! That looks like the perfect location, but unfortunately I’m having a hard time finding a rental with 4 beds. My kids are older and won’t share a bed anymore. 🙂
Hi Nancy,
If you’re going for a week – I’d recommend St Maarten:
– Water quality is (much) better;
– St.M has big variety of beaches for different tastes;
– Seaweed typically not a problem;
– Cultural diversity.
For me, going to beach destination is mostly about the quality of the beach and water to swim in. Most of Caribbean islands beat continental areas in that respect. St Maarten is one of my favorites for the good relaxing swimming and sunbathing, with free access to beach areas, soft sand and clear water. There are many secluded places, as well as many touristy spots with water sport offerings and eateries.
Few years back we spent vacation south of Cancun near Valentine beach, and most of the area was unswimmable. After some big hurricanes in Mexico a lot of sand was washed away, not sure if same happened on the west coast too.
You can also consider Puerto Rico as a spring break place, might even find a direct flight there. The island is large with plenty to do and see, San Juan is the best Caribbean town, and beaches are abound – large and small.
Some of my favorite swimming beaches are: Seven Mile/Grand Cayman, Playa Sucia/P.Rico, Elbow Beach/Bermudas, Magic Sands Park/Hawaii, Anse Marcel/St.Maarten, Magens Bay/St.Thomas, Cove Beach/Bahamas.
Happy Travels!!
@Aleks You make some great points! Thanks for the beach suggestions. It is hard to beat the water quality in the Caribbean.