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Google Flights’ Top Spring Break Destinations: How To Get There and Where To Stay on Points

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Nick Ellis
Edited by: Ryan Smith
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Spring break is right around the corner, and if you haven’t solidified your plans yet, Google Flights has just revealed which destinations around the country are seeing the most interest for this year.

Let’s dive into the full list, how to fly to these destinations and where to stay once you’ve made it there — all with your points and miles, of course.

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Google Flights has shared the top 10 spring break destinations in the U.S. for 2026. The rankings are based on which destinations saw the largest year-over-year percentage increase in flight searches from March 1 to April 30.

Here’s the full list, along with suggestions for getting there with your points and miles and where to stay once you arrive.

1. Hilo, Hawaii

Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo is often overshadowed by the busier Kona. However, Hilo has lots to offer, including incredible beaches, events such as the Merrie Monarch Festival, and access to nearby Mt. Kilauea and its ongoing volcanic eruption.

Hilo Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii. Image Credit: Paddy Kumar via Unsplash

Getting to Hilo (ITO) on Points

  • Fly Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu (HNL) or Maui (OGG); redeem Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points for flights.
  • Fly Southwest Airlines from Honolulu or Las Vegas (LAS) from August 2026; redeem Rapid Rewards points for flights.

If you’re flying from the mainland, journeys to Hilo may require multiple connections since the airport doesn’t offer extensive commercial service to mainland gateways.

Hot Tip:

Hawaii is far, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Read our full guide to learn about the best ways to fly to Hawaii with points and miles.

Staying in Hilo on Points

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Known for its relaxed mountain vibes, a craft beer scene among the best in the country, and numerous art galleries, Asheville has soared in popularity in recent years.

Getting to Asheville (AVL) on Points

Asheville sees nonstop service from major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines, to numerous hub airports across the country. It also sees flights from low-cost Allegiant Air to numerous cities.

Asheville Nonstop Flights
Nonstop flights to Asheville. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Depending on your airline preferences and your home base, you can redeem points and miles for flights. The major U.S. carriers now all use dynamic pricing for award flights, meaning rates can vary significantly depending on where you’re flying from, the dates of travel, and more.

See our guides on the best ways to redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles, Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue points, and United MileagePlus miles for more information.

Staying in Asheville on Points

3. Sarasota, Florida

Located in Southwest Florida, travelers flock to Sarasota for its relaxed pace, sun-soaked beaches, and burgeoning restaurant scene.

Getting to Sarasota (SRQ) on Points

Major airlines including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United all offer flights to Sarasota, and the airport is also served by low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Frontier, and Sun Country, in addition to Air Canada.

Sarasota Route Map
Nonstop flights to Sarasota. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Staying in Sarasota on Points

4. Long Beach, California

Skip busier Los Angeles and head to Long Beach, LA’s more relaxed cousin. You’ll still get to enjoy some of that famous Southern California weather but in a less frenzied environment.

Getting to Long Beach (LGB) on Points

Long Beach features flights from Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest.

Long Beach Route Map
Nonstop flights to LGB. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Staying in Long Beach on Points

5. Panama City, Florida

Long known to be a popular spring break destination, Panama City boasts a beachfront location and plenty of entertainment on every corner, especially for the younger crowd.

Getting to Panama City (ECP) on Points

Panama City is served by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), about 18 miles from the center of town. Major carriers American, Delta, Southwest, and United all offer nonstop flights to the airport.

Panama City Beach Route Map
Nonstop flights to ECP. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Staying in Panama City on Points

6. Punta Gorda, Florida

Also found in Southwest Florida, Punta Gorda is known for its palm-tree-lined streets, fantastic sailing, and a marina bustling with restaurants serving the freshest seafood.

Getting to Punta Gorda (PGD) on Points

Punta Gorda is served only by low-cost carriers Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. Fort Myers (RSW) is nearby and offers flights across most major carriers.

Staying in Punta Gorda on Points

7. Santa Ana, California

The gateway to Orange County, Santa Ana is nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego and is a great starting point for exploring all the beauty the OC has to offer.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort Club Resort Overview
The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club. Image Credit: Nick Ellis

Getting to Santa Ana (SNA) on Points

Santa Ana (SNA) has a robust slate of nonstop flights to airports all over the country on carriers including Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Southwest, and United, in addition to low-cost carriers Allegiant, Breeze, Frontier, and Spirit and foreign carriers Air Canada and WestJet.

Santa Ana Route Map
Nonstop flights to SNA. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com
Hot Tip:

Learn more about the best ways to redeem Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points for maximum value in our full guide.

Staying in Santa Ana/Orange County on Points

8. Fort Myers, Florida

The principal gateway to Southwest Florida, Fort Myers boasts white-sand beaches, a lively downtown scene, and the popular River District, which offers dining, shopping, galleries, and incredible sunset views.

Ritz Carlton Naples Exterior From Beach
Image Credit: Nick Ellis

Getting to Fort Myers (RSW) on Points

Fort Myers (RSW) is a fairly large airport with plenty of nonstop flights to all corners of the country. The airport offers nonstop flights from Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United, in addition to low-cost carriers Allegiant, Avelo, Breeze, Frontier, Spirit, and Sun Country. There are also international flights offered by Air Canada Rouge, Discover Airlines, Porter Airlines, and WestJet.

Fort Myers Route Map
Nonstop flights to RSW. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Staying in Fort Myers on Points

9. Tampa, Florida

The final Florida entry on the list, Tampa is a dynamic city set along the glittering Tampa Bay. Explore the city’s culture and cuisine, escape to nearby beach towns, or even spend the day at a nearby theme park like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Getting to Tampa (TPA) on Points

Tampa International Airport is a major international gateway served by all the major U.S. airlines, including low-cost carriers. The legacy carriers typically offer nonstop flights to all their U.S. hubs, as well as select flights to non-hub cities. Low-cost carriers offer many point-to-point flights to major, mid-size, and small markets across the country. Finally, the airport offers nonstop flights to Europe and South America.

Tampa Route Map
TPA’s nonstop flights. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Staying in Tampa on Points

10. Vail, Colorado

Bucking the trend of sunny and warm destinations, Vail is one of the country’s premier skiing destinations. Located about 2 hours from Denver by car, it offers a charming downtown filled with shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Plus, the skiing is world-class, with visitors coming from around the world to hit the slopes.

Getting to Vail (EGE) on Points

Many visitors to Vail fly to Denver and drive, but Eagle Airport is only about 37 miles from Vail itself and sees flights from Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, and United.

Vail/Eagle Route Map
Vail’s nonstop flights. Image Credit: Flightconnections.com

Staying in Vail on Points

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Spring Break plans yet, now’s the time to do so. Google Flights research shows that it’s cheapest to book flights about 43 days before departure, which means now is a great time to book flights for a late March or early April trip.

If you want to keep cash in your wallet, you can redeem your points and miles to travel to any destination on this list. Where are you headed?

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About Nick Ellis

Nick’s passion for points began as a hobby and became a career. He worked for over 5 years at The Points Guy and has contributed to Business Insider and CNN. He has 14 credit cards and continues to leverage the perks of each.

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