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Florida is basically synonymous with spring break, and now we have the data to back it up. According to a new study, South Florida isn’t just trending; it’s the reason for the season's travel across the country.
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A new report from Spirit Airlines found that multiple South Florida destinations are topping the list of the most searched beach getaways for 2026 spring travel. No surprise, Fort Lauderdale ranks No. 1 overall among the airline’s most searched spring break beach destinations, while Miami came in at No. 3, putting South Florida firmly at the center of the warm-weather travel boom. The rankings are based on searches on Spirit’s website between early January and early February 2026 for trips planned between early March and late April.
The full top 10 list reads like a sun-chaser fantasy, and who can blame anyone when this winter has been so brutal? But while San Juan and Punta Cana make the list, it looks like travelers are prioritizing easy domestic beach access.
There’s a pretty obvious reason why. As Spirit’s chief commercial officer put it, spring break is all about “soaking up the sun,” especially after a cold winter. And with budget carriers expanding routes and pricing competition staying fierce, Florida’s combination of warm weather, nightlife and relatively easy flight access is tough to beat.
For Miami specifically, the ranking tracks with what locals already know. The city offers the rare spring break trifecta of beaches, nightlife and culture. Sure, there’s the classic South Beach party scene, but there’s also Little Havana food crawls, Wynwood art nights and low-key afternoons in Coconut Grove.
If you’re in Miami this spring, expect packed beaches, long brunch waits and long waits for rideshares—but also the kind of electric energy that only happens when half the country decides your city is the place to be.
And if you were thinking about planning a last-minute staycation or hosting visiting friends, consider this a warning and a shot at bragging rights, considering you already live in one of the most desired warm-weather destinations. And, possibly, a money-making plan via Airbnb. Think about it.
Here's the full list:
1. Fort Lauderdale
2. San Juan
3. Miami
4. Fort Myers
5. Cancun
6. Myrtle Beach
7. Punta Cana
8. St. Thomas
9. Aruba
10. Pensacola