Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico for Spring Break 2025? What You Need to Know

With spring break around the corner, many travelers are eyeing Mexico’s beaches, cultural hotspots, and resorts. But with recent updates from the U.S. State Department, it’s important to know which areas are safe and which come with serious risks.

The State Department classifies how safe a place is to travel by assigning an advisory level, from Level 1 to Level 4.

When the State Department issues a Level 4 warning, it means traveling there presents the highest risk of life-threatening danger and little to no ability for the U.S. government to assist when an emergency occurs.

Right now, there are a few Mexican states with a Level 4 warning.

Mexican States With Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Warnings

As of February 2025, six Mexican states have been given the highest-level travel advisory due to crime, violence, and kidnappings:

Zacatecas – Known for its colonial architecture and rich silver mining history.
Colima – Home to the Pacific coastal city of Manzanillo, a destination for beaches and deep-sea fishing.
Guerrero – Includes Acapulco, once a glamorous resort town, as well as Zihuatanejo, a quieter beach escape.
Michoacán – Famous for its Monarch butterfly reserves, the historic city of Morelia, and the artisan town of Pátzcuaro.
Sinaloa – Home to Mazatlán, a popular cruise port known for its beaches and nightlife.
Tamaulipas – Borders Texas and includes cities like Matamoros and Tampico, known for their Gulf Coast beaches.

If you were eyeing travel to any of these states, you might want to reconsider–at least for 2025.

The Safer Areas to Visit in Mexico

The good news. Not all of Mexico has been deemed Level 4, meaning there are still destinations that remain relatively safe for tourists:

Yucatán (Mérida, Chichén Itzá) – Currently has a Level 1 advisory (exercise normal precautions).
Campeche – Another Level 1 state, known for its colorful colonial streets and Mayan ruins.
Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel) – A Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution) due to crime, but still a top choice for beachgoers.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ADVISORY LEVELS?

The State Department classifies how safe a place is to travel by assigning an advisory level, from Level 1 to Level 4. Here’s what the advisory levels mean:

Level 1 – Exercise normal caution. This is the lowest level of risk. But be aware that there is some risk with international travel, and safe conditions in some countries may differ from those in the U.S.
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution. A level 2 alert means you should be aware of heightened risk when you travel.
Level 3 – Reconsider travel. There may be serious risks involved when you travel to countries under a level 3 alert.
Level 4 – Do not travel. In countries under a level 4 travel advisory, there is a higher chance you may encounter life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may also not have the ability to assist you if you experience an emergency.

This isn’t meant to scare you away from Mexico—there are still plenty of beautiful, safe places to visit. But with these new warnings, it’s better to be cautious and informed.

If you’re planning for Spring Break travel this year, research your destination, stick to well-traveled areas, and always prioritize safety. Spring break should be about fun, not unnecessary risks!

Safer Spring Break Alternatives Worth Your Time

San Diego, California

Kayak San Diego Sea Caves - TravelsWithElle

San Diego is the ultimate spring break all-rounder. It’s such a great destination for every age group! You’ve got world-class beaches, a lively downtown, and an endless list of things to do.

Families will love the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, one of the best in the world, while beachgoers can head to La Jolla Cove for sea lions and kayaking through sea caves.

If you’re here to party, Pacific Beach’s bar scene is rowdy in the best way. When it’s time to eat, Born & Raised is the go-to steakhouse—expect swanky vibes, tableside martinis, and a 45-day dry-aged ribeye worth every penny.

For a stay worth remembering, Pendry San Diego in the Gaslamp District puts you in the middle of the action, with a rooftop pool and nightlife just an elevator ride away.

Mérida, Mexico

If you want to experience the authentic side of Mexico without the safety concerns of other regions, Mérida is a fantastic option. Located within the state of Yucatán (Level 1 advisory), Mérida is colorful, lively, and packed with colonial charm, bustling markets, and historic plazas.

Spend the day exploring Paseo de Montejo, a boulevard lined with grand mansions and museums, or take a short trip to the cenotes of Homún, natural swimming holes perfect for cooling off.

Kuuk is the fine-dining spot everyone wants a reservation for, known for its modern Yucatecan tasting menu featuring ingredients like venison and recado negro.

For adults in search of a luxurious stay, DECU DOWNTOWN blends historic architecture with modern comforts, while Viva Merida Hotel Boutique offers large lofts and family-friendly suites.

Bend, Oregon

Bend is the under-the-radar spring break spot for adventure lovers, with a perfect mix of snow-capped mountains, scenic trails, and a thriving food scene.

You can ski or snowboard at Mount Bachelor in the morning, then swap out your gear for hiking boots to chase waterfalls in the afternoon—Tumalo Falls and Benham Falls are both easy to access and worth your time. End the day with a craft beer crawl (Bend has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else).

After a day outside, fuel up at Spork, the can’t-miss casual spot known for its globally inspired dishes like Thai green curry and Korean fried chicken. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, The Sparrow Bakery is famous for its flaky, buttery Ocean Rolls, while Foxtail Bakeshop serves up next-level pastries and cakes.

Stay at Tetherow Resort for easy access to hiking trails, golf, and ridiculously cozy rooms with fireplaces.

Oahu, Hawaii

Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens - 4 Day Oahu Itinerary — Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens on Oahu

Oahu is where you go when you want a little bit of everything—it’s even referred to as “The Gathering Place” because it has it all: beaches, hikes, cultural spots, and nightlife that doesn’t disappoint.

Start your mornings off with a little surf session or with a booty-burn on your hike up to Koko Head Crater. Check out Bishop Museum to learn more about Hawaii’s history, or go on a mini road trip up to the idyllic North Shore.

Senia is the island’s hardest-to-book restaurant for a reason—the tasting menu fuses Hawaiian flavors with Michelin-level execution (their smoked A5 Wagyu is unreal). For something more approachable but still wildly delicious, we like Nami Kaze.

For peak luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach won’t disappoint. For laid-back retro charm, we love The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (no resort fees and parking is just $10).

Las Vegas, Nevada

What To Pack To Las Vegas - TravelsWithElle

Vegas for spring break is a no-brainer, whether you’re looking for pool parties, nightclubs, top-tier dining, or just to be entertained 24/7.

Hit up a day club like Encore Beach Club (the best in the city), see a Cirque du Soleil show, or take a break from The Strip at Valley Of Fire State Park for an epic desert hike.

If you can score a reservation at é by José Andrés, do it—the ultra-exclusive, 9-seat dining experience is a parade of mind-blowing dishes.

When it comes to hotels, The Venetian Resort never misses with its recently refurnished oversized suites, 40+ on-property restaurants, and prime location for casino resort-hopping.

Charleston, South Carolina

If you want a coastal getaway with history, food, and Southern charm, Charleston is it.

Stroll through Rainbow Row, take a scenic boat tour to Fort Sumter, or spend a day at Folly Beach catching waves. Food is serious business here, and FIG is a must—order the ricotta gnocchi if it’s on the menu.

For a high-end stay, The Dewberry blends mid-century aesthetics with Southern hospitality, plus an incredible rooftop bar for sunset cocktails.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is for the artsy travelers who want a taste of desert landscapes, Native American culture, and a slower-paced (but still exciting) trip.

Visit Meow Wolf, an immersive art exhibit that’s part mystery, part psychedelic fever dream, or explore Bandelier National Monument for ancient cliff dwellings. Geronimo is the city’s fine-dining icon, known for its elk tenderloin and cozy adobe ambiance.

For an epic stay to pair with your trip, the Pueblo Bonito Santa Fe is pure Southwestern luxury, packed with hand-carved furniture, colorful textiles, and fireplaces in every room.