10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.
What comes to mind when you think of spring break? Maybe it’s a family road trip, college beach vacation, or skiing west at the end of the season. It’s always a good idea to get away from the daily hustle and bustle, whether it’s a “break” from work or school. Spring break is not only an opportunity for a getaway, it also reminds us that we have survived the dreary winter months after the holiday. Here are some of the best spring break destinations in the United States with ideas to help you get started with planning. From families traveling with young children to couples looking for a romantic spring getaway, we have something for all ages.
Destin, Florida
On Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin (along with Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island) offers sandy beaches, warm water, boating, fishing, snorkeling and canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, and many more water sports. There are also zipline, rock climbing wall and boat tours available. Emerald Coast visitors have accommodation options to meet their needs, from RV campgrounds to hostels, hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
The mid-50s are chilly in early spring, but it’s still a fun time to be on the beach, explore the tide pools, watch for seagulls and other seabirds, or just watch the waves. It is a dog friendly beach and does not require a leash so your pet can enjoy playing or walking in the sand. Luxury oceanfront accommodations are available, and there’s also a wide variety of hotels, vacation homes, and campgrounds. The town has shops, restaurants, wine tastings, spas and theatres. The atmosphere is relaxed and the view makes this a great place for families, couples and groups.
Park City, Utah
Since not everyone is looking for a vacation break, we draw your attention to Park City, with its quaint downtown, restaurants, bars and historic silver mining town vibe. Late season snow sports should still be available in Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. Hiking, mountain biking, and hiking along the Main Street are also excellent end-of-season activities. Farmers with kids will be happy to know that there is bowling, ice skating, tug-of-war, tubing and more. The convenience of a place to stay, whether you’re looking for a hotel, motel, campground, rental apartment or house, or bed and breakfast.
South Padre Island, Texas
This barrier island resort town on the south coast of Texas is popular with college students and families alike for its weather, watersports, and nature. Paddle boards, canoes, jet skis and kite boards can be rented, and kids can learn about sea turtles and even practice their sand castle building skills. A variety of accommodation options such as hotels, motels, rental houses and even campsites cater to the budget needs of visitors.
Palm Springs, California
Warm weather arrives early in the Southern California desert, making Palm Springs and nearby desert cities an attractive destination for families and college spring breakers alike. For most kids, a hotel or motel with a pool is a favorite attraction, but visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tram to the top of San Jacinto Mountain can be fun for everyone. From fast food to luxury restaurants, luxury resorts to motels, movie theaters to art museums, and walking to shopping, there are options to please everyone.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Twelve miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and water sports like fishing, boating, parasailing, canoeing, jet-skiing and sailing are a good start to keep your group happy at Hilton Head Island. There’s cycling on land, playing golf, horseback riding and enjoying nature. Families taking their furry friends along will be pleased to hear that pets are welcome on the beaches as long as they’re on a leash until Memorial Day weekend. Restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes allow hungry visitors to find exactly what they want. Perfect for families or groups of friends, accommodation options ranging from hotels, inns, motels and resorts to house rentals are all listed on the Hilton Head site. If there’s time, a side trip to Savannah or Beaufort can be a nice change of scenery.
Atlanta, Georgia
A pleasant spring breeze will be enough to lure visitors to this southern city, but there’s so much to do that no one will even notice that there isn’t a beach nearby. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States and features sharks, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and more. World of Coca Cola offers unique experiences in the city where the company is headquartered. The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame will delight fans, and there’s a Legoland Discovery Center for family fun.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is known as a party destination, but families on spring break should also keep New Orleans on their destination plans. The historic city has an aquarium, zoo and several museums. The National WWII Museum, the Old US Mint, the Louisiana Children’s Museum and others will both entertain and educate. Find a place to stay in the middle of the action or on the sidelines with the help of this guide.
Wrightsville Plajı, Kuzey Karolina
One of America’s best beach towns, Wrightsville Beach offers water sports, restaurants, shopping and local history. Stay by the ocean or near the port in an ideal location for your family or group of friends. Surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are popular, and scuba divers seek out the area’s sunken ships, reefs, and marine life habitats. Even if it’s not yet time to swim, you can still enjoy being close to the water on a cruise or fishing boat. Visitors can learn more about the area and imagine what it used to be like in local museums.
Phoenix, Arizona
The desert will see temperatures in the high 70s and even 80s during spring break, making it perfect for being outdoors in “The Valley of the Sun,” a well-deserved nickname for the Greater Phoenix area that includes Scottsdale, Mesa. Tempe and Chandler. Sunbathe by a pool, tackle one of the many fascinating hiking trails, go fishing or boating in one of the area’s lakes, canoe or stand-up paddle boarding the Salt River, or take a jeep tour of the rugged terrain. Stay anywhere from five-star resorts to motels, campgrounds, men’s ranch or RV parks – a place for every group and budget.
