What comes to mind when you think of spring break? It might be a family road trip, a college beach vacation, or a late-season ski trip out west. Whether your impending vacation is from work or school, it’s always a good idea to take some time away from the daily hustle and bustle. Spring break is not only an opportunity to get away, but it also serves as a reminder that we’ve made it through the gloomy post-holiday winter months.
Here are some of the best spring break destinations in the US to help you plan. From families with young children to couples looking for a romantic spring getaway, we have vacation ideas for everyone in nearly every region of the country.
Destin, Florida
Getty Images
Destin (along with Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island) on Florida’s Emerald Coast is a popular spring break destination for families. With daily temperatures in the 70s, it’s a great place for boating, fishing, and relaxing on the fine white sand beaches. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are perfect for water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and parasailing. There’s also a children’s boardwalk with ziplines and a rock climbing wall. In addition to Destin’s luxury resorts, you can also choose from campgrounds, B&Bs, and vacation rentals.
cannon beach, oregon
Danita Delimont/Getty Images
Early spring weather in Cannon Beach is chilly in the mid-50s, but it’s still a fun time to explore tide pools and watch for seabirds. Every April, the resident puffin returns to Haystack’s rock roost for the first time in about eight months.
This beach is dog friendly. No leash is required, so your pet can play in the sand or join you on a hike. There are plenty of hotel options, including luxury oceanfront hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. When you need a break from the coast, find shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, spas, and theaters throughout the city.
Park City, Utah
Getty Images
Not everyone is looking for a beach vacation. For powder seekers and mountain lovers, Park City offers an artsy downtown and historic silver-mining town feel. Late-season snow sports at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley typically last into spring, but it should also be warm enough for hiking, mountain biking, and strolling down Main Street. Families with children can enjoy activities for the little ones, including bowling, ice skating, zip lining and tubing.
South Padre Island, Texas
Getty Images
This barrier island resort town off the south coast of Texas is popular with college students and families for its warm climate, water sports, and nature. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and kiteboards. Kids can learn about South Padre Island’s most beloved residents and work on their sand castle building skills at Sea Turtle, Inc. At bars like Louise Backyard, college party crowds can be seen dancing and drinking to his DJ sets.
palm springs california
Trace Rouda/Getty Images
Warm weather arrives early in the Southern California desert, making Palm Springs and nearby desert cities attractive destinations for spring break. Children can spend time using the hotel’s pool or visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. A ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto is fun for nature lovers of all ages. Boasting fast food and fine dining, affordable motels and luxury resorts, hiking and upscale shopping and galleries, this desert oasis has something for every kind of traveler.
hilton head island, south carolina
Margaret with Getty Images
Hilton Head Island attracts beachgoers from all over the Midwest and East Coast, with 19 miles of Atlantic coastline and ocean perfect for fishing, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing. On land, you can enjoy cycling, golf and horseback riding. The weather is warm, with highs in the 70s, but not hot enough to stay outside all day.
Families with dogs will be happy to know that leashed pets are welcome on the beach through Memorial Day weekend. If you have time, take a detour to nearby Savannah or Beaufort for even more Southern charm.
atlanta
Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure
The pleasant spring weather should be enough to attract tourists to this southern city. And there are so many things to do that no one will notice that there is no 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 tastings and other experiences in the cities where it is headquartered. College students will love the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and there’s also a LEGO Discovery Center for kids.
new orleans
Getty Images
The Big Easy is known as a party destination, but families with kids should also look to New Orleans as a spring break hotspot. This historic city is home to an aquarium, zoo, and several excellent museums. Entertainment meets education at the National World War II Museum, Old United States Mint, and Children’s Museum of Louisiana. For college students looking for a party scene, the French Quarter has plenty of bars.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Logan Mock Bunting/Getty Images
One of America’s premier beach towns, Wrightsville Beach offers water sports, restaurants, shopping, and history. Stay in a family-friendly hotel on the oceanfront or near the port, or in a beach house you rent with friends. Surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, and scuba divers seek out the area’s sunken ships and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Even if the days aren’t suitable for swimming yet, you can still enjoy life on the water with sightseeing cruises and fishing tours. Visitors can learn more about the area at numerous historical sites and museums.
phoenix
Getty Images
“Valley of the Sun” is the nickname for the Greater Phoenix area, which includes Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler. In this part of the Sonoran Desert, even in the spring, temperatures can be in the low 70s and even high 80s. Soak up the sun by the pool, kayak or stand up paddleboard on the Salt River, or take one of his jeep tours through the rugged terrain. From five-star resorts to motels, campgrounds, and ranches, there are lodging options to suit every travel style and budget.
