Spring break is here, and you will have your choice of many exciting destinations. Picking a spring break destination has a lot to do with the company you are with. If you are part of a young crowd wanting to meet up somewhere for nonstop partying, then you’ll pick one place and stay there. But if it’s just you or two of you or a family, itís great to take a road trip and visit several scenic sites.
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Best Spring Break Destinations In The Northeast
There are many spring break places from which to choose, especially if you live in or want to visit the northeast. The following are some of the best spring break destinations in the northeast.
New York City
New York City is an amazing place to visit. There is something for almost everyone in this beautiful city that never sleeps. If you like the theater, then you can visit the world-famous Broadway or Radio City Music Hall. If you like to shop as many young college students do, then you can visit world-class stores. There are many historic attractions to visit such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. You can enjoy a nice day in Central Park.
If you like to learn, then you will find much to do in the fabulous Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Just strolling down the street in New York City can be an adventure in itself. There are constantly different things happening. Of course, New York City can be expensive, but there are deals to be had if you do your research. You will also be able to save money if you split the cost of different items such as the hotels. Make sure that you also consider the logistics such as driving in the city, public transportation and so forth.
Niagara Falls is a beautiful place to visit. The waterfalls are truly breathtaking. The area around it has turned into quite a tourist area and there is much to see and do for students on their spring breaks. It is a very pleasant area to visit and you will find many hotel choices.
If you like nature, then you might want to consider a trip to Vermont for your spring break. There are many things to do in this lovely area including nature sightseeing and different museums, festivals, and other attractions. Of course, the spring in Vermont can still be quite cold, so you should take that into consideration. How cold it is will depend on when your spring break actually is.
There are many wonderful places to visit for spring break. In addition to the ones listed above, you might want to consider the historic city of Philadelphia. There are many smaller destinations, as well, and you can go on a road trip and visit several. Be sure to be meticulous in your planning, and you will increase your chances of having a fabulous spring break.
Buffalo, New York
Things to do in Buffalo with Kids | Photo by Meagan Wristen
Buffalo might not be the first place that comes to mind for spring break, but this revitalized city offers families an exciting urban adventure filled with culture, history, and kid-friendly attractions. Spring is an ideal time to visit as the city shakes off winter and begins to bloom, with temperatures warming up and fewer tourists than summer months.
Families can explore the renowned Buffalo Zoo, discover hands-on exhibits at the Buffalo Museum of Science, or marvel at the stunning architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House. The Buffalo waterfront area features Canalside, where kids can enjoy outdoor activities, playgrounds, and seasonal events. No visit is complete without seeing the majestic Niagara Falls, just a short drive away, which is particularly impressive during spring when water flow increases from snowmelt. Buffalo also boasts incredible family-friendly dining, including its famous chicken wings. With affordable hotels and many free or low-cost attractions, Buffalo provides an unexpected and budget-conscious spring break destination.
Best Spring Break Destinations In The Northwest
The beautiful Northwest has lots to offer in the spring and really any time of year. You will find many great places to spend a week away throughout this entire region. Even though Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are known for wet weather in the spring months, you are just as likely to find some sunny days. And the great news is that if there has been a good snowfall, excellent skiing should continue on into April. Here are a few places to consider.
Seaside, Oregon
This quaint little town literally becomes a hub of activity during spring break. It’s a good vacation spot for families with its miles of smooth beaches, boardwalk, and interesting shops and restaurants. For a smaller crowd, consider a day trip to nearby Astoria a lovely seaport town with an excellent marine museum and the famous Astor Column that commemorates Lewis and Clark. Also, just north of Seaside Beach is Gearhart beach. This beach allows you to drive directly out onto the beach. Scenic Oregon Coast Road Trip
Ashland
Shakespeare anyone? Plays run year-round and Ashland is fun to visit any time of year. Nestled at the base of the Siskiyous, Ashland has quaint hotels, abundant RV parking, and fun restaurants and shops. The Ultimate Southern Oregon Road Trip – 9 Day Itinerary
Sunriver
Kayaking in Sunriver, Oregon near Bend, Oregon
Just east of the Cascades, Sunriver is convenient to one of Oregon’s major ski slopes, Mt. Bachelor. There are loads of houses, cabins, and condos along the river to rent because it’s a vacation town that is popular in all seasons.
A short ferry boat away from Seattle, you can find the San Juans. They offer excellent camping, lodging, fishing, and general relaxation. Watch for killer whales, ride bikes along nature trails, dig for clams, or just kick back and read a good book in a cozy cabin.
Seattle
The Space Needle in Seattle
There’s enough to do in Seattle to keep you busy for a dozen spring breaks. Ride the monorail, go to the top of the Space Needle, shop for fresh fish, produce, and flowers in Pike’s Market, take a ferry to Victoria, and enjoy some of the best coffee in the Northwest at the original Starbucks. The city abounds with great restaurants, nightspots, and fun shopping.
The banana belt of Oregon often has sunny, warm weather in the spring. Buy everything cranberry in Bandon, take a ride on the Rogue River, and go fishing and clamming on Gold Beach.
Visiting a working ranch is a unique educational experience and visiting a luxury working ranch is even better. Here you can shoot guns, interact with baby goats, hit the spa, experience gourmet dining, participate in a cattle round up and much more.
Home to alpine-like skiing, Sun Valley is one of the most dramatic ski locations in the U.S. Although the area attracts the rich and famous from all over the world, there are some lodging possibilities for those just wanting simple pleasures. Apparently, the day we were there a bunch of reality tv celebrities were there. We never saw them. Its a beautiful resort and a great town.
30 miles east of Spokane, this fun town was once called “a little slice of heaven” by Barbara Walters. While a lot of recreation is centered around the summer months, the town itself is filled with quaint shops and good nightlife entertainment. If you like gambling, then you will be happy to learn there’s also an Indian casino 30 miles south. They even have a theme park.
The Southeast has many wonderful travel destinations for spring break. The following are some great destinations you might want to consider when making your travel plans.
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
You might want to consider the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. There are many wonderful things in this area that make it fantastic for spring break vacationers. The first hotspot for many springbreakers is the beach. You will find many beautiful beaches in this area, including South Beach, Hollywood Beach, Miami Beach, and more. Many of these beaches offer low-cost parking. There are many hotels on or near the beach for those who are looking for that experience. You can just go and enjoy the sun, water, and sand for your spring break.
In addition to the beach, there are many fun attractions in this area. There is a zoo, a science museum in both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, and many different other attractions that someone on spring break might enjoy. For those that want to party, there are many nightclubs and nightspots where you can dance the night away. There are many fun restaurants of all different types to please the palate. You will also find many performances of the arts in the form of plays and concerts. The weather during spring break is usually beautiful and warmer than much of the country.
Many spring break students would have a lot of fun spending the week in Orlando, Florida. There are many benefits to such a destination. First, there are a lot of hotels from which to choose, and many of them are very reasonable. You will usually have your choice of many hotel rooms, even for under $40. Also, there are many inexpensive places to eat, so if you are on a budget, you can still eat great.
Obviously, the big draw of Orlando is the many theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Volcano Bay,Discovery Cove, Universal Orlando, and all of the other parks. These can be pricey, but you can get deals on multi-day tickets to the parks. Sometimes they offer deals specifically for Florida residents or military members. These can be a lot of fun and provide a once in a lifetime experience. In addition to the large theme parks you will find many smaller attractions such as dinner theaters, museums, and more.
We spent last year’s spring break in Panama City Beach and had a marvelous time. They outlawed drinking on public beaches and reclaimed the city for families. Families can enjoy beach time, seafood and southern food, little amusement parks and more.
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg transforms into a spring paradise as wildflowers bloom and waterfalls flow at their peak. This mountain town offers families an incredible mix of natural beauty and attractions that appeal to all ages. Spring break is an excellent time to visit before summer crowds arrive, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking the numerous family-friendly trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Kids will be thrilled by Gatlinburg’s many attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, mini golf courses, arcades, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The town’s walkable downtown strip features candy shops, pancake houses, and quirky museums that keep children entertained. Families can also ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift for breathtaking mountain views or visit nearby Dollywood theme park. With affordable cabin rentals and plenty of free activities in the national park, Gatlinburg delivers a memorable spring break surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Best Spring Break Destinations In The Southwest
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is great for anyone because there is so much to do. If you are a young adult looking to party you will never run out of options. If you are a family there are multiple children’s museums, aquariums, water parks, and basically any family activity you can think of available. With so much to do, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Las Vegas.
A New Mexico experience is one of a kind, just like New Mexican cuisine! Enjoy boutique shopping in old town, go for a beer crawl to over 15 breweries, hike up in the mountains, visit a lavender farm, and much more. From here you can take a day trip up to Santa Fe.
Los Angeles is another spot in the United States that has so much to do that, they can cater to any type of traveler. Within the area there are multiple theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Hollywood, and Knotts Berry Farm. If you want to shop, you will literally never run out of places to go! And let’s not forget the beach! There’s one beach after another, including the famous Venice Beach and Santa Monica beach home to Santa Monica Pier.
Head to Palm Springs for a spring break in the desert. If you’ve had a harsh winter, you will welcome the higher temps! Squeeze in some education and adventure on Jeep tour of the San Andreas fault. Catch relaxation at one of the many spas or head out for incredible hiking out in Coachella Valley Preserve or take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park to hike in cooler temperatures.
I recommend staying at Omni Rancho Las Palmas near Palm Springs. They have several swimming pools and a lazy river.
Carlsbad offers families the perfect Southern California beach experience without the overwhelming crowds of nearby San Diego or Los Angeles. This charming coastal city features seven miles of pristine beaches ideal for building sandcastles, surfing lessons, and tide pool exploration during spring break. Kids will love LEGOLAND California Resort, which is less crowded in spring than summer months, making it easier to enjoy all the rides and attractions.
The famous Carlsbad Flower Fields bloom in spectacular rainbow colors from March through May, creating a stunning backdrop for family photos. Families can stroll through the village’s unique shops, dine at family-friendly restaurants, and enjoy the pleasant spring temperatures that hover in the comfortable 60s and 70s. Carlsbad combines relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal spring break spot for families seeking California sunshine.
Texas is so fabulous it has to have its own category!
Fort Worth
Fort Worth may surprise you, but they’ve got a lot going on! Every meal will be delicious considering it’s mostly Tex-Mex and BBQ. They’ve got the historic Stockyards where you can catch a rodeo, watch a cattle drive, or go dancing at Billy Bob’s. The zoo is excellent and the downtown is cool. Nearby is Dallas and Six Flags.
San Antonio, Texas is packed with activities. They have Six Flags and Sea World, not to mention one of the largest water parks in the world, Schlitterbahn (however, this water park will probably not be open during spring break). Shop and eat along the River Walk.
East Austin Locals Know BBQ Food Tour Photo by Meagan Wristen
Austin brings the perfect blend of outdoor activities, live music, and quirky culture that makes for an unforgettable family spring break. The capital of Texas enjoys gorgeous spring weather with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, ideal for exploring the city’s many parks and outdoor spaces. Families can cool off at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming hole that maintains a refreshing temperature year-round, or rent kayaks and paddleboards on Lady Bird Lake.
Kids will love watching the nightly emergence of over a million bats from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, a uniquely Austin experience. The city offers numerous family-friendly museums including the Thinkery children’s museum and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Zilker Park provides vast green spaces for picnics and play, while the nearby Texas Hill Country offers opportunities for hiking and exploring charming small towns. Austin’s food truck culture means families can enjoy diverse, affordable dining options. With its “Keep Austin Weird” vibe and endless activities, Austin delivers a spring break that combines relaxation, education, and pure fun.
Cincinnati, Ohio, is a fantastic city with a little bit of everything. They have the Cincinnati Zoo and two theme parks, Kind’s Island and Cooney Island. Their playgrounds and green spaces tend to be quite nice. Highfield Discovery Center inside Glenwood Gardens is incredible. It’s a fantasy playground filled with fairy gardens, trains, a butterfly garden and more. There’s an endless supply of wonderful places to eat and lots of cool bars. Check out our Top 11 Things to do in Cincinnati for even more things to do or our Cincinnati Travel Guide.
Seeing Bison at Chickasaw National Recreation area photos by Meagan Wristen
Looking for an affordable spring break destination that combines outdoor adventure with cultural experiences? Chickasaw Country in south-central Oklahoma offers families a unique getaway that won’t break the bank. This region is home to beautiful state parks, natural springs, and the fascinating Chickasaw Cultural Center where kids can learn about Native American history through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
Families can hike scenic trails at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, swim in natural springs, or explore the quaint towns dotted throughout the area. The mild spring weather makes it perfect for camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. With plenty of budget-friendly accommodations and attractions, Chickasaw Country provides an educational and fun spring break experience that stands out from typical beach destinations.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO or Whimstay for last-minute deals. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area, I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions, I always check CityPass, GetOut, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour, I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.
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One Comment
So many great cities on this list, many of which I never thought of for a US spring break. But why not. I guess I get my information from stupid TV shows where spring break involves beaches and bikinis. How great would it be to go camping and hiking instead? Of all of it here, my personal favourite city is Seattle. If I ever were to move back to the states, Seattle is where I think I would want to live.
So many great cities on this list, many of which I never thought of for a US spring break. But why not. I guess I get my information from stupid TV shows where spring break involves beaches and bikinis. How great would it be to go camping and hiking instead? Of all of it here, my personal favourite city is Seattle. If I ever were to move back to the states, Seattle is where I think I would want to live.