Spring break is just around the corner! There are so many fantastic destinations to visit in the spring- it can be hard to choose which one to visit.
Below are recommendations of the top spring break destinations in the US. There are a variety of destinations on this list (cities, beach towns, national parks, theme parks, etc.) suitable for a variety of travelers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing couples getaway, a fun trip with your family, an adventurous solo trip, or a party atmosphere with friends- there is sure to be a destination on this list that is perfect for your spring break getaway.
Traveling during this time of year can be expensive, especially in cities such as Orlando which is a popular destination for spring break for families as well as spring break for teachers. Keep this in mind as you are planning your trip. If you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider a more off the beaten path spring break destination in the US such as Asheville, Moab, or Galveston Island.
Keep reading for recommendations of the best spring break destinations in the US!
*Please note that this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Best Spring Break Destinations in the US
New York City
Recommended by James Ian from Travel Collecting
New York City is a great spot for a spring break getaway. There is so much to do in New York City anytime of the year, but spring is especially lovely.
In the spring, the flowers and flowering trees in Central Park are starting to bloom and this is a particularly wonderful time to wander around Central Park. Don’t miss the daffodils and bulbs near the pond on the south east corner of the park, and the cherry trees on cherry tree row.
When you’re near Central Park, you also don’t want to miss the museums along Museum Mile. Highlights include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the amazing Franklin Lloyd Wright designed Guggenheim Museum, which has rotating exhibitions. Get your tickets for the Guggenheim and the Met here.
Of course, there are other New York City classics not to be missed. Grab a ticket to go to the top of the Empire State Building – try to go around twilight because lines are often shorter as people head to dinner and this way you can see the night lights come out of the city. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty – try to get the first boat of the day to avoid the worst of the crowds. And visit the World Trade Center – the observation deck at the top has incredible views of the Empire State Building and the rest of the city. In addition, the 911 Memorial Museum is not to be missed.
Spring is also a great time to head out of Manhattan and up to the Bronx to the New York Botanical Gardens where spring flowers are in bloom. Alternatively, you could head to Brooklyn to see the Brooklyn Botanical Garden which has a famous Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival).
Spring is also a wonderful time to walk the Highline, a park built on an elevated former train line, and to wander around Little Island, a new park built in the middle of the Hudson River.
And of course, New York is always a great time to see a Broadway show (you can get cheap tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square) and enjoy a wonderful meal.
If you are interested in getting off the beaten path, check out these non-touristy things to do in NYC.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from – a top pick is the Bryant Park Hotel, a boutique property in a classic art deco building right on Bryant Park near the New York Public Library.
Newport, Rhode Island
Recommended by Brittany of Travel By Brit
Newport, RI, is often overlooked for sunnier, warmer destinations over spring break. However, if exploring a beautiful, historic city and eating great food sounds more appealing than sitting on a beach—Newport, RI, may be the perfect destination for you!
Spring is a great time to visit Newport. Since winter and spring are part of the off-season in New England, you’ll be able to enjoy lower prices on flights, hotels, and activities in the city.
When you arrive, there are plenty of fun things to do in Newport, RI, to keep you busy for days! You can tour one of the Newport Mansions, like The Breakers, The Elms, or Marble House, go shopping on Bellevue Avenue or Thames Street, or take a stroll down the Cliff Walk to enjoy scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also take a ride on the Newport Trolley for a guided tour of the city.
Newport, RI, is also an excellent destination for foodies. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast at the cozy, trendy CRU Café, gorge yourself on authentic pizza and pasta from Pasta Beach, and enjoy an upscale seafood dinner at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar with fantastic sunset views of Long Wharf and Bowen’s Wharf.
Hammetts Hotel is a great launching point for your adventures in Newport. The boutique-style hotel is clean, modern, and is decorated with fun, nautical-themed décor. Plus, it’s within walking distance of all the best things to do in Newport!
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
A spring break destination in the US that you should consider is Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and farmland. There are a lot of things to do in Lancaster, many of which will make you feel like you have gone back in time.
A favorite spot to visit is the Lancaster Central Market. It is the country’s oldest continuously operated public farmer’s market. There are over 60 vendors selling food, accessories, and anything else you can think of. History buffs should visit Historic Rock Ford. It was once the home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand. Make sure to also head out to Amish country, just outside of Lancaster. You can visit farms or go on a buggy ride.
Beer lovers should head over to Lancaster Brewing Company. Operating since 1995, they have produced over 22 different craft beers and won many awards, including medals at the 2013 World Beer Championship. Coffee connoisseurs will love Prince Street Café in downtown Lancaster. They offer coffees, teas, and smoothies, as well as some light breakfast dishes.
For your visit, consider staying at the Holiday Inn – Lancaster. It is located downtown so it is close to many attractions and restaurants. It also has free WiFi, an indoor pool, and breakfast is included.
Asheville, North Carolina
Recommended by Alison of Exploration Solo
Asheville, North Carolina is the perfect city for a spring vacation. Sitting amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, the cooler temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities and downtown shopping.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy white water rafting, ziplining, and hiking. There are easier hikes like the Triple Falls Trail at Dupont State Recreational Forest and more difficult options which include the climb up Lover’s Leap in Hot Springs, NC.
But there is more to Asheville than outdoor adventures. Take a day to wander downtown and explore the unique shops. As you walk, you’ll notice that Asheville somehow seamlessly blends a small college town with big-city amenities.
For example, you can grab tasty, inexpensive tacos, or head to a finer restaurant run by a James Beard semifinalist.
Enjoy the posh experience of sipping a cocktail on the Sunset Terrace at the Omni Grove Park Inn while watching the sun go down over Asheville.
The Biltmore Estate is a must if you’re visiting Asheville but be sure to set aside an entire day. It’s worth it as your ticket covers the house, gardens, hiking trails, and a wine tasting.
If you want the full Asheville experience, you can stay in a tiny house. The city has truly embraced tiny house rentals. For those preferring a traditional stay, the Foundry Hotel often has good deals.
Once you visit Asheville, you’ll find yourself coming back again. It’s an amazing city where you can have an adventure, enjoy an experience, and pamper yourself.
Savannah, Georgia
Recommended by Elena of The Carry-On Chronicles
A weekend in Savannah is the perfect amount of time for a spring break trip to this historic and fascinating city. Visitors will relish the opportunity to explore this incredibly walkable Georgia city and spend time outdoors with sunny temperatures averaging in the seventies.
Travelers can’t miss a visit to at least a couple of Savannah’s 22 wonderful squares, including picturesque Lafayette Square and Chippewa Square, which was featured in Forrest Gump. Wormsloe Historic Site is another notable spot for travelers to explore and an opportunity for a glimpse at Georgia in the 18th century. This historic plantation is Georgia’s oldest and offers numerous nature trails as well as a small museum.
Back in the central city, travelers will have to take a stroll through Forsyth Park, one of the most beloved spots in the city, especially in spring. This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and take photos with the iconic Forsyth Fountain.
In addition, Savannah is a foodie’s paradise, and visitors can enjoy all of the tasty eats outdoors in the spring sunshine. Collins Quarter at Forysth is a popular option for brunch outdoors, whereas the Peregrin Rooftop Lounge is perfect for a sunset cocktail with the backdrop of the Savannah skyline.
Also, travelers should consider visiting nearby Tybee island – home to the largest lighthouse in Georgia – for a fun day trip. Visitors should consider booking a stay at one of Savannah’s six historic inns, such as the beautiful Eliza Thompson House.
Key West, Florida
Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
One of the best spring break destinations in the US is Key West, Florida. There are a lot of things to do in Key West, so no matter what you’re into, you will have a great time. Spring is the perfect time to visit because Hurricane Season hasn’t started yet and you don’t have to worry about the summer heat and humidity.
Key West is a walkable city, so bring comfortable shoes. The main street that everyone visits is Duval Street. It has most of the city’s main attractions, bars, and restaurants. Key West has a great history and plenty of museums to learn about it. Some favorites are the Ernest Hemingway House, the Key West Lighthouse and Museum, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
If you’d like to spend some time outdoors, you should stop at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. There is a fort that you can tour as well as Key West’s best beach. There are also trails to go birding, a jetty where you can go fishing, and picnic tables. If you’d like to learn about the Key West ecosystem, you should visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. There are interactive exhibits about the ecology of Key West’s many habitats including mangroves, reefs, and pinelands.
To get to Key West, you can fly into the Key West airport directly, or you can fly into Miami and drive about four hours down. For accommodations, we recommend staying a little further away from Duval Street. You’ll save a lot of money! A great option is the Hilton Garden Inn Key West / The Keys Collection.
Miami, Florida
Recommended by Emma of Emma Jane Explores
Miami is the ultimate Spring Break destination in the US for anyone who enjoys the beach and a good time. This perpetually warm oceanfront city in Florida offers up heaving nightlife, delicious food and a cultural melting pot waiting to be explored.
Beachfront accommodation is available all along the vast white sands of South Beach. However, if you’re looking for something more unique or city-like rather than beachfront, EAST Miami is a stunning new hotel in Brickell Plaza that has a great pool area and rooftop cocktail bar.
Wynwood Walls and the surrounding district is a great attraction to get in touch with the artsy vibes of Miami. The formerly industrial area is now a massive drawcard with painted murals on display and a selection of wonderful cafés and restaurants in the surrounding area.
Little Havana is also a must visit when in Miami to get in touch with the Cuban and Latin American influence that is ever present in the city. This vibrant neighborhood is a great place to enjoy a feeling like you’re in another world entirely compared to the pristine white sands and luxe hotels of South Beach.
For the best food in town with a southern twist, don’t miss an alfresco dining experience at Yardbird, which was once featured in one of Anthony Bourdain’s documentaries. This delectable restaurant serves up southern comfort food and amazing cocktails.
Orlando, Florida
Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger
One of the best spring break destinations in the US is Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or something more geared towards adults, there are lots of fun things to do in Orlando.
There are lots of great theme parks in Orlando like Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. Another fun place to consider is Discovery Cove. It is an all-inclusive day resort with lots of fun activities like swimming with stingrays and dolphins, swimming and relaxing.
Another part of town with lots of fun things to do is Icon Park. You can ride on a large Ferris wheel, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a bunch of different museums and activities. Madame Tussauds is a fun wax museum with a lot of celebrity wax figures.
Orlando is a great place to visit in the spring because the weather has started heating up, so it is warm but not too hot or humid like in the summer. You may also be able to find some good hotel rates during the spring because it isn’t as busy as the winter and summer.
One of the best places to stay in Orlando is at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. It is a beautiful property near the Florida Everglades and Disney World. There are lots of onsite activities and amenities like tennis and volleyball courts, a golf course, and great pools with a lazy river.
Gulf Coast of Florida
Recommended by Terri at FemaleSoloTrek.com
Fly away to the Gulf Coast of Florida if you want a tropical vacation on a domestic budget. With easy access through Tampa International Airport, visitors can enjoy cosmopolitan city restaurants, island hideaways, and biking on the Pinellas Trail (stretching from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs).
Start the vacation in St. Petersburg, which is an artsy city that is home to the Salvador Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Imagine Museum, and the Chihuly Collection. Then head outside for an eBike tour of hundreds of street murals. It’s an outdoor art museum with no ticket of admission. The Sunshine City also hosts the annual SHINE St. Pete, an annual mural festival.
No evening is complete without walking the full length of the St. Pete Pier, then stopping at a waterfront restaurant to watch the sunset. Architecture buffs must visit St. Pete’s historic neighborhoods, including Kenwood, Historic Old Northeast and Historic Roser Park.
Accommodations range from luxury (The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort) to a VRBO condo rental in the trendy Edge District.
If time permits, plan a few days to relax at Clearwater, Florida. Named a Top 10 Beach by USA Today, The North Beach features hotels, high-rise condos, beachfront homes and bungalows. The South Beach is near Pier 60 boardwalk, which has a recreational park, shops, covered pavilions and telescopes. Do not miss “Sunsets at Pier 60” to get that “Sunset State of Mind.”
Hawaii
Recommended by Marcie of Hawaii Travel with Kids
One of the best spring break destinations in the US is Hawaii! It’s a dreamy tropical escape full of outdoor adventures, incredible resorts, and some of the best beaches in the world. There are four main Hawaiian islands perfect for spring break: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Oahu is one of top Hawaii vacation spots. This is where you’ll find Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. Some of the best kid-friendly resorts on Oahu include Disney Aulani Resort and the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Maui is a nice mix of nightlife as well as cool day trips. Some of the top things to do in Maui include seeing the sunrise at Haleakala Crater and driving the famous Road to Hana. The Honua Kai Resort is a mix of condos and hotel rooms, so that’s a great place to stay.
Kauai is mainly known for their outdoor adventures and amazing food scene. Here, you can see Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), go mountain tubing down a sugar cane canal, or visit famous movie filming sites.
Finally, the Big Island is the place to go if you want to see lava in Hawaii. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a full-day adventure with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Splitting your time between Kona and Hilo will give you the opportunity to fully explore this large island.
Whichever island you choose, you’ll have an incredible trip to Hawaii for spring break!
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels
One of the best spring break destinations in the US is Puerto Rico! The warm weather and sunshine in Puerto Rico is a welcome relief after a long winter. Springtime is particularly perfect because it’s before the long hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico has so much to offer travelers. From beaches to fine dining, adventure activities like zip lining, ATV’s, and so much more.
Old San Juan is a particularly exciting spot to visit in Puerto Rico. For history lovers, this city is the perfect vacation spot! Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on his voyage to the ‘new world’ so it’s got quite the history!
Visit the 500+ year-old fort Castillo San Felipe del Morro to see how Spain defended the island for centuries before the United States overcame them. It’s one of the top things to do in Old San Juan!
In Old San Juan you can walk the old cobblestone streets, admire the colorful, Spanish Colonial architecture and see the oldest churches in the Americas.
Take a food tour to taste the true flavors of Puerto Rico. Or visit Barrachina Restaurant in Old San Juan, where the first Pina Colada was created!
Stay in the heart of Old San Juan at Palacio Provincial to feel the heartbeat of the city. And don’t worry about a rental car – it’s a completely walkable area. Two to three days will allow enough time to explore Old San Juan. If you’re up for more adventure, check out the beaches at Condado or go hiking and chasing waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Recommended by Paula of Paula Pins the Planet
If you are looking for a great destination in the US for an unforgettable spring break experience, Fairbanks, Alaska should be on the top of your bucket list.
Fairbanks is a popular destination and it is a must-visit destination in any Alaska Itinerary, Here you can find a combination of vast forests with amazing hiking trails, wilderness, and it is the best place in the world to catch the Aurora Borealis.
Another very popular thing to do in Fairbanks is to spend time at the Chena Recreation Center. Besides soaking in the hot springs, the resort offers a large variety of activities to enjoy during springtime such as ATV, hiking trails, and even an amazing ice museum with an ice bar serving martinis in guess what? Ice glass.
And since the North Pole is only 20 minutes away, make sure you plan to visit Santa Claus, where the magic spirit of Christmas happens all year long, even during the springtime.
Fairbanks is only a short one hour flight from Anchorage. Alternatively, driving from Anchorage will take approximately 6 hours on a scenic drive. Also, the Alaska Railroad runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, taking an average of 12 hours due to the winding paths and rail lines, but with stunning views.
Chena Hot Springs Resort is a great option for accommodation in Fairbanks, offering all the activities outside your door.
Chicago, Illinois
Recommended by Theresa of The Local Tourist
When you’re trying to decide where to go for spring break, you can’t go wrong with the Windy City. There are so many things to do in Chicago year-round, but spring is particularly exciting. The Magnificent Mile is awash with tulips, providing a beautiful backdrop for its legendary shopping as well as its immersive history: the city began right at the corner of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.
One of the best reasons to visit, though, is the city’s museums. There’s the phenomenal Art Institute of Chicago, with collections spanning an extraordinary 5,000 years. The Field Museum showcases the intersection of man and nature, and the Shedd Aquarium is a deep dive into the world’s waters. The Museum of Science and Industry is filled with hands-on exhibits, as is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Plus, there are dozens of ethnic and neighborhood museums that illustrate the city’s diversity.
One of the most popular things to do in Chicago is to take an architectural boat tour. Volunteer docents tell the stories of the landmarks that line the river. The Chicago Architecture Center also offers walking tours. For an easy and entertaining way to get around the city, consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
A fantastic home base for your stay in Chicago is the Blackstone Hotel. Built in 1910, it’s a spectacular showcase of history that’s right across from Grant Park.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Recommended by Kylie from Between England and Iowa
A great spring break destination in the US for teachers is to the Wisconsin Dells, in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Dells calls itself ‘the waterpark capital of the world’! The weather around spring break can still be a bit hit or miss in the Midwest. However, in the off season there are plenty of indoor water parks that are still open. For adults, The Kalahari has a lot of awesome thrill slides and day passes are available. Alternatively, The Wilderness has the Wild Water Dome, with the largest indoor wave pool in the US and a swim up bar. They claim that it’s possible to still get a tan, even in the winter, due to its giant glass roof. Keep in mind the four indoor waterparks at The Wilderness are only open to hotel guests.
There are plenty of other things to do in Wisconsin Dells for adults. Some of the zip line courses are open year round, and there are mini golf courses and escape rooms. Wizard Quest is a great interactive scavenger hunt that has advanced level options for a challenge. Try your hand at throwing axes as Asgard Axe Throwing or head to the Tommy Barlett Exploratory which has over 200 science experiments and brain teasers.
For a unique place to eat, the Grateful Shed is in a converted Greyhound bus depot. There are a selection of indoor food trucks, live music and fun seating options from converted camper vans to an old bus suspended above the bar!
Door County, Wisconsin
Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road
Door County, Wisconsin is a great place to visit in spring. The place serves fresh air and the scents of cherry blossoms are all around. Lovely lilacs, cool lake breeze, and warm sunshine give all the reasons to visit this place in spring. If you wish to have a getaway with less rush and beautiful lush, this is the right time. Door County has a lesser number of visitors around March to early June.
In addition to the popular cherry blossoms, there is more to explore in the peninsula. The sand beaches offer long miles to walk on and the fresh air offers a perfect opportunity to hike in the mountains. You may also explore a bit of history by visiting one of the 11 lighthouses in Door County. That’s not it- Door County offers even more activities to enjoy during the Spring months.
The travelers can start with a lighthouse venture, followed by an adventure in the parks. After that, you can relish a fine dine at fantastic eateries like Baileys Harbor restaurants. If you still have a day or a few hours left, do not miss out on exploring the Ridges Sanctuary.
If you are driving around the town, be careful because the streets are narrow and there is a crowd of people going up and down.
For a nice stay, you can choose The Ashbrooke Hotel, which is an adult-only hotel in Egg Harbor. You may also find cabins in Door County to spend more time outdoors.
Also, stock yourself with necessities as not many stores remain open in this season.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Recommended by Meg of Fox in the Forest
Looking for one of the best spring break destinations in the US? If so then check out Breckenridge, Colorado!
Depending on when you visit, you can catch the tail end of ski season through early April or embark on a hike to Mayflower Gulch, which is known for its stunning wildflowers in mid-July. Just be sure to arrive before 7:00 am to avoid the crowds.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could climb to the top of Mount Quandary and summit a real Colorado 14er as you discover some of the best hikes near Breckenridge.
Just be sure to check out the snow conditions before you depart since it can sometimes make trails impassable without the right gear, particularly in early spring.
Next, explore an old gold miner’s cabin and try panning for gold at Lomax Gulch before enjoying a luxurious massage at the Spa at Breckenridge, which sits right at the base of the Snowflake Chairlift.
Afterward, take a fun and fascinating, 90-minute tour of Breckenridge Distillery before digging into some comfort food at Motherload Tavern and sampling some rich craft beer at Broken Compass Brewery.
Finally, when you’re ready to call it a night, splurge on a luxurious stay at the Gravity Haus. It’s an amazing, 3-star hotel with a Japanese bath house that features a private sauna and several soaking tubs that will help you relax.
Coastal Mississippi
Recommended by Charles McCool of McCool Travel
Coastal Mississippi features 62 miles of Gulf of Mexico shoreline, including some of the softest and whitest sugar sand beaches in the world. Add fresh seafood and creative coastal cuisine, a year-round Mardi Gras vibe, surprising and enlightening culture and arts, magnificent southern live oak trees and other natural wonders, phenomenal sunsets, and you start to understand why Coastal Mississippi calls itself the Secret Coast.
First those Coastal Mississippi beaches. Nowhere else can you drive a dozen miles along the US coastline with uninterrupted views of the beach and water. That glorious scenic drive section is between Henderson Point/Pass Christian and Long Beach and BONUS there are hundreds of FREE parking spots right next to the sand. It is such a brilliant paradigm and one of the best Coastal Mississippi hidden gems—even though the parking areas are in plain sight.
While the amazing Coastal Mississippi beaches could monopolize your entire vacation break, try to take time to visit other worthwhile gems. The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is the newest major attraction here and is a fun stop for all visitors. Children love touching the live sea animals on the Biloxi Shrimping Trip. Recommended Coastal Mississippi museums to visit include Walter Anderson Art Museum (Ocean Springs) and Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum (Biloxi).
The charming beach towns of Bay St Louis and Ocean Springs offer some of the best restaurants in Coastal Mississippi, art galleries and other locally owned small businesses, and much more. Three of our favorite places to stay in Coastal Mississippi are there: Bay Town Inn (Bay St Louis) and The Roost and The Inn at Ocean Springs (both in Ocean Springs).
New Orleans, Louisiana
Recommended by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close
Spring break is a great time to go to New Orleans. The weather is perfect for exploring with average high temperatures in the mid 70s.
You should start your visit in the French Quarter by taking a walking tour of the area. You will be amazed at the Creole, French, Spanish and African influences on New Orlean’s architecture, food and culture. You will most likely come across a lot of street performers to enjoy along the way. Consider returning in the evening to enjoy the crazy party scene along Bourbon Street. Whether you choose to indulge or not, it is something to behold.
An incredible tourist attraction is the National WWII Museum. This is an interactive museum which tours you through hundreds of exhibits highlighting America’s role in WWII in both Europe and Asia. No matter your interest in history, this museum is unbelievable and must-see destination on your visit to New Orleans. Get your tickets here.
Alternatively, head out to the bayou for a swamp tour. Nothing is quite like taking an airboat tour deep into swamps looking for feral hogs, alligators and all sorts of birds.
A key travel tip to New Orleans is to make sure you double check the date of Mardi Gras. New Orleans is very busy and more expensive during Mardi Gras. In addition, you should book accommodation as early as possible. One amazing hotel is the Omni Royal Orleans right in the center of the French Quarter. The location is amazing and the hotel is beautifully decorated and comfortable.
Moab, Utah
Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
Whether you’re looking for a solo adventurous getaway or a more family-friendly destination, Moab, Utah is a wonderful spot to consider. Moab is primarily known for its unique red rock canyons, arches, and monoliths rising out of its desert floor, which visitors can explore at several national and state parks a short drive from town. And better yet, spring is an excellent time to explore the spectacular landscape and enjoy some of the best hikes in Moab with cool, yet pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the busy summer.
Arches National Park is an unmissable stop in Moab, where there’s over 2,000 sandstone arches for you to hike to (or even under!), like along the famed Devil’s Garden Trail or to the iconic Delicate Arch. Arches may be the most popular stop in town, but it’s certainly not the only place that’s worth a visit. Its neighbor, Canyonlands National Park, is equally stunning (and usually way less crowded!), with incredible mesas and epic canyons that are thousands of feet deep, eroded over millennia by the Green and Colorado Rivers. While you’re in Canyonlands, stop by the nearby Dead Horse State Park, which provides similarly spectacular canyon views and some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll find in the southwest.
While most visitors come to Moab for outdoor adventure, the quirky town itself, bursting with art galleries and hip coffee shops, is absolutely worth exploring. As a homebase in Moab, the Red Cliffs Lodge is fantastic- it’s located right along the Colorado River and if you’re visiting during an unseasonably warm spring, you’ll be able to cool off in the pool with stunning views of the city’s famed red rocks.
Galveston Island, Texas
Recommended by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff
Galveston Island is the best Spring break destination in the US if you are planning to escape the cold and want to enjoy the warm sunshine on the sandy beaches and a range of water sports. Located just 50 miles southeast of Houston (an hour drive away), this coastal city is not only a perfect place to enjoy Spring break but also one of the cheapest places to live in Texas. From the adventure parks, sandy beaches, and numerous outdoor activities to restored historic sites, beautiful museums, and many shopping and dining options, there is no shortage of activities to do in Galveston Island in Spring.
Stewart Beach and East Beach are the two most beautiful beaches on Galveston Island. Visitors can enjoy shoreside perks like restrooms, volleyball courts, beach chair rentals, snack bars, and other activities including horseback riding and helicopter tours. Schlitterbahn’s Waterpark is very popular among kids and adventure seekers. It offers thrilling water slides, roller coasters, and a beach area for the kids.
The warm weather of spring is ideal for exploring Moody Gardens. It features iconic pyramids, 18 holes Golf Course, five-tier Ropes Course & Zip Line, and many more. Don’t miss its indoor attractions that include Aquarium Pyramid, home to a gigantic aquarium.
Spring break is incomplete without good food. Feel the cool breeze and enjoy delicious seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf.
You can stay at Gaido’s Seaside Inn which is located near the Galveston Sea Wall and offers an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary breakfast. The motel is well maintained and provides all the basic amenities in every room.
Be sure to check out this Texas Bucket List for more activity ideas during your trip to Texas.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Recommended by Pamela of Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the best spring break destinations in the US is the iconic city of Las Vegas. Other cities don’t match up to Las Vegas’ unique character. With the lights of the city, captivating gambling options, and breathtaking shows, visitors will quickly be enamored with Las Vegas.
Even though it’s filled with casinos, there are plenty of non-gambling things to do in Las Vegas. Travelers can enjoy crepes in Paris, ride a gondola at the Venetian – all on the same street! Save time and book your gondola ride here. You can get your heart racing by jumping off of the Stratosphere at SkyJump or driving an exotic sports car at Exotics Racing. Travelers who love history will enjoy walking through the Neon Museum to see Las Vegas in the past.
There are also plenty of shows to enjoy in sin city – from musicians like Cher to the jaw-dropping Cirque de Soleil. Even on the street, you’ll find shows like the infamous Bellagio Fountains or the light-and-music show on Fremont Street! If you need a break from the city, you can head to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon for an easy day trip.
Las Vegas is the one place in the United States that is home to such a variety of things to do while being located near each other.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, spring break in Las Vegas will be epic!
Grand Canyon National Park
Recommended by James Ian of Parks Collecting
Grand Canyon National Park is a perfect destination for spring break. Winters get very cold and snowy, and summers are incredibly hot and crowded, but spring is the perfect combination of great weather and fewer people.
Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and its size can only be appreciated in person. There are plenty of viewpoints along the south rim of the canyon, which is the most common place to visit. You can walk along the rim trail or take a shuttle bus along Hermit Road, stopping off at the many incredible views along the way. In the other direction you can drive along Desert View Drive, again stopping to enjoy the incredible panoramic vistas of the canyon.
Highlights include Maricopa Point, Mather Point, and Grandview Point. At Hermit’s Rest, there’s a snack bar and an enormous alcove fireplace that you can sit inside. At the far end of Desert View Drive is Desert View Watchtower, a four-story circular tower designed to look like a Hopi kiva, that you can climb to the top of for more sensational views.
Other possible activities include hikes along and below the rim, scenic flights over the canyon, and even multi-day trips on the Colorado River through the canyon – all wonderful in spring.
Don’t miss the El Tovar Hotel, one of the classic historic inns and lodges of American national parks. Built of local stone and Oregon pine, it’s widely considered one of the, if not the, best and most iconic inns in the United States.
TIP: There’s a free shuttle around most of the South Rim.
Yosemite National Park
Recommended by Allison of She Dreams of Alpine
If you want to explore the majesty of Mother Nature, Yosemite National Park is an ideal spring break destination for teachers. By visiting in the spring you’ll beat the huge summer crowds, but be aware that Yosemite will still be thawing out so some areas might not be open yet, depending on when you visit.
Yosemite Valley, the most popular area of the park, is open year-round, so you can stare in awe at the soaring granite walls of Half Dome and El Capitan. The cables don’t go up on the Half Dome Hike until mid-May, but you can still hike to the subdome before that. Or you can challenge yourself with Clouds Rest hike for incredible panoramic views of the entire Valley and beyond.
Spring is also prime waterfall season, and the hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is one of the very best hikes in Yosemite National Park. It is a steep and strenuous full day hike though, so for an easier waterfall hike you can head to Lower Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls.
You can stay right in the Valley itself at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, Ahwahnee, or Curry Village. While some campgrounds might not be open, you can camp at the Pines campground in the spring.
San Francisco, California
Recommended by Jiayi of The Diary of a Nomad
If you’re looking for a spring break filled with cultural, outdoorsy, and relaxing activities, don’t overlook San Francisco, one of the best US vacation spots. San Francisco is home to tons of beautiful green spaces, art galleries, and delicious international cuisines. The weather is also mild and pleasant in the spring, making SF a perfect spring break destination for city lovers.
Start your spring break in SF with an epic bike ride. Rent a bike near the Golden Gate Bridge and ride across this famous bridge, all the way to Sausalito. The scenery along the way is simply magical, and once you reach Sausalito, you can enjoy a delicious meal at a waterfront restaurant there.
After exploring outdoors, head to some of the best museums and art galleries in town. The Palace Of Fine Arts and the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture are both amazing places to see exhibitions and performances. There’s also an outdoor skating rink outside the Fort Mason Center, and families would especially enjoy it.
If you’re traveling with children, take them to the fascinating California Academy of Sciences inside the Golden Gate Park. There, they can learn all about volcanoes, dinosaurs, and earthquakes. Then, enjoy a laid back family picnic inside the park.
To taste some delicious local food, head over to the Farmers’ Market at the Embarcadero Ferry Building. It takes place every Saturday and is right next to the pier, which offers stunning seaside views and fun seagull sightings.
Spoil yourself at the Hotel Fairmont San Francisco, which has an on-site spa and offers gorgeous ocean views.
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