15 Best Spring Break Destinations
The United States is a great big place, with plenty of amazing destinations, but these are by far the 15 best spring break destinations in the US. From Seattle Washington to Miami Florida, the US is a great big place and these are by far the best way to spend your Spring Break exploring and relaxing. You can enjoy the Space Needle in Seattle, hike the red rock formations in Sedona, explore the world famous bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, enjoy the hiking and empty Cannon Beach in Oregon.
You can even hit the slopes in Colorado Springs, enjoy the cool dessert in Joshua Tree, live it up in the lavish clubs in Miami, learn all about historic Charleston, eat the delicious beignets in NOLA, see cherry blossoms in NYC. Maybe you are more interested in spinning 360 in St. Petersburg, or hiking the Devil’s Garden in Arches, the hole-in-the-rock is epic in Phoenix, and the view of the San Francisco Bridge will always be iconic and makes it a must hit destination!
You can’t go wrong with any of these 15 best spring break destinations, the US has so many amazing options, and this list will really help you narrow it down to the best fit for you.
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Table of Contents
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is probably not high on your list to visit as the best spring break destination, but here me out on this one… Seattle is so beautiful to visit, and rain never actually made anyone melt. Pack your umbrella and set out to hit the sites.
Hit up Pike’s Place market, and one of the OG Starbuck’s locations, grab some amazing fresh flowers and watch all the fish throwing with both awe and a little confusion. Head around the corner and view, possibly the most gross corner of America, the gum wall… needless to say, do not touch it… but also, now you have seen that.
Head over to the Olympic Sculpture park and enjoy all the art and views. Then take a ferry, it feels like a must (but possibly too much Grey’s Anatomy happening here) and head to Bremerton and enjoy the day exploring.
If you want the iconic picture of the Space Needle you need to head to Kerry Park and you will get the iconic skyline shot. If you are looking for the view from the Space Needle you will need to head down there, but while you are there you should also hit up the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Art Museum. You will not believe what can be made out of glass!
Sedona, Arizona
Full of majestic sandstone scenery and towering cliffs, Sedona is an incredible destination to visit during spring. A sweltering location during the summer months makes spring a time of comfortable weather, while still full of sunshine and warmth. With the endless options for outdoor fun, you will find perfect temperatures to enjoy yourself.
Sedona’s red rock formations are an incredible backdrop for any activity. There are seemingly endless hiking trails for all abilities, including family-friendly trails. Each trail takes you through stunning scenery and to mind-blowing vistas. Devil’s Bridge (4 miles) is breathtaking but is also one of the busiest and most famous.
There are many thrilling adventure options, like an off-road adventure jeep tour, or a hot air balloon flight. You will not want to miss driving the beautiful Red Rock Scenic Byway. Also, ten minutes from Sedona is Slide Rock State Park, where you will find a “natural” waterslide.
Sedona is also known to be a great place for healing. Not only do they have some of the best spas around, but it is well-known for their strong energy vortexes. Sedona has four different energies that are located at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
If you’re looking for a delicious place to eat, Elote Cafe is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Sedona. For a nice juicy burger or a plant-based menu, Dellepiane Sedona is a great choice.
Contributed by Debbie Fettback from WorldAdventurists.com
Puerto Rico
One of the best spring break destinations in the United States is Puerto Rico. Spring break is the beginning of the best time to visit Puerto Rico because of warming temperatures and relatively dry weather. The rainy season in Puerto Rico is from May through July.
There are so many fun things to do in Puerto Rico no matter if you’re looking to spend your time relaxing on the beach or hiking through a rainforest. Highlights of Puerto Rico include Old San Juan, Flamenco Beach, the bioluminescent bays and El Yunque.
Ole San Juan is the colonial section settled by the Spanish. There are picturesque streets lined with colorful shops and cobblestone streets. It is fun to go window shopping, especially on Calle del Cristo and Calle San Francisco. You can also check out the nearby military forts. If you’re looking for some authentic Puerto Rican food, be sure to visit Deaverdura and order the sample platter.
There are only five bioluminescent bays in the world and three of them are in Puerto Rico. After dark, you can see plankton light up briefly as you travel through the bays. There are two bays on the main island and another bay out on Vieques Island.
Culebra is a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico and is home to Flamenco Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. You can take a ferry ride over to the island or fly. This makes a great day trip during your time in Puerto Rico.
Contributed by Candice from CSGinger.com
Cannon Beach, Oregon
One of the best spring break destinations in the US is Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. This cute coastal town has it all – cute cafes, local shops, a gorgeous beach, and plenty of hiking trails nearby!
Spring break is the best time to visit, because while summers are the most popular, spring gives you the opportunity to explore without all the crowds. Keep in mind that weather can be a little moody, but when it rains, it’s usually no more than a light drizzle – so you can still have fun, just bring a light rain jacket!
I recommend hitting the hiking trails near Cannon Beach if you like the outdoors, and check out Oswald West and Ecola State Parks if you want to see beaches that are more secluded, or find hiking trails through the lush, green forests.
You can also relax on the beach, explore the art displays and museums, visit local coffee spots like Insomnia Coffee Company, and grab a bite to eat. The best restaurants include Ecola Seafood Restaurant for, of course, seafood, and Pelican Brewing for burgers and beers.
During your stay, I recommend a beachside hotel like the Surfsand Resort, or a cute private cottage!
Contributed by Anna Ter-Saakov from Annatee.co
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The second largest city in the Centennial State, Colorado Springs is often overlooked by travelers who flock to popular ski resorts or balmy beaches – and yet this place offers a myriad activities for a fun and uncrowded spring break, that many other destinations lack.
Spring considered a shoulder season, and Colorado Springs offers a close access to many popular skiing areas. If you come here in March or April you might still be able to hit the slopes as snow at high altitudes lingers though the end of May.
After exploring the high country, head to one of the area’s hot springs in areas like Manitou or Buena Vista that boast some of the best hot springs in Colorado where you can soak in the healing waters and recharge before continuing your adventures.
Don’t do great to make a stop at the Garden of the Gods, the most popular natural landmark in Colorado Springs famous for its bright Orange outcrops. Garden of the Gods is free to the public and offers a combination of easy-to-moderate hiking trails that are perfect for enjoying the scenery and getting some exercise.
Or, if you are in for a grand adventure, make your way to the Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most popular “fourtneeners” – mountains with the altitude of at least 14,000 feet. Pikes Peak is also one of the few fourtneeners that has a paved road which means you don’t have to endure the excruciating hike to enjoy the magnificent views.
Whatever activity you decide to choose during your trip to Colorado Springs, it’s sure to be a lot of fun.
Contributed by Daria from TheDiscoveryNut.com
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree is located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts come together in southern California. This park is a great destination to visit during spring break because of the moderate temperatures during this time. The average high temperature in the park from March-May is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you visit Joshua Tree there are amazing vacation home rentals as well as restaurants and coffee shops very close to the park entrance in either Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms. Make sure to get gas and essentials before heading into the park as they are not available in the park.
Inside the park, there is so much to see and much of it can be experienced with short walks or hikes from the car. Hidden Valley is a beautiful valley surrounded by rocks of all sizes and lots of Joshua Trees. Skull Rock is a fun rock formation you can see in a short walk from the car.
The Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see and Keys View is a perfect spot to head for sunset. Lastly, no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without a night spent stargazing. This is an International Dark Sky Park so the stars are incredible. If you’re looking for more information on Joshua Tree or to add on other parks nearby check out this California National Parks road trip itinerary.
Contributed by Shelly from Almost There Adventures
Miami, Florida
Miami is the ultimate spring break destination with its beautiful white-sand beaches, blue waters and popular nightlife. The city has a big Cuban and Latin American influence so you absolutely need to have delicious tacos or Cuban specialties while you are in town. Of course, no trip to Miami is complete without a day at Miami Beach. Head to one of the lavish beach clubs for drinks and lunch or if you’re on a budget simply have a picnic by the beach.
Miami is a prime destination for spring break so it can be expensive during this time. Book in advance and plan to spend a bit more. Once you’ve had enough of the beach take a day trip to the nearby Everglades. This beautiful national park is perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking or bird watching. You can even join a guided kayak tour which will take you around the vast mangrove forests to spot animals.
Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect spring break getaway in the United States. This charming Southern city is home to historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and delicious food.
The best part about spending spring break in Charleston is that the weather is gorgeous. The high temperatures are typically in the 70s and low 80s during the day, while the lows are in the 50-60s. This means that visitors can walk around town comfortably. Also, the blooming flowers during spring bring a vibrant touch to the city.
Charleston has so much to do you can stay busy all day, every day. If you’re looking for history, Charleston has plenty of it. The city is overflowing with historical landmarks, including churches, forts, and graveyards.
Some of these sites include Fort Sumter, Historic Charleston City Market, Old Slave Mart Museum, Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and more. You can even go on a Charleston ghost tour and see learn about the spooky history of the Holy City.
If you’re not into history, Charleston has plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. You can grab a pineapple whip and hang out at Folly Beach. You can also stroll around Joe Riley Waterfront Park and take a photo by the Pineapple Fountain. You also can’t miss walking along the Battery, which is a seawall promenade, and Rainbow Row, which is a series of colorful and historic homes.
Poogan’s Porch is a great restaurant to try local dishes such as fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and she-crab soup. For a delicious latte, head over to Bitty and Beau’s Coffee.
Contributed by Disha Smith from Disha Discovers
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is amazing for a spring break destination, as it is the best time to visit . You’ll miss the intense heat of the summer, hurricane season, and the crowds. But don’t think that means this party-town will be quiet. NOLA’s motto after all is “let the good times roll!”
Known as the birth place of jazz, music is one of the things New Orleans is famous for. Walk or dance down Bourbon Street or Frenchman Street to the tunes that pour out of the live-music venues. Jazz fans should not miss the historic Preservation Hall in the French Quarter.
Strolling through the French Quarter is one of the best things to do in New Orleans. The buildings date back to the 1700’s with ironwork and facades so unique to the area that it feels like you’re in another country. Make sure to visit Jackson Square with the oldest American cathedral, Saint Louis Cathedral.
Across the street, you’ll find the famed Cafe du Monde serving their must-eat beignets and chicory coffee. There are so many foods you should try in New Orleans like gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta, and crawfish. And since crawfish are in season during the spring, eating a crawfish boil should be on your New Orleans bucket list for sure!
Contributed by Denise from Chef Denise
New York City, New York
New York City is not only one of the best East Coast vacation spots in the US, it’s also an incredible Spring Break destination that offers a variety of cultural and outdoorsy activities. In fact, April is one of the best months to visit NYC. It is warm enough for t-shirt weather but not scorching hot like in the summer. Plus, there are hardly any tourist crowds around.
Spring Break is the perfect time to witness the stunning blossoms all around NYC. Be sure to stop by the New York Botanical Garden to see the Orchid Show, which exhibits thousands of gorgeous blooming orchids. Then, stop by Brooklyn Botanic Garden to see rows of stunning cherry blossoms.
Enjoy the balmy spring weather at the High Line, a beautiful 1.45-mile-long elevated pedestrian greenway. This is the perfect place to go for a stroll and enjoy dreamy city views. For more stunning vistas, rent a bike and ride along Manhattan’s Hudson River Greenway. This 12.9-mile paved path crosses several parks and offers incredible views of the water and the NYC skyline.
Don’t leave NYC without exploring some of its iconic museums. See cutting-edge contemporary art at MoMA, and discover interesting sculptures at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. Don’t forget to pay homage at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
NYC is a melting pot of cultures, so its food scene is incredibly diverse and multi-ethnic. Stop by the Flushing neighborhood for authentic Chinese hot pot, Basta Pasta for delicious Italian food, and Mama Pio for exquisite Peruvian cuisine.
Contributed by Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad
St Petersburg, Florida
The Sunshine State is popular year-round for tourism. The white sand beaches in Saint Petersburg, Florida are some of the best in the country and offer, endless beach bars, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Around spring break the crowds will be lively but not quite as insane as Daytona Beach or Miami but you will still have access to all the conveniences of bigger cities.
Spinners Rooftop Grille on St. Pete Beach is the perfect place to have dinner and drinks during sunset. The outside edge of the restaurant slowly rotates for a 360° view but make sure to reserve a week or so in advance, they don’t take walk-ins for those tables. Downtown St. Pete is just a 20-minute drive from the beachside.
One of the funniest things to do for groups of 6 or less is to rent your own floating tiki bar in the bay with Crusin’ Tikis. The new St. Pete pier is a must-visit, the views of downtown from the top of Pier Teaki are incredible. There are several waterfront parks on Bayshore Drive where you’ll have a good chance of spotting dolphins up close. Plain Jane and Misread on Central Ave are cute boutiques to check out on Central Ave. and afterward stop in for coffee at Driftwood Kava & Coffee Roasters.
Contributed by Rachel from Rachels Findings
Arches National Park, Utah
The beautiful Utah desert has some of the most striking landscapes in the US, and Arches has one of the most unique features in Utah. Spring is a great time to visit when the weather is mild and not yet the hot summer heat. Spend one day in Arches National Park and make it the best Spring Break destination to see all the amazing sites and hikes in the park.
Start your day with a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch. Spring Break is a popular time to visit, so the parking may fill up fast. By arriving at sunrise you can beat the crowds and get to spend some time at the park’s most popular arch in relative solitude.
After Delicate Arch, hike some of the other most popular trails in the park. The Devil’s Garden is a difficult 8-mile long hike that leads to 7 amazing arches. You can also hike just to Landscape Arch for a shorter 2-mile trek. Double Arch and Windows Arches are a few more arches you will not want to miss, each only a short walk from the parking lot.
Stay in the nearby town of Moab, which has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or drink after a full day of hiking. If you have more time you can explore Canyonlands National Park, or go mountain biking or rafting near Moab.
Contributed by Val Pope from Voyages with Val
Phoenix, Arizona
The bustling city of Phoenix, Arizona makes for an unparalleled Spring Break destination for those who are eager to hop in a car and drive off into the sunset. Because of its hot desert climate, this time of year is arguably the best time to visit, given that the weather is just beginning to re-warm from Arizona’s (already mild) winter, but doesn’t yet punish you with its sweltering summer heat. In addition, springtime is where prickly pear cacti begin to blossom, adorning every hillside and field with scenic natural gardens.
Bucket list-calibre hikes are riddled all throughout Arizona’s rugged desert terrain, making Phoenix a prime location for those mobile spring breakers with an adventurous streak. Just know how to appropriately pack for a day hike, as Phoenix is where you’ll find the challenging Camelback Mountain, a signature hike that boasts impeccable 360º views of the city.
From there, a mere 20 minute drive holds a trifecta of Phoenix must-sees all conveniently located within minutes of each other, including the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens and the infamous Hole-in-the-Rock – a desert butte with a natural viewpoint at the top. Ensure to visit during the evening when you can earn yourself a front row seat to one of the best sunset spots around!
If you’re up for some mouthwatering Italian food, try an Oregano’s Pizza Bistro, a local Arizona-chain with generous portions. Their specialty is the thin-crust pizza, which pairs especially well with one of their cocktails off their extensive drink menu; ideal for unwinding at the end of a long day spent exploring!
Contributed by Natasha Karcz from Planes, Trains and Karcz
San Francisco, California
If you’re looking for a fun and arguably the best spring break destination, look no further than San Francisco! With its diverse culture, stunning scenery, and plenty of things to do, San Francisco is the perfect spot for a spring break getaway.
San Francisco is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially enjoyable during spring break when the weather is mild and it doesn’t rain too often. On top of that, you can enjoy the views of the city right before the summer fog starts!
The city is home to world-famous attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as a variety of museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available in San Francisco, from hiking and biking in the hills to sailing and fishing on the Bay.
San Francisco is a real treat for photography lovers as well as you can find many amazing Instagram spots in San Francisco, such as the famous Golden Gate overlook or the Palace of Fine Arts.
And don’t forget the city’s famous restaurants and nightlife! San Francisco is well-known for its amazing restaurants, and you’ll have no trouble finding a great place to eat during your stay. From seafood restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf to Italian eateries in North Beach to trendy rooftop bars in the South of Market district, San Francisco has something to please every palate.
With plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy, this vibrant city is sure to please. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing vacation!
Contributed by Krisztina Harsanyi from She Wanders Abroad
San Diego, California
San Diego, California is one of the best spring break destinations in the US, hands-down. With moderate temperatures year-round, anytime is a good time to visit San Diego for weather. However, going during spring break, the busy winter travel season has slowed and the peak of summer is still weeks away, so the crowds are way less. You’ll even find accommodations more affordable during spring break than other times of the year.
Whether you’re spending a whole week in San Diego or just a part of a weekend during spring break, one of the must-see areas is Old Town. It’s the birthplace of California and full of history. Shopping, touring museums and dining at one of the many Mexican restaurants are some of the best things to do in Old Town San Diego. Be sure to try the homemade tortillas at Old Town Café!
Other top spots throughout the area are La Jolla for kayaking or watching the sea lions. Head downtown for excellent food and nightlife at the Gaslamp Quarter. For more history, check out the USS Midway Museum. And for the best beach in the area, be sure to spend some time on Coronado Beach.
Contributed by Nikki from She Saves She Travels
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