The 6 Best Spring Break Destinations In The South For Every Budget

Choose your own springtime adventure!

Spring break shouldn’t only be for kids—adults deserve to have fun on vacation, too. We compiled this list with that in mind. Each of these Southern spring break destinations is family-friendly, and offers a range of activities to suit everyone in your group. (And even if you don’t have kids, you’ll find ideas for a fun springtime escape.)

Whether you’re seeking a city getaway, a nature-focused trip, or pure, interrupted beach time, we’ve got you covered, along with recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and things to do. Because everyone’s budget and interests are different, we’ve included “splurge” and “steal” options for each one.

Find the destination that’s most appealing to you and make arrangements soon—hotels and restaurants tend to book up fast for the spring.

Related: 10 Spring Break Trips To Take With Your Mom This Year, No Matter Your Age

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Yes, there’s the beach, but this South Florida city offers food, nature, culture, and so much more, with less crowds and traffic than Miami.

Where To Stay In Fort Lauderdale

Splurge: Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club

Tripadvisor ranks Lago Mar as the number two best family hotel in the United States. The resort has the largest private beachfront in Fort Lauderdale, two lagoon-style pools surrounded by palm trees and tropical foliage, a spa, suites that can accommodate up to six people, and plenty of amenities for all ages. There’s even an on-side soda shop for smoothies, sundaes, and breakfast lunch items.

Save: The Premier Hotel

Located steps from the beach and within easy walking distance to the Las Olas Riverfront and other attractions, The Premier is a fraction of the cost of other area hotels and is highly ranked on Tripadvisor. Many perks are included with the cost of a room, including breakfast, parking, and beach chairs, towels and umbrellas.

Where To Eat In Fort Lauderdale

Splurge: Steak 954

For surf and turf with a view, it’s hard to beat Steak 954. The ocean makes a stunning backdrop for a special dinner, as does a mesmerizing aquarium filled with live jellyfish. Seafood and steaks are the bulk of the menu. Choose your favorite and pair it with something from the tempting list of side dishes.

Save: The Floridian

There’s nothing flashy about this all-day diner, but it’s been around for more than 70 years, so you know it’s good. The menu is extensive, with plenty of options for your whole group. Whether you’re there for a crabmeat omelet, a fried seafood platter, or the Floridian Banana Split, you’ll find something to love.

What To Do In Fort Lauderdale

Splurge: The city is full of private tours, whether you choose to snorkel, take a cruise in a gondola, or board a pirate ship or riverboat. Shop the day away at The Galleria, a collection of high-end stores. Or head to Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet mall in America, that’s also home to an IMAX movie theater and more than 30 restaurants. Guided tours of The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a historic 1920s-era estate and museum, are available for adults and children 7 and older.

Save: On Saturday or Sunday, stoll the massive Yellow Green Farmers Market, which has 600 booths, including about 200 food vendors. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a state park right in the city where, for a small admission fee, you can rent a bike or canoe, go swimming, watch a live animal presentation, and more. The Riverwalk Entertainment District, 22 blocks of shops, restaurants, museums, and green spaces, is a lively way to spend a day. Save some steps and enjoy a ride on the free LauderGo! Water Trolley, which runs along the Riverwalk. And of course, Fort Lauderdale Beach and Park and Las Olas Beach are a must—and free.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Equal parts city escape and nature retreat, Chattanooga offers tons of activities to keep your group entertained, plus great food and plenty of art.

Where To Stay In Chattanooga

Splurge: The Edwin

Local art, a rooftop bar, a heated outdoor pool, and a spa make this hotel a cut above the average stay. It’s also centrally located, within walking distance of downtown and the waterfront. Suites are available, if you prefer more space to stretch out.

Save: Wahuwatchee Woodlands

Stay in a tiny cabin that’s minutes away from the city, and close to Lookout Mountain attractions. This property is home to a village of log homes that are cute, cozy, and comfortable, and have hot tubs, kitchens, and porches. Most accommodate up to 6 people, and larger homes on the property are available for big groups.

Where To Eat In Chattanooga

Splurge: Alleia

At this Italian restaurant, there’s braised veal pappardelle, wood-fired pork shoulder, and seasonal specials for the adults, and a menu of pizzas to please the kids.

Save: La Santa

Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant offers tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican favorites in a cheerful, modern space.

What To Do In Chattanooga

Splurge: Admission to the Tennessee Aquarium isn’t cheap (tickets start at $39.95 for adults) if you’re traveling with a group, but it is one of the city’s best attractions and a must-do experience. Likewise, Rock City Gardens is another enchanting attraction that everyone should see at least once. Rock City is part of the Lookout Mountain area, which also includes Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger trains in the world. For the outdoorsy crowd, Outshine Adventures offers custom paddling, hiking, and biking tours.

Save: Coolidge Park is a lively spot with a vintage carousel, a large fountain designed for play, and plenty of space for kids to run free. Walk the Walnut Street Bridge for incredible views of the city and end or begin your journey with a scoop at Clumpies. The Bluff View Art District offers more city views, as well as cool outdoor sculptures and photo opps. In April, you can see Chattanooga’s minor-league baseball team, the Lookouts, at AT&T Field. And if you’re into hiking, the city offers trails for every skill level. Don’t miss the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum, which charges a flat admission rate to play vintage arcade games all day long.

New Orleans, Louisiana

It’s historic, it’s fun, it’s a food and cultural smorgasbord. And there’s no more pleasant time to experience New Orleans than in the spring.

Where To Stay In New Orleans

Splurge: The Roosevelt New Orleans

A Waldorf Astoria property, this tony hotel is legendary for its Sazarac Bar, but its rooftop pool, holiday-themed events, and comfy suites can work well for families looking for a luxurious stay.

Save: The French Market Inn

Travelers give this small, historic hotel high marks for its affordable prices and service. It’s centrally located, but away from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street, for a quiet, low-key atmosphere.

Where To Eat In New Orleans

Splurge: Brennan’s

For an iconic and elegant Big Easy dining experience that still accommodates everyone, Brennan’s always delivers. There aren’t many places where you can order Lobster with Veal Cheek Grillades and Mascarpone Grits, as well as fried shrimp off of the kids’ menu. Don’t miss the lovely courtyard and its turtle inhabitants.

Save: Café Reconcile

Not only will you dine very, very well here, you’ll also support the restaurant’s youth development program, which helps prepare and support young people in their lives and future careers. Menu highlights include fried chicken, the house cheeseburger, red beans and rice, and the catfish po’boy.

What To Do In New Orleans

Splurge: Learn about the city’s history in a fun and lively way with a private, family-friendly tour through French Quartour. Tour themes include ghosts, jazz, and Creole history. The National WWII Museum is a pricey ticket, but the building and exhibits (which include a 4D theater and outdoor light show) are vast and excellently done. The newly renovated Audubon Aquarium is a delight for kids and adults. You can buy a combo pass for the Insectarium, Aquarium, and Zoo that can be used within three days. And a trip to Preservation Hall is a must, especially first-time visitors—catch a matinee show.

Save: One of the best things about this city is that you can spend an entire day wandering from neighborhood to neighborhood and never get bored—or spend much money. If your feet need a break, just catch a ride on a streetcar. Jackson Square and the French Quarter take on an entirely different feel during the day and offer plenty of sightseeing opportunities and street performances. City Park (don’t miss the carousel and the paddle boats) and Louis Armstrong Park are fantastic green spaces and often host concerts.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

This string of pretty seaside towns offers unspoiled nature and plenty of reasons to unplug, but also has enough activities to keep everyone busy.

Where To Stay In The Outer Banks

Splurge: Oasis Suites Hotel

This highly rated boutique hotel is located right on the Roanoke Sound and has its own docks for dolphin watching or fishing. In addition to beautiful waterfront views, there’s also a saltwater pool and a pantry service, where the hotel will stock your room’s kitchen before you arrive. Plus, the beach, restaurants, and activities are right nearby.

Save: The Island Guesthouse and Motel

Guests rave about this affordable and charming spot on Roanoke Island. Choose from single rooms in the motel, or the guesthouse, a 1950’s bungalow-style inn with three guest rooms and a two-room suite that’s ideal for a group.

Where To Eat In The Outer Banks

Splurge: Cafe Pamlico

Most restaurants in this laid back area are relatively affordable, but for an upscale night out, this is a popular spot for fresh catch seafood, like crab cakes and shrimp and grits, and waterfront views.

Save: Tortuga’s Lie

More than your average seafood dive, this restaurant has a fun Caribbean twist, with dishes like conch fritters, jerk chicken, and St. Martin shrimp. Located right on the beach, it’s also a popular spot for volleyball.

What To Do In The Outer Banks

Splurge: Take to the skies with hang gliding lessons, or a private aerial tour of the area in a Cessna airplane or a vintage WWII bi-plane trainer. Explore the area via kayak through OBX Adventure. The company offers a variety of tours, including ones at sunrise and sunset, and others to destinations like the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, and Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest & Marsh.

Save: Obviously, the beach is the main draw here—there are 12 miles of shoreline and more than 30 public access points. Go hiking, hand gliding, or sand boarding at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. Like most seaside towns, this area has an abundance of mini golf courses, like Frisco Mini Golf, which also offers go-karts.

South Padre Island, Texas

This barrier island located right off the southern tip of Texas offers white sand beaches and turquoise water that could be mistaken for the Caribbean. Plus, spring is a great time to visit to beat the intense summer heat.

Where To Stay In South Padre Island

Splurge: Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island 

In addition to being brand new, the resort offers just about any amenity you can think of including the area’s largest pool with swim-up bar, a spa, wave runner rentals, and three restaurants and bars.

Save: Best Western Beachside Inn

Travelers give this affordable hotel high marks. It’s a short walk to the beach, has a pool, and breakfast is included.

Where To Eat In South Padre Island

Splurge: Palms Resort Cafe

This all-day restaurant is popular among locals and tourists for dishes like Snapper Veracruz and Coconut Shrimp. Don’t miss the weeknight happy hour from 2 PM to 6 PM.

Save: Bar Louie

Burgers, sandwiches, and bar snacks like Flash-Fried Calamari keep this lively place busy. And weeknight happy hour specials from 2 PM to 7 PM don’t hurt either.

What To Do In South Padre Island

Splurge: This area is a fishing paradise, and spring is a great time to reel in a big catch. Private charters and guides abound, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced angler. South Padre is also a hotspot for dolphins, which you can admire from a boat tour. If you prefer to stay on shore, take an oceanfront horseback ride via Island Adventure Park or go ziplining.

Save: When you’re ready for a break from the beach, there are plenty of other natural wonders in the area. Learn about sea turtles and help fund their conservation at Sea Turtle Inc. Or head to South Padre Island Birding, Nature, and Alligator Sanctuary for more up-close-and-personal interactions with wildlife. The scenic Sabal Palm Sanctuary, in nearby Brownsville, offers more than 3 miles of walking trails.

Washington, D.C.

While everyone else heads to the beach, have an action-packed city vacation in our nation’s capital. Not only are there endless museums and activities, the weather won’t be too hot, and depending on when you’re there, you might even get to see the famous cherry blossoms.

Where To Stay In Washington, D.C.

Splurge: Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf

D.C. has no shortage of luxury hotels, but not all of them are ideal for kids. This is a well-rounded option that has incredible river (or city) views, offers a free shuttle National Mall, and many other amenities including a generous free breakfast and a rooftop pool. It’s also right at The Wharf, which offers a plethora of restaurants and shops.

Save: The District by Hilton Club

The hotel occupies three floors within the Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown hotel, which can be a bit confusing at first, but its excellent central location and spacious rooms make this a favorite among travelers.

Where To Eat In Washington, D.C.

Splurge: Oyamel

It’s nearly impossible to single out one restaurant from the city’s vibrant dining scene, but chef Jose Andres’ creative and flavorful take on Mexican food is a fantastic option when dining with a group that includes kids. Adults can opt for cocktails and the chef’s tasting menu, and kids can enjoy guacamole and tacos.

Save: The Roost

Please a mixed crowd affordably at this sleek food hall in Capitol Hill. Options include sushi, butcher-made burgers and sandwiches, pizza, coffee, and more.

What To Do In Washington, D.C.

Splurge: Cruise around the city and take in all the sights on an open-top bus tour, or via a pedicab, scooter, or tricycle. The Washington Nationals’ season opens in April, and the ballpark experience is hard to beat. Kids will love the hands-on activities at the National Children’s Museum and the Spy Museum.

Save: You could spend an entire weekend exploring the Smithsonian museums (17 museums, 1 gallery, and 1 zoo) for free—just steer clear of the gift shops. And on the National Mall, you can also see the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, United States Botanic Garden, and National Gallery of Art for free as well. The National Cherry Blossom Festival isn’t just about spring blooms, it’s a cultural celebration with an array of free events. As mentioned above, The Wharf is a dining, shopping, and entertainment hub with an arcade and a pier that’s fun to explore.

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.