Dreaming of a Family Getaway? Check Out These Scenic Spring Break Ideas
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Ah, spring break. It’s a well-deserved prize for making it through the grueling winter months. A week full of sun, fun, and relaxation that makes the nonstop grind of work and school all the more worth it! That is, of course, if you’re able to find a spring break destination that fits your family’s interests, budget, and time off. And that’s not to mention the possibility of encountering crowds of college students that threaten to destroy your visions of sandcastles and splashing in the ocean with beach mobs and loud music.
If these considerations have you crossing off certain destinations from your list, and you don’t know how to find your dream family vacation that checks all the boxes, don’t fret. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best spring break ideas that adults and kids will absolutely love! For those of you who want to sprawl out on a fluffy towel, with a beach read in hand, while the kids are off playing beach games, there are plenty of iconic beach destinations like sunny Clearwater, Florida and the Dominican Republic. And if your family’s idea of a vacation is scaling a cliff or zip-lining through a lush rainforest, you’ll love adventurous spots like Kauai and Zion National Park. There are also ample metropolitan options on this list for those who want to spend their free time exploring world-renowned museums and historic landmarks in big cities like Washington D.C. and San Antonio.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find the perfect spring break spot right here. And once you've narrowed in on your destination, check out the best spring break captions to pair with all the fun family photos you're bound to take!
Kauai, Hawaii
Instead of following the crowds of spring breakers to more popular Hawaiian islands like Maui and Honolulu, take the family down to the Garden Isle of Kauai. Known for its lush landscape, each side of the small island boasts unforgettable natural wonders and excursions, including Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coastline, which you can experience through helicopter and boat tours. Hike through the jungles of the North Shore or relax on one of the many golden beaches of the South Shore, like Poipu Beach. And don’t forget to stop by Hanalei for Jojo’s Hawaiian shave ice and delicious food trucks serving traditional Hawaiian plates, poke bowls, and much more.
San Antonio, Texas
You don’t have to go far to experience new cultures and fun! This bustling Texas city is known for its stunning River Walk, Tex-Mex cuisine, and natural beauty. Aside from simply strolling along the River Walk and taking in the city’s beauty, there are plenty of exciting attractions to visit, like the historic Alamo, botanical garden, and Japanese Tea Garden.
La Romana, Dominican Republic
The Caribbean is the ideal destination for families on spring break, but narrowing down which island to visit can be difficult. Casa de Campo is a family-friendly resort in La Romana on the Southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, and it’s the perfect place for a family trip. The 7000-acre beach resort offers an all-inclusive experience complete with a delicious breakfast buffet, stunning beaches and pools, and a personal golf cart for every family. After baking in the sun, stroll around Altos de Chavón, a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village complete with cobblestone streets, boutiques, and even a stunning 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater.
Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan atmosphere with educational opportunities and natural beauty, head to the nation’s capital this spring. Most spring breaks align with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which spans from March 20 through April 14. After checking out the luscious pink and white blooms, head to one of the city's many museums, such as the Smithsonian and the newly renovated National Air and Space Museum. And, of course, you can’t miss touring iconic landmarks like the White House and the Lincoln Memorial.
Clearwater, Florida
Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to so many beautiful beach towns, but Clearwater takes the cake. With its crystal clear waters and white, powder-soft sand, Clearwater makes the ultimate all-American beach vacation spot. In between spotting dolphins and helping the kiddos build sandcastles, head to the 10th annual Sugar Sand Festival to get inspired by master sand sculptors crafting art-museum-worthy sand sculptures. There are also plenty of educational and entertaining activities, like the Florida Botanical Gardens and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can see rehabilitated dolphins, sharks, and other marine life up close.
Zion National Park, Utah
This spring break, why not check off one of the many national parks from your list by heading to Zion National Park in Utah? Springdale is the perfect place to stay, as it’s close enough to the entrance of the National Park and has so many quaint accommodations. Even driving through the park and seeing the stunning rock formations and majestic cliffs on your way to your cozy accommodation will excite the family! Explore the park’s many trails, like the easy Riverside Walk, the more challenging Angels Landing, or the Narrows. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the Virgin River, or rent a kayak for a leisurely paddle. Don't forget to stop by the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the park's history and wildlife!
Savannah, Georgia
For a walkable city filled with Southern charm, look no further than Savannah! Revel in the stunning architecture and Spanish moss that color the historic district, and grab a sweet treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream or Byrd’s Famous Cookies at City Market. Once you get tired of walking, hop on a trolley or riverboat cruise to continue your sightseeing in style! Depending on when your kids’ spring break falls, you may be able to attend the family-friendly Savannah Music Festival, which runs from March 28 to April 14 and brings rock, jazz, blues, and classic concerts to the city!
Playa Del Carmen, México
Instead of encountering the fervent spring break crowds in Cancun, head a little further south down the Yucatan Peninsula to Playa Del Carmen. Located on the Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen boasts miles of white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. Stay at the Paradisus for a family-friendly, all-inclusive vacation. And just in case you get tired of lounging on the beach, head to one of the many cenotes, or sinkholes, that cover the region, or zipline through the Mayan jungle.
Palm Springs, California
If you’re hoping to feel the heat without the hordes of spring break crowds that dominate the beaches of the East Coast, head to the desert city of Palm Springs. This sunny Southern California town offers the opportunity to relax by the pool, take a hike, or visit the many shops and restaurants in downtown Palm Springs. Although it’s often touted as a luxury destination, there are plenty of fun activities for the kiddos, like the Living Desert in Rancho Mirage or the newly renovated Children’s Museum, set to reopen just in time for spring break in March. You can even take the hour-long drive to Joshua Tree National Park to see the otherworldly desert landscape, complete with fresh spring wildflower blooms.
New York, New York
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so spending a week in the Big Apple will surely do your family wonders! There are so many family-friendly activities to do, like watching a lively Broadway show or visiting one of the many world-renowned museums the city boasts, such as the American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The city that never sleeps is perfect for any foodie family, as there are endless dining options, from casual street food to high-end restaurants. There’s also plenty of nature to enjoy throughout the city, like Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Sedona, Arizona
Immerse yourself in the stunning red rock formations and energy vortexes of Sedona this spring break. The desert town is full of possibilities, boasting a lively art scene and many nature-centric activities like hiking and desert jeep tours. There’s also plenty of opportunity to relax by the pool if that’s your thing, especially if you stay somewhere like the beautiful Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you still can’t get those visions of an idyllic Caribbean vacation out of your head but don’t have a passport, head over to the island of Puerto Rico to get your fix of sand and sun! There’s so much to do in the historic city of San Juan, like walking the cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings in Old San Juan and visiting El Morro, a 500-year-old castle that the kids will love to explore. And if you can tear yourselves away from the pristine beaches, there are plenty of fun excursions and waterfall hikes in El Yunque National Rainforest to keep you entertained.
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