The Most Amazing Spring Getaways Around the U.S.
With most of the kids back in school, we don’t need Spring Break as much as we need a spring break. For plenty of travelers, a simple quick, quiet getaway holds much more appeal than the youth-oriented extravaganzas for which spring break is known.
Now, as April rolls in and spring is in full swing, there are plenty of wonderful destinations — both mainstream and off-the-beaten path — whose offerings are starting to heat up, along with the weather. Here are some of the best spring getaways around the country.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston — perfect for spring. (Photo: Thinkstock)
The secret Southern charmer is no longer much of a secret. Charleston’s coastline, historic downtown and buzzy food scene have made it a popular draw for sophisticated travelers in search of The Next Big Destination. Charleston has lots of events this spring: the Family Circle Cup, underway this week, is the world’s largest women-only tennis tournament. And Spoleto Festival (May 22 - June 7) draws artists from all over the world.
Related: Where to Score the Best Meals in Charleston
Orlando, Florida
Stop and smell the flowers at Disney. (Photo: arctic_whirlwind/Flickr)
There’s always something going on in Orlando and this spring is no exception. The 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, underway until May 17, features amazing seasonal foods in addition to the colorful plant life that gives the event its name. Universal Studios Florida is having its own Mardi Gras celebration through April 18. Or if you want to escape the theme-park hysteria, be sure to venture to the charming nearby college town of Winter Park.
Related: Leave Your Kids at Home: Orlando Grows Up
Washington, D.C.
Cherry blossoms, a must do in D.C. (Photo: Thinkstock)
You might come to the nation’s capital for the monuments, museums, and history. But in springtime, you stay for the cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is underway until April 12, so you can marvel at the more than 3,000 colorful flowers that adorn the cityscape. Bonus: D.C. is included in a number of springtime hotel and airfare deals.
Related: Monuments by Moonlight: How to Do D.C. After Dark
Los Angeles, California
Springtime in L.A. (Photo: Thinkstock)
The City of Angels is making a push to entice visitors from near and far to visit. this spring. LA Tourism has launched its “Culture L.A.” campaign, where travelers who book a minimum one-night stay at a participating Los Angeles hotel get a buy one, get one free admission to over 30 of L.A.’s most famous cultural institutions — including the Los Angeles County Art Museum (LACMA), the Los Angeles Zoo, the Hollywood Museum, the Geffen Playhouse; and the Getty Center. It runs through May 19.
Related: How to Properly Flirt in Los Angeles Without Looking Like a Jerk
Holland, Michigan
Holland indeed. (Photo: Arnie Bracy/Flickr)
Let’s hope the April showers in Holland, Michigan are plentiful because the May flowers here are going to be a huge attraction. The annual Tulip Time festival draws more than 500,000 people to gawk at the more than 4 million tulips that will populate the town. There’ll also be parades and entertainment, including a show by comedian Bob Newhart.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs — not just for skiing. (Photo: Thinkstock)
It doesn’t matter if you enjoy skiing, there’s plenty of reasons to visit Steamboat Springs this year. Its lively downtown shopping/bar/restaurant scene, as well as its myriad of outdoor activities, make this a popular family destination — as does, of course, the skiing. But ski season doesn’t last much longer, so you’d better hurry.
Related: The Weekender: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
San Diego, California
The San Diego skyline. (Photo: Thinkstock)
As if the notoriously pleasant weather, beaches, and nightlife weren’t enough of a draw: Orbitz recently named San Diego the number one “Lower Occupancy Destination for Deals” this spring — meaning that once you arrive on your cheap flight (which averages at $372, according to Orbitz) and check into your insanely inexpensive hotel room ($153 average), you’ll have to fight fewer crowds to enjoy the sun.
Related: Yes, There’s a Beach. But When the San Diego Sun Sets That’s When the Excitement Begins
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah waterfall. (Photo: Nicolas Raymond/Flickr)
Campgrounds start opening this month, making this the perfect time for you outdoorsy types to start your springtime of nature-going. With the spectacular views, the waterfalls, and over 200,000 acres of protected lands to marvel over, Shenandoah is the place to enjoy the full majesty of spring.
Related: The Virginia Museum Where Parade Floats Go to Die
Sanibel Island, Florida
A shell-covered Sanibel shore. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Families with seashell-addicted kids can’t do much better than Sanibel Island. It was voted top overall family vacation destination by Family Fun Magazine, which cited its “laid-back style and sun-soaked beaches.” The 250 types of seashells that reside here draw shellers from all over the world. And the 22 miles of paved bike trails are perfect for families who like to vacation on the move.
Related: Sanibel: Is This the Most Incredible Shelling in the World?
Ohio’s Amish Country
A traditional horse-drawn carriage in Amish Country. (Photo: Jack Pearce/Flickr)
With winter a memory and the brutal heat of summer yet to descend, now’s the perfect time to take a lazy trip through Amish Country between Cleveland and Columbus. There’s no shortage of shopping, attractions and activities — including horseback riding, gospel music shows, and, for train buffs, the Age of Steam Roundhouse. Then there are numerous tours to give you a taste of the Amish life.
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