Your Next Spring Break Vacay
Top 10 “Outside the Box” Destinations for Spring Break
When planning for spring break people often think of popular destinations like Cancun, Miami, Walt Disney World, or The Bahamas. All great options, but what if you’re looking for something different? Whether you want to avoid crowds, save money, try something new, or a combination of all of the above, here are 10 alternative spring break destinations worth considering this year!
1. Phoenix, Arizona
While the beaches are packed with spring breakers, why not stray from the beaten path and head for the desert? Phoenix is full of state and local parks housing countless hiking trails with varying levels of intensity. There’s no shortage of museums in the area, and kids will especially love the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Arizona Science Center. Be sure to make time for the Desert Botanical Garden where you can see 50,000 plants and learn about these unique species that thrive in the desert climate. Phoenix is also a foodie’s paradise with so many excellent restaurants to choose from, the hardest part will be narrowing down those you’ll have time to visit! Plus spring begins the slower season in the desert so you can find reasonable prices on a range of accommodations such as family-friendly resorts, condos, and rental homes.
2. Orange Beach, Alabama
If a relaxing beach vacation is what you seek, Orange Beach, Alabama is a great option! This beautiful beach destination is often overlooked in favor of beaches located farther south. Orange Beach boasts many miles of pristine shoreline with white-sand beaches and blue-green water. Along the beach you will see endless lines of condos, which tend to be the preferred choice for accommodations in the area. It is pretty typical to rent a condo on or near the beach and then spend your days relaxing and playing in the sand and waves.
3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
This family-friendly spot is often free of big crowds as families flock to typical beach town destinations over spring break. Cooler spring temps make for perfect outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, and biking. There are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy as well such as Ripley’s Aquarium, Arcadia, and countless museums. A trip to Gatlinburg would not be complete without a visit to one of the many distilleries, my personal recommendation is Sugarlands Distilling Company! At the end of the night, retreat back to your cozy room at one of the town’s many resorts, or even better, your own cabin in the woods!
4. Guadeloupe Islands
If sunshine, warm beaches, and Caribbean air are all calling your name, Guadeloupe is a great choice! Located in the Southern Caribbean, Guadeloupe is an ideal spot for a crowd-free vacay as many tourists head to other more well-known islands. Laid-back, Caribbean island vibes infused with French cuisine and culture await you in this tropical paradise. The terrain here varies drastically to the point that even the individual beaches are diverse. You can find powdery, white-sand beaches, gold-sand beaches, or even black-sand beaches. There are several calm beaches protected by an offshore reef on the south coast that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Pigeon Island is rated as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world where the reef is home to sea turtles, seahorses, angel and parrot fish. If you are looking for more adventure, then climb to the top of La Soufrière volcano or hike to Carbet falls. Guadeloupe is one of the safer islands in the Caribbean, making it easier to get out and explore spots located off the beaten path. One thing to consider - traveling to Guadeloupe can prove challenging depending on your origin city. But there are direct flights from New York (JFK) and Miami.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
The quaint town of Charleston is full of history, charm, and Southern hospitality. The cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and antebellum architecture give you a glimpse into the past. You will love shopping at local boutiques and antique emporiums. There are unique finds at every turn. Charleston also attracts foodies galore with its buzzing culinary scene. Of course you can get your fill of Southern staples like shrimp & grits, biscuits & gravy, or fried chicken, but there’s even more delicious variety than you can possibly imagine! If historical or other similar attractions pique your interest then check out the South Carolina Aquarium, The Charleston Museum, Children’s Museum of Lowcountry, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, and Fort Sumter National Monument. Before your vacation comes to an end you will definitely want to make time for a relaxing, horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown.
6. Washington, D.C.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Washington D.C. as the Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 - April 16, 2023. It is gorgeous this time of year, and visiting Washington D.C. for spring break is the perfect way to make history come alive for adults and kids alike! Sitting in a classroom learning about our nation’s history and how our government works is not nearly as exciting as experiencing it first-hand. Go see the Capitol Building, The White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and more! There are countless museums in Washington D.C. and we can help you determine which will most interest your family. Some of the most popular attractions for kids include the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Clemyjontri Park, KID Museum, National Children’s Museum, and The International Spy Museum. Whether you are looking for a jam-packed itinerary with organized tours, a more relaxed pace bringing history to life, or somewhere in between, Washington D.C. is definitely worth considering.
7. Dublin, Ireland
When most people think of spring break, they envision warm sand and an ocean breeze. But a spring break trip to Dublin, Ireland, with its peak tourist season in summer, will steer you away from the crowds. The weather will be cooler so pack your layers and a good raincoat or poncho so you can venture out and explore! Of course you will want to visit the must do’s in the area such as St. Stephens Green, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Dublin Castle, Dublin Zoo, and Trinity College. Just don’t forget Dublin’s numerous museums that will give you a chance to introduce your children to upclose pieces of history and culture they cannot find elsewhere. You’ll also want to check out the Temple Bar Markets, where you can shop from a variety of local artisans and vendors. A visit to Ireland would not be complete without a day trip to Blarney Castle to explore the stunning castle, picturesque gardens, and of course kiss the Blarney Stone!
8. Petersburg, Kentucky
For those times when schedules or budget make a big, extravagant, spring break trip a tad out of reach, a place like Petersburg, Kentucky comes to mind. This destination is an excellent weekend getaway within driving distance of much of the midwest. The Creation Museum and Ark Encounter are wildly popular and offer free admission for kids 10 and under! Despite a chill in the air, there’s hiking, horseback riding, local parks and nature preserves waiting to be explored. We often underestimate how much kids appreciate taking it easy while on vacation. Just packing a picnic to take to a local park then heading back to swim in the hotel pool, followed by pizza for dinner is a fantastic day in the mind of a child - and the perfect quick escape from reality that adults need, too! No matter how planned out our biggest vacations are, those low key days of pool time and family always leave a lasting impression. But if you’re eager for more activities they are within easy reach in nearby Cincinnati, Ohio, just 30 minutes away.
9. Outer Banks, North Carolina
If the sea calls you but the crowds do not, a trip to Outer Banks, NC is in order! Here you will find tracts of undeveloped beaches, full of natural beauty. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach, exploring the charming towns, or adventuring through the numerous state and national parks. When planning a stay in Outer Banks there are many vacation homes to rent for the week. From large, multi-family, spacious rental homes, complete with private pool and direct beach access, to smaller, single-family options within walking distance of a beach, there is something for every family and budget. Vacationing with family or friends, adventuring during the day and then enjoying game/movie nights together sounds like a pretty wonderful spring break to me! A trip to Outer Banks is even better when you include a visit to Bodie Island Lighthouse, pictured above. Tickets are required and with only 8 visitors allowed per 30 minutes, it is a relaxing and intimate experience.
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Most folks consider Las Vegas a vacation destination geared towards adults, but it’s also a great family getaway in the spring! While there are several adult-centric, or even adult-only, hotels, there are plenty family-focused options as well. Some favorite Las Vegas hotels feature waterslides, splash pads, an aquarium, or even an indoor amusement park! A trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World should of course include at least one show. Thankfully there is something for every age, and among our top picks are; Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater, David Copperfield’s Magic Show, Tournament of Kings, or any of the family-friendly Cirque de Soleil shows. Other unique experiences to consider are the Lion Habitat Ranch, Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., and Discovery Children’s Museum. If you are looking to escape the city and crowds even more, there are loads of awesome spots close by to get you outside in nature. The Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and Zion National Park are some highlights that are just a day-trip away.
Allison Tombs
Michigan
Allison is passionate about multigenerational travel and adventuring with kids. She is always looking for fun new ways to create lasting memories for her family and loves sharing that knowledge with others!
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