Best vacation spots for spring break in the us
Finding the best vacation spots for spring break in the US is not easy. There are many destinations across the country to pick from and each offer various types of experiences. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or interested in exploring cities, certain areas have a diverse range of things to do and places to visit. Ideally, you’ll find a destination with an exciting nightlife scene along with plenty of activities during the day. The region’s weather should also be considered when choosing a spot for spring break.
Vacationing in the States? You’re probably on the lookout for a good vacation spot for you and your family to unwind. Palm trees, hot sun, virgin cocktails — everyone knows the clichéd images that come to mind when thinking about spring break vacation spots. But don’t go blasting away to Cancun just yet! Be sure to read this carefully compiled list of great places to visit in the USA that is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after your stay.
Spring Break is a college tradition that has been enjoyed for decades. Spring Break is a time, when thousands of young adults take an extended vacation from school and have fun in a warm and sunny destination.
The best vacation spots for spring break in the us are
- Miami, Florida – The city is a hub for nightlife and art, with lots of clubs and galleries to keep you busy all day and all night. It’s also known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, which makes it the perfect spot for spring break.
- New York City – NYC is famous for being one of the most exciting cities in America, and there are lots of things to do to keep you busy during your trip here. You can check out museums or wander around Central Park, or just hang out on one of the many patios that line the streets of this vibrant city!
Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or a ski getaway, spring break is the perfect time to visit one of America’s most beautiful destinations.
Our picks for the best vacation spots for spring break in the US will help you plan your trip, from Florida beaches to Colorado mountain towns.
Sedona, Arizona
From Debbie Fettback at WorldAdventurists.com
Visiting Sedona during the spring, you will enjoy comfortable weather to explore the red rock paradise that is full of towering cliffs, majestic scenery, and cultural treasures.
There are plenty of family-friendly hiking trails to choose from, perfect for a picturesque nature adventure. Devil’s Bridge (4 miles) is one of the busiest and most beautiful.
Bell Rock Pathway (3.6 miles) and Bell Rock Loop (1.5 miles) give views of Courthouse Butte and, of course, Bell Rock.
The Sedona View Trail (1.2 miles) shows off Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Thunder Mountain. No matter the distance, you will be left in awe.
Rip around on an off-road Jeep tour to explore more breathtaking and dramatic red rock views against a bold blue sky. Or, take a calmer drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway 179 and 89A for additional perspectives of the mesmerizing scenery.
Bring a swimsuit and have fun splashing around at the natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park.
Or, take the 20-mile journey on a train ride along the Verde Canyon Railroad. Also, you will not want to miss a visit to the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, a must-visit for animal lovers.
Sedona is also known for its strong energy vortices and as a place of healing. You can find these different energies at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Finish off a long day of exploring by watching the sunset from the Sedona Airport Overlook.
There is no shortage of fun experiences in Sedona to create long-lasting family memories.
Visit Yosemite, California
From Olivia at Girl With Blue Sails
Yosemite National Park sits in California’s beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range, California and makes a great spring break vacation.
The park itself is massive and can endlessly be explored. The most popular spot for families, however, is Yosemite Valley and the most opportune time to visit this valley, surrounded by towering mountains and booming waterfalls, is during spring break in April or May.
Springtime in Yosemite National Park means the winter snow in the high mountains will be melting and rushing down into the valley below.
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There are waterfalls all around the valley, but the most legendary is Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, which reaches heights of 2,425 feet.
Visiting during spring break is perfect because that is exactly the time of year when Yosemite Falls will be at its most full.
There are also less crowds visiting Yosemite in the spring than during summer, which means more room on the hiking trails.
There are plenty of hiking trails in all levels of difficulty, plus some ranger led nature walks that are fun for both kids and adults alike. Hiking the trails allows unique views of spring wildflowers and animals.
Yosemite also has shuttle tours around the valley floor as well for those who prefer not to hike. There is a lodge, a hotel, and several campgrounds in the park, as well as plenty of great towns in which to stay just outside the park.
If planning to visit during spring break, be sure to make your reservation in advance to ensure your family gets to experience the magic of Yosemite in the spring.
San Francisco, California
From Jiayi at The Diary of a Nomad
If you’re looking for a scenic, cultural, and delicious family spring break, don’t overlook San Francisco – one of the best vacation spots in the US.
Known affectionately as ‘The Golden City’, San Francisco has something to offer all ages. Whether you’re looking for a cultural city break or an outdoor getaway, SF has you covered.
One of the best ways to explore San Francisco is to rent a bike and ride over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. (There are bike rental stores right next to the bridge.)
You can ride all the way to Sausalito to enjoy delicious seafood on the waterfront. This scenic bike ride can be enjoyed by both adults and children, although it is about five miles.
Another amazing place in SF for families to visit is the beautiful Palace Of Fine Arts. Culture-lovers will love the art exhibitions and performances inside. The building’s exterior facade is also incredibly photogenic.
A place that children would particularly enjoy is the California Academy of Sciences inside the Golden Gate Park. There, you can find fun and interactive science exhibitions and learn about everything from earthquakes to volcanoes. Afterward, you can enjoy a family picnic inside the park.
San Francisco is also a foodie’s paradise. You can find authentic cuisines from countless different cultures around town. Take your family to Palette Tea House for some exquisite dim sum, and Sotto Mare for top-notch Italian food.
Better yet, be sure to stroll the Embarcadero Farmer’s Market that takes place every Saturday. It’s the perfect place to enjoy scenic pier views, organic local food, and then wander down to Fisherman’s Wharf for more family fun like the Aquarium, a boat ride out to Alcatraz and more restaurants.
Monterey Bay, Central California
From Dhara at Roadtripping California
Monterey Bay in Central California is a fun spring break option for active families.
There are lots of things to do in Monterey for kids and adults alike, and spring is a beautiful time of year to visit with great weather and minimal fog.
There’s a regional airport in Monterey with flights from a few major US cities, or you can fly into San Francisco, San Jose, or Oakland, and just drive down to the Monterey peninsula.
Kids will love visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, renowned for its living kelp forest and collection of marine life from the Monterey Bay. Adults will find the experience informative as well.
For more wildlife encounters, book a whale watching tour. On a tour of the bay, you will very likely see whales, but you will also likely see dolphins, otters, and more. Sea lions bask on the rocks by the shore. Kayaking is another way to look for marine life in the area.
South of the bay, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers easy scenic hikes that are enjoyable for all skill levels. In the spring, you will see harbor seals and nesting sea birds in the park.
If you want some beach time, head to beautiful Carmel Beach, a sandy beach where you can stroll by the water or enjoy a picnic. The waters of beaches on the Monterey coast are generally not safe for swimming and too cold, so enjoy beach sports and walks instead.
Whatever you choose to do in Monterey with your family, you are guaranteed to have a fun spring break here!
Sacramento, California
From Emilie at Love Life Abroad
Did you know that the California Gold Rush started in a small village of Northern California called Coloma?
This fun family spring break trip starts with a California Gold Rush tour in Sacramento Old Town, which was created as a commercial center. The first store was opened by the river. It quickly became a trading center for miners.
Then, you’ll want to head to Sutter’ Fort State Historic Park a few blocks from Old Sacramento. While this fort was used for many things, it’s in that fort that John Sutter had been informed of the Coloma gold discovery.
After a few days in Sacramento, drive towards Auburn and take Highway 49. This highway was named after the “49ers”, the immigrants rushing to California looking for gold.
Highway 49 runs north and south of Auburn, and the main California gold rush stops are:
- Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley
- Auburn
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma
- Columbia State Historic Park in Columbia
- California Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa
There is nothing better than learning about the California Gold Rush than doing a road trip where this historic area took place. Enjoy your visits, make sure you ask for the Junior Rangers program at each state park, and dive into history.