With one of the busiest travel times of the year on the horizon, and people flocking globally to beautiful destinations, it makes you wonder if there are any viable spring break destinations in the USA. Short answer: yes! MANY!
Spring break falls between the end of February and goes through late March in a lot of places. These dates are heavily based around the Easter holiday and when colleges and schools have their breaks. This is when families can travel and adults want to let loose and escape the winter climates.
With the rising costs of travel and far flung distances to get there, the question begs: are you breaking the bank and even going to have time to enjoy your trip? Instead of leaving the states this year, check out these incredible spring break destinations in the USA.
Tips to consider before booking your spring break trip:
- ALWAYS make sure you have travel insurance. You want to be able to protect yourself in various situations including lost luggage, trip interruption. emergency evacuations, or even having to cancel your trip due to illness or an emergency. Don’t lose your investment.
- Make sure to do the research and pick a place that your party will be happy with.
- Book in advance to get the best rates and guarantee a hotel/tickets
Spring break destinations in the USA that should NOT be missed!
Las Vegas, Nevada
Did you know there is over 100 free things to do in Las Vegas?
The city is known for its up all night casino and nightclub culture, but its more than that. Visiting Las Vegas should be on everyone’s USA bucket list and with good reason. With a bevy of things to do in downtown Las Vegas and on the strip, you will always have something to do!
You can stay in some of the swankiest penthouse suites for a fraction of the cost, take in amazing concerts and shows, find all the best food in town, you can even ride a roller coaster on TOP OF A HOTEL.
Some of the best things to do in Las Vegas during spring break:
Ride the High Roller – opt for the open bar
Helicopter flight over Las Vegas at night!
See Legendary Criss Angel perform MINDFREAK!
Day tour to Zion and Bryce Canyon
See pop icon Gwen Stefani perform
Charlottesville, Virginia
You probably didn’t think you would find Charlottesville in this list – but guess what? It’s like a mini Napa!
Lush with greenery and sitting around the Monticello Wine Trail, you can fly directly into Charlottesville and enjoy this much smaller (and budget friendly) city on the east coast. This is perfect if you already live on the east coast and don’t want to fly west.
The city offers great dining, lots of history and the cutest bed and breakfasts that you ever did see.
This is great for couples, girls getaways and adults looking to have fun.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras starts at the end of February this year on the 25th, making it the perfect place to start spring break!
Mardi Gras is great if you love king cake, jazz, cocktails, parades, fantastic food, catching small trinkets and gifts, and having a non stop smile on your face. Name one reason not to go? Can’t think of even one.
*Pro tip – this is a busy time to visit the Big Easy – so hotel prices will be higher than usual.
Activities to consider in NOLA:
Mardi Gras behind the scenes tour!
Orlando, Florida
Land of the theme parks… but there are so many things to do in Florida!
It does not matter if you are 1 or 100 – you are going to have fun on this trip. Orlando is packed with the likes of Disney Parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Kennedy Space Center, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, and so much more.
Make sure to check out these Universal Studios tips and tricks before hitting the park!
Disney parks can get a bit expensive if you are visiting for multiple days, but you can score Disney World free dining if you plan ahead.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is like the US version of Cancun spring break. The main caveat is that you still have to be 21 to drink in the USA.
This is a popular location for college aged kids to go and hang for their spring break with sun, sand, music, and dancing from sun up to sun down.
If you love loud music, great DJ’s, and bathing suit parties around the clock – this is for you!
Washington, D.C.
While DC is great to visit all year, spring break is usually in line with the cherry blossoms and good weather.
The city may seem intimidating, but to be honest, there is so many free things to do in Washington DC and the public transit is very easy to navigate. I came here for spring break when I was 14 years old and told myself that one day I would live here .. and I have for the last 15 years, but by accident of course.
Things to do in DC:
Try a craft cocktail tour
Get a cherry blossoms tour from a local
Visit all the free Smithsonian Museums
Walk the National Mall – it is about two miles in length
Visit the Monuments by moonlight
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
Looking to spend your spring break off the beach and into the desert? The greater Phoenix area is perfect.
The weather isn’t quite hot, but you can see temperatures in the high 70’s during the day with no humidity. This is perfect for outdoor activities where you won’t get overheated. There are so many great things to do in Phoenix that you will never get bored!
Some of the top experiences to have while visiting:
Hiking in the Sonoran Desert
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend day tour
City highlights tour
Golfing at one of the many incredible courses
Take to new heights with a hot air balloon tour
Miami, Florida
Oceanfront hotels, all night parties, incredible food, and packed with college kids looking to let loose. Miami is a great spring break destination if you are looking to have some serious fun!
If you want to take your trip up a notch of luxury, get off the beach and check into the Versace Mansion!
Things you should not miss in Miami:
Wynwood Walls
Cuban food delights
The endless stretch of sand and beaches
Austin, Texas
This thriving Texas city come with a lot of bang. If you love BBQ, partying and all the trimmings of a bustling city, Austin is your match.
While you might not be beach front, you can be center stage to 6th street – one of the best bar hoping locations in America. So bring your party pants.
Things to do in Austin:
Get a secret food tour
Have brunch at Bangers and order the giant mimosa
Get this weird tour and see how the city is just that, keeping it weird!
Do a live music crawl
Los Angeles, California
Looking for the Orlando excitement but stuck on the west coast? Check out Disneyland!
Even though California just has one Disney Park, its done good. You could venture more than one day and have a fantastic time. Galaxy’s Edge just opened and you can visit Rise of the Resistance.
Some other activities in the area include Universal Studios Hollywood, the Skyslide, Warner Brothers Studio Hollywood tour, or even take a tour to see where some of the stars live!
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Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance. As always, opinions are entirely my own.