It’s September, and that means the kids are back in school, the leaves are beginning to change and pumpkin spice is everywhere! With summer just wrapping up, it may be hard to picture beginning to plan your spring break vacation, trust us…we get it! However, now is the perfect time to start dreaming of where you want to dip your toes this spring break. With a large influx of people continuing to travel post lockdown, rooms, flights and excursions are booking up faster than we have ever seen before. Here is a look at some of our favorite United States spring break destinations.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC
This relaxing South Carolina Island is not to be missed! With a wide array of swimmable beaches, mouth watering restaurants, and countless biking and walking trails, there is no shortage of things to see, taste or explore. Some memorable family activities also include: horseback riding, kayaking, and dolphin cruises. Hilton Head is also home to the largest sea turtle nesting population in the country, making it fun to watch the nests from afar. No matter how you choose to spend your time on the island, your family will leave itching to go back…and we can’t say that we blame them!
SAN DIEGO, CA
San Diego has so many family friendly attractions, you could easily spend longer than a week exploring them all! With SeaWorld, gorgeous beaches, the famous San Diego Zoo and multiple museums to name a few – there is something for everyone in southern California. What’s even better? March and April fall within the area’s gray whale watching season, climb aboard a boat and see how many you can spot! You can’t get much better than the weather this time of year either; with temps averaging in the 60s, you may not want to return home. And if that is the case…we won’t judge.
ORLANDO, FL
Where else can you and the little ones ride the Hogwarts Express, hug Mickey and spot alligators all within one vacation? Thanks to Orlando’s warm and dry weather in the spring, it is a tried and true spring break destination year after year, and for good reason. The wide variety of area hotels and attractions speaks to every family of every budget. Theme parks not your thing? Don’t worry, there is still plenty to enjoy if you choose Orlando for your vacation. With its close proximity to the beach, you can dip your toes in the sand and explore some local museums if that is more your speed. Keep in mind, the nice weather and multiple attractions means accommodations and tickets tend to sell out fast. So, if Orlando is where you want to be – you may want to get this vacation booked now.
WASHINGTON D.C.
Our nation’s capital is swimming with free family fun activities, making it an educational and relatively affordable spring break destination. Older kiddos will enjoy the exhibits at world famous museums such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. If you are traveling with younger ones, the Smithsonian National Zoo will keep them entertained all day with its variety of over 2,000 animals. Another bonus to heading out east? March and April fall into the Cherry Blossom Festival season in D.C. making it absolutely breathtaking during the spring break season.
ANAHEIM – DISNEYLAND, CA
While Disneyland does not offer as many family friendly accommodation options as Disney World in Florida, it is still hands down one of the best spring break destinations for families. With a respectable amount of lodging options with easy access to the park, if staying out west is your style – we are confident you will have a magical time. Disneyland aside, Anaheim also offers other family activities such as Knotts Berry Farms and Adventure City. With weather averaging in the 60s and 70s, you will be comfortable while exploring all these parks have to offer.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC
While this beach is popular amongst college spring breakers, there is still plenty for families to enjoy. Relax, swim or build sandcastles amongst the 60 miles of sprawling beach or enjoy a thrill seeking day at Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Looking for a different kind of adrenaline boost? Try your hand at parasailing or a multitude of other water sports options. Check out the animal exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and Alligator Adventure if animals are more your speed.
WISCONSIN DELLS, WI
If you are looking for an amazing and fun spring break vacation in the Midwest, look no further! Wisconsin Dells is a city in south-central Wisconsin, best known for its group of natural water parks. It’s a perfect spring break destination for the whole family. The Dells have several activities for the whole family, including rides, arcades, shopping, golfing, and more. As home to some of the best water parks in the country (both indoor and out) you won’t have to worry about being bored; pretty sure it is physically impossible to run out of things to do here. Need a break from the water? Take a ride on the Riding Ducks – these vintage WW2 amphibious vehicles are a fun and unique way to explore the natural beauty of the Midwest and a unique view of the city. Take a walk on the Riverwalk – a paved pathway that trails alongside the Wisconsin river and reconnect with nature. However you decide to spend your days in the Dells, your whole family will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
PIGEON FORGE, TN
Take a break from working your 9-5 (queue Dolly Parton reference) and head to Pigeon Forge, TN. From world-class thrills on the roller coasters at Dollywood to reveling in the wildlife and Southern Appalachian history at Cades Cove, there are countless ways to spend a family vacation in Pigeon Forge. Acres and acres of hemlock forests, the towering majesty of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and boatloads of theme park amusement and attractions make Pigeon Forge a family friendly oasis anytime of year. However, come the spring weather of March and April, this mountain resort city in Sevier County, TN, transforms into an ideal spring break getaway. With a multitude of shows, attractions, restaurants and scenic beauty, there is something for everyone at the base of the Smoky Mountains.
No matter where you and your family decide to escape to this spring break, there are a few tips and tricks that can help make your vacation planning process easy and stress free.
- Know your budget.
- Plan early.
- Know the activities you want to do.
- Book your hotel as soon as possible.
- If driving, allow for adequate travel time
- Pack any necessary medicine and personal essentials
- Work with an Adventures by Jamie Travel Advisor
- HAVE FUN!
So…where are you going this spring? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy travels!
The Adventures by Jamie Team