The 22 best spring break destinations in the United States

Sun, surf, and fresh produce all come to mind when planning a SoCal vacation. But, if you want a laid-back vibe for your next trip to the Golden State, skip LA and head a bit further south to San Diego. This smaller city has a lovely, walkable downtown and numerous beach neighborhoods.

Las Vegas is the ultimate spring break destination for travelers looking to party and aren’t afraid to spend. Try your luck on the slots or at the roulette table, recover at one of the many pool clubs (where there is always a day party), and enjoy some of the best restaurants in the country. If you’re looking for a different type of Vegas experience, catch a Cirque du Soleil or artist residency show or hike in the nearby Red Rocks.

Spring break is usually a bit late to enjoy Mardi Gras festivities, but New Orleans is always a good time. If you’re traveling from a northern state, you’ll enjoy t-shirt weather and the ability to grab a drink on a patio. Don’t miss ghost tours, delicious beignets, and a river boat ride!

Hemingway chose Key West as a base for a reason, namely year-round sunshine and proximity to the ocean. Both make it a great location for spring breakers. The Keys have plenty to offer for those looking to do a bit more than sunbathe. Take a kayak tour in the mangroves, rent bikes, visit Harry Truman’s “Little White House,” go golfing, or eat your way through town.

The Pacific Northwest might not seem like the most apparent spring destination, but locals in the know have been flocking to the Oregon Coast for decades. Cannon Beach makes an ideal base with a quaint town that’s still large enough to offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s also home to the iconic Haystack Rock and is one of the most dog-friendly locations on this list!

Perhaps you’re looking for a warm weather getaway but don’t (for whatever reason) want to be near the ocean. Well, Palm Springs has you covered! The desert town has long been a favorite vacation spot, with year-round sun, numerous golf courses, and a great local art scene.

Wyoming might seem like a bizarre spring break destination, but if you ski (or have always wanted to), Jackson Hole is the ultimate spring skiing resort. The town is well-connected to many US hubs, snow pack stays well into April, but the winter temps begin to warm up come March.

For those who like to party but don’t want the overarching casino theme of Vegas or perhaps those who prefer the sea, Miami is the place to be! Enjoy an endless stretch of white sand, a plethora of Michelin-star restaurants, a thriving art scene, and underrated architecture. 

Another desert favorite, Sedona flew under the radar until a few years ago. Now, the wellness spot best-known for vortexes and spiritual journeys is a little more mainstream. However, the charm that has drawn visitors for decades still exists and is a great place to hike in the red rocks, try out the many wellness spas, or gallery-hop.

A quick search for “cherry blossoms” on Instagram likely pulls photos from the PNW’s largest city. The quad on the University of Washington campus is particularly popular amongst visitors. But, that’s not the only floral explosion that makes Seattle a great spring destination, head north to the Skagit Valley for tulips or east across the Cascades for apple blossoms in Wenatchee and lilac in Spokane.

Another top ski destination that is almost better in spring. Enjoy the first few rays of Colorado sunshine at this epic mountain. Tip: Plan a weekday trip to avoid weekend crowds.

What was once a sleepy Southern town has come into its own as a city worth visiting. The charming architecture, delicious food scene, and great history museums are enough to keep you busy for at least a week. Additionally, the South Carolina coast and many amazing golf courses are right there.

Tahoe is great because there is so much to do in every season. Spring is a special time of year to visit because you get the best of both worlds. Skiing is very much still possible, but warming temps mean lake walks and some of the lower-elevation hiking trails are also available.

The “city that never sleeps” isn’t exactly a relaxing resort, but if you’re looking for a bit of excitement this spring, head to NYC. Catch a Broadway show, stay up all night sampling every cocktail bar in Brooklyn, or museum hop. If you time it well, spring bloom should be in full effect, from cherry blossoms to magnolias, and daffodils. 

The warm island that doesn’t require a passport! United States citizens can travel without a passport or visa to Puerto Rico and enjoy all the sandy beaches, rainforest hikes, and snorkeling your heart desires.

Been to the Big Apple and want a different kind of city escape? Consider Chicago, with an epic sports scene, great bars, and a stunning lakefront, some might even say it’s more impressive than its east coast cousin. Additionally, if you’re up for an adventure, take the Amtrak to Indiana Dunes National Park, which is only an hour and 45 minute ride away.

Most people think they have to head to Iceland or the PNW for amazing hot springs, but for travelers in the Midwest and on the East Coast, Arkansas is a hidden gem. Hot Springs National Park offers visitors numerous natural springs, scenic hiking trails, and solitude.

Five hours from Atlanta is a little slice of paradise, St. Simons Island. As part of the Golden Isles, spring brings friendly beach weather and ushers in the opening of seasonal activities and businesses.

North Carolina has an amazing coastline, but the mountains aren’t to be missed. Asheville is no longer a quiet mountain town, but a thriving art community that ushers in peak-lovers throughout the year. A spring visit brings friendlier temps, the slow opening of hiking trails and the potential of spring skiing.

Austin has grown in size and popularity amongst travelers. The city boasts hot weather year-round, but for those not looking for 90-degree temps, spring is the ideal time to visit. Catch a show, sample Texas BBQ, learn about Texan history (it is the capital city), or enjoy water sports on Lady Bird Lake. 

Want to enjoy Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park sans crowds? Don’t go in summer, but rather shoulder season! Spring might bring a bit of rain and mud, but empty hiking trails and easy dinner reservations more than make up for it. 

What used to be your dad’s golf escape is now a great vacation spot for all travelers. March and April aren’t too hot in southern Arizona and non-golfers can hike, enjoy museums and galleries, or go wine tasting!