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Thousands of co-eds take to beaches around the country over the next few weeks to celebrate “spring break.” But if you want to take a vacation around the same time, and aren’t interested in participating in a 24 hour a day party, here are four destinations that guarantee you’ll still have a great time.
San Diego, CA
You may not complete escape the college-set in San Diego but with loads of beaches and other activities you can be sure to carve out a space all your own. You can also avoid the beach altogether by enjoying the San Diego Zoo and animal park and other attractions at Balboa Park. If you’re looking for a couple’s romantic getaway during this time, take a short drive north to Long Beach and book a stay on the docked Queen Mary that now serves as a floating hotel. There are also tours, exhibits, and several dining options onboard.
Wisconsin Dells, WI
While not a warm weather destination, did you know the Wisconsin Dells has more waterparks than anywhere else in the country? There are 10 accommodations with large indoor water parks, seven with medium sized parks, and 4 with small parks. All include waterpark passes with a stay and some waterparks are open to day guests who pay a day rate – so if you can visit other parks as well. If you like outdoor activities, you can do that here too. Hundreds of miles of snowmobile, biking, and hiking trails surround the area. You’re also likely to scoop up great hotel rates and find plenty of affordable dining options.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The outer banks are a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Shops begin opening for the season around Easter. While it may be a little too early to go swimming, there are plenty of other activities to keep everyone busy. Beach combing, bird watching, and building sand castles are just a few. This is a destination to lay back and relax. For those who want to keep busy the Wright Brothers Memorial, North Carolina Aquarium and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are just a few things to see.
Taos, New Mexico
For an alternative to the traditional spring break beach tradition, Taos is a great choice. Just 2 hours north of Albuquerque this New Mexico town is known for its great skiing and laid back atmosphere. If you’re tired of the slopes, pay a visit to the Taos Pueblo Village, the only living Native American community designated as an UNESCO world heritage site. Art museums, shops, and plenty of natural parks and areas ensure there is something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking a traditional spring break at the beach, or something more unique, all of these destinations are great options for families and couples.
Do you have a favorite Spring Break destination?
Oh looks like some great places to go! I think Outer Banks, North Carolina sounds like a place my husband and I would enjoy!!! We are overdue for a vacation :-)!
I have been San Diego and loved it – I want to get to the Dells! Man, wish I could take a Spring Break right about now!
I am heading to San Diego next month, actually. We don’t get spring break here in New England – we have a February and April vacations from school, so we are going over April vacation.
I had to be nosy! Go try Cafe 21 in the Gaslamp district for some yummy brunch 😉
We don’t travel much, but the Wisconsin water park destination sounds so much fun. Starting this summer we’re going to go no a family trip every summer. I’m putting that on the list for when our kids get a little older and can enjoy it! Thanks!
Boy this is a much needed post for us parents who are over the Spring Break crowd!
When you are a parent, the last thing you want is the college crowd when you are on spring break. Great suggestions.
Spring break is more of a US thing. I have never went on a spring break vacation but I have been on March break vacation. Is that the same thing lol
Taos and the Wisconsin Dells are both on my vacation wish list! Great ideas for Spring Break – or anytime, I would imagine!
Great ideas for places to visit that aren’t incredibly crowded. I’d love to visit Wisconsin one day.
We are fairly close to the OBX. I really want to check it out. My mom will be here next week and I’m thinking of making a trip.
I live in the UK and have never been to the US before, but San Diego sounds lovely
I have actually visited Wisconsin Dells before and I have to agree, they have a ton of waterparks. It actually began raining while we were at a waterpark, but it was a very warm rain, so that didn’t stop us one bit.
I always look for places to avoid the college crowd on spring break. I was in Cancun one year during spring break. No thanks!
As a child it was either Florida or Myrtle Beach that we seemed to go for Spring Break. Actually, that’s what I’ve done with my kids too…well, Florida, that is.
Interesting. I never thought of Wisconsin as a vacation spot.
I’ve always wanted to go to Wisconsin! I could go in the Spring for sure!
I would not to vacation anywhere near the college crowd so I’m glad to have these tips for avoiding them.
I always thought Wisconsin Dells was like a big party city? I remember when we went, young college aged kids were walking all over with their red Solo cups lol. We still had a fabulous time though!
Great suggestions. I have never really taken a vacation during Spring Break. I prefer to travel when everyone else isn’t traveling!
these are great places to visit for Spring Break. Definitely don’t want the college crowd
San Diego is so chill & I love it! Glad it made the list
These look great!! I would die if I took a vaca and the Spring Break crown showed up! Pinning to my travel board!
I’m headed to Atlanta this weekend. I wish to visit San Diego very soon, I heard it’s really nice there.
I bet a lot of families dont think about this. I wouldnt want to end up at any place with a bunch of partying kids. lol
Lol. My mom should read things like this next time – we always end up in crowd places, lol
Those places are nice to add on a travel bucket list. I especially want to see that San Diego beach.
Unfortunately we have never gone anywhere during spring break. My DH does hates crowds so it is vacation at home for us.
This is a really great list. I would love to visit each and every place you have mentioned! I’m screaming for some sunshine right now!
If I were going to go on one of these trips, I’d pick the Outer Banks of NC… I have a friend that lives there and it sounds like a great place to go and make memories!
I don’t do the spring break vacations since the kids are usually at home and I’m at work. I never take time off then and rather do the summer. Great picks though.
We don’t take vacations over spring break. I’d rather wait until it’s warm and go to a beach somewhere to enjoy the sun.
We don’t celebrate spring break here in the Philippines, mainly because we don’t have spring. I hope you have fun with your picks!