The Best Spring Break Destination in Every State
Top 2022 Spring Break Travel Destinations
After a long cold winter full of storms and stressful weeks inside the classroom—or in front of the computer screen—it’s finally time for the two most beloved words for students of all ages and their parents: spring break. Instead of studying, it’s time to blow off some steam, see a new part of the country and just let loose for a week or so. After a couple of strange seasons, Spring Break 2022 promises to be one of the best ones yet with the best spring break destinations around the country rolling out the red carpet to welcome travelers back and take their minds off the normal routine for a while.
Whether you’re opting to have some fun in the snow or are sticking to the classic “sun, sand and tan” spring break trip, you’re sure to find some inspiration for a 2022 spring break destination in the following slideshow.
Alabama: Orange Beach
It may be called Orange Beach, but the sand here is closer to snow than citrus fruit. The white stuff will be the last thing on your mind during spring break though as the average high temps here in March and April come in around the idyllic mid-70s. After you’ve spent a couple of days hanging on the sand or taking fishing excursions, head to The Wharf entertainment complex to wine, dine, take a spin on the Ferris wheel and maybe even watch a concert at the amphitheater. If nightlife is your thing, then no trip here is complete without wetting your whistle at the legendary Flora-Bama bar, which straddles the Florida-Alabama state line.
Alaska: Homer
Sheltered from the coldest winds of winter by the Kenai Mountains, Homer is renowned for its mild climate, numerous art galleries and eclectic dining scene. Walk past the shops and sands of Homer Spit, admiring the view of Kachemak Bay before settling in for a cold one at the Salty Dawg Saloon. Stay at one of the rustic yet romantic beachside cabins at Between Beaches—located a short ferry from Homer Spit—for a spring break experience you’ll never forget.
Arizona: Lake Havasu
Endless sunshine, lakeside beach parties, clubs boasting dozens of bars & rock-solid DJs and the actual London Bridge? What else could you want in the desert? Lake Havasu throws a bash each spring, and even if you aren’t the partying type, rest assured that there’s plenty of solitude to be found out on the water if you look in the right places.
Arkansas: Hot Springs
Home to grand hotels and luxurious spas, Hot Springs is a heavenly place to be in spring. Learn all about the history of “America’s First Resort” and do some mountain biking in the surrounding hills before soaking in the invigorating waters that gave the town its name. And if you happened to be here on March 17th, you’re in for a treat as the party known as the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade will once again take to the streets downtown.
California: Santa Monica
If you could distill everything that people from around the country—and the world—imagine Southern California to be into one place, it would look like Santa Monica. There’s a wide stretch of sand, bike paths perfect for cruising, the original “Muscle Beach”, a host of restaurants with a view and the famous Santa Monica Pier. Use this beach town as a base for an LA spring break and you’ll head home smitten with SoCal.
Colorado: Colorado Springs
All you really need to know about Colorado Springs is that it’s the best base to experience both the Garden of the Gods and the Pikes Peak region. These are both A-list attractions, with the former being one of the most naturally stunning sights in America and the former serving as inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful”. Stay at the famous Broadmoor for an elevated spring break experience.
Connecticut: New Haven
This coastal town may be associated with academia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great spring break while the students are away. Head to IT Adventure Ropes Park (the world’s largest) to swing until your heart’s content before strolling along the beach at Lighthouse Point Park and enjoying a dinner of delicious New Haven-style pizza, or as they say around here “apizza”. And if you have a late scheduled spring break, then you may be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Wooster Square, which will be celebrated at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 24th.
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
One of the East Coast’s most popular seaside resorts, Rehoboth Beach starts to rumble back to life each March and spending a spring break here will be both relaxing and refreshing. Cape Henlopen State Park offers outdoor activities galore and while the iconic Dolle’s sign has departed for a new location, the boardwalk will still be full of lively diversions.
Florida: Sanibel Island
No matter if you’re looking for a spring break full of family fun or a serene couples getaway, Sanibel is sure to satisfy. Spend your days catching a tan on the white sand, swimming and collecting some of the most exquisite shells anywhere in Florida and your evening watching the sun sink into the sea. Then, head to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge to admire the special creatures that call this tropical environment home.
Georgia: Tybee Island
This dreamy isle near Savannah is the ideal spot to stick your feet in the sand for a few days during spring break. While the water might be a little too chilly for swimming, it’s perfect for kayaking and taking boat trips. In addition to enjoying the island’s impressive roster of restaurants, shops and the farmer’s market, this March will offer the chance to enjoy the return of the island’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 12th)—the “little sister” to Savannah’s world-famous procession.
Hawai’i: Kailua
Located on Oahu’s Windward side, Kailua offers all the best of Hawai’i but at a slower pace than nearby Honolulu. Pick out unique souvenirs at the local independent shops, cool down with excellent shave ice and meander along the streets on a beach cruiser before heading to one of the award-winning local beaches (Lanikai and Kailua)—both guaranteed to take you away to paradise.
Idaho: Sun Valley
This epic ski town truly lives up to its name in March and April as the short & dark days of winter are replaced with long, sunny afternoons perfect for playing in the snow. After you’ve conquered the powdery hills, settle in at an outdoor heated pool or patio to swap slope stories and soak up those sweet rays.
Illinois: Route 66
You can’t drive the entire length of Route 66—from Chicago to LA—in a week, but you sure can enjoy the entire stretch of the Illinois section of the Mother Road in style. From the Windy City, wind your way south, through Joilet, Pontiac (home to an iconic Route 66 mural), Springfield (home of the legendary Cozy Dog Drive-In), taking your time in each destination to collect selfies with the quirky attractions and wacky statues you’ll find along the way.
Indiana: French Lick-West Baden
Southern Indiana’s spa town, French Lick-West Baden offers your crew the chance to enjoy either a spring break full of relaxed pampering and easy-paced outdoor pursuits or one loaded with indoor water parks and adrenaline-fueled trips to the nearby wildlife park and lakes. It’s up to you.
Iowa: Dubuque
This riverside town is the spot where the state of Iowa got its start, and it’s around this time each year that its charming Main Street springs back to life. Other highlights include the spring blooms of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden, the fascinating National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and—if your spring break is after April 1st—the Fenelon Place Elevator, which offers a fun ascent and sweeping views of the Mississippi and surrounding landscape from the top.
Kansas: Dodge City
As they like to say around these parts, it’s time to “get the heck into Dodge” and spring provides the perfect excuse. The city will be celebrating its 150th birthday all year long, and there’s no better place to start your trip than the Boot Hill Museum, which will take you back into time to the era when the city was known as the “Wickedest Little Town in the West”. Then, go to the Gunfighters Wax Museum and head to the Dodge City Ruts to see actual wagon wheel tracks from the Santa Fe Trail or spend a day of fun at nearby Parrot Cove Waterpark.
Kentucky: Lexington
It’s regarded as the “Horse Capital of the World”, located close to lovely natural landscapes and is a cool college and foodie town all wrapped into one. Yep, that’s Lexington, and you’ll love it at spring break. Head to the Kentucky Horse Park to learn about Lex’s rich equine heritage, then head downtown to enjoy sample some amazing local bourbon while watching the Wildcats play in the NCAA Tournament. If your spring break is a little later in the season, then make note that Lex’s stately Keeneland Race Course kicks off the year with its Spring Meet April 8-29 (no racing Monday, Tuesday or Easter Sunday).
Louisiana: Lafayette
This culinary-centric city in Lousiana sits at the crossroads of Cajun & Creole culture and the haunting landscapes of the Southern Louisiana swamps. Start your trip out with a stroll along the Azalea Trail, which will be at its most glorious state of bloom all spring break season before dining al fresco at lunch. Then, spend serious time at Vermillionville learning about Lafayette’s unique heritage and explore the local waters by kayak or airboat swamp tour.
Maine: Bar Harbor
Despite the rumors to the contrary, Bar Harbor does not shut in winter and visiting in March and April will offer the unique opportunity to see this tourist town less crowded and more inviting. If you’re adventurous, you can still explore Acadia National Park, just know that some facilities may be closed. Your reward for the effort will be seeing one of the nation’s most beautiful national parks covered in a blanket of snow and filled with relative serenity.
Maryland: Ocean City
The name really says it all, doesn’t it? Sure, OC won’t be sizzling at spring break, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t a buzz in the air on the boardwalk and an endless array of amusements to enjoy. In addition, you should be able to score your crew beachfront accommodation at a heavy discount compared to summer. And if a warm front happens to blow in while you’re there, the fun-o-meter will go off the charts.
Massachusetts: Martha’s Vineyard
Like in Ocean City, you’ll have a lot more elbow room than usual if you make a run for Martha’s Vineyard in March or April. For best results, rent a home near the beach and spend all your time strolling on the sand (even if a sweatshirt is required!), riding bikes around the island and snapping pics of the local lighthouses. Many establishments are open year-round, including most famously the waterside Black Dog Tavern.
Michigan: Traverse City
America’s Cherry City is a sweet place to be during spring break. Head to nearby Sleeping Dunes National Park to take in the splendor of the park in the snow or just stay around town sampling some of the local wine to keep you warm. If your spring break is later and you’re around town late April/May, then you may be able to see the famous local cherry blossoms put on their signature show.
Minnesota: The Twin Cities
You might get lucky with the Minny weather, but there’s no need to worry when you’re strolling into one of the many local indoor waterparks with your flip flops on and your towels tucked under your arm. Great Wolf Lodge and Venetian Waterpark are two of the finest, and everyone in your traveling crew is sure to have a good time. The Minnesota Institute of Art and the Mall of America (the largest indoor shopping center in the nation) are always a hit and starting March 5th, Minnesota United Football Club will be kicking off its MLS season.
Mississippi: Ocean Springs
Explore the wonders of the Davis Bayou—a part of Gulf Islands National Seashore—before viewing wonderful watercolors at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Then, the next day, head for the sandy expanse of Ocean Springs Beach and treat yourself to a fresh-caught feast at a local seafood spot.
Missouri: The Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake may not be as warm as it will be soon when the summer sun shines down, but the lack of crowds makes this time of year special. And being in the southern part of Missouri, don’t be surprised at all if you get some warm spells during your trip. Rent a boat to spend some quality time out on the glassy water and then hit the local family amusements or Jolly Mon indoor waterpark.
Montana: Whitefish
Home to a vibrant downtown full of unique artisan-led shops, restaurants, galleries and outfitters, Whitefish is a classic Western town and a perfect place to spend a week in spring. The snow typically starts to taper off around that time, so the local trails are easier to explore but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get out on the slopes or get some snowshoeing in at nearby Glacier National Park.
Nebraska: Kearney
Head to this south-central Nebraska destination to experience small-town charm in spades and to take in the breathtaking migration of sandhill cranes. Each year in spring, these amazing birds stop in the local Platte River Valley to rest and fuel up for the journey north and there are lots of opportunities to view this wonder of nature in and around Kearney. In addition, it is located a short drive from the Stuhr Museum of the Praire Pioneer which teaches visitors about the pioneering history of the region in an utterly enthralling fashion.
Nevada: South Lake Tahoe
There’s no guarantee that you’re going to get a streak of sunny days if you head to Tahoe for spring break, but if you do, the snow and the sunshine will be a dream come true—as long as you remember your shades. Spring is still a sensational time to hit the slopes or do some snowshoeing. but it’s also—weather permitting—when some local golf courses open for the season. As far as the nightlife side of spring break, South Lake Tahoe is home to a set of quality bars (which will be enthusiastically celebrating St. Paddy’s) and the always-happening Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
New Hampshire: The White Mountains
This gorgeous area of the Granite State is a winter recreation paradise and spring still presents plenty of opportunities to play in the powder. And as an added bonus, you won’t be far from a sugarhouse participating in New Hampshire Maple Month—a celebration of sap when the sugarhouses open their doors and invite guests to enjoy the maple syrup-making process.
New Jersey: Long Beach Island
Head to this quiet section of the Shore for some peace, quiet and long walks on the beach before the summer crowds arrive. The whole crew will enjoy the New Jersey Maritime Museum and seeing the Jersey-icon Barnegat Lighthouse with their own eyes.
New Mexico: Albuquerque
Rich with historical heritage and still full of exciting things to do, ABQ is your spot for spring break bliss in the Land of Enchantment. Soar above the city on the Sandia Peak Tramway before taking in the prehistoric art at Petroglyph National Monument. The city is also home to a stretch of Route 66 full of cozy, no-frills diners and a host of fascinating museums like the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
New York: Letchworth Falls State Park
It may not be as famous as that other New York waterfall, but some say the cascades at Letchworth State Park take the crown for the prettiest in the state. So even though it’s spring break, you’ve got some homework during your week relaxing in the Finger Lakes: admire the waterfalls in Letchworth on multiple occasions so you can compare and contrast them to Niagara.
North Carolina: Wilmington
If you’re saving your Outer Banks escapades for summer, then make your way to Wilmington now for a mix of sand and city street-based recreation. Spend your day at the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science or Battleship North Carolina and you’re evening strolling the Riverwalk bouncing between eateries and bars. Then, if the weather cooperates, you’re beach-bound the rest of the week.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Stunning lunar-like badlands, awe-inspiring Western wildlife and an endless list of adventures to keep everyone in your spring break gang happy: Theodore Roosevelt is one of the West’s most remarkable-yet-underrated national parks.
Ohio: Cincinnati
Home to one of the prettiest skylines in the country, the Queen City is the perfect place to spend an Ohio spring break. Take a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River, wine & dine in the Over-The-Rhine District and pay a visit to one of the nation’s most historic zoos before sampling some of the city’s fine craft beers from outfits like Rheingeist and Listermann.
Oklahoma: Tulsa
You haven’t seen an urban park until you’ve seen Tulsa’s riverfront Gathering Place, and you may want to spend your whole spring there exploring all the greenspaces and interactive attractions. Once you pry yourself away, look up to spot some of the finest Art Deco architecture in the nation and do some shopping at the city’s esteemed collection of independent boutiques. And to top it all off, March and April in this neck of the woods are typically mild, very comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s and plenty of sunshine.
Oregon: Newport
Stroll along the light brown sand of Nye Beach before heeding the call of the coast by visiting the renowned Oregon Coast Aquarium, which will fascinate and educate you in equal measure. Then, make a pilgrimage to the nearby Yaquina Head Lighthouse before retreating to Newport to enjoy some fresh local seafood.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia
Philly is home to iconic American historical sights like Independence Hall, the African American Museum, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House and the National Constitution Center in addition to being close to Valley Forge. So while you’re spring break is destined to be an educational one, the city is also full of fun things to do too for kids of all ages, most notably nowadays the new Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Franklin Institute.
Rhode Island: Block Island
The ferry runs all year long so head on over for spring break and you’ll leave refreshed from Block’s special brand of island vibes. While you’re there, explore the unique history of the isle, admire Mohegan Bluffs, stroll along the beach and search for some of the special glass orbs hidden on the island during last year’s fun Glass Float Project.
South Carolina: Hilton Head
Golf. Seafood. A Taste of the region’s unique Lowcountry culture. Biking trails. Pretty beaches. Handsome Harbour Town. It all comes together to put Hilton Head at the head of the class when it comes to spring break in the Palmetto State.
South Dakota: Rapid City
Okay, there’s no getting around it, spring break in South Dakota won’t feel tropical, well, at least until you walk into WaTiki Indoor Waterpark that is. Back outdoors, explore the iconic green statues at Dinosaur City and the city’s famous collection of bronze presidential statues before heading to the kitschy-cool Reptile Gardens.
Tennessee: Pigeon Forge
Come to this mountain town to enjoy the Smoky Mountain scenery, shopping, and interesting attractions (everything from a Titanic re-creation to a maze of mirrors), but your crew will leave head over heels for the one, the only Dolly Parton. Dine at the Dolly Parton Stampede Dinner Attraction before heading to Dollywood, which is scheduled to open for the season in mid-March.
Texas: Galveston
Only an hour or so drive from Houston—which will be hosting its legendary rodeo in March—Galveston offers a breath of fresh sea air, sandy beaches and one of the nation’s most historic pleasure piers. If your spring break is in April, you’ll also be able to visit the excellent Schlitterbahn waterpark for adrenaline-filled thrills.
Utah: St. George
Sunny St. George is known for being a fine place to spend time relaxing in the rays or getting active at one of the nearby natural attractions. And with Zion National Park, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Snow Canyon State Park all within reach, you won’t run out of ravishing landscapes to admire and explore.
Vermont: Stowe
Spring break in Stowe is a win-win. If the weather is still snowy, you get to take part in the vast array of snowsports and warm up by the fire at night. If it’s warm, you and your spring breakers will have the opportunity to truly get out and explore this beautiful town and surroundings, which includes an impressive network of cycling paths.
Virginia: Virginia Beach
Spring Break 2022 is going to be a fun one in VB as the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary the weekend of March 18-20, farmers’ markets will sprout up all over town and the interactive live gaming experiences at Family Fun Xperience will entertain the entire family. Oh, and there’s that little thing called “the beach” that’s still here and as gorgeous as ever.
Washington: Long Beach Peninsula
Located within close proximity of both Seattle and Portland, the Long Beach Peninsula feels much further afield—more like a hidden coastal paradise. As the name suggests, the beach is expansive, to say the least, and it’s surrounded by rainforests and sensational places to enjoy seafood. The area is also a mecca for kite lovers.
West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park
The newest national park in the nation is a great place to spend a few days of your Mountain State spring break. Admire the breathtaking natural beauty of the landscape, drive the African American Heritage Auto Tour, hike through the park’s atmospheric woods and gaze upon the steel arch wonder that is the New River Gorge Bridge.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells
The Dells like to call themselves the waterpark capital of the world and luckily for all of us, that title includes indoor versions. Spend spring break here to experience adrenaline-pumping slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, the sound of splashes and balmy indoor breezes all right in the heart of the Badger State.
Wyoming: Cheyenne
Make your first stop in town the Frontier Days Old West Museum as this fascinating place sheds like on the history and heritage surrounding Heritage Days, Cheyenne’s most cherished annual festival. Then, see how many artistically-painted “big boots” you can spot downtown before walking the Cheyenne Suffragette Trail and learning about the vital role the city and state played in the struggle for Women’s history.