Top 10 Spring Break Ideas You Need to Visit
Growing up in Florida, we pretty much felt like we were on Spring Break all the time. Back in the day, Daytona Beach was the destination of choice. And, since we only lived about 20 minutes from the beach, we got to enjoy Spring Break from March through May. But, times have changed. Both for me and for the Spring Break ideas that I search for! These days, I’m not looking for where the best parties are…ugh! These days, I’m looking for fun places we can travel with our teens – without all the partiers!
Family Friendly Spring Break Ideas
Looking around online, here’s what I’ve found to be some of the best family-friendly (and budget-friendly) Spring Break ideas and destinations.
Within the United States
1. Washington DC
When sorting through your spring break ideas ~ Washington DC is such a great vacation destination. And, during Spring Break the weather will be much more tolerable than summer time, which makes DC an ideal Spring Break Destination! And, in DC all of the Smithsonian museums are FREE!! There’s great public transportation, so you don’t have to worry about driving in the city if you don’t want to!
Here is Global Munchkins Ultimate Guide to Washington DC . And, here is Happy Homeschool Nest’s article Washington DC for Families on a Budget
2. Sanibel Island, FL
If you want more relaxed Spring Break ideas then how about heading to the beach! You’ll want to check out Sanibel Island! It is world famous for it’s shelling, and it’s a fabulous beach to visit pretty much any time of year!
Here’s a great guide from Scary Mommy 10 Things to do on Captiva and Sanibel Island with Kids
3. San Diego, CA
If your spring break ideas include beaches, then San Diego is fun in a completely different way than Florida beaches! There’s lots to do, so check out these articles to help you out!
Here’s an article from Family Travel Magazine San Diego Vacation with Kids. And, here’s an article from Making Life Blissful, 9 Fun Things to do in San Diego with Teens.
4. Outer Banks, NC
The Outer Banks is one of my favorite places to visit! Our family goes there every other summer and it’s just a great place to kick back and relax!
Karen at Family Travels on a Budget wrote a great Family Guide to the Outer banks! Here’s her article 25 Things to do at the Outer Banks. Another article from Keeping Life Sane, 10 Things you Must see in the Outer Banks.
5. Orlando, FL
Orlando tends to be a lot of families’ destination whether Spring Break, summer or pretty much any time! Of course everyone knows about the theme parks in Orlando, but there is a lot more to do in Orlando than just Mickey Mouse (or Harry Potter)!
Teacups and Fairy Tales wrote this post Things to do in Orlando with Teens. Here’s another article about Vacationing in Orlando.
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Outside the United States
6. Ocho Rios, Jamaica
If you want to head into the Caribbean to Jamaica, you’ll have plenty of sunshine, white sandy beaches and fun!
Here’s an article from Cosmos Mariners, 8 Must do Things to do in Jamaica. And, here’s a guide for Ocho Rios to help you find more fun, Fun Things to do In Ocho Rios.
7. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
If you’d like to head south of the border, Playa del Carmen is a hot spot to visit this year!
Travels with Bender wrote 5 Things to do with Kids in Playa del Carmen. Den & Sky have some more ideas on what to do there, 10 Things you Need to do in Playa del Carmen.
8. Montreal, Quebec
If you ‘d like to head north and see some of Canada, Montreal is the place to go!
Living Minnaly wrote this article of 8 Must see and Must do’s of Montreal. And, Gone with the Family has this Spring Break Guide to Montreal.
9. Willemstad, Curacao
Another hot spot in the Caribbean is Curacao! Willemstad is a beautiful, historic city that you’ll want to see!
Here’s a Walking Guide to Willemstad from Eat Sleep Cruise. And, Dana Vento has an article on 10 Things to Experience in Willemsted!
Bahamas
The Bahamas is always an easy trip to paradise! And, here in Florida, it is an easy flight or cruise away.
The O’Briens Abroad wrote a great piece on the Best Family Resorts in the Bahamas. And, here’s Traveling Mom‘s article The Complete Bahamas Guide for First Timers!
Spring Break Destinations
So, here they are…the hot Spring Break destinations! Hopefully, this gave you some thoughts on where you might like to spend your time. Whether staying within the United States and maybe visit Washington DC, San Diego or maybe a great beach! Or, if you’re heading abroad for something more exotic like the Caribbean or Mexico, find your spot and enjoy!
There’s a great big world out there, so get out and enjoy it!
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Becki is the author and founder of A Book Lover’s Adventures. She has a degree in elementary education, has worked and volunteered in libraries for years, and spent several years in the travel industry. All of this has led to a love of books and travel. Becki loves to share her love by finding literary escapes to share!
I also live in FL and there are great spots here, but I would go WAY up north if I had the chance, like Canada! You have an awesome list here.
We would love to spend some time in the states…… maybe when the children are older #TriumphantTales
Boy, when you’re coming from overseas, i don’t know how you choose where to go?!
Great options! DC is a fantastic choice, lived there years ago, so much to do.
I love DC too!
Orlando and really any beach in Florida is always SO packed around Spring Break that it makes it hard to enjoy it (especially as an adult with no children!). I’ve always wanted to go to Canada, so I’m so glad that Quebec is on your list! I also haven’t been to D.C. since I was little, so I definitely want to go back there too. Great list! 🙂
Thanks Cathy! I agree about the beaches in Florida!! We typically try to go elsewhere too.
I love that Washington DC is on the list! I’m taking my daughter there in a couple of weeks, on official business with the Embassy but we’re making it a mom and daughter trip out of it!
I loved Washington DC! It was a family favorite!
Definitely want to get to the Outer Banks! I wish people would stop coming to Florida for spring break. We have enough snow birds! 😂
Haha, so true!! The Outer Banks is a fabulous destination!
I have been to all of these US locations and I highly recommend each of them! What about NYC? def something for everyone!
Oooh, NYC should definitely be on the list!!
I’m desperate to go back to the US with the family, I’ve been to Florida, Miami and New York and want to visit more! Maybe when the boys are older and can cope with a long haul flight!
Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back next week!
Some of these places sound amazing! #triumphanttales
I’m not a family traveller but am adding some of these places to my list of domestic destinations. Thanks for sharing!
Our family is long overdue for a vacation. I just can’t decided which destination will be ours.
Great list! I could use a vacay to the bahamas…. do I have to bring the kids though?
LOL, well….probably!!
Love love these ideas! We were in DC a few years ago and there is SO much to see and do. Great history lesson for kids as well! Thanks for sharing!
We loved DC too!! Would love to go back
So many of these are on my bucket list.
Same!! Hopefully you’ll get to some of them 🙂
I live in FL and it gets PACKED at spring break so I am always trying to get out of here haha! Great list!
I’m with you, Heather!