6 Spring Break Destinations for Families
Spring break is right around the corner. If you’re looking to take a fun getaway in the next few months, here are this year’s top cities to visit that everyone in the family can enjoy.
San Diego, California
San Diego is an ideal spring break destination because it combines gorgeous beaches, local culture, and plenty of interactive attractions.If you’re traveling with any animal lovers, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see. It’s one of the best zoos in the U.S. and can easily take a full day to explore. Don’t miss the giant panda exhibit, which can include baby pandas. Your kids (and you) won’t want to leave!From there, Balboa Park, the nation’s largest cultural park, is just a short walk away. Any sightseer or nature lover will love the park’s 16 museums, stunning gardens, and recreational activities.Of course, if your family or group is more thrill-seeking, there’s a selection of theme parks, such as LEGOLAND, Knotts Berry Farm, and Disneyland, all within an hour and a half of San Diego.
Charleston, South Carolina
The charming Southern town of Charleston may not be on most families’ radars for spring break, but it should be!Charleston is steeped in rich American history and is the perfect place to explore historic sites. Take your pick of boat tours to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, and be sure to visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a truly breathtaking site with low-hanging moss and vibrant flowers.The restaurant scene in Charleston fully embraces Southern comfort foods. Check out the Charleston City Market, where there are tons of vendors and small shops to try. The kids will love being able to choose from the variety of options of an indoor market.Afterward, venture outdoors to experience both the natural and manmade beauty of Charleston. The local area boasts coastal beaches for swimming, swampy marshes for kayaking, and classic Southern architecture.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Not every spring vacation needs to include sandy beaches and warm weather. For families still looking for cold-weather fun, Steamboat Springs and its beautiful snowy slopes will make for a memorable trip.The main draw of this Colorado town is its 2,965-acre mountain, which caters to all snow sport skill levels. Steamboat offers an excellent ski school program for kids ages 2-15. So you can feel good that your kids are having fun while you’re off exploring the mountain.Even if your family doesn’t ski or snowboard, there are many other fun activities to enjoy. Explore the local hot springs, race down the tubing hill, or take a sleigh ride to a picturesque mountainside restaurant.
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
Spring break in Florida often gets a bad rap due to the rowdy college crowds this time of year. If you’re looking to escape the loud parties, check out St. Augustine for the best combination of seaside fun with history and culture.St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the U.S., which lends to its charm. Step back in time with a visit to the Fountain of Youth, the Colonial Quarter, or the Maritime Museum that’s housed within an old lighthouse.No trip to St. Augustine is complete without a visit to its beautiful surrounding beaches. You and your loved ones can relax all day long away from the raging spring breakers.
Phoenix, Arizona
Any baseball fans should consider Phoenix for spring break. Every year, Phoenix hosts the Cactus League Spring Training, which is a great family outing to watch your favorite teams play under the warm Arizona sun.The average baseball game lasts for 3 hours, so you and your family will still have time to explore Phoenix and neighboring Scottsdale. Alternatively, you can tour the desert in a four-wheeling Jeep or Hummer, soar in a hot air balloon, or go for a leisurely horseback ride. Papago Par, an outdoor space covered in red rocks, makes a great trail for a family bike ride.If you’re looking to take in the local art and culture, head over to Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row or the Scottsdale Arts District for a variety of galleries, art exhibits, and a monthly art walk. All ages will love the Musical Instrument Museum for its hands-on exhibits and the Botanical Gardens for its frequent evening concerts.Related: The Best Hotels in Phoenix When You’re Traveling for Business
Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. always has something new to offer. When springtime rolls around, the city really comes to life — or rather into full bloom. Between March and April, Washington D.C. holds its National Cherry Blossom Festival, showing off the vibrant pink cherry blossom trees that line the National Mall.Our other favorite attractions are the Smithsonian, Holocaust Museum, Capitol Hill, watching a Nationals baseball game, and wandering around Georgetown. For a city of this size, it’s easy to spend a week in D.C. without seeing everything.So what’s your pick? Engine’s members-only booking platform can save you an average 26% off public rates at 150,000+ destinations worldwide for your upcoming trip.
