Need Spring Break Plans? Here’s 20 Trip Ideas for a Family Getaway
One in five Americans plans to take a spring break vacation this year. If you’re also considering a trip but haven’t decided yet, the sheer number of choices may be overwhelming. While Americans jet off to Cancun, Mexico, more than any other Spring Break destination, there is plenty of family fun to be had elsewhere. Got a Swiftie, golfer, gamer, cruiser, a baseball or beach lover? Here are 20 ideas for a Spring Break getaway, whether you have a week or just a couple of days.
Waikiki, Hawaii
Travelers are leaning into warm weather and outdoor escapes, with Honolulu now the #1 most-searched U.S. airport for Spring Break according to Going.com search data. Make a last-minute getaway easy by booking a stay at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, currently ranked the #1 resort in Honolulu on TripAdvisor.
The oceanfront resort blends classic Waikiki beach fun with meaningful cultural experiences, offering complimentary activities like lei making, hula, and ukulele lessons. The beloved Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, known for its locally sourced, island-inspired dishes and iconic Mai Tai, voted best new restaurant in the state by travelers, is on-property. Just steps away at the nearby Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel is Cirque du Soleil’s ʻAuana. This first-of-its-kind resident show celebrates Hawaiian storytelling, music, and living culture through acrobatics and performance.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a warm-weather, family-friendly escape with an average of 330 sunny days per year and a beautiful 75 degrees during spring. Watch the San Francisco Giants, the Colorado Rockies, and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Scottsdale’s annual Spring Training. Hike, bike, or ride a horse through The Sonoran Desert and Preserve, or take your thrill-seeking teen on an off-roading tour. Younger kids will be captivated for days at The Arizona Boardwalk, home to the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, and five more family attractions. And there are a few places in America that are better for golfers.
A stay at the award-winning 1,300-acre Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, feels otherworldly. Families can pick from rock climbing clinics, stargazing with a resort astronomer, or top-notch golf lessons at the Boulders Gold Academy, all on-site. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa also boasts adventurous amenities, with an Adventure Water Park featuring a 110-foot-long waterslide and a 900-foot lazy river, making it a hit with water-loving children.
Wyoming
For families looking to zig while others are zagging, consider wide-sky Wyoming for a real change of pace. Nordic Ski Lodge on Casper Mountain serves as a home base for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or book the brand new Hyatt Place in Casper with family-friendly amenities.
Whether starting from Denver, Salt Lake City, or farther south, Wyoming makes it easy to plan a spring break road trip, with drive routes that connect parks, hot springs, and outdoor activities, and plenty of room to explore. Explore the rock formations at Vedauwoo Recreation Area and spend a day in Thermopolis, home to Hot Springs State Park and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
San Diego, California
Spring is the perfect time to visit San Diego and soak up sunny weather comfortably. Explore the world-class San Diego Zoo, a 100-acre wildlife park that is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing over 680 species and subspecies. Everything is awesome at the family-favorite Legoland California theme park, 30 miles north in Carlsbad, with kids’ admission starting at $39. Enjoy more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, plus the on-site Legoland Water Park and Sea Life Aquarium.
The legendary Hotel del Coronado shines even brighter after a $550 million restoration. Set on one of America’s most iconic beaches, it has welcomed guests to experience the Southern California coastal lifestyle for over 130 years. Pick from five distinct neighborhood experiences, offering a variety of accommodations.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has over 1,000 hotels, making it hard to pick one. Take a planning shortcut and book a downtown stay at The Biltmore Los Angeles, an icon of elegance and sophistication for the past 100 years. Swifties will recognize it as the filming location for the “Delicate” music video. So practice the deliciously awkward choreography before you arrive, and experience the freedom of letting loose right where Taylor did.
There’s more to do on a “Taylor Tour” across the city. Plan for an afternoon at The Grove, a shopping and entertainment complex, and also the premiere spot of The Eras Tour movie. Looking to run into stars? Make reservations at celebrity favorite Cecconi’s in West Hollywood and The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge, where Taylor has dined.
Nashville, Tennessee
While this destination may conjure bachelorette or bachelor party memories, family adventures await in Music City, especially for East Coast Swifties. For those with Eras Tour withdrawal, plan an unforgettable spring getaway for the young fan in your family. Build a custom Taylor trail, experience the same places she loves in Nashville.
While getting show tickets at Bluebird Cafe, where Taylor Swift was discovered, is difficult, obtaining a seat is much easier at Fido, her favorite coffee shop and the perfect spot to start the day. Then, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with her guitars and costumes and the hands-on experiences at its Taylor Swift Education Center. Pack a book for an afternoon at Centennial Park, the 132-acre public space she mentions reading at in “Invisible String.”
Dollywood Amusement Park, Tennessee
Nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, Dollywood draws millions of visitors annually with its unique blend of exhilarating rides, world-class entertainment, Southern charm, and affordable tickets. No wonder it was voted the No. 1 theme park in the United States in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards in 2025, 2024, and 2022.
Opening its 41st year on March 13th with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, 2026 also brings the opening of its largest attraction ever, the family-friendly NightFlight Expedition. Stay on-site for Spring Break for approximately $250 per night.
Charlotte, North Carolina
If you’re looking to avoid the beach and Disney theme park crowds, book a getaway to Charlotte, North Carolina. With air service from more than 150 U.S. cities and home to seven major airlines, travelers can find a Spring Break flight that fits.
Spend time at Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Discovery Place, a hands-on children’s museum, Sea Life Aquarium, Carolina Raptor Center, and U.S. National Whitewater Center. Or catch a show at ImaginOn, a mashup of a children’s library and professional children’s theater. Plan a day at Carowinds, a 400-acre amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, home to top-rated roller coasters, including Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster, as well as more than 58 rides, attractions, and live stage shows.
New Haven, Connecticut
“New Haven makes a smart spring break option for families looking for an easy, affordable, and enriching getaway. Just a short drive or train ride from Boston or New York, the city is walkable and filled with experiences families can enjoy together, without the spring break crowds,” shared Bruno Baggetta, Director, Market New Haven.
“Kids can get hands-on in a live critter lab at the Yale Peabody Museum or learn a new skill in a pizza-making class at Olives & Oil. Families can also spend time outdoors at East Rock Park, where open green spaces and trails give kids room to roam, or take part in a student-led tour of Yale University’s historic campus. With its mix of culture, outdoor time, and interactive experiences, New Haven offers a spring break that appeals across generations.”
Boston, Massachusetts
PAX East, the East Coast’s most-attended gaming event, takes place in Boston from Thursday, March 26, through Sunday, March 29, 2026, overlapping with some schools’ Spring Break. They offer a discounted pass for children ages seven to 12 and include franchises and games that speak to younger players. Children six and under can attend for free with a ticketed adult. Early-bird PAX East ticket prices end on February 20th. If you haven’t purchased yours yet, now is the time to score a pass for a lower price.
“Boston offers an array of attractions and experiences to delight PAX East attendees, starting in the Seaport neighborhood with venues such as Flight Club, Puttshack, SPIN, the Museum of Ice Cream, and North America’s very first F1 Arcade,” shared Dave O’Donnell, Vice President, Strategic Communications, Meet Boston. “Beyond this, Boston is also home to immersive and educational museums such as the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Visitors are encouraged to see Boston from atop the Prudential Center at View Boston, take a tour of Fenway Park, and, of course, explore Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail.”
Florida’s Space Coast
While some may travel to Cape Canaveral only to board a cruise ship, this Florida destination is worthy of an entire vacation. Take advantage of the affordable and plentiful Orlando flights to have a beach vacation. Courtyard Titusville is the closest hotel to the Kennedy Space Center, with a launch observation deck and space-themed rooms. For larger families, check out the Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ condo suites with a water slide, lazy river, mini golf, and easy beach access.
“It is one of the country’s best spring break destinations for families. Florida’s Space Coast enjoys warm, pleasant weather, low-cost or free outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and bird-watching,” says Peter Cranis, native of Florida’s Space Coast and Executive Director of Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism.
Pensacola, Florida
“Pensacola’s the way to the beach for families during spring break. With nearly 40 miles of white sand beaches, a historic, walkable downtown, state and national parks, and local cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” shares Darien Schaefer, President and CEO of Visit Pensacola.
Stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, which sits on the Gulf of Mexico. This family paradise comes equipped with an oceanfront lazy river, renovated rooms, and a kids-eat-free-with-a-paying-adult offer. Portofino Island Resorts, named one of the best family resorts in Florida, offers resort amenities and two to three-bedroom condo rooms.
Puerto Rico
At home, getting teens outside to touch grass is a challenge. Not in Puerto Rico. With 35 nature reserves, 19 state forests, 300 miles of coastline, a tropical rainforest, and more than half of the world’s bioluminescent bays squeezed into an island the size of Connecticut, there’s something exciting around every corner.
Stay at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, named one of the best resorts in the Caribbean. Nestled on a 72-acre private peninsula at the foothills of El Yunque Rainforest, spend days off devices and swimming together in Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool, biking across the property’s lush gardens on complimentary on-site bikes, teeing off on their golf course, adventuring into the rainforest for a Dragonfly Adventures, and kayaking or paddle boarding along the coral-reef protected coastline.
Miches, Dominican Republic
Go to Michès before everyone else discovers this gem. Ninety minutes from Punta Cana Airport, this northeastern region offers less-crowded beaches, lush landscapes, luxury hotels, and family-friendly adventures.
Stay at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, the brand’s first 5-star resort in North America and the first to open in this new destination. Or book Zemi Michès Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, which welcomes families with a sprawling pool complex with a water park, and 14 restaurants to choose from.
Turks & Caicos
While there are no guarantees in life, a fab family vacation at Beaches Turks & Caicos comes pretty close. This highly-acclaimed built-for-families resort has won the prestigious “Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort” title for 15 years running. Set on a half-mile of Grace Bay Beach’s world-famous white sand and turquoise waters, it offers 29 dining concepts, 16 pools, and the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Waterpark.
Just in time for Spring Break getaways, the property is adding its sixth village, Treasure Beach, and 101 multi-bedroom luxury suites, including two-, three-, and four-bedroom concierge and butler suites.
Punta Mita, Mexico
Ten miles north of popular Puerto Vallarta is Punta Mita, a 1,500-acre private peninsula home to four resorts and 16 sub-communities. Families will savor the upscale haven found at Conrad Punta de Mita. From pristine beaches, kid-friendly pools, a full day activity schedule, Turi Kids club, and special spring break offers, it’s a perfect family retreat.
Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Neighboring Ixtapa, this coastal town with warm waters still holds on to its charm and individuality with only a handful of resorts. Thompson Zihuatanejo by Hyatt is right on Playa La Ropa’s white sands, one of Mexico’s best beaches. Kids can take surfing or cooking lessons on-site, and families can spread out in their elegant adobe-inspired villas in one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Zihuatanejo is built with indigenous materials, including hand-cut tiles, palapa roofs, and textured fabrics with punches of color, re-imaging the charm of the town’s original fishing village. Families can spread out in 1-, 2-, and 3-Bedroom Suites with partial or full kitchens and outdoor terraces/patios, some with private plunge pools.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve, in the southernmost region of Portugal, has been voted the World’s Leading Beach Destination four times. Combined with beautiful landscapes, world-class diving, the country’s most Michelin-starred restaurants, first-class championship golf courses, and 300 days of sun a year, no wonder travelers flock to its shores.
If you don’t want to fight the summer crowds and heat, go for Spring Break. Book the luxe yet family-friendly Octant Praia Verde, chock-full of activities. Ride horses on the beach, watch butterflies and flamingos, make pizza, and watch movies at night under the stars. During Easter, their complementary Kids club offers themed programming, egg hunts, and egg painting. Parents can plan a dinner date night while the kids have a pajama party at the club.
Cruise Europe’s Rivers
AmaWaterways, a long-standing top-rated river cruise line, welcomes children over the age of four and offers rooms that can accommodate three or four guests. Their crown jewel, the AmaMagna, sails the Danube River in March and early April. After exploring cities all day on one of the included tours, kids often hang out in the year-round heated pool, retire to the theater to play video games or watch a movie as a group after dinner.
A Galapagos Cruise
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit the Galapagos, with calmer seas and comfortable temperatures across its volcanic landscapes. Explore in luxury aboard the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Celebrity Flora, an all-suite mega-yacht designed explicitly for sailing the Galápagos Islands. Or adventure aboard National Geographic Endeavour II and the newly launched National Geographic Gemini.
“Our expanded National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program is designed to be an engaging educational experience for our young explorers. It is not your standard ‘kids club,’ it is a highly acclaimed, age-appropriate expedition program for young travelers,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions.
Overwhelmed With Planning? Book a Tour
“Spring break vacations are a time for families to reconnect, but I know how stressful it can be when parents are stuck managing every little detail. That’s why at Backroads, we take care of the coordinating—we handle the equipment, the activities, the reservations—all of it. What’s left is time together, exploring places you’d never find on your own and creating memories that last a lifetime,” said Tom Hale, Founder, President, and CEO of Backroads, the only active travel company to segment trips by specific age groups.
Family-owned since 1925, Tauck consistently delivers more than guests expect year after year. No wonder they are travel experts’ go-to for guided travel, offering 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small-ship ocean cruises, and family travel adventures in over 70 countries and on all seven continents. Skip the summer crowds and tour Costa Rica, Greece, and Italy over Spring Break.
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This Affordable Line Voted Best Caribbean Cruise Again. Here’s My Family’s Experience on a Summer Sailing
For the third consecutive year, Margaritaville at Sea (MAS) has been recognized among the best in cruising by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The cruise line was voted No. 1 Caribbean Cruise, along with No. 2 rankings for Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best Cruise Line for Families, and Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers.
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