Where to Go for a Great Alternative Spring Break

When planning a spring break vacation, most people get trapped into thinking they have to spend a week at some fancy, all-inclusive beach resort. Don’t get me wrong, those resorts are gorgeous and usually guarantee some much needed Vitamin D after the long winter. However, that’s also why these resorts will cost you a pretty penny! 

Instead, I suggest considering some alternative destinations. You’ll still have a fun trip, and you might just score a great deal on tours, hotels, and restaurants while finding many of these places less crowded than normal! Whether you’re planning trips with friends, family, or with your partner, here are some of my favorite picks.

Fantastic Places for an Alternative Spring Break

Los Angeles and Southern California

 

Despite what it may have seemed like on the news, 98% of Los Angeles county was not impacted by fires this last winter. All major iconic sites like the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory remain fully intact and ready for visitors. Not to mention, spring in LA means beautiful sunshine and beaches galore. If you don’t want to stay in the city your whole break, rent a car and turn it into a road trip. Many great places, such as Santa Barbara, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree, are a short drive away.

Check out our “California Road Trip” episode for more of SoCal.

New Orleans

 

For those itching to hop across the pond, head to Ireland — specifically Limerick and County Clare. The weather is warming up, and spring days are a bit longer. There’s a ton to do, from practicing swordsmanship around King John’s Castle to visiting where Irish coffee was invented.

If you want to get off the beaten path – plan to visit the Burren in County Clare. Families will love this Burren Farm experience and will likely see some baby animals in spring. Not to mention Burren National Park is beautiful in an otherworldly way, and you’ll leave Burren Perfumery with the perfect souvenir.

For more, check out our “Limerick & County Clare, Ireland” episode

Northern Costa Rica

 

Northern Costa Rica offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, adventure, wellness and warm weather. Get away from the beaches, which will likely be popular, and instead get into the mountains and jungles for a greener adventure. Mistico Park in La Fortuna is a great way to get up among the trees while the Río Celeste offers 4 kilometers of adventurous tubing. Oasis Nature Tours offers an open-air boat ride through Río Sarapiquí for something a little calmer. 

To learn more about Costa Rican wildlife, visit the Organization for Tropical Studies – La Selva for one of their daily nature walks or join a night safari with Rio Celeste Wildlife Trails to see a different side of the country.

For more, check out our “Northern Costa Rica” episode.

St. Louis, Missouri

If you have younger kids, may I suggest a more unusual spring break destination? St. Louis, Missouri! I’m not kidding—this city is fun for families. It’s also home to more free attractions than any US city outside of Washington, D.C. 

Stay at Union Station and you’ll be close to spots like the Aquarium, Wheel, the Soda Fountain, and The Pitch, a soccer-themed pub. Beyond that, there is, of course, the iconic Gateway Arch and one of the world’s most unique museums- the City Museum!! Finish off your days with a concrete shake at Ted Drewes.

If you want to add more to your itinerary, rent a car and drive along Route 66. Keep an eye out for a curious spot called Uranus. You really will find the best fudge there!

Big Sky, Montana

This is for winter lovers who want one more chance to hit the slopes! April is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Big Sky, Montana. Everyone thinks the snow will be gone by spring, but Big Sky will see an average of 62 inches all month. You’ll also luck out with much lower rates on lift tickets and hotel prices. 

Also, an important notice for dog lovers — every Monday and Wednesday, Big Sky hosts an Avalanche dog meet-and-greet from 4:30 – 5:00 PM!

For more, check out our “Big Sky, Montana” episode.

Juneau, Alaska

Alaska’s capital city shines in the spring as this temperate rainforest destination warms up. A popular location for whale watching and fishing, Juneau can be best experienced from the water. In April, humpback whales return to these waters to feed and other marine life is plentiful while fishermen can head to sea for king salmon or halibut and local rivers for trout.

For those that prefer land, Juneau isn’t known as the Northwest Coast art capital of the world for nothing! Tour Sealaska Heritage Institute’s arts campus for their Totem Pole trail. It follows the city’s coast and was started in 2024. New poles will be added over the next few years. The Alaska State Museum is also a perfect place to experience the state’s people’s history, art and culture. 

Juneau’s main attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier, is always open to visitors, but the visitor center is not open in April.

For more, check out our “Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska” episode

Savannah, Georgia

For those looking for a warmer destination that’ll still be fairly free of partying college kids, head to the beautiful Savannah, Georgia. The Savannah Bananas will be playing over 2 weekends in April and are fun for all ages. They might just be the most famous minor league baseball team! For older generations, I’ve seen them likened to the Harlem Globetrotters for how they mix sport with showmanship and fun.

From the end of March – April, you can also check out 100+ performances at the Savannah Music Festival all around the city. There are even kid-friendly concerts for families. For those with a break later in April, the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival is on April 26th. Both students and alum transform the sidewalks around Forsyth Park into works of art!

For more check out our “Savannah, Georgia” episode.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma truly might be one of the coolest cities in this country. A major destination along Route 66, it fully encapsulates the route’s Americana spirit. Great opportunities for live music, quirky shops, and outdoor adventures.

This spring is the first season everyone will be able to visit all of Tulsa’s new waterfront attractions. These include Zink Lake, a 2.5 mile long reservoir that’ll be fun for watersports; Tulsa Wave Park for whitewater rapids, and Williams Crossing, a cool pedestrian bridge that’ll cross over the Arkansas River. Another cool spot is Gathering Place. I’m talking 120 different suspension bridges, greenspaces, a whole skate park, and more — all free.

When you visit, keep an eye on live music events. Tulsa knows how to rock n’ roll! During the day, be sure to visit the Bob Dylan Center and the Woody Guthrie Center. They’re right next to each other and dedicated to the lives and work of two truly iconic musicians. 

Before you leave, stop by Buck Atoms! Snap a pic with the giant cosmic cowboy and peruse all the cool curios in the shop. 

Chicago & Route 66, Illinois

Not to make anyone feel old, but did you know Ferris Bueller’s Day Off turns FORTY next year in 2026? To celebrate — Chicago and Illinois have put together an itinerary that celebrates all its iconic scenes. Think Wrigley Field and the Art Institute of Chicago. Pull a Cameron (or as the younger generations know him today — Connor Roy of “Succession”), and spend a few minutes staring at A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Too bad there aren’t any parades along Michigan Avenue where you could commandeer a float… Kidding!

Don’t forget to check out The Bean in Millennium Park and maybe do a little food tour inspired by “The Bear.” The Second City is iconic for some improv shows; just know they’re usually not kid-friendly! 

And, of course, if you want to spend a few days out of the city, hop on Route 66 and head towards some very cool spots like Old Joliet Prison (of Blues Brother fame), Cozy Dog Drive In, or Wally’s.

For more, check out our “Route 66 of Illinois” episode

Portland, Oregon

I’m going to totally embarrass my kids when I say there’s nothing sus about Portland, Oregon. (Did I use that right?) This place is fantastic for families with tweens and teens, especially if they can appreciate some good, old nostalgia.

There are 50 vintage shops in this city alone, but some cool places to start include Portland Vintage Market, Rose City Vintage Market, and Portland Flea. Take them to Music Millennium, the city’s oldest music store, for some tunes or Wunderland for an old time-y arcade. And at night? Head to one of McMenamin’s unique properties for a movie night! 

Foodwise, know that the original Pancake House is in Portland. And for a diner vibe, head to The Daily Feast, Grits N Gravy, or Fuller’s Coffee Shop. I also loved checking out Lil’ America! It’s a pod of food trucks near Fracture Brewing Taproom where you can taste worldwide.

If you really want to show your kids the good ole days, check out The Jupiter Hotel’s Instax PDX Package. It’s an “analog influencer dream.”

For more, check out our “Portland, Oregon” episode.

Crystal Coast, North Carolina

Still hoping for some kind of beach experience? Why not try a beach town that’s in its shoulder season? Somewhere like Crystal Coast, North Carolina will fill up come summer, but during the spring, with its relatively cooler temps, it’ll feel like you have the place to yourself! Relax on Emerald Isle. Enjoy an afternoon exploring Cape Lookout National Seashore, and check out the Crystal Coast Stargazers events to take advantage of its certified International Dark Sky Park. Another very cool thing to do? Check out the wild horses in Shackleford Banks! Book a Lookout Cruises’ Dolphin-Horse Watch cruise to combine wild horse viewing with dolphin watching.

As for food, you do not want to miss the seafood boil at Oceanana Pier House. 

For more, check out our “Crystal Coast of North Carolina” episode

Nashville, Tennessee

Hello, Music City! Great weather, interesting history, and lots of live music make this destination fabulous for a spring trip.

There are so many things to see and do in town for music lovers. Of course there’s the Ryman Auditorium, aka the Mother Church of Country Music. Kids and adults will enjoy the Soul of Nashville experience. The Country Music Hall of Fame is also a ton of fun to explore. Be sure to sign up for a tour of RCA Studio B. A small shuttle will take you to this off-site studio, where over 1,000 hit songs were recorded between 1957 and 1977. 

For live music, there’s no shortage of options. Plenty of the honkytonks on South Broadway offer live music and are kid-friendly during the day (though they do get a little rowdier nearing the witching hour!)..

Lastly, what music-themed visit would be complete without a visit to a vinyl store? In Nashville, that means a stop at Jack White’s Third Man Records. Yep, I’m talking the Jack White of White Stripes fame.

Newport, Rhode Island

One major reason to visit Newport in April? Daffodil Days! All through April, there will be over 1 MILLION bright yellow daffodils all throughout Newport to celebrate spring. The weather is warming up but the crowds are still a few months away. 

For kids, check out family-friendly events at the new Save the Bay Hamilton Family Aquarium, seal tours at the harbor, and family-specific tours of The Breakers and Marble House. Both feature audio tours featuring stories of children during the Gilded Age! 

For more, check out our “Newport, Rhode Island” episode

Other ideas for an alternative spring break spot? Share in the comments!