Although upcoming holiday trips and brightly-wrapped presents may be on your mind this time of year, it’s never too early to start planning your spring break vacations. Whether it’s a “break” from school or the workplace, taking time away from the daily grind is always a good idea. From classic beach vacations to snow-filled mountain and desert escapes, we’ve pulled together a list of places across the U.S. that the whole family will enjoy.
Here’s a list of our top 5 destinations in the U.S. to visit this spring break:
#1 Orlando, FL
When it comes to action and entertainment, there’s no match for sunny Orlando and the spring break fun it offers families. Walt Disney World is the main feature here with four diverse and expansive parks, but you’ll find a plethora of other park attractions to enjoy as well. From experiencing the Big Easy’s biggest party with nightly parades, Cajun cooking, and plenty of beads at Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras Celebration to feasting like a king at Sea World’s Seven Seas Food Festival — there’s plenty to do and see throughout Orlando’s many theme parks. It’s important to note, however, that the City Beautiful is much more than just amusement parks as a spring break destination.
There are fantastic Orlando resorts with mind-blowing pools, top-rated kids’ programming, luxurious spa treatments, and lush golf courses. Whether you’re looking to stay at the adorable Beach Club for one of Disney’s best pools and easy access to the Boardwalk or want to have a luxurious experience at Orlando’s highly-rated Four Seasons Resort, the team at Katie Bean Travels can help pick the best accommodations for your family and take care of all the plans.
The months of March and April feature some of Orlando’s most gorgeous weather and there are a multitude of outdoor activities to partake in to make the most of it. You can enjoy an outdoor concert, attend a professional sporting event, and even watch the Atlanta Braves spring training at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
#2 Hilton Head, SC
The beautiful island of Hilton Head, South Carolina also makes the list as one of the top spring break destinations for families. Located just off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, Hilton Head is an outdoor lover’s dream with 12 miles of white sandy beaches, 20 world-class golf courses, and more than 100 miles of bike paths. In addition to the hiking, biking, and horseback riding that’s available on land, you can also participate in a wide variety of watersports and maritime excursions, including fishing, boating, kayaking, parasailing, and jet-skiing. If there’s time, you can also hop in the car and take a quick day trip to Savannah or Charleston to learn all about the rich history of the Old South.
Spring is arguably the best time in Hilton Head as the weather warms, the magnolia trees start to bloom, and golf reigns supreme as the RBC Heritage PGA tour takes over the island. In addition to witnessing spectacular golf play, you’ll also be able to experience amazing local cuisine and fine wines at the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival in late March. There are plenty of accommodations in Hilton Head for your stay. For those looking for a scenic oceanfront stay, our families love the accommodations at the Inn & Club at Harbour Town. Nestled along the coast with stunning views, lush landscapes, and multiple unique dining options, the award-winning Inn & Club at Harbour Town provides a true Low Country experience for guests. Slightly off the beaten path in Bluffton, South Carolina, the Montage Palmetto Bluff is another great option for families with a multitude of amazing on-site amenities to enjoy.
#3 Park City, UT
We know that not everyone is looking for a beach vacation this spring break and Park City, Utah is an amazing option for families still looking for a little winter fun. During this time of year, the sun shines bright amidst clear blue skies, and the snow is still plentiful — Park City is known to get a few snowstorms throughout March and April, making for great skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are other great end of season outdoor activities to enjoy as well. Your kids will happily partake in bowling, indoor ice skating, and Park City Mountain Kids Activities, which comes complete with a zip line, ropes course, and tubing. For those who prefer a different style of recreation, there is a large number of museums, art galleries, historical tours, and even food tours right in town.
Continue your fun-packed day by heading to Park City’s Historic Main Street once the sun goes down, where your family can choose from over 100 different restaurants and pubs. Lodging is plentiful in Park City and whether your family is looking to stay in one of the many resorts, hotels, or even campsites, Katie Bean Travels has got you covered. For an end of winter season escape, our families love the St. Regis Deer Valley.
The award-winning resort is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains in the lower Deer Valley of Park City and offers convenient amenities, such as ski-in/ski-out access as well as a private ski beach and ski valet. Pro tip: Make your way to the outdoor deck for their magical nightly sabering. The Stein Eriksen Lodge is another great option for families looking for an ultra-luxurious experience as Utah’s only Forbes five-star hotel.
#4 Sedona, AZ
With countless outdoor activities and average high temperatures in the low 80’s, Sedona is another fantastic spring break destination for families. Make the most of the idyllic weather by taking a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon or hover over the Verde Canyon in a scenic hot air balloon ride. You can also bounce over the rough terrain in one of the area’s Signature Pink Jeep Tours or cool off in Oak Creek with river rafting, tubing, kayaking, and sliding down infamous Slide Rock. All canyon roads lead back to Uptown, where you’ll find a wide array of stores, restaurants, and galleries. Sedona also has some of the best stargazing conditions in the United States. With very little pollution and high altitude, you’re sure to see stellar views of far-off constellations, planets, and star clusters. Whatever activities you decide to partake in, the breathtaking sites of Sedona are fun for the whole family.
There are plenty of accommodations in town for your stay that are great for families of all ages and sizes. Our guests love the Enchantment Resort, which is located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. The resort offers stunning views of the surrounding towering red rock landscape and provides multiple upscale amenities designed to connect guests with nature. Another Katie Bean Travels family-favorite is the L’auberge de Sedona in uptown Sedona — top-rated spas, dining accommodations, and high-tech amenities, make the resort perfect for those looking for a luxurious desert getaway without sacrificing an in-town location. Once you’ve had your fill of Sedona, hop in the car and make the short drive over to Scottsdale, Arizona for some more family fun. Set in the heart of the lush Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale boasts award-winning resorts and spas, world-class shopping and dining, championship golf, and a vibrant cultural scene.
#5 The Islands of Hawaii
Although Hawaii is home to sunshine year-round, spring is one of the best times to experience all the aloha fun that the islands have to offer. During early March through April, ocean water temperatures trend in the high 70s and the shining sun keeps the air balmy — it’s the perfect time of year to dip your toes in the water without having to deal with hordes of surfers, choppy waters, or chilly temperatures.
Starting with the island of Oahu, you get the best of both city life and incredible tropical views. Honolulu is a bustling city with many amenities, while the North Shore has a laid-back, natural island vibe. In Waikiki, you can also partake in family-friendly attractions such as the Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Iolani Palace, and the historical site of Pearl Harbor. The beaches are calm, the snorkeling superb, and the ocean views expansive up on the Diamond Head hiking trails. For lodging on Oahu, our families love staying at the Halekulani on the Beach at Waikiki. With a beachfront location and unobstructed views of Diamond Head, Halekulani is a sought-out destination that allows guests to take in the natural beauty of Hawaii.
For adventure-seekers, the Big Island is a must-do as it’s home to 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones with plenty of options to explore the diverse terrain. Active volcanoes, beaches, waterfalls, cultural sites, and coffee farms are among the many attractions. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the best accommodations you can find on the island and a favorite of our guests. With stunning white-sand beaches, black-lava landscapes, and unparalleled luxury amenities, it’s hard to beat.
Maui is another great island for families to visit and explore this spring break, with some of the best snorkeling in the world at Molokini crater. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can board an under-the-sea tour on Atlantis Submarines or see all the marine life on dry land at the Maui Ocean Center. The Maui resort of Fairmont Kea Lani is a true tropical paradise that is perfect for families with three swimming pools, a 140-foot water slide, and spacious suites complete with ocean views.
If you’re interested in ending your Hawaiin vacation with an ultra-luxurious experience, spend a few nights on the pristine island of Lanai at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. The resort is located on a picturesque bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Hulopoe Bay, offering spectacular views of spinner dolphins and humpback whales. Our Katie Bean Travels families love the Four Seasons Resort Lanai as guests are able to experience the untouched beauty of island without sacrificing any luxury or comfort.
